Diana Krall, Wallflower (Verve)

The most striking thing about the new Diana Krall album is what it is not. It is not produced by a fashionable name like that of T Bone Burnett. The mother of two is not in lingerie on the cover. It is not a showcase for her jazz pianism or taste for exotic new or rediscovered repertoire. Wallflower has a demure portrait on the cover and is so resolutely mainstream it might be a parody of the form. It starts with covers of California Dreaming, Desperado and The Carpenters' Superstar and includes selections from the pens of Paul McCartney and Elton John. Dueting vocal guests are Michael Buble and Bryan Adams, who also took that cover shot. David Foster's production is as glossy as can be, with classy orchestral accompaniment on many of the songs. You could play it in almost any company and no-one could take the least offence.

It is also pretty much faultless. If you thought you never needed to hear Gilbert O'Sullivan's Alone Again ever again, you may be surprised by the affecting version Krall and Buble provide, for example. And if you listen closely enough, her keyboard skills are still present and correct. And doubtless it will sell by the truckload.

Keith Bruce