Tina Arena reflects on 30 years since her iconic album Don't Ask: 'Felt special because it was'

This year marks 30 years since Tina Arena released one of her most iconic works.

In 1994 the Aussie star came out with her third studio album titled Don't Ask which featured hit tracks Chains, Sorrento Moon (I Remember) and Heaven Help My Heart.

Ten ARIA Award nominations (including an Album of the Year win) later and three decades on, it's still one unforgettable album from the legendary singer.

Speaking on Today Extra on Thursday morning, Arena opened up about what made the record so "special" to make and why it has resonated with so many people.

Watch the video above.

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"It felt special because it was. It was a record that was absolutely reflective of what I was emotionally going through at the time," the star opened up.

"I grew up in a period where it was really beautiful to grow up, but having to make the transition from leaving and being a so-called television star to becoming a recording artist wasn't a very easy journey for me," she explained.

Arena rose to fame after appearing on Young Talent Time in the 70s. She then went on to release her debut album Strong as Steel in 1990, featuring hit track I Need Your Body.

Four years later she came out with Don't Ask, an album where the star said she "really poured [her] heart out on the line".

"I sell emotional truth. That's my job. So at the end of the day, I can only do something that I identify with," she shared on Today Extra.

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"I knew the record was going to emotionally connect with people. I certainly had no idea to what extent it would, but I believe that when you come from a place of truth and grace in that truth, I think that you can transcend time, you can transcend anything," she said, adding that's what the album has "clearly proven to do" years on from its release.

To celebrate the anniversary, the star is also releasing a new version of her hit track Chains on Friday with Melbourne duo Shouse.

The singer recently shared a clip of her performing the iconic song 30 years ago with none other than icon Céline Dion.

While speaking on Today Extra, Arena said it made her "very happy" seeing Dion perform at the Paris Olympics Opening ceremony amid her Stiff-Person Syndrome diagnosis.

"She's an extraordinary human being. She's worked very, very hard. And there's an extraordinary amount of sacrifice for that kind of intense labour work that she's done."

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Title: Tina Arena reflects on 30 years since her iconic album Don't Ask: 'Felt special because it was'
Sourced From: celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/tina-arena-reflects-on-30-years-since-dont-ask-interview/ddc26056-abe5-4cc6-867f-297d7298e162
Published Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2024 01:08:00 GMT