AMG Review of Don't Ask

Kelvin Hayes
All Music Guide

It's perhaps easy to expect too much after the stellar debut single "Chains." That's not to say Arena's debut offers nothing to the listener; it could have been far worse, since top session men Tim and John Pierce and drummer Pat Mastelotto (the Rembrandts, King Crimson) don't appear for nothing. Even so, a lot of Don't Ask remains twee. However, there are good moments in the shape of showcase single "Chains," power ballad "Heaven Help My Heart" and the bouncy closing track "Standing Up." There's room for improvement then, although Arena can deliver some fine vocals, and David Tyson (Alannah Myles, Amanda Marshall) supplies some equally fine production. The gorgeous "Sorrento Moon" suggests Arena may yet become the Astrud Gilberto of Australia.