MANILA, Philippines - To say that Claire Dela Fuente has come out of her shell after all these years may not sound right, considering her track record as a singer and recording artist.

But that is how she makes the listener feel with ?Timeless: Songs of My Life.? The distinctive timbre is there still, but now there?s a new aspect to Claire?s voice that?s a pleasant surprise, indeed: Power.

It?s what drives her cover of ?Ikaw? and ?Kailangan Ko?y Ikaw,? certainly the best tracks here. Claire?s duet with David Soul on ?Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang? needs some getting used to, but the other English covers instantly make the grade, especially the Santa Esmeralda originals ?You?re My Everything? and ?Nothing Else Matters.?

Leslie Bricusse?s ?You and I? enjoys a fine serving of Claire?s newfound strength. And ?Kumusta Ka? is a compelling karaoke bait. Speaking of which, Disc 2 of this package consists of minus-ones.

A Chinese ballad ?Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin,? is technically among the best-produced of the 13 numbers.

It must be said that stepping out of her comfort zone becomes Claire. She didn?t do as much in her ?The Christmas Album,? except for doing a duet with Michael Bolton on ?The Christmas Song,? a venture that was pulled off rather well.

She may have deliberatedly stayed close to the beloved melodies, certainly the best way to have the listener sing along to ?O Holy Night? and/or ?Silent Night.?