After a 17 year absence, Donna Summer is back in the game with a new release due on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

Her studio album is called Crayons. Listen to (and rate) 30 seconds of "I'm A Fire," a track from the new collection (below).

The full 7 minute album version of "I'm A Fire" contains world music elements. It's a danceable track with a shifting arrangement that keeps things interesting including a short Latin influenced segment sung in Spanish.

Donna Summer joins Thelma Houston, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, and a few other "mature" classic soul divas to release new material within the past couple of years.

Listen to 30 seconds of the excellent "I'm A Fire."

For a snapshot of her great career, read my review of Donna Summer's autobiography, Ordinary Girl, written in June, 2004.

What can we expect on the new album?

Donna says the record will contain "a menagerie of colors and styles, with hints of different ethnic traditions and sounds."

She continues, "My dream is that when people hear the music it will remind them of their youth, their childhood and the joy and wonderment they felt exploring their first pack of Crayons."

Huh? OK. I haven't played with crayons in ages, but I get the metaphor.

Donna Summer always carried the excess baggage of "The Queen of Disco" label, despite her versatility. Many missed the fact that she's a very talented singer.

Just listen to the Quincy Jones' produced song "State of Independence" for an example of Donna's distinctive depth of style.

She gets the last laugh as a survivor with the power of Sony BMG & Burgundy Records behind this new release.

Here are my 5 Donna Summer Favorites. What are yours?

1. "Bad Girls"
2. "Love To Love You Baby"
3. "No More Tears" (duet with Barbra Streisand)
4. "Hot Stuff"
5. "Could This Be Magic"

Get reacquainted with an old friend.

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