Belgian Lara Fabian stepped into the spotlight with her 1991 self-titled debut, coloured by a light dance-pop sound that could hardly disguise her palpable emotion. It was with 1994's Carpe Diem, followed by the massive success of 1997's Pure, that the singer reached her phenomenal vocal potential, with deeply passionate, theatrical ballads that combined an elegant instrumental background with sweeping pop resonance. Fabian later took a turn toward sweeter, less dramatic interpretations, blending chanson with world or soul influences—but her allure remained undiminished.