‘Idina.’ review: Idina Menzel turns her attention to pop

Idina Menzel won a Tony Award for her standout performance in “Wicked.” She has shown off her acting chops in “Glee.” And, of course, her voice inspired millions of kids’ singing dreams thanks to the juggernaut that is “Frozen.”

But on her new album, “Idina.” (Warner Bros.), the Syosset native lets all of that go and focuses on her inner pop star. It’s clearly on display in the first single, “Queen of Swords,” where she reaches notes of Celine Dion-esque heights while singing about slaying over a midtempo beat.

On “Everybody Knows,” she stretches her voice over a pretty dance-floor anthem.

However, Menzel is strongest on the ballads, starting with “I See You,” a stunner that builds like Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” but features her distinctive vocal twists. On “Perfect Story,” she uses her gorgeous voice to tell a tale that mirrors her personal life, singing about how parents’ love for their children continues even if their marriage ends.

It’s an example of how Menzel excels as a storyteller, something she has cultivated in various Broadway roles. On “Idina,” she is playing her most believable role — herself.