Friday, August 16, 2013

Review: Duets: Music from the Motion Picture

Review: Duets: Music from the Motion Picture


Duets: Music from the Motion Picture

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Duets: Music from the Motion Picture (Audio CD)
By Various Artists

This soundtrack, from one of the most under appreciated films in recent history, "Duets," features the songs that gave it such life, and offers some pleasant surprises in the balance-- such as the fact that, not only can Gwyneth Paltrow act, she can sing! And it proves what a consummate performer she really is, while making this album a particularly satisfying aural experience.

Huey Lewis is in his element here, of course, and comes through with a rousing rendition of "Feeling Alright" and a passable version of "Lonely Teardrops." It's with Paltrow, however, that he really hits his mark, on their duet "Cruisin." Their voices complement each other well, making this an engaging, easy-on-the-ears, uplifting song that you can listen to over and over; it's one that just kind of takes you away. And it's interesting to hear such positive results from a collaborative effort that encompasses the best of both worlds: Singer/actor Lewis, and actor/singer Paltrow.

It's always a challenge for an actor to take on a role that involves singing, because it puts them in a whole new ball game; and happily, there are two others here-- in addition to Paltrow-- who rise to the occasion in grand style. Paul Giamatti, sounding a bit like Neil Young, turns in a pleasing "Hello, It's Me," and is joined by Arnold McCuller on "Try A Little Tenderness." And Maria Bello scores with "I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)." Bello has a pleasant voice, though it's a bit weak, which interestingly enough is noticeable on the CD, but not in the film. Being an actor first and then a singer, however, can have it's advantages, when you consider the ways in which the different mediums can affect a performance.



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