Customer Reviews

Duets: Music from the Motion Picture

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

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. A singer, for example, often has a harder time selling a movie by attempting to act (consider Mariah Cary in "Glitter"), while on screen, Bello can really "sell" a song-- especially "Sweet Dreams"-- and her visually stunning performance is more than enough to offset any vocal shortcomings, which are more apparent when just listening to her. Still, in the final analysis, both Bello and Giamatti are good singers (as well as good actors, it must be noted), and give their respective numbers an emotional depth that makes them easy to embrace and satisfying to listen to; much better than the efforts of most actors who are not "professional" singers.

The real highlight of the album, though, is without question Paltrow's cover of "Bette Davis Eyes." Her voice has such a pleasing quality to it, and her delivery is perfect. Even if the movie wasn't any good (but it is!), it would be worth watching just to see her perform this song, because it's absolutely dynamic-- transporting, even. And this track of it on the CD retains all the magic from the movie. This song alone is worth the price of admission, or the cost of the album.

The single low point of the album is the track of "Copacabana," by John Pinette. Again, watching him perform it in the film is one thing-- he has plenty of energy, and within the context of the story, it's effective and fun. But after a time or two just listening to it, it wears a little thin, and it makes the instrumental final cut on the CD, "Beginnings/Endings," composed by David Newman, a welcome and fulfilling ending to the album. That one track is a minor flaw, however, and is far overshadowed by the overall entertainment "Duets" provides. It's a great film, and this CD is a perfect companion piece. If you loved the movie, you're going to love this album.

Gwyneth Paltrow has sung a little in a couple of her films (Emma, for example), but finally she appears on a soundtrack! She valiantly tackles "Bette Davis Eyes", which I think was a bit out of her range. Gwyneth really shines in her duet with Huey Lewis, and she and Babyface are incredible in "Just My Imagination". Except I think in the original, sung by Eddie Kendricks with the Temptations, had more pain at the heart of the song, whereas the heartbreak is a little lacking in this version. Anyway, hats off to Gwyneth, she really can sing!

As for the others, Paul Giametti (who did a great job in Man on the Moon), does a good cover of "Hello It's Me", while Maria Bello is suitably sultry on "I Can't Make You Love Me". The "Copacabana" remake is fun as well.

A great job by all. By the way, I can't wait to see the film!

The singing in the movie was surprisingly good. Of course Huey Lewis can sing, although his big hits had a complex band texture backing them. Not only is Gwyneth Paltrow a good singer for an actress, she's actually a surprisingly good singer.

But the show-stealer is Arnold McCuller every time he sings, particularly with "Freebird". It was a disappointment to hear that Andre Braugher (an actor with a great spoken voice) had to be dubbed, but McCuller is first-rate.

That said, I'm not sure how well the CD stands on its own -- it ties back to the movie and if you haven't seen the movie the CD is just a bunch of songs.

It seems that most of today's movie soundtracks are nothing more than shameless marketing ploys to make even more money off you. They must contain at least one POP radio hit, and of course be completely devoid of new material. And though the Soundtrack to the upcoming movie "Duets" fits into all those guidelines, it is the first CD to come along in ages that actually plays a more prominent role in the film than little 5-second clips. Since the movie revolves around a group of people and their hobby of singing Karoke in a local bar, the tunes are just about as mixed as you would normally find in that setting. But the strangest occurence on this Soundtrack is though we have all heard these tunes before, it's a first to have them actually sung by the actors in the film. That being said, not all actors are great singers, so there are a few of these renditions that do fall rather flat. Both of the songs contributed by Maria Bello seem like she is reading them in an acting class rather than feeling their true heart and soul, and an accapella version of Freebird as the second last track seems an odd choice, but it does work on some levels. On the plus side, Paul Giamatti and Arnold Mculler do a great job on "Try A Little Tenderness", sounding like they are truly having fun with the melody. And Gwyneth Paltrow and Babyface do a great old soul rendition of "Just My Imgination", where Gwyneth almost overpowers Babyface with her sweet lilting voice. How's that for surprises!! But the clear highlight of the album is when Gwyneth and Huey Lewis take Smokey Robinson's "Crusin'" to all new heights. Even the production is right on, with the instrumentation never overpowering the surprisingly genuine vocals from both stars. So all in all, "Duets" turns out to be a pleasant surpise. An album that is not only great for parties, but also for relaxing with the one you love. So just sit back, relax, and let the music take your mind...

I just received this CD in the mail and have enjoyed all the tracks on it. The three songs with Gwyneth Paltrow singing are excellent,"Cruising" with Huey Lewis is the best. Who knew that she had such a beautiful and soulful voice? I am going to purchase this for a friend.

This Cd is totaly amazing. Huey Lewis butchers Joe Cocker's "Feeling Alright" but Paltrow hits it on the head with "Bette Davis Eyes". To hear her sing on this song was worth the money I spent for the CD. "Cruisin" is another great song. Gwyneth Paltrow's voice really blends with Huey's voice and they make a great pair singing. Maria Bello has two songs on this album and her voice is extrodinary which wasn't a surprise since I always thought that her speaking voice was nice. John Pinette ( a comedian) sings Copacaban pretty good. On the whole the album is really good, but for me the whole album was worth hearing Gwyneth Paltrow sing Bette Davis Eyes!

Well, whoever said that Gywneth paltrow was yesterday's history! She is back with a vengeance and whatever it is, who got the Academy Award? In the movie Duets, she plays alongside Huey Lweis (without the news) as a few wacky characters whose ;love of karaoke helped them find who they really are. And Gywneth does a fine job surprisingly dueting with Heuy Lewis on Cruising and babyface on Just My imagination. On her own, she manages a different Bette Davis Eyes. Well it's really her singning, a sweet voice that's not too unlike Edie Brikell. Kudos our golden girl!

i really enjoyed the songs on this CD. i saw the movie yesterday and simply can't get "Cruisin" out of my head. "Try a Little Tenderness" is quite good. Gwyneth's singing is a revelation! Welcome back Huey!!

After seeing the movie I just had to get the Soundtrack. I only wish the soundtrack had more of the songs that were in the movie. I was really impressed with Gwenyth Paltrow's voice. I had no idea she was so musically talented. This is a really fun soundtrack to listen to I highly recommend buying it and the movie.

I was so surprised when I heard Gwyneth Paltrow sing. Since her movie career has taken a dive lately, maybe she should consider quitting her day job and start a singing career, because she has skills! Her and Huey Lewis are a GREAT combo. I'm serious she sounds like she was born to sing. And Maria Bello, I'm impressed with her. I love Bello and think she is amazing on this album. Granted, not all the songs are stellar, but Paltrow, Huey Lewis, Maria Bello, and Babyface make this soundtrack a true jewel. I think it's really a romantic album and very soothing, so BUY IT!

Just my opinion....