Search - Various Artists :: Duets: Music from the Motion Picture

Good Music from A Great Movie

Reviewer | 04/20/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Very enjoyable!

Reviewer | 09/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

Gwyneth Paltrow.... Who Knew??!!

David M. Fritz | Columbia, Pa | 09/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"