Editorial Review

At this point, who else but Tony Bennett would have the clout to round up stars on the scale of Elton John, Paul McCartney, Bono, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand for some duets? (Note also that unlike some similar projects, all the parties involved on this CD were alive when it was recorded!) The material consists of relatively obvious classics in standard big-band arrangements, and Bennett himself is in top form at age 80, so much so that he doesn't need anybody else to handle "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." But the fun comes from checking out how his collaborators fare. The Dixie Chicks provide wonderful Andrews Sisters–type harmonies on the percolating version of "Lullaby of Broadway" that opens the festivities. The best songs tend to be the ones where Bennett's slightly craggy voice is juxtaposed to smooth female ones, like Diana Krall on "The Best Is Yet to Come," familiar accomplice k.d. lang on the sultry "Because of You" and Streisand—-perhaps Bennett's only equal in stature at this point—on "Smile." Among the less expected guests, soulman John Legend is a revelation on the hard-swinging "Sing, You Sinners," while George Michael confirms he’s quite the crooner on "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" Elvis Costello, Celine Dion or Juanes don't sound as comfortable, and sometimes it feels as if they overdo it to compensate, but overall this collection is among the best of its kind, with most guests rising to the occasion. Read more

Reviews (53)

Dissapointed
I am sorry to say this is one of the worst CD's I bought. I thought with all the wonderful performers it was gone to be awsome. The backgrond music sounds boring. I know it's old songs but I guess I expected it to be more upbeat. I wouldn't sugest this to anyone unless you were a big Tony Bennett fan.

BUY THE TARGET SPECIAL EDITION!!!!
I highly recommend you to buy the Target special edition. It contains a "making duets" DVD (about 20 minutes) and 4 bonus tracks with Diana Krall ("I've Got The World On A String" recorded live in 2000...WOW!!!), Micheal Bublé ("Steppin' Out With My Baby" a studio duet), Judy Garland ("I Left My Heart In San Francisco" from the Judy Garland Show) and Frank Sinatra ("The Lady Is A Tramp" recorded live in 1988). Enjoy!

Embarrassing ;80 year old needs retirementmoney.
An early reviewer said it best : "Tony Bennett's old-age pension CD is much less embarrassing than Frank Sinatra's post-70 Duets projects." However, it is disappointing...a shame to hear his great voice straining for high notes and the intonanation so raspy.His choice of duet partners were selected for the bellowing style that attempts to gloss over Tony's shortcoming.They mostly creat a cacophonus soundtrack.Spend the money if you want to help The Bennet Retirement Fund which is a worthy cause, after all the beautiful phrasing he has given us in the past. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Standards    5. Traditional Pop    6. United States of America    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

This album appears in the footsteps of 2004's Read more

Reviews (43)

Her best CD!
George Benson once said "people are going to remember you/your show, NOT for how much you impressed them, but for how Good you made them feel". I'm a strong believer of that theory. And this CD, makes a PERFECT example.
Classy interpretation of standards...
Diana Krall's music can be a real hit-or-miss thing with me - her voice is enjoyable but not always her biggest strength. Yet with the right arrangement framing her vocals her music can be irresistible. With the right arrangement, what sells Krall's vocals is her superb sense of rhythm and timing. In that sense she's similar to Fred Astaire - he had a very thin, reedy quality to his voice but because he was the consummate dancer, rhythm simply oozed from every fiber of his being. More than his film recordings, this quality is evident in his jazz recordings with Oscar Peterson from the fifties. In this tradition, From This Moment On is one of Krall's strongest and most enjoyable efforts. She receives superb musical backing from the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra -- the arrangements hum with energy, especially the swing numbers, which are fantastic. "From This Moment On" has an incredible, manic rhythm (and features some swinging brass) to it that reminded me of recordings of the song's original bow on Broadway in Kiss Me, Kate. Krall's interpretation of "Come Dance With Me" rivals Frank Sinatra's (from the Capitol Records album of the same name) for energy and exuberance. On the slower side of things, Krall gives a touching interpretation of the Rodgers-Hart classic "Little Girl Blue." That song and "Willow Weep for Me" provides a nice counterpoint to the album's generally upbeat, swing-filled mood. The album is available from Target with one bonus track -- "My Shining Hour." This is really a very enjoyable album -- one gets the sense that Krall was incredibly relaxed and comfortable when making this record, freeing her to really have fun and breathe fresh life into these classic songs.

Classy execution.
Diana Krall's big strengths when she first emerged were a musicality about lyrics that savoured the weight of every syllable, an instrumentalist's timing and ideas (though her piano-playing isn't up to her singing, it's been a crucial complement to it) and a delicate intimacy that made every member of an audience feel they were getting her personal attention.
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Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Canada    3. Jazz    4. Mainstream Jazz    5. Modern Big Band    6. Pop    7. Standards    8. Swing    9. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Smokey-voiced chanteuse Madeleine Peyroux's third CD is a lovely collection of after-hours ruminations and should confirm her rise to fame. Credit producer Larry Klein for doing a bang-up job with the album's sound: the elegant, pared-down arrangements are all brushed drums, acoustic guitars, and cool organ licks. But of course it's Peyroux's voice that brings it all home--preferably one where the shades are drawn, embers are smoldering in the fireplace, and the white wine is kept dry. Two-thirds of the songs are well-chosen covers, including a duet with k.d. lang on Joni Mitchell's "River"; a relaxed version of Fred Neil's "Everybody's Talkin'," from Read more

Reviews (24)

Didn'thave to wait 8 years, Yew!!!
What a nice way to start a CD with "I'm All Right"should have been the title track, maybe it says a lot about Madeliene at this stage in her career, I 'm assuming since it didn't take her another 8 years to follow up her last CD.And we should all be thankful for that.And she did look very all right at 4th & B, very relax, playful and looking a little plump compared to last year at the GreekTheatre.Sorry to digress (she looked beautiful and sounded beautiful by the way).The four piece of music that she co wrote have the most insightful and intelligently written lyrics sung with ease and depth.Then ofcourse there'sMadeliene's interpretation of well known and well love classics, from "Smile"toTom Waite's "the heart of Saturday night."She is never flippant or never takes these songs for granted rather she sings it well and breathes a new prespective into these songs.I am so happy that she has produced a CD this year and I know she makes a lot of other people glad, happy and enthusiastic about listening to music judging by Saturday's concert.

Half the Perfect CD
Let me start out by saying that I'm a big fan. Careless Love was one of the finest albums to be released in quite some time, and one of the most memorable. I was truly impressed, giving as evidence the fact that I probably listened to it twenty times in the first week of owning it.I soon sought out Dreamland and enjoyed it as well, though some of the arrangements were a little too creative and ambitious.Which brings me to Half the Perfect World. I totally agree with Olukayode Balogun's assessment - perfectly put.I'll only add that one gets the sense that Ms. Peyroux's comfort level with the material this time around was anything but. There are times when she shines, as on the wonderfully crafted Once in A While, but overall, she sounds unsure of herself and what she's trying to achieve. Let's hope Ms. Peyroux finds her center again on the next effort and returns to what she does best.Kudos, however, to the flawless arrangements and production of Mr. Kein and company.

Southern Comfort .
When she first burst onto the recording scene in 1996, with her stunning debut album Dreamland, Madeleine Peyroux was greeted with a veritable torrent of gushing reviews.
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Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop    3. Rock/Pop    4. Standards    5. United States of America    6. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (300)

This is a MUST-HAVE CD for those that love beautiful, easy listening music!
An absolutely beautiful CD by the most beautiful voice in the industry
If You Like Clay's Voice .....
If you like Clay's voice, you are going to hear it front & center on this CD.It's easy to listen to .... whether it's in the background while you're going about your day or playing full blast. Each song sounds different & Clay's take on the covers on this CD sound nothing like the originals.Speaking of originals there are 4 on this CD & 1 very special song, Lover All Alone, co-written by Clay with David Foster on Itunes only. This CD is good !!
Beautiful
This CD is positively beautiful. Yes it has classic tunes and yes they are wonderful(for me they are better than the original). The arrangements are great and Mr. Aiken's voice is superb.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Rock/Pop    5. United States of America   

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (284)

VERY OVERRATED........
I just don't get all the praise for this cd.I approached this project very enthusiastically and was very disappointed.
I was questionable...
At first I wasnt sure what to expect from Christina this time around but she gave me a HUGE surprise with Back to Basics. The first cd is just as good as the 2nd. I must say that the 2nd disc inspired me to go to church! LOL thats how good her vocals are. She is inspiring and proves that she belongs in the music industry for years to come. Good job

A remarkable CD set. Great songs, great voice, andgreat spirit.
This is a truly remarkable CD set. I grew up listening to Bessie Smith, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Motown singers (no, I'm not that old, I was just the guy dressed like a punk rocker, and liking the Sex Pistols, but actually loving classic Jazz, Blues, and R&B best after being introduced to them by a guy I became friendly with who was a music teacher). It is fairly remarkable to see this diminutive woman and pop phenom known for her slightly raunchy Hip-Hop songs show her true range. From the first time I heard Aguilera several years ago I thought: "This woman really has a set of pipes, I wonder if she'll ever begin to explore her full range." Well she has, and the result is wonderful. I have a feeling it must have been infuriating for her to be in the shadow of that Spears chick, the fellow Mouseketeer, who was all package but really didn't have the voice or style to sing anything real in any idiom. Aguilera pays homage to her antecedents; the numbers stylized versions, some deliberately recorded to simulate the kind of "in the can" sound you encounter when you hear an old Tin Pan Alley classic. Still, these songs remain hers. I am quite astounded. I doubt this album will appeal to many people much over forty. I think even octogenarians would be rocking in their walkers, if they gave it a chance, but that probably won't happen. What I hope is that Aguilera's fan base in their teens and early twenties will be inspired to listen to songs like Dinah Washington's version of "Cry Me a River" or Billie Holiday's "Mean To Me" and know where Aguilera is really coming from. Aguilera is a student of the Masters who came before her (she lays this out so well in the Hip-Hop styled intro), yet she can also deliver the goods. It gives me real hope. Not everything in the music business is, in the end, prepackaged, and there are those out there still carrying the torch and passing it on. Kudos to Aguilera! She may be a tiny woman, but she has a giant voice, and a real spirit. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Urban   

Editorial Review

One of the most common complaints about musicals is that the books are flimsy pretexts from which to hang numbers. Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (652)

Best Show on Broadway
I saw this musical last year, and thought it was amazing!!! The music is unbelivable!!!! Idina Menzel and kristin Chenoweth are wonderful, two of the best voices I've ever heard.If you like musicals, then you HAVE to get this CD.I've almost worn it out.

Not Necessarily Wicked!
I was excited about getting this compact disc about Wicked, the hottest ticket on Broadway. I liked the beginning about how the witch was born green. I think the compact disc does serve a service in providing us a closer view of the musical itself. I didn't care for the story involving Glinda, the good witch, and Elfaba, the bad witch who is green. I didn't like the story itself. While I am sure that the musical is much better than just listening to it but I was uncomfortable with Elfaba's portrayal as being born green and bad while Glinda was both popular and pretty. I think I was just more sympathetic towards Elfaba because she was the outcast and I always find myself among the outcasts so I felt sorry for Elfaba. I don't find much sympathy for Glinda who has spent her entire life being both popular and gifted so of course, she doesn't change. She gets rewarded while poor Elfaba gets treated as bad.

The Best Musical EVER.
I'm the kind of person that listens to showtunes all of the time. Seriously. Wicked is what made me that kind of person. The first time I had ever heard it was my first year doing choir, and ever since then, I've loved it. It's got amazing songs and two of the best musical theatre actressess to ever be on stage, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. So if you love musicals, this is the CD to buy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Original Cast Recordings    6. Original Score    7. Pop    8. Show Tunes    9. Showtunes / B'way   

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Pop/Rock    5. Soft Rock    6. United States of America    7. Vocal   

Reviews (13)

Almost!
I have always been a sucker for Sarah and so glad they stuck with the original duets like Jose Cura's (my favorite tenor oozing with great machismo) and Andrea Bocelli.My only complaint is the Phantom of the Opera with Steve Harley (who is he?)Pardon me, I don't want to be mean but this is soooo horrific, let alone it was on track no. 1.What a terrible thing to start the cd.When I play cd, I skip no. 1 and the rest is simply divinely Sarah.I would have seen soooo tickled if she dueted Phantom with Gerard Butler (another macho cutie pie).

Good
Well, being a fan of Sarah Brightman since her Phantom days says that I liked this album,it is not her best album, but its a good singles album and for new fans to get to know her better.She always and mainly have themes in her albums, for example, FLY, more pop sounding, TIME TO SAY GOOD BYE, more classical, or just songs from Webber, but this album is just her songs from past albums.so its good to that part.

Sarah Brightman La Diva
This is an amazing CD for new fans and for your collection if you are a fan yet, the songs are carefully selected for being a great CD!! A question of honour is different from the Fly CD, if you are a Sarah's fan this CD is perfect, if you don't you will be a Sarah's fan!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. England    3. Musicals    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Rock/Pop    7. Show Tunes   

Editorial Review

Michael Bublé's assured debut and the tireless year of globe-trotting touring he spent promoting it elevated the 20-something Vancouver native into the first rank of pop crooner revivalists. His sophomore studio follow-up largely turns on the same formula that helped make his considerable vocal prowess so attractive to mainstream audiences, mixing the nigh flawless, if expected Sinatra-channeling ("I've Got You Under My Skin") with more playful and inviting renditions of pop standards like the Gershwin's "A Foggy Day in London Town," "Feeling Good," "Try A Little Tenderness" and Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin." But it's the eclectic mix of more contemporary material the singer seasons them with -- apt tribute to Bublé hero Bobby Darin -- that keeps him walking the narrow tightrope between artistic intrigue (a blues-tinged vamp of Holland-Dozier-Holland's "How Sweet It Is," Leon Russell's lovely "Song For You," with a guest turn by Chris Botti) and the kitsch-laden abyss ("Quando, Quando, Quando"'s Euro-centric duet with Nelly Furtado, a ring-a-ding-fling with the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" that echoes fellow Canadian crooner/rival Matt Dusk's more successful flirtation with Lennon-McCartney). Arranger/producer Tommy LiPuma offers Bublé a welcome swinging jazz showcase on "The More I See of You," a bracing respite from the rest of producer David Foster's slick, if typically bloodless MOR production.Read more

Reviews (364)

A Rush
I rememeber the first time that I listened to this CD.I was in my car about a year ago waiting for an appointment.I would hear a new song, and I would scream with the excitement of a teenage fangirl.I love the arrangements of old standards. I love the new songs. I love the sound of the band, and most of all I love the sensuous sound of Michale Buble's voice. 10 out of 10!

Nelly, you only had to learn ONE WORD IN SPANISH.....
We loved the CD, but were disappointed when Nelly sang CUANDO CUANDO CUANDO. She only had to learn one word in Spanish, and instead of saying CUANDO (translation: when), she sang CUANTO (translation: how much), prostituting the song.
Another Great one
After thoroughly enjoying the DVD/CD release, "Caught in the Act," I also gave this CD a listen to by Buble, the second album of his that I have listened to. I have to give it 5 stars because I am very much impressed with and enamoured by Buble's emergence on the scene. He is a very capable vocalist and has given me a new perspective on what a jazz vocalist should sound like.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Rock/Pop    5. Standards    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal Jazz    8. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (142)

This Album Is A Triumph.
Every Track Delivers The Majesty Of This Musical Giant. Every song on the CD emotionally moved me. Listening to it really made me think about certain things and to be honest helped me make life-changing changes in my life. His beautiful voice captures your attention & doesn't let go.

Andrea Is Wonderful!
This new CD, Amore, is just beautiful. His music makes my heart sing!

Amazing
This CD convinced me more than ever about the flexibility, quality and capabilty unique to Andrea Bocelli's musical artistry.Since high school Spanish years, I've heard Bésame Mucho and thought it okay but a bit lame.No longer.Never has a song been performed with more sensual beauty.His rendition of Júrame is one I have to bypass when I'm driving because I'm afraid my car is going to dance right off the road.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Crossover    5. Classical Vocals    6. Italy    7. Opera    8. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Audra McDonald may well have the best voice and interpretative skills of all current musical-theater singers. This album, though, is oddly disappointing. McDonald's gorgous soprano is as pure as ever, but her feisty attitude and sly sense of humor are less in evidence than on previous recordings (just check out "A Little Bit in Love" on a studio recording of Read more

Reviews (11)

Harsh words for a well-crafted CD
Gee..in reading over the reviews, it seems as though many have chosen to be a little too hypercritical of McDonald and the legendary appeal of her vocal talents.I recently saw Ms. McDonald at the Bass Hall in Fort Worth, Texas and was stunned not only by her live range but her amazing ability to captivate an audience's emotions no matter what song she sings with her remarkable way of living within the song's lyrics.Her promise last spring in that live concert was a full new CD in the fall and she has definitely delivered.No matter how much I love to hear Audra sing the standards, she is a true artist in that she is continuously trying something new.While I was not 100% thrilled with her choice of material, her delicately beautiful work on Adam Guettel's "Build A Bridge" and the poignant "Dividing Day" proves this CD was worth it.Other highlights I am supremely overwhelmed by was "I Wanna Get Married" and "Wonderful You".And while it's probably quite a stretch for her to actually pull off Laura Nyro's "To A Child" and "Tom Cat Goodbye"---(which she really doesn't)it is a pleasure to hear her try some new work, particularly her deft styling on (could it actually BE?) the John Mayer song.Anyone who has seen her live recently knows that the CD's true treasure is the piece that did not leave a dry eye in the house, the parent lullaby "Cradle and All".Mc Donald has plenty more years to captivate us with her exceptional range, intricately expressive style and, most of all, her ability to keep the great songwriters memory alive. I'm not really sure "denizen"(as one reviewer deemed her) is an appropriate moniker for McDonald as it connotes negativity of an unusual nature and I believe supreme stylist is more apt.As for the reviewer who found fault with her technicality, I'm pretty sure four Tony Awards and a degree from Julliard might prove that hypercritical assumption wrong.At least, this is probably why McDonald never wanted to really stay at Julliard: she wanted to stay true to her gift and that is her immpeccable voice and her fervent desire to share it with others in ANY musical vein she chooses.Wonderful work here.

AUDRA CAN'T SING
Well just watched Audra's new PBS special singing these songs and I have a record or two of hers so I'd thought I'd try a review - hoping for the future. First off, Audra is a drop dead gorgeous, first rate entertainer and good musician - there is only one problem with her presentations - she can't sing. She knows what to do with the great material as a good musician the problem lies in her having very little singing talent - especially in the upper register. Several times in each song when she gets above a certain altitude she completely and consistently demonstrates she has no ear to hear her own voice. She sours countless times above a certain note - and has a tremendous problem with singing sharp - especially in falsetto - bad habits that probably cannot be broken at this point no matter how much training she should pursue. It is absolutely painful to hear her hit certain notes and hold them off pitch. She should start from scratch with a great coach and completely re-learn how to sing and learn what falsetto is and avoid it at all costs, therefore removing all the songs in her repertoire that require the painful sharp notes - and bring everything down about an octave. Though she is very successful at what she does and probably a millionaire several times over for it all - I don't think she will be considered one of the all time greats till she accomplishes a lot of hard work with a singing coach - and if she already has a singing coach, he or she needs to be fired as soon as possible. Since she refuses to let herself go in the looks department and we all can't take our eyes off her, I wish it were possible that these problems can be overcome - good luck Audra - I love ya, in spite of the bad habits - now get to work - and prove to us you really do have some talent - build a bridge to a new career !!!

Always new, always surprising, never disappointing...
I worship Audra McDonald for her voice, her acting talent, and her shining personality which I have had the good fortune to encounter in multiple live performances. Although I adore each album that has come along, this one feels particularly warm and deep to me - I have the feeling I will continue to listen and find new things each time. I was struck in an NPR interview by her comment that people have asked if she's trying to be Norah Jones - no offense to Norah, but Audra is not even in the same category. She can't be background music, or lull you into a stupor. She makes you pay attention, she makes you cry, she gives you goose bumps. If she doesn't, maybe you've been permanently damaged by top 40 music for too long. I only wish she could find the time and financial backing to release more and more CDs- I want a recording of the Lola song about the bass, and the old-fashioned but perfect I-just-can't-stop-talking-about-him-and-talking-about-him and many others that she performs live. Hey, even a live recording would be fantastic. Like Joni Mitchell (another artist I deeply admire) she just keeps reinventing herself while staying true to who she is as an artist, and that is a completely unique and wonderful thing that we should all be grateful for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Rock/Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

When Madeleine Peyroux's debut, Read more

Reviews (134)

Dance Me To The End Of Love
I really like this album and Madeleine's song selection is superb with the exception of Dance Me To The End Of Love. This song written by Leonard Cohen really creeps me out. Most people think it's a love song between a man and a woman. Leonard Cohen explained the song in an interview:
Nice enough, but...
Madeleine Peyroux has a great voice and terrific taste in songs to cover, and the band backing her up here hits all the right mellow, jazzy notes.If she keeps up the effort, she's bound to produce some classic recordings.But she isn't quite there yet.There's nothing really wrong with these twelve songs - certainly nothing jumps out as poorly done.The problem is more that nothing really jumps out, period.Hearing their songs so tastefully copied makes me want to listen to Bessie Smith, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Hank Williams, but Peyroux doesn't make much of a case as to why we should listen to her versions instead of the originals.Not bad at all, but only not bad.

Good Golly... the first time you hear Dance Me To The End
of Love???i STOPPED what i was doing, ordered the cd from amazon, then downloaded this song from iTunes and spent the night listening to the song on repeat!
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Popular Song    3. Jazz    4. Pop    5. Rock/Pop    6. Standards    7. Vocal Jazz    8. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

It is not just the timbre of Norah Jones's voice that is mature beyond her 22 years. Her assured phrasing and precise time are more often found in older singers as well. She is instantly recognizable, blending shades of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone without sounding like anyone but herself. Any way you slice it, she is a singer to be reckoned with. Her readings of the Hank Williams classic "Cold Cold Heart" and Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" alone are worth the price of the CD. Jones's own material, while not bad, pales a bit next to such masterpieces. They might have fared better had she and producer Arif Mardin opted for some livelier arrangements, taking better advantage of brilliant sidemen such as Bill Frisell, Kevin Breit, and Brian Blade; or if the tunes had simply been given less laconic performances. Jones has all the tools; what will come with experience and some careful listening to artists like J.J. Cale and Shirley Horn is the knack of remaining low-key without sounding sleepy--sometimes less is not, in fact, more. Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Bass (Upright)    3. Contemporary Jazz    4. Drums    5. Guitar (Acoustic)    6. Guitar (Electric)    7. Guitar (Steel)    8. Jazz Blues    9. Jazz Music    10. Percussion    11. Piano    12. Pop    13. Rock    14. Rock/Pop    15. Slide Guitar    16. Torch Songs    17. United States of America    18. Vocal Jazz    19. Vocals   

Editorial Review

This teaming of Linda Ronstadt and Cajun folk traditionalist Ann Savoy, billing themselves as the Zozo Sisters, shows how wide is the musical range of bittersweetness. The harmonies and shared lead vocals offer a complementary contrast between Ronstadt's purity of tone and Savoy's more piquant expressiveness. The arrangements turn folk songs into art songs, drawing as much upon chamber strings as Cajun fiddle and accordion. There's an exquisite beauty to the vocals, but the real surprise is how well the album holds together, given a range of material that extends from Cajun songs in French patois to stellar material from Julie Miller ("I Can't Get Over You," with husband Buddy Miller on guitar) and Richard Thompson ("King of Bohemia," "Burns' Supper") to a disarming revival of the Left Banke's 1960s hit "Walk Away Renee." Among other highlights, "Go Away from My Window" provides a showcase for the upper register of Ronstadt's soprano, and Savoy's lead vocals on Bill Monroe's "The One I Love Is Gone" bring out the blues in bluegrass. Read more

Reviews (32)

A Perfect Disc
Awsome, just plain awsome. Every song on here is a pure delight. Linda, if you are reading this then you should know you have put out a wonderful disc and we thank God for you being such a talented artist.
Beautiful Songs
Ronstadt certainly did some nice work as a solo artist, but then she started doing albums with other artists (Trio and Trio II with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton and Western Wall with Harris).While those were fine albums, the blending of Rondstadt's voice in this album with that of Ann Savoy is just about as good as it gets.You will swear they are blood sisters when your hear how well the voices blend together.Rondstadt has finally found her musical soul mate in Ann Savoy and this may be some of her best work ever. I never heard of Ann Savoy, but she sure sounds wonderful with Rondstadt.
Sweeeeeet!!
The speakers on my laptop no longer work, so I bought this cd hoping for the best. And the best was granted. The voices, the music and the lyrics are pure harmony. Sometimes you have to go out on a limb:) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Folk    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Rock/Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Would Read more

Reviews (1278)

Our own Carrie Underwood!!!
She is the best Idol so far and some day I hope to go to the American Idol tryouts and be just like her!!!
Staying power beyond "Bubble Gum" pop....
Although I love watching new talent, I am not much for the hype of American Idol.Still, I saw enough of Carrie Underwood's performance in the competition to decide that I would give her album a shot, and it was definitely worth it!Likely intended as a country-pop album for a "younger" crowd, Carrie's first set of vocals is fun, moving, and powerful enough to cross generations.I can put this CD in and listen to it several times through before I even think about putting in something different.I find the title track to be somewhat annoying, but the rest of the effort is solid.Carrie shows us insightful hopefulness on "Wasted" and "Jesus Take the Wheel," butt-kicking authority on "Before He Cheats," and the pain of loss on "Starts with Goodbye".Overall, I think Carrie earned her AI title, and it should be interesting to see if she can reach Clarkson-like popularity.If you like Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and (of course) Kelly Clarkson, chances are you'll find at least a few tracks to love on "Some Hearts."

The best Idol debut yet, and a great pop-country cross over
It was obvious during the top 12 of the fourth season of American Idol, that if Carrie didn't win, it would have been a huge upset. Good as Bo, or any of the others may or may not have been, Carrie was never in the bottom, almost always praised, and was cut out from way back to her audition to go far. She's pretty, and has a great voice to boot too, why wouldn't she win? Well she did win it, and it should have been obvious to everyone that her debut album would be country. It was just naturally her genre from the get go, which is one reason this album suceeds. Unlike many idol contestants, Carrie knew and everyone else knew exactly what genre she fit into, so sticking to her natural genre, and throwing in some pop crossover appeal, we get Some Hearts.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals   

Reviews (8)

A fantastic, eclectic Holiday album....
I really am enjoying this album.There is a great variety of tunes here, from traditional to contemporary and even some rare gems.My favorite, as with most people, is the holiday version of "From A Distance."It's enchanting.The duet with Johnny Mathis on "Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow!Let It Snow!Let It Snow!" is also amazing.In "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" I was originally a bit disappointed when she used the peppier "Hang a shining star upon the highest bow," instead of using the original, sadder, "Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow".However, for the second time around at the end of the song she used the original and darker lyrics.What a way to settle the debate!
A GREAT new Christmas album!
What a treat this album is!Great tunes!Well produced!Bette's in wonderful voice!Some of the highlights are "Mele Kalikimaka" (a rare, fun song and classic Bette), "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and a great duet with Johnny Mathis.The new Christmas version of "From a Distance" is wonderful; surprisingly arranged and actually quite moving.I just love this album and plan on giving it to several people this Christmas!Thank you, Bette!

A True Holiday Classic!
After nearly 40 years in show business recording 20 albums with 23 chart topping hits, Bette Midler has finally recorded a long overdue holiday album and she doesn't disappoint.
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Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop    3. Xmas Vocal   

Editorial Review

Unlike Russell Watson, to whom he is being compared (along with Andrea Bocelli), Vittorio Grigolo is a real opera singer. He sang as a boy treble with Pavarotti many years ago and has sung in