Duets: Music from the Motion Picture

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.

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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.