At Last...The Duets Album
The genius ofAt Last...The Duets Albumis in its matchups and cross-pollinations. If producer Walter Afanasieff weren't already a much sought after music man--check out his arrangements here if his talents are unfamiliar--he might have built a brilliant career as a modern-day cupid. These are covers with a what-if factor (what ifBrian McKnightcoversWham!? What ifRichard MarxcoveredElton John?) you don't want to miss:LeAnn RimeswrapsBryan Adams' anthem-y "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" in rainy-day heartache;Yolanda Adamsreaches for the stars in a rendition ofR. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" as inspiring as the original;Barbra Streisandwaltzes through "The Music That Makes Me Dance" like the years since her heyday haven't mattered; andEarth, Wind & Firedig the depth out ofRaphael Saadiq's "The Way You Move." This, of course, is to say nothing of the sensuality brought to these collaborations by the goldilocked sax man himself. As with all Kenny G projects, the music is smoother than a frappuccino and oddly suited to a soap opera living room set; its swirls, swells, and crescendos seem meant to fall on bejeweled ears in pretty, carefully appointed spaces only. All-instrumental tracks like "Don't Know Why" withDavid Benoitand "Pick Up the Pieces" withDavid Sanbornhave a fun look-at-me-sharing-the-spotlight quality, but in the endChaka Khanputs across her point most convincingly: She, notChristina Aguilera, should have sung "Beautiful" to begin with.-Tammy La Gorce