Duets: Music from the Motion Picture
Don't be misled. The name of the film may beDuets, but the soundtrack only features three actual duets. The film centers around wacky characters at a karaoke bar, and the soundtrack follows suit, featuring actors singing! Gwyneth Paltrow joins Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds for a cover of "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" andHuey Lewisfor a go atSmokey Robinson's "Cruisin'." "Try a Little Tenderness" is run through by Paul Giamatti and Arnold McCuller. Paltrow has a sweet whine in her voice, but it's no match for the husky drawl ofKim Carnesfor "Bette Davis Eyes." Huey Lewis is noJoe Cockerwith "Feelin' Alright," but it's a valiant rendition. On the other hand, Arnold McCuller's soulful reading ofLynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" recasts the song as a spiritual.Duetsis a perfect album for parties where "singing" "Copacabana" is a prerequisite.--Rob O'Connor