MotownSubdivis
ion |
Anybody listen to the Tony Bennett/ Lady Gaga album yet? I haven't purchased it yet though I still plan too but some feedback would be nice. Is Cheek to Cheek a good listen? |
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FormerlyKnownA
s 
|
I'm a huge fan of Gaga - but don't admit it much here because you will get slammed within a few posts. That said, I do think she is due for a reinvention... or maybe just a vacation, and this "Cheek to Cheek" project gives her a chance to not be herself... or at least not be the self that people have come to criticize and hate. When you put aside the costumes and attempt at shock value just to be "different," you have to admit that the girl can sing!
Teamed with one of the best crooners of all-time, the project allows Gaga to show off her vocal chops against one of the centuries best singers. Tony Bennett is actually the one who shines on this album. In fact, he is actually able to outshine Gaga's personality and it is just enough to push her to be better than just a pop-star. That's what makes this project stand-out from the schlew of other duets albums we are seeing lately. (Have you seen or heard Barry Manilow's recent duets album with all dead people?!?!) Bennett's voice doesn't sound any different than it did, say, 20-30 years ago!
In my opinion, "Nature Boy" is the cream of the crop on this selection. It is gentle, whereas the other songs are bombastic, loud, and rushed. "Nature Boy" allows Gaga to coo her lyrics and Bennett to infuse a sense of almost remorse and sadness. It is brilliant!
For individual songs - Bennett charms and delights on "Don't Wait Too Long." It is polished musicianship at it's best - and, I'm thinking, THE BEST song personally on the CD for me. Gaga's solo is a hurried but strong version of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love." She stylizes it like Ella would have, adding some nice jazz twists and it too shines. But there are times where I think it seems Gaga has a head cold, as she sometimes is not on key as much as you'd like. Maybe it's jazz, maybe it's post-nasal drip... just sayin.'
That said, I think the album sports on of the WORST covers I've ever seen. They look plastic, and the photo seems as if it was taken as a way to shock the subjects -- as if they are being surprised in an affair. I'm not sure why Gaga is channeling Cher, circa 1987, but am glad she's not donned the assless chaps for the photo. Inside the booklet are some wonderful shots of Gaga and Bennett with others, looking like they are partying at a jazz club. Even with the big Cher wig, the photos from the inside are much better images of Gaga and Bennett. At least this is Gaga singing Bennett's music and not Bennett attempting Gaga's. It is Bennett's 2nd #1 album and Gaga's 3rd! |
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MidniteMagnet 
|
Pop fans might like it but true jazz fans won't. She doesn't know how to phrase. It sounds like a pop singer singing jazz.  "Keep in mind that I'm an artist...and I'm sensitive about my shit."--E. Badu |
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MotownSubdivis
ion |
FormerlyKnownAs said: I'm a huge fan of Gaga - but don't admit it much here because you will get slammed within a few posts. That said, I do think she is due for a reinvention... or maybe just a vacation, and this "Cheek to Cheek" project gives her a chance to not be herself... or at least not be the self that people have come to criticize and hate. When you put aside the costumes and attempt at shock value just to be "different," you have to admit that the girl can sing!
Teamed with one of the best crooners of all-time, the project allows Gaga to show off her vocal chops against one of the centuries best singers. Tony Bennett is actually the one who shines on this album. In fact, he is actually able to outshine Gaga's personality and it is just enough to push her to be better than just a pop-star. That's what makes this project stand-out from the schlew of other duets albums we are seeing lately. (Have you seen or heard Barry Manilow's recent duets album with all dead people?!?!) Bennett's voice doesn't sound any different than it did, say, 20-30 years ago!
In my opinion, "Nature Boy" is the cream of the crop on this selection. It is gentle, whereas the other songs are bombastic, loud, and rushed. "Nature Boy" allows Gaga to coo her lyrics and Bennett to infuse a sense of almost remorse and sadness. It is brilliant!
For individual songs - Bennett charms and delights on "Don't Wait Too Long." It is polished musicianship at it's best - and, I'm thinking, THE BEST song personally on the CD for me. Gaga's solo is a hurried but strong version of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love." She stylizes it like Ella would have, adding some nice jazz twists and it too shines. But there are times where I think it seems Gaga has a head cold, as she sometimes is not on key as much as you'd like. Maybe it's jazz, maybe it's post-nasal drip... just sayin.'
That said, I think the album sports on of the WORST covers I've ever seen. They look plastic, and the photo seems as if it was taken as a way to shock the subjects -- as if they are being surprised in an affair. I'm not sure why Gaga is channeling Cher, circa 1987, but am glad she's not donned the assless chaps for the photo. Inside the booklet are some wonderful shots of Gaga and Bennett with others, looking like they are partying at a jazz club. Even with the big Cher wig, the photos from the inside are much better images of Gaga and Bennett. At least this is Gaga singing Bennett's music and not Bennett attempting Gaga's. It is Bennett's 2nd #1 album and Gaga's 3rd! Personally, I'm definitely not a fan of Gaga and while she annoys me more than anything, I don't dislike her though I think her solo discography is cookie-cutter and at best, pseudo-retro pop, she got me truly interested in this album as a casual lover of jazz. The singles sound alright and those inspired me to purchase the album but from what I take from your assessment, it's definitely worth a buy so that's encouraging. Thanks! The one off-putting thing about the album though is Tony saying Gaga is anywhere near being as good a singer as Ella. LG's good and she can hold her own with Tony but to pit her up against one of the greatest jazz singers of all time? What a reach. That comment was just unnecessary and seemed like a cheap way to hype the album. |
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MotownSubdivis
ion |
MidniteMagnet said: Pop fans might like it but true jazz fans won't. She doesn't know how to phrase. It sounds like a pop singer singing jazz. I thought about that myself. Hardcore Gaga fans and a decent at best amount of casual pop listeners seem to be the target audience here as opposed to hardcore jazz and Tony Bennett fans. The latter will likely look down on the album in the way you described as some glitzy, gaudy pop star trying to sing smooth, sophisticated jazz. |
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nextedition 
|
MidniteMagnet said:
Pop fans might like it but true jazz fans won't. She doesn't know how to phrase. It sounds like a pop singer singing jazz.
It doesn't only sound like it, it is actually a pop singer singing jazz, what did you expect? |
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