You know what’s impressive about Lady Gaga? She can sing. She can dance. She can act.
Of course, she has one of the most interesting wardrobes in Hollywood. And did I mention: she can sing. Yeah, she’s really good at that. But now, she can swing. And she’s doing it with one of the best in the game: Tony Bennett.
Bennett, probably the best jazz/swing singer other than ole’ blue eyes, Frank Sinatra, is teaming up with the larger-than- life pop singer for his most recent release, “Cheek To Cheek.”
Bennett and Gaga have worked together in the past. In the release of Bennett’s 2011 album, “Duets II,” he did a duet with Lady Gaga on the song “The Lady Is a Tramp”- and it was awesome.
But that wasn’t enough for them. Tony knows he has some serious once-in-a-lifetime talent here, and he’s taking advantage of it.
“Cheek To Cheek” is a terrific blend of old and new; if you like listening to classy big- band tunes, you’ll love it. “Cheek To Cheek” starts off with a song from one of Broadway’s biggest plays, “Anything Goes.” With Bennett and Gaga both being from New York, it’s only appropriate that they make a nod to the Big Apple with the opener. “Anything Goes” is a bouncy, fun way to kick off the album and Gaga’s beautiful, smooth voice works perfectly with Tony Bennett’s seasoned vocals. And, may I add, the band is terrific. The horns are loud, the saxophone solos are groovy and the twinkling piano is just dripping with that New York-style swagger that even Derek Jeter would approve of.
Following “Anything Goes” is the title track, “Cheek To Cheek.” This track starts off rather slow with a melancholic jazz piano that quickly turns into a nifty, up-tempo, piano-driven tune with an awesome Broadway show tune-style of “buh-duh-bop” tags towards the song’s close. This one almost makes me wish I were alive back in the 40’s when this was the kind of music people danced to. Sorry, Miley - you won’t be needed here. One song I found extremely impressive was “I Won’t Dance.” This song really displays the spectacular chemistry built between Gaga and Bennett as they switch back and forth between their lines. And their chemistry is eerily consistent, even considering the duo’s newly- bloomed partnership. Nonetheless, this song is totally romantic. This is the kind of song that would fit perfectly in the background of a high-end cruise line or e-harmony commercial. It’s a clean, classy, yet energetically sexy tune that could get you dancing; despite its misleading article, “I Won’t Dance.” This song is what you want playing while you slow dance with your significant other in their best formal dress/tuxedo under the stars. This is the kind of release that can really change someone for the rest of their performing career. Though Lady Gaga is still rather young for a performer, I feel that releasing an album with a living legend such as Tony Bennett can only benefit her musical escapades.
When people think of Lady Gaga, they think of “Poker Face” and “Paparazzi.” With this release though, Lady Gaga is really showing people what she can do, which is a lot. “Cheek To Cheek” not only cements the legacy of Tony Bennett as one of the best swing singers in history, but it also reveals a new, spritely side to Lady Gaga and it works perfectly.
My Rating: 8/10
