Duets

AMG Review of Duets

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Duets is such a terrific idea for a Ray Charles compilation, it's a wonder it hasn't been done before. Charles is always compelling as a solo vocalist, but he's also an exceptional duet partner, shaping his performance to that of his partners. He also sang with an exceptionally talented and diverse array of vocalists, from Betty Carter to George Jones. Both of those singers are featured, along with such luminaries as Margie Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, B.J. Thomas, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Lou Rawls, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan, on Duets, which draws from his Atlantic, ABC/Paramount, Columbia and Warner recordings. By covering so much ground, the compilation is a little uneven -- the hard soul of "(The Night Time Is) The Right Time" doesn't necessarily jibe with the glossy pop-funk of "I'll Be Good to You" -- but it's tied together by the simple fact that nearly all the performances are first-rate. The compilers have included some familiar items, such as "Summertime" and "Take Two to Tango," but they concentrate on forgotten gems. As a result, it's a compilation that will appeal to both casual and serious fans alike, especially considering that it's available at a very reasonable price.