I think most of you will–like me–be skeptical of the “BEST” in the title of this compilation CD from 2004. I would settle for “good.”
Most of these duets were hits when they first came out. Lionel Richie & Diana Ross’s “Endless Love” became the second-biggest selling single of the year (first was “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes) in the United States and reached number one on the Hot 100, where it stayed for nine weeks from August 15 to October 10, 1981. It also topped the Billboard R&B chart and the Adult Contemporary chart, and reached number seven in the United Kingdom. It also became the most successful duet of the rock era, surpassing the Everly Brothers‘ 1957 hit “Wake Up Little Susie“, which spent four weeks at number one. Both songs spent six months on the chart, with “Endless Love” eclipsing the Everlys’ hit by one week. Billboard has named the original version as the greatest song duet of all time.
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell were a spectacular duet until Tammi’s tragic death. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” was a classic Motown song. The song was written by Ashford & Simpson, who show up on this CD with another one of their songs, “Solid.”
Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville’s “Don’t Know Much” was written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Tom Snow. Mann was the first to record the song in 1980, gaining a minor chart hit in the US. The song was made famous when it was covered as a duet by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville in 1989. Their version was a worldwide success, topping the Irish Singles Chart and reaching the top 10 in several territories.
Do you remember these duets? Any favorites here? And, what’s up with the dogs? GRADE: B+
TRACK LIST:
| 1 | Lionel Richie & Diana Ross– | Endless Love |
| 2 | Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes– | Up Where We Belong |
| 3 | Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville– | Don’t Know Much |
| 4 | Dan Hill & Vonda Shepard– | Can’t We Try |
| 5 | Peaches & Herb– | Reunited |
| 6 | Patti Austin & James Ingram– | Baby, Come To Me |
| 7 | Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams– | Too Much, Too Little, Too Late |
| 8 | Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald– | On My Own |
| 9 | Dionne Warwick & Jeffrey Osborne– | Love Power |
| 10 | Ashford & Simpson– | Solid |
| 11 | Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell– | Ain’t No Mountain High Enough |
| 12 | Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.– | You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show) |
I remember quite a few, and suspect that old age forgetfulness can be a blessing with some of the others. Nothing here to make me throw my supper plate against the wall in frustration, but not much worth seeking out, IMHO.
Jerry, I’m sure your aim with your supper plate is exact! Just like your book reviews!
The two I like best are “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “You Don’t Have to Be A Star”—the rest are just so-so. At least they didn’t include Bowie & Jagger’s “Dancing in the Streets”—the nadir of both their careers, imho.
Deb, Bowie & Jagger’s “Dancing in the Streets” is a dud. I would have included “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty. And…skipped the doggies.
If given a choice between “Endless Love” and fingernails grating on a chalkboard, I’ll go with the fingernails. The LaBelle/McDonald, Mathis/Williams, and Marvin/Tammi tracks are pretty good.
Fred, “Endless Love” was endlessly played back in the day. I got “Song Burnout” from the frequency it was played on the radio back then. It’s hard to beat Marvin and Tammi…
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee?
Jackie says, “sounds a little bland.”
Agree on the Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell.
Jeff, there was an Internet rumor that Kiki Dee had died. Of course, it was false!
Pups don’t ask for royalties.
Meanwhile, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_the_Covers,_Vol._1 et seq.
Todd, I have UNDER THE COVERS around here somewhere!
Until yesterday, I wasn’t aware of their third album.
Todd, it’s hard to keep track!
Is Don’t Know Much the one that goes Don’t know much about history, don’t know much biology?! If so, that was recorded by Sam Cooke and later by Herman’s Hermits! Of this collection, I only find a few noteworthy and my favorite is On My Own!
Wait, the song I’m thinking of is Wonderful World! Never mind!
Bob, as much as I love Sam Cooke’s version of WONDERFUL WORLD, my favorite version is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-s9uXvwrws
It has an extra verse that is great!
That’s also a good one! Forgot all about it!