Dionne Warwick - My Friends & Me

Disappointing, but not THAT bad.

As a long-time fan, I was very disappointed in this cd. However, it really doesn't deserve the reviews it has been getting.

Unlike some other reviewers, the material wasn't the biggest problem to me. Yes, I'd rather hear something new than a rehash, but occasionally an artist can bring something new to a song.

For me, the arrangements and music were the letdown. These are classic, well written songs, and most of the performances are quite good. Sadly, Ms. Warwick sometimes sounds like she is being accompanied by a teenager on an old Casio. Honestly, the drums and synthesizers reminded me of my three year-old daughters' toy keyboards.

With that out of the way, it was nice to hear these wonderful songs performed by such talented people. A few of the duet partners that seemed like odd choices were actually quite inspired. For one, I wouldn't have guessed how great Cyndi Lauper would sound with Ms. Warwick.

The high point of the album is "San Jose," with Celia Cruz. While some of the other songs are pleasant, this one is transformed from mild-mannered pop song to Salsa celebration.

If you are a fan of Ms. Warwick or her "Friends," you may find at least some of this album enjoyable. Otherwise, you should probably stick to the original treasures. February 27, 2008

good singing but bad music

I enjoyed the singing although some tracks took me a while to be warmed up to. That was the saving grace of the record. The backing musicians were awful. The electronic music sounded plastic and cold. It was an insult to the singers. Mr. Elliot and his friend could have done better by getting together a decent backing band rather then being supermen themselves. The strings were ghastly. The sound was pretentious. That dragged down the quality of the music.

On the other hand, was Dionne on a shoe string budget with Concord Records? June 6, 2007

Warwick-Bachrach music slaughter

Poor production and rearrangements with a lot of synthesised music doesn't do any good to the legacy and talents, please keep that in mind for the future releases, this cd is NOT recommended unfortunately I purchased it because I'm a die hard fan. May 19, 2007

hopin and wishing

all those guest ladies are great but my top list goes to miss olivia newton john who put a very special note to that song.thank you olivia for such a great job and thank you miss warwick for this beautiful cd. laurent france May 17, 2007

What was she thinking?!!!

Perhaps I'm just getting old, and maybe I just have such a special place in my heart for Dionne's recordings from earlier in her career, but this recording just doesn't cut it.

I understand the necessity and the desire to "update" old hits from one's singing career to make them "sing" to a new generation of listeners, but there is an annoying sameness to each song.

The electronic instruments dominate way too much, particularly the percussion. Where's an acoustic piano? Not one horn? Not even a small string section? This must have been a pretty low budget project.

If you are a Dionne Warwick fan or are eager to listen to her music for the first time, first go back to her recordings from the 60's. Then try some of her music from the "Heartbreaker" and "Deja Vu" period.

But don't waste your money on this one. I hope Dionne's next project has a bit more imagination and better instrumental arrangements.

March 16, 2007

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