Paul Anka
Duets
(Sony Music Entertainment)

Seeing his just-released My Way: An Autobiography and this Duets album, Paul Anka is making quite the splash lately.

The first track, “Walk a Fine Line” sees Anka singing with Michael McDonald over a notable acoustic guitar from master George Benson. “Do I Love You (Yes, In Every Way),” a duet with Dolly Parton, who I usually adore, follows, but this song doesn’t seem to showcase the unique voices of Paul or Dolly.

With a duets album, you do run the risk when the “other” artist sings, maybe wanting them to do more, which is how I felt on “I Really Miss You,” Anka’s duet with Leon Russell. The song’s pretty forgettable other then Russell’s great, weird vocals. “Think I’m In Love Again” is a fantastic read with Gloria Estefan, the real first, good, true use of
“dueting.” It’s also a good song. Michael Bublé sounds soft and rich on “Pennies From Heaven” as does Anka. Chris Botti kicks ass with his horn on “Les Filles De Paris” and Willie Nelson plays some nice lead gut-string on his very own “Crazy.”

The stand-out, even in the face of the album ender, “My Way,” and Tom Jones’ usual power on an otherwise lame “She’s A Lady,” is Anka and Celine Dion sounding like they might even be in the same room singing off one another on “It’s Hard To Say Goodbye.”

Is Duets a worthwhile listen/pick-up/download? If you’re an Anka fan? For sure. Otherwise…