Artist: Fred Astaire Album: Cheek to Cheek

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Swingin' into the Past with Fred Astaire: A Critical Review of the Album Cheek to Cheek

Fred Astaire is a legendary figure in the music and film industry. A triple threat - he sang, danced, and acted, Astaire was undoubtedly a pioneer in bringing the magic of Hollywood to the masses. His style and grace on the dance floor inspired many and continue to do so to this day. One of his many accomplishments was his album, Cheek to Cheek, a collaboration with jazz singer and pianist, Eileen Rogers. In this article, we take a closer look at Cheek to Cheek, its history, genre, best songs, most innovative parts, and our critic.

The album Cheek to Cheek was released in 1959 and features 15 tracks of some of the most popular songs from the Golden Age of Hollywood. The album's genre can be characterized as swing and pre-jazz with an infusion of Broadway melodies. Astaire collaborated with Rogers on this album, highlighting some of the classic duets that they perform together on film.

The tracklist features several songs that have now become classics, including Puttin' on the Ritz, The Way You Look Tonight, and the title track, Cheek to Cheek. Each song showcases Astaire's vocal prowess, and Rogers' haunting melodies add to the album's overall effect. With its upbeat tempos and elegant instrumentals, Cheek to Cheek transports its listeners to another era.

Cheek to Cheek is a nostalgic album, undoubtedly. It adds to this through its musical arrangements and masterful instrumentation. Often, songs will begin with a piano solo, warm and jazzy, and then progress with drums and bass swelling up to the singer's entrance. This introduction and building of the song into a fiery and high-spirited peak are seen repeatedly throughout the album.

When discussing the album's most innovative parts, it would be remiss not to mention Top Hat, White Tie and Tails. Fred Astaire's iconic dance number from the movie Top Hat provides this album with an unparalleled sense of energy, showcasing Astaire's fantastic dancing alongside Rogers' harmonies in a song that perpetuates throughout time. Though the song itself is memorable, it is this album's unique version of Top Hat that truly stands out, eliciting adrenaline and overall excitement from its listeners.

Despite its many merits, every album has its flaws, and Cheek to Cheek is no exception. One gripe many listeners have is that the album lacks variety in terms of tempo and rhythm. Most of the songs follow a similar beat and musical arrangement, which makes it challenging to distinguish between tracks at first listen. However, this criticism is not significant, and many others believe that the album's overall consistency is its best asset.

In conclusion, Cheek to Cheek is an excellent addition to any music lover's collection. It showcases Fred Astaire's undeniable talent, complemented by Eileen Rogers' haunting harmonies. Though it may lack variety in its musical arrangements, the album's consistency is its selling point. Its nostalgic feel can transport listeners to another time and introduce them to an era of music that continues to inspire and enchant to this day.