Lady Gaga sing American Songbook standards with Tony Bennett on Cheek to Cheek (* * * out of four) can be a bit like watching a pretty, eager young girl try to walk a red carpet alongside a veteran supermodel.
The 28-year-old pop diva has impressive raw material — a supple, textured voice capable of evoking sensuality, tenderness and pain — and she and the 88-year-old Bennett enjoy a playful, sometimes poignant rapport.
Yet when contending with her partner's effortless, ageless virtuosity, she seems to try too hard, with her husky upper register sounding strained at times, and her crooning (and occasional chatter) mannered or overstated.
Gaga manages a potent (if borderline brassy) solo reading of Lush Life, but it's trumped by Bennett's gorgeously wistful Sophisticated Lady. Give both stars credit, though — the lady for her courage and taste, and the gentleman for recognizing chops and encouraging their refinement.
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