This CD is a sad lesson in what can result when even a Legend such as Dionne allows nepotism to take a front seat to common sense. Her son may have meant well, but he's done more damage than good to dear ol' mom. No seasoned producer worth his salt would have allowed Dionne to go through with this project, not if they were honest and cared. It was just a rotten idea from the start. Can any of us imagine, for example, Quincy Jones hearing the poor production values on this CD and giving it his blessing? David Foster? Clive Davis?

Dionne had been shopping this project around for more than 2 years to various major record Labels and none of them were interested in her "Trio of duet CDs of my old hits" concept. For a moment, many fans feared the worst--that she'd never get signed to a major label again, that the prevailing sentiment in the industry was that Dionne's once beautiful, raspy voice that could do no wrong had finally lost its power and ability to enthrall music listeners.(Let me state for the record, that was not the case for me, having seen her live as late as November of last year and witnessing Dionne in fine voice as she brought the house to its feet with stirring renditions of her classics).

Finally, Concord decided to take a chance, signing her to a 3 CD deal. Fans were elated and hopeful that the powers that be would at least encourage her to go in a more creative direction, or at best, choose an experienced producer who would breathe new life into the songs she selected, using REAL INSTRUMENTS instead of synthesizers and drum machines. Unfortunately, they gave her carte blanche to do as she pleased, hence, this pitiable result, which will no doubt add another stain to the twilight years of her discography.

Why Dionne insists on re-recording her old hits is beyond anyone's comprehension. There isn't a single fan I've spoken to who is happy about her obcession with this idea. Quite frankly, we all consider it a mystery. She sings these songs over and over every night in concerts around the world. Now, never getting bored of singing them in a live setting,(as she's said in many an interview) may be one thing, but re-recording them for a fanbase that has NO DESIRE WHATSOEVER to hear them in recorded form is another. There are so many NEW songs out there that would better suit her deeper, more reserved alto. Where is the artistic creative musician that was once Dionne Warwick? Is re-recording her past hits many times over the best she can offer to the world at this stage of her life? This is beginning to border on musical psychosis....No, you say? Let's take a look at the history of this musical malaise.

In 1997 there was "Dionne sings Dionne" which covered several of her big hits. Then, at the turn of the century there was the "Dionne sings Dionne 2", consisting of more covers, issued as a Japanese import(and much to her chagrin, as these were basically demos left over from her '97 River North release.Not owning the Masters, she had no control over its release). And then----we have this 3rd installment, which, if Dionne has her way, will actually be the 3rd IN AN INSTALLMENT OF 5 CDs(!!) whereby she's re-recording her hits(don't forget folks, she has 2 more in the can for release after this one!).

Wasn't Dionne the girl singer from New Jersey who defiantly hollered to the world "Don't Make Me Over!" back in 1962? It's high time she took her own words of advice. This latter-day butchering of her near perfect earlier recordings, which she will never be able to top, and which quite honestly, true fans realistically don't expect her to- has got to stop. For the love of God, Dionne, please! We beg of you. Enough is enough! You're breaking our hearts.

As a long time fan of Dionne, I cannot recommed this cd to anyone other than die hard fans. There are much better versions of all the tracks available. If you want to hear how this album might have sounded, try Cliff Richard's 2006 duets cd "Two's Company"...featuring Dionne Warwick on "Anyone Who Had A Heart". Dionne sounds so good and the production is excellent. It gives a taste of what could have been achieved in this album.

Miss Dionne has never looked better. The CD art shows her almost aglow, and it's lovely to look at. Alas, her voice HAS been better. Still, she's a singer of style and grace and she will always be among my favorites -- I literally grew up with her, first on albums then on eight-track then on CD. Miss Dionne has previously released two CDs of Dionne Sings Dionne (I own both volumes), and for the new duets album to have truly flown we needed to hear different songs, experienced a surprise or two. Her career catalogue is splendid and expansive, and I wish the producers had dug deeper for material. The point is, this CD is for die-hard fans or newcomers. Which brings me to this: I wish they'd release her wonderful disks from the 80s, like NO NIGHT SO LONG, HOW MANY TIMES CAN WE SAY GOODBYE and the masterpiece that is HOT! LIVE AND OTHERWISE. Her singing on these is peerless and perfect, and that's the Miss Dionne I could recommend over and over.

Well a good friend of mine bought this CD as a gift.I am so glad i didn't spend my money on this cd it sounds really cheap and very light.Miss Warwick voice is pretty much gone,sometimes a performer needs's to leave the party before it's over as a music lover i say pass this one up ,if your a dionne fan go ahead and buy it to support her...

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.