This review of *Cheek to Cheek* is just my opinion. I’m not a jazz expert or a writer, so I’ll bypass the colorful metaphors and technical scrutiny. Mr. Bennett’s solos are absent, because I’m here for Lady Gaga. My first impression of the album as a whole is that it is very well-rounded with a song for every mood, and it is comfortable on the ears. It has been ages since I’ve purchased an album with the conscious theme of musicians creating music together for the pure joy of music. Also, it is heartening to hear Gaga obliterate any further suggestions or assumptions that she cannot sing. I suppose the quibblers will have to focus firmly on her fashion. On to the songs! **1. Anything Goes** Rating: A The first track and first pre-release is fun and hopping. Both Gaga and Tony are having a great time here which makes it worth listening to repeatedly. They changed the melody on the “are just silly gigolos” line for the better. This song would have done well during the big band revival in the 90’s. Yes, that happened! I was a little disappointed that they omitted the verse with, “If Mae West you like or me undressed you like, well, nobody will oppose,” because I do not oppose (provided that’s Gaga’s line). **2. Cheek to Cheek** Rating: A- “Heavennn.” Gaga nails the first word so securely that I would be content if the song ended there. When the percussion kicks in 30 seconds later, I’m knocked off my cloud-o-bliss. Grr. After a brief moment of resentment, Gaga returns with some ear-tickling harmonizing which elicits a giggle. Clever guitar riff! The closing “bop” is cute but not quite in sync. Where’s a director when you need one? **4. I Can't Give You Anything But Love** Rating: A I’m not typically a fan of the electronic organ, so this one doesn’t start off on the right foot. However, the band is fabulous, even the drummer. Gaga’s diaphragm gets a good workout here, as she impressively maintains fortissimo throughout. I do wish she’d hold back at some point for a more rousing climax, but regardless, this song is light-hearted and solid. …I must comment on how absurdly adorable Gaga is in the studio recording videos. It’s not particularly relevant to the music, but I want to huggle her and take her home. **5. Nature Boy** Rating: A+ At the moment, this is my favorite track on the album. The vocals shine, and I love how she says “land.” Nice oboe; nice alto flute, and I’m certain that they did have a director for this one. I was worried that a jazzier version of this song would ruin its intention, but I was thankfully incorrect. Well done to everyone involved! **6. Goody Goody** Rating: C Tony does a great job with the tempo, and Gaga’s interjections are charming during the first listen. They’re a bit obnoxious the second time around, though. Since Gaga does not sing in this song, I don’t consider it a duet, and I feel like I’ve been rudely deprived of her angelic voice until the 7th track begins. **7. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye** Rating: A Superb. Gaga’s voice is controlled yet emotional. It sounds as if she practiced this one extensively which makes me wonder if it has a personal significance for her. The line, “but how strange the change from major to minor” is flawless just like Ella’s. Since that’s actually a key change in the middle of a line, well, I doubt many people could pull that off. I would kick the tempo up 5 or 10 bpm, but that’s the only negative I can come up with. **8. Firefly** Rating: C I don’t much like Tony’s original version of this song. While this is an improvement, it’s still the same song. Gaga does some nice runs, and the trumpet player proves his talent once again. **9. I Won't Dance** Rating: B I’m not trying to insult Tony, but Gaga is outshining him consistently throughout this album. It’s most apparent in this song. The sax solo is off-putting. “Oh really?” To make up for it, the ending is downright delightful! **10. They All Laughed** Rating: B- The band on this track reminds me of nights at the polka hall when I was a kid: lively and spot on! This one is too short, maybe because they went so fast. It feels more like Broadway than jazz, not that that’s a bad thing, but I might not have included it on this album. **11. Lush Life** Rating: A+ I didn’t used to be a particularly emotional sort of person. Maybe I’m just getting old, but this song has made me cry twice now. A strong contender for the best song on *Cheek to Cheek*, the piano and orchestra aren’t even necessary. For everyone who has loved and lost, Gaga reminds you of the holes in your heart with that ever-present current of strength running behind her words. She could unite countries with her voice. I bow. **13. Let's Face the Music and Dance** Rating: B- What’s with the conga-samba? This song would be abundantly better without it. And here’s another unpleasant sax solo by someone who cannot ad-lib. Vocally, this song is quite good, so I’ll look for a stripped-down, live version in the future. **14. But Beautiful** Rating: B Tony sounds tired and not just in a soulful way. The strings drown out Gaga at some points, which is, frankly, a feat. The guitar solo is very well done and unique. I’m left wishing this song was only Gaga and a piano (and the awesome guitar). **15. It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) ** Rating: B+ The big band is back with a song that everybody knows. This one is swinging and fun that will never get old. The trumpet solo is excellent, and the sax solo is lackluster again. Gaga and Tony are little off, as if they’re singing separately. In the last few decades, this song has been seriously revamped by artists and become unrecognizable apart from the chorus. It’s refreshing to hear a new, but classic, take on it. **Bonus. Bang, Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) ** Rating: A I hope Cher hears this! Gaga honored her without trying to sound like her. Also, the hair! lol This is a fresh take on what has become a classic with a jazzy tango twist. Both Gaga and her friend on trumpet killed it. Dead. **Bonus. Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered** Rating: A- The organ is back sounding like a circus calliope. Ignoring that, this track is a charmingly upbeat version of a song that is typically subdued and moody, and this one song alone is worth going to Target to get their exclusive *Cheek to Cheek* CD. I wish it was on every version of the CD, because everyone should have it! Gaga had fun with this one like she did with “The Lady Is a Tramp.” [[lm.music]] **Overall Album Rating: B+** [[lm.music]] #CheektoCheek #LadyGaga #Gaga #Bewitched #bangbang #itdontmeanathing #butbeautiful #letsfacethemusicanddance #lushlife #theyalllaughed #iwontdance #firefly #evrytimewesaygoodbye #goodygoody #natureboy #icantgiveyouanythingbutlove #anythinggoes #review