This season there are an unusual number of albums from major artists covering classics rather than new songs. These songs cover the gamut from 1930s show tunes to 1960s pop, but the overall vibe is nice and easy.
Cheek to Cheek by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. They're one of the more unexpected pairings in recent memory, but somehow it works. (Also available in streaming format.)
Shadows in the Night by Bob Dylan. On his latest, Dylan pays tribute to Frank Sinatra...say what? Dylan loves to mess with his audience's expectations, so maybe this is exactly what we should have expected from the folk legend.
Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics by Aretha Franklin. Aretha keeps going strong, reminding younger divas (like perhaps Lady Gaga?) who was here first.
Nostalgia by Annie Lennox. Annie's latest harkens back to the era of Tin Pan Alley and Big Band. (Also available in streaming format.)
It's the Girls by Bette Midler. Midler pays tribute to the timeless sound of girl groups in the 1960s. You know you'll want to sing along. (Also available in streaming format.)
Classics by She & Him. Lest you think pop standards are only for the mature, we've also got this collection by the alternative duo comprised of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward.
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