Reoccurring duo meet again to pay homage and bid farewell

Reuniting on what is the 95-year-old’s final album of his career, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga curate the jazz masterpiece that is Love for Sale. This album mainly pays homage to Cole Porter, a late composer and songwriter who’s known for witty lyrics with scores found on Broadway and in film, through covers of his silky smooth tracks. 

Along with their previous 2014 collaborating album Cheek to Cheek, the duo proves to have an easygoing flow amongst one another as they glide through a broad selection of jazz standards. “Just One Of Those Things” touches on a more reflective side of Bennett, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. Lyrics such as “Goodbye dear/ Amen/ Here’s hoping we meet now and then,” dancing through a melodic instrumental turning what could’ve been a gloomy goodbye into a sentimental so-long. 

The most important element of Love for Sale is the appreciation shown to the late and great Porter, who heavily contributed to the realm of showtime-like music. Gaga and Bennett effortlessly remake his creations in a way that also suits their dynamic duo. Starting off in ballad tone then seamlessly transitioning into a sound straight out of a jazz house in the ’50s, “I Get A Kick Out Of You” highlights Gaga’s wideness within her vocal range. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” captures the same effect with the vocals and instrumentals meshed, which creates a sense of nostalgia. Both of these tracks are almost like a time capsule that can take one back to the time where this particular jazz sound originated. 

Porter’s talent for producing songs that make one feel like the main character of their own movie is unfathomable. Even softer songs like “It’s De-Lovely,” “Night And Day” and “So In Love” have that same tone just through their lyrics alone, and Gaga and Bennett execute it classically. “It’s De-Lovely” upholds an unconventional sound that alternates between both a swaying and a fast-paced motion. “Night And Day” and “So In Love” are simple slow ballad songs filled with melodic harmonies that continue to show the easygoing connection between the duo. 

Gaga assists Bennett in leaving behind a beautiful legacy in the music industry with their final project together. Not only does this recognize Porter for his contributions, but it also does the same for Bennett. The amount of vulnerability from the 95-year-old jazz/show tunes singer, along with the euphoric vocals from Gaga, marks Love for Sale as the most blissful way to say farewell.