Sneak Peek Review of Anne Murray's "Duets, Friends & Legends"

Anne Murray's name is not mentioned too much these days, but she is back with a new album. Duets, Friends & Legends is an album with several big name guests such as Celine Dion, Carol King, Martina McBride and Olivia Newton-John.

The record opens with "Danny's Song," where McBride lends her powerful vocals. A simple, yet strong love song, the duet sings of not needing a lot of money to be happy. The couple is happy with just each other and that's what love really means.  

Though the record contains several newly recorded studio tracks, an interesting twist is towards the end where Anne joins Celine Dion in a live recording of "When I Fall In Love." An older song, Celine Dion recorded a version in 1993 for the movie Sleepless in Seattle and was included on her album The Colour of my Love.

Anne takes a new approach to her songs and brings in a French song with French singer Isabelle Boulay. The song is titled "Si Jamais Je Te Revois," which means "If Ever I See You Again." The song brings back memories of dancing in the night and the memories will be cherished. Although Anne paired with a French singer, pronunciation could have been perfected somewhat.

Legendary songwriter Carol King also makes an appearance on the record on the song "Time Don't Run Out On Me." The two smokey voices intertwine and ask that time not end because she wants to go back to where she once was. Another legend showing up on this disc is Olivia Newton-John in "Cotton Jenny." A contemporary country track, it's a happy traditional song that tells a story in itself.

Top 40 radio artist Nelly Furtado uses her singing voice in "Daydream Believer" whereas in her own career she's known for hypnotic phrases working with hot producers of the moment. Another upbeat cheerful song, the tune goes back in time with homecoming queens and white knights. She knows that once together, her and her love can be happy together.