Queen of Duets: Dionne Warwick

Actually, I feel really tired and sleepy right now, but I want to share my fascination with Dionne Warwick and the spell she has put on me with her sweet songs.

(Photo: german.fansshare.com)

I’ve known Dionne Warwick way before I hit puberty. I’m a big fan of “oldies but goodies” songs, so it’s no surprise to know that I’ve been listening to “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” “I Say a Little Prayer” and “That’s What Friends Are For” since I was a little kid. But it wasn’t until I got reunited with her song “Heartbreaker” that I got hooked on Dionne’s irresistible charms. Since then, I always make sure that she’s in my office playlist every day. Her husky, dreamy voice gets me going whenever I feel sleepy while working. In addition, her songs are brilliant. The lyrics, rhythm, beat… everything!

Recently, I’ve developed an “undying” LSS (last song syndrome) with her duet hits. It started with “Reservations for Two,” which she recorded with Kashif. I’ve been in LSS mode with that song for months already, and surprisingly, I don’t get tired of hearing it over and over.

(“Reservations for Two” music video)

Yesterday, I discovered another Dionne Warwick duet— this time, with Jeffrey Osborne. I didn’t expect I’d be badly hooked.

(“Love Power” music video)

I thought that was the end of it, but earlier this afternoon while I was browsing through my playlist, I noticed a Dionne Warwick duet that I’ve never heard before. I decided to play it and, well, you can predict what happened next.

(“Friends in Love” with Johnny Mathis)

Of course, here’s a duet that I’ve known for so long. Until now, I still get kilig whenever I hear this:

(“It’s You” with Stevie Wonder)

I really love Dionne Warwick. I’ve adored her since I was little, and now that I’ve discovered her amazing duets with other artists, I think I just became her biggest fan. She’s amazing on her own, but when she sings with other equally-talented males of the 80s, heaven just goes straight in my ears and into my soul.

That’s why I was so devastated when I wasn’t able to attend her concert here in the Philippines last July 23. What’s more heartbreaking was the fact that she performed with Tavares, which is my favorite group too! It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I missed it. Too bad.

(Photo: http://manilaconcertscene.blogspot.com)

Oh well. It’s tragic for someone who dreams to see and hear her idol perform live, not just in Youtube or Grooveshark. I just wish she can still go back here and do another concert. Yes, she’s already 73 years old and probably not in her best shape anymore, but I’m still hoping.

Kudos, Dionne Warwick!  Your songs (especially your duets) will always be in my heart… and in my playlist. 🙂