Partly the brainchild of Bennett's son and manager, Danny, the "Duets" series is a calculated project that transcends genres and generations. On "Duers II", apparently the selection of the partners was a very calculated and commercial one as reported by Boston Globe's James Reed :his son (Danny) really checked out who are the very most popular artists at this moment, Bennett himself says. Utterly bland and forgettable were the duets with usual suspects Natalie Cole and Sheryl Crow. King, and Kay Starr, and younger pop stars Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, and Billy Joel. And even before that, there was "Playin' with My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues", his truly 'first' duet album: the duet partners included ten singers who range from Diana Krall and k.d. The last one was "Perfectly Frank", on which Tony Bennett pays homage to "the Voice". It has been since 2006 that Mr Bennet has not recorded a solo album. They have to do MORE with the 'discovered' glamor and the commercial side of a career than with excellency of a veteran singer's vocals. Like for "The Voice", the Duets Albums are for Bennett the lowest point of a twists-and-turns, long albeit admirable discography. With no offense, Mr Bennet is not able to make it alone, at this point in time.
In a duet, the singer/crooner shares the vocal weight and duties with another singer, so the job is easier and, in a sense, it distracts the listener, who is pleased to hear who's who is singing, not really caring too much about the singing quality. The fact is that, at his age, 87, Mr Bennett cannot make a 'solo' album: his voice is still good but weak and strained, at times. Too much has been written and said about his Duet Albums.