Deborah Silver Steve Tyrell, That’s Life Review

by Brice Boorman

Cabaret music often leans on nostalgia. The pairing of two powerhouse vocalists, Grammy Award-winning producer and vocalist Steve Tyrell and genre-blending songstress Deborah Silver, breathes fresh life into the classic Frank Sinatra hit “That’s Life.” This duet, released on November 17th, 2023, successfully blends the timeless appeal of the original with a contemporary flair that will speak to today’s audiences.

The track opens with an elegant string and big band arrangement, where a swing shuffle feel combines with brass and woodwinds in an interplay underpinned by lush string pads. The feel is a relaxed swing shuffle, a perfect bed for the vocalists to weave their magic. Silver takes the first verse; her tone is as elegant as ever, capturing the song’s essence. Her interpretation brings a fresh phrasing and playfulness to the lyrics, yet with a steely undercurrent that underscores the resilience inherent in the song’s message. Tyrell enters the second verse, his rich voice perfectly matching Silver’s crystalline tone. His commanding delivery exudes a masculine resonance that balances the duet with an air of gravitas.

The chemistry between Tyrell and Silver can be heard when their voices intertwine and sing together, each bringing out the best in the other. With his gravelly yet smooth tone, Tyrell brings an earthy tone to the song, while Silver’s bright and playful vocals provide a delightful contrast. The arrangement builds steadily, supporting the vocalists without overshadowing them. The backing vocals, featuring the iconic Lisa Fischer, add a gospel-infused richness, enhancing the giving the song an uplifting, gospel quality.

The lyrics, which speak to the inevitabilities of life—the highs and lows, the triumphs and defeats—are delivered with a sincerity that is believable and expressive. The phrase “That’s Life,” often delivered with a sense of resignation, is here transformed into a declaration of defiance, a reminder that resilience and hope are the cornerstones of the human spirit.

Deborah Silver, hailed by Quincy Jones for her “strong and sultry vocals,” continues to prove why she is a force to be reckoned with as a cabaret singer. Her ability to blend genres, from jazz to country, is on full display here. Tyrell, with a career spanning over five decades, complements her perfectly. His experience shines through in his interpretation, and together, they offer a performance that showcases their range, emotional depth, and versatility, which have made them chart-topping artists.

In sum, “That’s Life” by Steve Tyrell and Deborah Silver is a welcome duet version of this classic tune. This track reminds us that no matter how many times we’ve been knocked down, we can always get back up—because that’s life. It is for anyone who appreciates cabaret, jazz, adult contemporary, or simply great music.