This Oscar-winning documentary might change the way you listen to music. Take "Young Americans," for example, which was one of the many songs included in the film. One of the more memorable lines - "I heard the news today, oh boy" - isn't sung by David Bowie but the backup singers. Ever hear Lou Reed talk his way through "Walk on the Wild Side" without backup singers? Not great. Maybe Darlene Love, Merry Clayton or Táta Vega were busy - they were in great demand by everyone from the Rolling Stones to Elton John and Lynyrd Skynyrd to Luther Vandross. The film explores the reasons why backup singers don't often make their way to the front of the stage, although talent clearly is not one of them. Love actually made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but the more typical case is Lisa Fischer, who tours as the featured backup singer with the Stones. This documentary shines the spotlight on those who you might not notice but should.

- TIM COTTER