Friday 9 September 2022

The Divine Miss M - BETTE MIDLER***

Do You Want To Dance/Chapel Of Love/Superstar/Hello In There/Am I Blue/Friends/Daytime Hustler/Leader Of The Pack/Delta Dawn/Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy/Friends

The Divine Miss M was the debut album from the adult contemporary vocalist Bette Midler. It was an immediate success featuring mainly old standards, show tunes and torch songs. Includes the US top ten hit Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. (US:9)

“There is such manic energy on this album, everything is over-the-top, that perhaps this was tough act to follow. I have listened this again today and thought it really sounds like when guests leave your house and you fell on the sofa exhausted.”

“Bette Midler's first release aptly titled The Divine Miss M is one of the strongest debuts of the 70s. At a time when the whole world listened to female superstars like Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross, who were singing dull ballads in cheesy, Las Vegas style. Bette Midler appeared unexpectedly and won the hearts of audiences and critics with this classic album, showing that singing good old standards doesn't have to be boring and uninspired. In other words, Midler showed a more edgy, happier and brighter side to some well known songs.”

“She has a timeless style with wide appeal. Not strictly easy listening, but she is easy to listen to. This is one of her better albums.”

“Although most of these songs were made famous by other artists, once Midler gets hold of them she makes them her own. Delta Dawn becomes a mixture of pathos and unexpected sassiness, completely unlike any other version you've ever heard. “The often-recorded Am I Blue, a staple of every torch singer, suddenly belongs to Midler and her alone, and the Carpenter's version of Superstar seems almost dispassionate in comparison. She easily bests the Dixie Cups and the Shangri-Las, and even The Andrews Sisters are tossed about in the tide, with Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy both homage and reinterpretation.”

“Bette Midler's first studio recording is one of those rare, perfect treasures that ages like fine wine. A winning combo of classic pop, oldies re-imagined, and some wonderful kitsch and newer, ballads, this album just works. Friends appears twice, and is one of those wonderful feel-good bubbling pop songs that many of Bette's earliest fans will always associate with her, and her alone. It is hard to resist this terrific album; it puts a zesty smile on your face.”

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