Bette Midler - Bette (11 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

Bette gives us her Best once again

LEE | New York City | 10/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bette Midler's new album, "Bette" doesn't break any new ground musically, but it does give Bette's fans more of why we love her; Smart and catchy tunes, old and new, delivered with the style and panache we expect from the Divine Miss M.The highlights of this album include Bette's remake of Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach's "God Give Me Strength". Like Tina Turner, Nancy Wilson and Annie Lennox, Bette can take someone else's song (Costello's take on this song is full of power and passion)and masterfully turn it into her own. You feel the pain and angst of love gone awry in her singing.Also, the catchy do-wop feel to "Nobody Else but You",which is the theme to Bette's new sitcom, is fun and frothy; the sly and silly "In These Shoes" is another Divine romp in the style of former Midler comic gems like "I'm Beautiful" and "I Look Good"; and "Bless You, Child" is an interesting paradox of stoic and reaffirming lyrics set against a electronic dance background.The production for most of this album is steered by Don Was of Was Not! Was fame. Was has produced records for the like of Bonnie Raitt and the B-52's. Also Midler's longtime collaborator, Marc Shaiman, helps in the producing of this album. Interesting of note is that Madonna's famous backup girls, Nikki Harris and Donna DeLory, do some vocal work on "Bette". Hmmmm....Would they be killer Harlettes or what! Word has it that songs from "Bette" the album will be featured this season on "Bette" the sitcom. Here's hoping radio picks up some of these great songs for their airplay!Sweet and somber, sassy and sexy, "Bette" will not disappoint Midler's legion of loyal fans, and if you've never bought a Bette Midler album...shame on you...catch up and get this one!"

Bette - It's great to have you back!!

D. A. Vall-lloveras | Los Angeles CA | 10/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bette is back with a new CD and her first network TV show on CBS to boot! Again, the Divine Miss M presents a great selection of familiar and not-so-familiar material. The CD opens with the wonderful "That's How Heartaches Are Made", a hidden classic of the 1960s recorded by Baby Washington, Dusty Springfield and the Marvelettes among others. She also tackles Teddy Pendergrass' "Love TKO", the Manhattans' "Shining Star" and the Temptations' "Just My Imagination." The latter with less success than the others (check out "Just My Imagination" sung by Gwennyth Paltrow and Babyface on the new "Duets" Soundtrack CD). She does go for a bit of camp on "In These Shoes" with a latin beat that is just a bit too close to Santana's "Supernatural." However, she does really shine on "Moses",(with a nice island/calypso beat and wonderful horns); the ballads "Color of Roses" and "When Your Life Was Low"; the bluesy "God Give Me Strength" and the theme for her TV Show "Nobody Else But You." The real sleeper here may be the hypnotic dance track "Bless You Child.""

Best Bette in a long time

mmmoon | Jersey City, NJ, USA | 10/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Bette" is a much more focused collection than "Bathhouse Betty." There's some really terrific material included here. The outstanding tracks are "In These Shoes', an irresistible Latin number which is Bette's tongue-in-cheek contribution to the current 'Latin craze'. Patti Griffith's "Moses' also has a Latin tinge, with perhaps a bit of Paul Simon thrown in for good measure. One of the best things she's recorded in years. Both excellent choices, and arranged and performed beautifully.She includes some nice Philly Soul covers in "Just My Imagination' 'Shining Star" and "Love TKO." "Nobody Else But You," the theme song of her new TV show. this one was written by Bette and her accompanist Marc Shaiman. Very catchy and upbeat-reminiscent of "Friends" with a Laura Nyro influence.The Standout ballad is 'When your life Was Low". a perfect song for Bette-beautiful melody, with a nice bitter twist to the lyrics. Much more interesting than the material what the record companies have been foisting on her since "Beaches'All in all, "Bette' contains some of the best things she's ever committed to record, and it all feels like material that she actually LIKES, instead of what Warner Brothers thinks will get played on radio. Don Was does a great job of capturing her talent. Highly recommended..."

Nobody Else but Bette

ryan_at_liberty | Seattle, WA | 10/12/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bette Midler has done it again. She has created a nearly perfect pop album that relfects her maturity and wisdom, all the while showcasing her incredible talent. On the eve of her sitcom debut, Bette unleashes a new album full of wonder, beauty, and love. These songs are steeped in love and emotion, while all the while still being as playful as Bette has ever been. Most striking of these tracks is the cover of the Burt Bacharach/Elvis Costello gem "God Give Me Strength" (from the motion picture "Grace of My Heart) Her performance on this tune is genuinely heartbreaking. And the theme for her new series, entitled "Nobody Else but You", a kicky romp, gives Bette a chance to try out her chops as a writer. All of the material included on the album suits Bette like a well-tailored evening gown. Here's hoping that Bette continues on this glorious musical path right into our hearts."

A Great BETTE

Mark D. Cunningham | Austin, Texas United States | 11/14/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bette Midler is a wonderful talent and this album proves that (as if it hadn't already been proven!). She has a wonderful ear for great material and that also is shown on this great album. Tackling Teddy Pendergrass' LOVE TKO is no easy feat and the Divine Miss M doesn't disappoint, offering a compassionate take on a fabulous song.Having heard Lalah Hathaway and Joe Sample's version of "When Your Life Was Low" and loving the song as I do, I was interested in how Bette would approach the song which is steeped in jazz vocal. Her voice is amazing on this song and it makes you long for a sugar-free radio wave that would send this tune through stereo speakers everywhere.This album offers great songs and a Bette Midler that is in excellent voice and at her interpretive best. How wonderful it is for us to have Bette on TV, in the movies and in our CD players. She is truly one of the greatest talents we have, and as I said earlier, this album proves that!"

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