It's the Girls

liked some songs more than others. it's all subjective.

A lot of big-name artists released well-publicized albums this fall, among them Barbra, Aretha, Annie, Billy and Gaga. I sampled them all and heard some of them entirely, but so far the only one I have felt compelled to buy is this one by Bette Midler. The others didn't measure up for various reasons, while Bette's is satisfying for various reasons, which I will try to enumerate.First I think is the utter simplicity of it. The production is slick, but there are no pretensions. It is an album of pop music covers from various girl groups, and that's it. Since the beginning of her career, Bette has done this type of "retro" music better than anyone else. Also, unlike some of the other artists I mentioned, Bette's voice still sounds as good as it ever did, to me. I have to disagree with some other reviewers on a couple of issues. One said that the vocals sound "phoned in", and a couple of others described them as "karaoke". No offense, but I don't find this at all. To me, the upbeat numbers are joyous and exuberant, and the serious ones have nuanced feeling. Highlights for me include the following:"Be My Baby" - I always wanted a really vibrant version of that classic song, and now I have it."Baby It's You" - It is mellow, but subtly serious."He's Sure The Boy I Love" - Bette and Darlene Love have great fun on this duet, and Darlene still sounds fabulous too."Come And Get These Memories" - This slowed down version is very affecting."Too Many Fish In The Sea" - Very high energy with some funny spoken lines."Teach Me Tonight" - In the style of "Old Cape Cod" from "Songs For The New Depression"."Waterfalls" - The crown jewel of the album. Despite the risk, Bette took a very popular song and turned it into a superb vocal performance."Give Him A Great Big Kiss" - Campy just like "Leader Of The Pack" from her first album. And we don't get to hear Shangri-Las covers often enough.Even Bette's version of "Mr. Sandman", a song I never really liked, is tolerable. The only track I don't care for is "You Can't Hurry Love". For some reason I have never liked any version other than the original by Diana Ross & The Supremes, so I can't really blame Bette for that.The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, so I'd say Ms. Midler is off to a good start with this one. And from the beginning I had a feeling that it would be a winner. I feel this is an album that she was destined to make. I have only one regret: why, oh why, didn't she include "He's A Rebel"?

I found myself enjoying this album a great deal. I can accept the changes in a singer's voice as they age and Bette is an example of one who still sounds very good. A few songs were so-so, but I can accept that. I loved how she slowed down "Come And Get These Memories" (which was actually one of my least-played Martha and The Vandellas tracks out the hundreds I've loved); also loved "Baby It's You". Her duet with Darlene Love was a fun one and they pulled it off nicely. Interestingly enough, I was not that familiar at all with "Waterfalls" and it was the main song for me on this cd. Bette did what she does best...getting me right where I feel it, in my heart. After a life-time of buying all of her LP's, then her later CD's...Waterfalls" ranks as one of my favorites now by her. I had to look up the original by TLC and while I understand the audience they were appealing to at the time, the upbeat dance beat and seeing them dancing to it while singing really didn't grab me in any way that Bette's version did. As I said, she always knows how to get to me and succeeded again with her version. As I mentioned earlier, there were a couple of bland versions ("Too Many Fish In The Sea") and that is why I give the CD a 4 star, but overall it is one that did not disappoint and many songs will be listened to again on a regular basis, such as the fun "Tell Him".

Okay, so this has been a really good fall for grownups musically. Streisand, Lennox and Midler all released albums. Bennett and Gaga, even Manilow has a seance-like album coming out. That in itself is a reason to rejoice if you don't need another album sprinkled with rap and EDM. This is a very good, solid album. The thing about it is this: if you are a Midler fan and know these songs, you can almost hear the album in your head without having to buy it - although taking a pass would be a mistake. This is an album that will make you feel good and Bette does a great job here. Nothing new or surprising (Lennoxes Nostalgia is probably the most original of this bunch because its not stuff you're used to hearing from her) but it is all good vibes and good energy. Waterfalls is great - taking TLC and turning it into a Midler gut-wrenching ballad works well, but I think it brings the album to halt. It's like being at a party having fun and then Debbie Downer sits next to you. Otherwise she gives us a generous 15 cuts of great energy and retro fun. Bette MIdler knows her strengths and she uses them to full advantage here. Buy it.

From the 1930's to the 1990's, Bette Midler's latest pays homage to the female ensembles of music. It's a clever way to introduce younger generations to these older girl groups that maybe have gone unnoticed while Midler introduces herself to a younger demographic with a more contemporary hit, "Waterfalls." I'll start there."Waterfalls" is a brilliant, unique cover. Midler's velvety vocals, along with the minimal instruments, truly highlight the emotional depth of the lyrics,that was perhaps overshadowed by the contagious course of the original. The Divine Miss M wisely decides to leave the refrain from Lisa Lopes untouched, and instead creates her own beautiful cut."Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," penned by Carole King and sung by "The Shirelles," is another somber tune that packs a nice tender punch.It's also nice to see Darlene Love, who Midler indicted into the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame, still show off her pipes in a duet with Bette in "He's Sure the Boy I Love."Midler also always makes sure she goes back to her Hawaiian roots. And this time, she does it through the melody in "Mr. Sandman," giving the number a playful feel.The opener, "Be My Baby," gives great insight to what the rest of the collection brings: a refreshing take on historically rich classics to prove Bette hasn't lost her touch.

This CD is a great tribute to the Girl groups from the 1930`s to the 1960`s. Bette Midler transforms herself from a solo artiste of the highest order to a group. I have often heard of a lead singer in a group going solo, but this is the first time a solo artist has become a group. Convincing and technically brilliant!There are 15 tracks comprising songs made famous by the Ronettes, Chiffons, Andrews Sisters, Shirelles, Exciters, Crystals, Chordettes, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvelettes, DeCastro Sisters, Boswell Sisters and the Supremes. You easily forget that all the vocals are by Bette Midler (with a little help from Darlene Love on one track). Looking at the cover picture, I rather fancy the one on the right. A novel idea, performed to the highest standard.

Brilliant CD the songs are mostly from the 60's, just had a slight problem with the CD it jumped occasionally but I am playing it on an old CD device, give it a clean and its ok, she performs these songs brilliantly, can and do listen to it most days, if you like 60's music can highly recommend this CD

I love every track on this album! And that's from someone who isn't really a Bette Midler fan at all. This CD is nothing like the Bette Midler I've known before. I love her acting but have never really been impressed by her singing. It could be because she's singing with others, I don't know. But I do know that I'm really pleased with this.

All the songs are well known, but Bette Midler gives them a new twist.

Great album