Bette Midler ‎– The Best Bette

Bette Midler – The Best Bette

Bette Midler – The Best Bette is a career-spanning collection showcasing the extraordinary range of one of America's most distinctive entertainers. Originally released in 2008 by Rhino, this 19-track compilation brings together recordings from across more than three decades, spanning 1973–2006 and covering Midler's work in pop, rock, soul, traditional pop, standards and soundtrack music.

The collection opens with “In The Mood,” taken from Midler's 1973 album Bette Midler, before moving through a wonderfully eclectic selection that reflects her ability to reinterpret almost any style. Her versions of “This Ole House,” “Beast Of Burden” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” sit alongside the enduring ballad “The Rose,” while “When A Man Loves A Woman” demonstrates the soulful, emotionally charged side of her repertoire.

Midler's connection with classic American song is equally apparent in performances such as “I've Still Got My Health,” “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most,” “Tenderly” and “The Glory Of Love.” Her theatrical background and gift for interpretation come through particularly strongly on “Baby Mine,” while the unmistakable “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Do You Want To Dance?” reach back to the retro and swing influences that have featured throughout her career.

The later portion of the collection includes some of Midler's biggest mainstream successes, notably “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “From A Distance,” alongside “Friends” and the seasonal favourite “Cool Yule.” The inclusion of the single version of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Something Your Heart Has Been Telling Me” adds further interest for collectors looking beyond the obvious greatest hits.

With its mixture of pop, rock, soul, jazz standards, traditional pop and film-related material, The Best Bette provides an entertaining overview of Bette Midler's recording career. It is a strong choice for fans of Bette Midler, classic vocal pop, adult contemporary, 1970s and 1980s pop, Broadway-influenced performers and American popular song.

Tracklist

1. In The Mood – 2:42
2. This Ole House – 3:06
3. Beast Of Burden – 3:48
4. Just My Imagination (Running Away From Me) – 3:55
5. The Rose – 3:35
6. When A Man Loves A Woman – 4:59
7. I've Still Got My Health – 1:31
8. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most – 5:32
9. Hello In There – 4:19
10. The Glory Of Love – 3:17
11. Tenderly – 3:13
12. Wind Beneath My Wings – 4:55
13. Do You Want To Dance? – 2:44
14. Baby Mine – 2:27
15. From A Distance – 4:39
16. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (Single Version) – 2:18
17. Friends – 2:56
18. Something Your Heart Has Been Telling Me – 5:11
19. Cool Yule – 2:29