Search - Bette Midler :: Broken Blossom

Broken Blossom in a Bette of Roses, sometimes

Thomas Lapins | Orlando, Florida USA | 09/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This collection has some really great stuff and some really bad stuff. "Make Yourself Comfortable" is lush with fun and first love. You can't help but remember the spring of some long ago romance when there was no one but the two of you. "You Don't Know Me". I remember my mother playing this Eddy Arnold song sung by Eddy Arnold back in the 60's. This is the kind of song where Bette sizzles and sears as only Bette can do. You kind of wonder who she was thinking of when she sung this one. It comes from personal experience. "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" has the signature sound of the 70's. She does it better than Billy Joel. Almost sounds like one of those early girl groups from the early 60's. It works well! "I Never Talk To Strangers" you've got some soulful horns, the gravelly voice of some jazz singer whose smoked too many cigarettes, and Bette sitting at some bar, singing a duet. This kind of song sounds better while drinking a slow drink in some night club. You need some "nightclub" atmosphere to fully appreciate this one. "Storybook Children" is a really great song. Great arrangements. Good storyline. Best of all, sung by Bette! "Red" Yuck! Why did she put this "noise" with such a collection of great songs? "Empty Bed Blues" not as bad as "Red" but it should have been left off this collection. "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" is one of her unknown classics. Her voice is lush and inviting. You really feel this one. Curl up and dream, and make a wish. "Paradise" is also done with an early girls groups early 60's sound. I really like this one! "Yellow Beach Unbrella" doesn't stand out but works well with this collection. "La Vie EnRose" is one of those classics every great voice should re-interpret. I wish this version sizzled a little more. Yes, it's a lovely interpretation. But it's too short and should have had some of her infamous "lounge" sound, where she really made you steam with passion. The best version I've heard is by Melissa Manchester on her "Tribute" album. That one really sizzles with heat and sophistication! All in all this is a fun and romantic collection by Bette. It has a couple of weak pieces that one can easily skip over. Worth the price!"

This Bette Midler album is FLAWLESS!

dustler | 10/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is flawless!! One of the best albums I have ever heard. Like Midler's Bette Midler, Bathhouse Betty, and Bette, this album covers a lot of ground. Make Yourself Comfortable, You Don't Know Me, and Storybook Children are the three outstanding ballads with the signature Midler style. These songs demonstrate how much Midler can do with the emotion in her voice like no other. Storybook Children will definitely become of a favorite of any listener. Say Goodbye to Hollywood is an excellent fast pop number while Red is pure blood and guts rock and roll like the songs on Midler's smash rock and roll album The Rose. Red shows that Bette CAN sing rock and roll with the likes of Joplin, Heart, and Joan Jett. Paradise gives us an inspirationally fun ride. Think of the Sister Act soundtrack. And of course, there's Empty Bed Blues. Midler's voice is OUTSTANDING on this comical sexual romp! A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes and La Vie En Rose have more of the slow, classical sound. BUY THIS ALBUM NOW!!!! If you love this Bette album, you'll love these other Bette albums: The Divine Miss M, Bathhouse Betty, Bette of Roses, Bette, Bette Midler. Support Bette Midler! Buy the album here! Don't buy from an auction or download the songs for free!"

Pure and professional vocal technique

dustler | 05/05/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The sheer versatility of Midler's vvoice is on display -- beboop, torch, rock and roll, blues, even a lullaby are all beautifully done. There isn't the hoopla of a live performance, but well crafted phrasing and orchestration."