Customer Reviews

Divine Madness

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Given how great of a live performer she is, it is rather amazing that none of Bette Midler's live albums really capture the Divine Miss M in all of her glory. Like the others, "Divine Madness" comes close and it certainly has its moments. Although Midler starts off with "Big Noise From Winnetka," reaffirms her position as the queen of Forties boogie-woogie, the album is dominated by some emotional ballads, including "My Mothers's Eyes," "Stay With Me," and "I Shall Be Released." Those would be the Divine part of the proceedings and the Madness would come from her dramatic enactment medley of "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Leader of the Pack." For those who missed Bob Seger's "The Fire Down Below" not being on the soundtrack album for "The Rose," Midler corrects that omission on this 1980 album, which made it to #34 on the Billboard chart. In the end what you will enjoy the most are the medleys, the best of which is the last where Midler starts off with the Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and suddenly breaks into Dylan's "I Shall Be Released." She even manages to work in a bit of Bruce Springsteen as well. Just remember that while this is the cream of the crop there is much more on the video tape of this "Divine Madness" concert.

The movie was great, but the album is not. It was re-recorded, and the songs are not as dynamic as they are in the movie. If you want the real soundtrack, you just have to listen to the movie.

One of the best samples of Bette Midler's vocal qualities. Aside from singing some of the old favourites, she brings the house down in an apparently electrifying work. The musical arrangements, chorus, and recording quality, are certainly worth the price. You must like her early days, though, if you are planning on enjoying this cd.

This is a great album!This is the best cd i have ever heard from the divine miss m.She gives a great performance

in this CD.She sings the best songs like chapel of love , Boogie woogie bugle boy,fire down below also a passionate version of STAY WITH ME BABY.This is a must have for any BETTE MIDLER FAN!!!!!THREE CHEERS! FORV BETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not usually a fan of live albums, but since I love Bette Midler, I thought I'd give it a listen. Immediately the ballads won me over, which is no suprise since I've always loved her slow songs. My mother's eyes and shiver me timbers are the songs I'm talking about. They are two of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard in my life- and I have an extensive music collection. I also like "Paridise", the e street shuffle medley and the you can't always get what you want medley. Anyway, this is an outstanding album and easily worth the money.

Bette Midler's second live album! If you liked The Rose soundtrack, you'll like this album too. People seem to be leery about buying live albums, but you can't go wrong with Midler. She is definitely the best live performer around right now. This album shows it. The album is rock and roll, just like The Rose soundtrack. She takes some of her previous numbers like Paradise, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and Leader of the Pack and puts a rock and roll edge to them. Paradise is a showpiece for Midler. The song will have you dancing around screaming your guts out along with her. I have to admit that her version of Bob Seger's Fire Down Below is better than his. I'm a Seger fan and believe me when I say Midler's version is better. It's harder than Seger's and flows better. Stay With Me is the same roller coaster ride of pain and emotion as it is on The Rose soundtrack. Shiver Me Timbers, My Mother's Eyes, and I Shall Be Released are the albums ballads. The highpoint is definitely track #8. Part A is the E Street Shuffle, part B is Summer (The First Time), and part C is Leader of the Pack. Midler is sexy, stunning, and rockin' during these songs! A Must Have!!!!! If you love this Bette album, you'll love these other Bette albums: The Rose soundtrack, Live At Last, No Frills. Support Bette Midler! Buy the album here! Don't buy from an auction or download the songs for free!

Though a two-disc collection of this extraordinary concert would have been ideal (check out the VHS or DVD for the full concert), this disc captures Bette at the full limit of her vocal prowess, and well before she began indulging in those awful, syrupy ballads of late. Midler was ill during the filming of "DIVINE MADNESS", but the occasional nasal sound in her voice only adds to the appeal of this vibrant disc. Listening to her performances of PARADISE, MY MOTHER'S EYES and, especially, the medley of YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT/I SHALL BE RELEASED remind fans of what we loved about Bette all along, from the start. The sincerity, the courage, the still-true conclusion that the lyrics she sings are simply not enough to contain the emotions she brings to them. They simply burst from the honest feeling of the one and only interpreter they need.

While "LIVE AT LAST" is a great picture of the early Bette in her best venue, "DIVINE MADNESS" is a great picture of the mid-section of a still strong career. A very worthwhile disc.

This concert movie is Absof_ _ _ _ _ _ lutely AMAZING!!!! And to think I saw it with my secret love! Sigh!

l love anything done by bette midler...what a trooper...what a voice...had awesome experience of hearing her in june in Vegas....icing after the CD

This is tremendous. Young never before listners and fans will cringe with delight. Bette is one of the last all 'round entertainers. A little vaudeville, twined into stage and song. I remember the first time I experienced this, and the last time I sat near her, to hear a silent prayer. This is one "from the vaults" If you love Bette - this is one for you....A must have for the collector, enjoy this bit of history.

We love you Bette, thanks for giving us a voice!