The legendary singer Bette Midler began her amazing recording career in the early '70s, and it is still going strong even four decades later.  Her second Live album, ‘Divine Madness’, a year after her starring role in the well-remembered film ‘The Rose’ (1979). Music fans that enjoyed the soundtrack from that movie should find ‘Divine Madness’ just as pleasing and touching as this album has some good moments too. There are a few cuts from the movie too.

Throughout the nine tracks this album offers, Midler's vocal prowess shines in ballads and carries through strong in high-spirited songs. You could give a spin to some emotional songs like emotional My Mother's Eyes which you probably won’t find on any other Midler album ever. It is a pensive ballad sung to perfection from one of our all time gifted Divas of Song. There’s also Stay With Me and I Shall Be Released. This part would be the Divine songs on the album with the Madness tapering towards some upbeat music samples of others artists as well, including Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (The Andrew Sisters) and Leader of the Pack (The Shangri-La’s). You also cannot miss out the pretty good cover of Rolling Stones You Can’t always get what you want and Bob Dylan’s I shall be released. How about a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Shuffle. Midler manages it perfectly.

By the 1980s, Midler was a star in her own right after her dazzling, Oscar-nominated movie debut in ‘The Rose ‘along with its Platinum-selling soundtrack.

Midler is one of the last all 'round entertainers of our day. Who can ever forget her touching Wind beneath my Wings, that even today sounds like a silent prayer. If you love Bette Midler this is one for you....A must have for the collector, enjoy this bit of history.

Label: Atlantic Records (Israel pressing)

Released: 1980

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira