Divine Madness

AMG Review of Divine Madness

Charlotte Dillon
All Music Guide

The legendary singer Bette Midler began her amazing recording career in the early '70s, and it is still going strong three decades later. She did this second live album, Divine Madness, a year after her staring role in the well-remembered film the Rose. Music fans that enjoyed the soundtrack from that movie should find Divine Madness just as pleasing and touching, since, like the Rose soundtrack, there are a number of emotional songs on this album, such as "My Mother's Eyes," "Stay With Me," and "I Shall Be Released." There are some upbeat music samples here to be had as well, including "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Leader of the Pack." Throughout the nine tracks this album offers, Midler's vocal prowess shines in allads and carries through strong in high-spirited songs.