Released: November 4, 2014

By: Bette Midler

Bette Midler – one of the great female voices of a generation – takes on the iconic songs of girl groups and makes them her own.

Many of the songs sound like modern standards with Midler capturing the spirit of the original. “One Fine Day,” originally by The Chiffons, has an upbeat melody that will have you singing along even once you realize how sad the lyrics are.

There are surprises throughout as well. There’s great power in the duet with Darlene Love on “He’s Sure the Boy I Love.” She makes The Supremes’ “You Can’t Hurry Love” into a country song and gets more modern with a slowed-down version of TLC’s “Waterfalls.”

The album suffers with slow songs that drag on. While meant to be heart-felt, these are easily skippable.

Final say: A fun – if not memorable – tribute. ★★★☆☆