The Divine Miss M

Bette Midler’s 1972 debut doubles as a whirlwind introduction to her sly humour and formidable voice. She winks back at pop’s past, harmonising with herself on the flirtatious ’40s standard “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and transforming “Leader of the Pack” into a revved-up romantic ride. Midler also flashes her bottomless chutzpah on the Broadway-rock hybrid “Friends” and the pointed “Daytime Hustler”, while her reserved take on the longing “Superstar” shows she can soar even when she dials it back.