Happy 45th Anniversary to Bette Midler’s fifth studio album Thighs And Whsipers, originally released October 16, 1979.
During a 1991 promotional tour for her album Some People’s Lives, Bette Midler appeared on the British talk show Wogan. Joanna Lumley, filling in for Wogan, discussed the reception to the album and if her fan base had changed with the album’s mix of old and new. Midler candidly addressed a detour in her career during the late 1970s, referring to her disco-infused albums, such as 1979’s Thighs and Whispers, as “abysmal." Midler acknowledged the campiness of the era, but that it was also a low point in her career.
Regardless of her original opinion, Midler’s disco ventures, like much of her older work, have since garnered a cult following, solidifying their place in music history. Thighs and Whispers is a prime example of this.
This was Midler’s sixth Atlantic release, a prelude to the iconic The Rose (1979), which marked a reunion with esteemed producer Arif Mardin, who had previously collaborated with her on her eponymous sophomore album Bette Midler (1973). While Thighs and Whispers—a playful nod to Ingmar Bergman's Cries and Whispers—showcases Midler's exceptional vocal prowess, after re-listening to the album, one of its instantaneous standout tracks is Midler’s captivatingly sensual rendition of Johnny Bristol's 1974 chart-topper “Hang on in There Baby.”
Comprised of a mere eight tracks, Thighs and Whispers commences with the electrifying "Big Noise from Winnetka," an audacious and exhilarating foray into the pulsating heart of disco that unequivocally establishes itself as the album's rhythmic centerpiece. Alongside the equally captivating "Hurricane," both tracks exceed seven minutes, offering the listener an exhilarating sonic journey through disco's vibrant landscape.
Listen to the Album:
In contrast, "Millworker" written by James Taylor and "Cradle Days" co penned by Aaron Neville and Tony Berg showcase Midler's traditional balladry, highlighting her unparalleled ability to convey emotion through her powerful vocals. If "Cradle Days" were a harbinger of the musical direction to come, it certainly foreshadowed the emotional depth and artistry that would characterize Midler's subsequent album, The Rose.
Midler herself acknowledged on the Wogan show the divisive nature of two tracks on Thighs and Whispers: the campy "My Knight In Black Leather" and the album's closing number, "Married Men." These songs, emblematic of the disco era, were dismissed by Midler at the time, but with the benefit of hindsight and a contemporary perspective, their campy excesses have elevated them to the status of cult classics. Another one of the album's most poignant moments, however, is the stunning love song "Rain," penned by the legendary Mac Rebennack, better known as Dr. John.
The artistic excellence of this album was bolstered by a stellar ensemble of musicians, including some of the era's most renowned talents. However, it was the backing vocals that truly elevated the album. A veritable who's who of vocal virtuosos, including Luther Vandross, Robin Clark (David Bowie), Eddie Brigati (The Rascals), Katey Sagal (Married… with Children), Fonzi Thornton, and the legendary Jocelyn Brown (credited on this album as Jocelyn Shaw) all contributed their distinctive voices, creating a rich tapestry of harmonies and textures. This exceptional vocal production, enhanced by the depth and layers provided by such an extraordinary lineup, was nothing short of stellar.
Even the most accomplished artists are occasionally granted the indulgence of an artistic experiment. Thighs and Whispers is such an album for Midler. While its uneven nature may not be immediately apparent in hindsight, it is precisely this inconsistency that contributes to its unique character and the uncharted artistic territory Midler chose to explore. Midler's dedication to excellence is evident in all her endeavors, and while Thighs and Whispers may not be among her personal favorites, it serves as a playful interlude in her illustrious career, a moment of lightheartedness that continues to be cherished to this day.
Listen: