What makes Thighs and Whispers by Bette Midler notable?

Thighs and Whispers reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and was well-received by critics for its sophisticated production and lyrical depth. The album further solidified Midler's status as a significant figure in the music industry during the late '70s, influencing subsequent artists with her blend of humor, sexuality, and emotional vulnerability. Released in 1979, Thighs and Whispers marked Bette Midler's fifth studio album and followed her commercially successful album, Broken Blossom. At this point in her career, Midler was transitioning from a cabaret performer to a mainstream pop icon, showcasing her versatility across genres while maintaining her distinct stage presence.

Who is Thighs and Whispers for?

Thighs and Whispers works well if you're into dynamic journey with varied pacing, theatrical flair for storytelling and uplifting energy for gatherings.

How many songs are on Thighs and Whispers?

Thighs and Whispers has 8 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 47 years ago this October

Thighs and Whispers

Bette Midler · 1979

42 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A sultry blend of disco-infused pop and jazz balladry punctuated by Midler's theatrical vocal flair and emotional storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hurricane — This track features powerful storytelling about the wrongful imprisonment of boxer Rubin Carter, showcasing Midler's ability to combine social commentary with musicality. The haunting arrangement enhances the gravity of the lyrics.
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Millworker — Originally written by James Taylor, Midler’s rendition captures the struggles of a working-class woman with poignant imagery and heartfelt delivery, exemplifying her interpretive strength.
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Married Men — With its playful yet biting lyrics about infidelity, this track highlights Midler's knack for blending humor with serious themes, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and production but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.

What we noticed

The album opens with a lively jazz-infused track that sets a mid-tempo pace, followed by a shift to more introspective ballads in the subsequent tracks.
Several tracks incorporate lush orchestration and backing vocals, enhancing the dramatic effect of the lyrics and melodies.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with varied pacing
theatrical flair for storytelling
uplifting energy for gatherings
reflective moments amidst upbeat tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek consistent energy throughout

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — It solidified Midler's status after a successful previous album, gaining wider recognition.
Career context: Released in 1979, Thighs and Whispers marked Bette Midler's fifth studio album and followed her commercially successful album, Broken Blossom. At this point in her career, Midler was transitioning from a cabaret performer to a mainstream pop icon, showcasing her versatility across genres while maintaining her distinct stage presence.
Stylistic neighbors: Diana Ross· Cher· Liza Minnelli