For the Boys

Listening to song “In My Life” from rathwjj’s blog reminded me of this favorite soundtrack of mine.

For the Boys
1991 | Various Artists

For the Boys is the soundtrack to the motion picture same title starring Bette Midler released in 1991. I haven’t seen the film because war-related-film ain’t my cup of tea which i have tried to avoid if possible. And actually this CD belonged to my brother. (Before I stole it, lol)

The soundtrack includes tunes from songbooks of Hoagy Carmichael, Ray Evans, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Frank Loesser and jazz standards; mainly performed by Bette Midler herself. The duet songs were accompanied by James Caan.

The CD contains 13 tracks; 1. Billy-a-dick 2. Stuff Like That There 3. P.s. I Love You 4. The Girl Friend Of The Whirling Dervish 5. I Remember You/Dixie’s Dream 6. Baby It’s Cold Outside 7. Dreamland 8. Vickie And Mr. Valves 9. For All We Know 10. Come Rain or Come Shine 11. In My Life 12. I Remember You 13. Every Road Leads Back To You

Although Bette Midler has several hit songs such as “The Rose”, “Wind Beneath My Wings”, “From The Distance” I have to say this is one of Bette Midler’s best albums, every song is well arranged and performed. Her voice is not powerful or mesmerizing but when she starts to sing these songs, it suddenly sounds sensational and touching.

I pick my top three favorite songs from the album for you to try. (and of course “In My Life” is one of them). The first song called “Stuff Like That There” originally performed by Betty Hutton, which recently became quite famous when Kelly Clarkson covered it on American Idol. But for me, Better Midler’s version is the best.

The second song is “In My Life” as you all may know it is a cover of The Beatles song, and simply my most favorite interpretation of this song so far. and the last song is a beautiful ballad called “Every Road Leads Back to You” not just it features good melody, the meaning itself is also wonderful.