By Jeremy Kressmann

For the Daily

When you think of Bette Midler, the phrase "cutting edge" certainly does not come to mind. Midler's new release, Bette does little to dispel the aura. But c'mon, could we expect anything more? The multi-faceted entertainer has made a career out of remaking songs. "Bette" is an album that doesn't break the mold. A compilation of lounge fodder pop ballads, Midler's work searches out innovation and then smothers it with a pillow like some compassionate soul putting a dying man out of his misery.

Music aficionados have long praised the strong and dynamic aspects of Midler's vocals. While the statement may hold true, it seems that she puts her voice to little use. Unfortunately, it's her sub-par musical accouterment. On the track, "Love TKO," a remake of a song by Teddy Pendergrass, Midler croons while some awful wedding band ensemble drones away in the background. Instead of thinking about that knockout "Love TKO," I was reminded of my last trip to the dentist office.

Midler even gets a little rambunctious with her techno track "Bless this Child." Reminiscent of Cher's disco hit "Believe," this song jumps aboard the sinking ship of tracks by pop stars attempting to cross over: Misguided attempts to plug in to the increasing popularity of electronic music. She gets credit for trying, but "Bless this Child" really makes you want to dance yourself into a blind man's knife throwing competition instead of onto the dance floor.

While Bette Midler deserves respect for her staying power in a fickle pop music world, this album sure wasn't the wind beneath my wings.

Grade: D