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"Beaches" Soundtrack: Description

Album Overview

The "Beaches" soundtrack, released in 1989, features music from the iconic 1990 film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey. It became a major success, blending original songs by Bette Midler with a memorable score by Georges Delerue. The album captures the emotional journey of the film, which follows the lifelong friendship between two women from childhood to adulthood. The music amplifies the heartfelt themes of love, loss, and resilience, creating an unforgettable listening experience for fans of the movie.

• Release Date: 1989


• Genre: Pop/Rock, Stage & Screen


• Length: 33:56


• Label: Atlantic


• Album Charts: Peak Position #2 (Billboard 200)


• Certifications: 4x Platinum (Australia), 2x Platinum (Canada)

Production and Reception

The production of the "Beaches" soundtrack was a collaborative effort led by producer Arif Mardin. The album features songs performed by Bette Midler, including the emotional ballad *"Wind Beneath My Wings,"* which became one of her signature hits. Musician Robbie Buchanan provided keyboard arrangements and synths, while Georges Delerue's poignant score underscored the film’s touching scenes. The soundtrack was recorded at Atlantic Studios, Conway Recording, and OceanWay Recording, contributing to its rich, polished sound.

The album was well-received, topping charts worldwide, particularly in Australia and Canada. Fans of the movie embraced the songs' emotional depth, and the soundtrack became a lasting representation of the film's themes. Many songs, such as *"The Glory of Love"* and *"Wind Beneath My Wings,"* continue to be closely associated with the film's legacy.

Critic's Reviews

The "Beaches" soundtrack received praise for its ability to capture the film's heartfelt essence. Critics highlighted Bette Midler's powerful vocal performances, particularly in *"Wind Beneath My Wings,"* which was hailed as one of her finest ballads. The collaboration with composer Georges Delerue also earned positive remarks for its ability to complement the story's emotional arcs.

Many reviewers pointed out how the soundtrack balanced Midler's pop influence with orchestral arrangements, creating a timeless listening experience. This combination allowed it to stand apart from typical movie soundtracks, appealing to both pop music fans and those who appreciate cinematic scores.

Track Highlights

The standout tracks from the "Beaches" soundtrack showcase Bette Midler's vocal prowess and the emotional depth of the film:

1. "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler: Perhaps the most iconic song from the film, this ballad became an anthem of friendship and gratitude. It plays during one of the film's most moving moments and helped cement Bette Midler's place as one of the greatest pop ballad singers of the '90s.


2. "The Glory of Love" by Bette Midler: Another memorable track that adds to the soundtrack's theme of enduring love, it complements the storyline of two lifelong friends facing life’s challenges.


3. "Oh Industry" by Bette Midler: This song addresses the themes of personal sacrifice and the entertainment industry, performed with Midler’s signature charm.


4. "The Friendship Theme" by Georges Delerue: The instrumental track captures the deep, sentimental bond between the characters, providing an emotional underscore to key moments in the movie.

Musical Styles and Themes

The "Beaches" soundtrack combines pop and adult contemporary music with orchestral film scoring, creating a balance of accessible songs and sophisticated arrangements. The emotional ballads reflect the themes of love, friendship, and loss, while the more upbeat tracks convey the fun and youthful energy of the characters' early years. The integration of Georges Delerue’s sweeping orchestral themes elevates the emotional intensity of the soundtrack, adding a layer of cinematic grandeur to the more intimate songs performed by Bette Midler.

Movie Background

"Beaches" (1990) is a drama directed by Garry Marshall. The film tells the story of the lifelong friendship between two women, played by Bette Midler (CC Bloom) and Barbara Hershey (Hillary Whitney). Their bond starts when they meet as children in Atlantic City and continues through adulthood, enduring both personal and professional struggles. The movie explores themes of friendship, loss, love, and emotional growth.

Main Cast of the Movie

Bette Midler as CC Bloom.

Bette Midler plays CC Bloom, an ambitious, spirited singer who forms a deep and lasting friendship with Hillary. Midler's performance captures the resilience and humor of her character, making CC one of her most iconic roles.

Barbara Hershey as Hillary Whitney.

Barbara Hershey portrays Hillary, the more grounded, reserved friend who supports CC through thick and thin. Hershey brings depth to the character’s emotional journey, particularly during the later stages of the film.

John Heard as John Pierce.

John Heard plays John, Hillary’s husband, who also shares a significant role in the women’s lives. His character adds complexity to the film's exploration of relationships.

Quotes

"This album has the power to touch your heart with every song."

Film Review by Variety

"Wind Beneath My Wings became an anthem for the bond we shared in the film."

Bette Midler on Beaches

March, 07th 2025

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