Bitterblue is the eighth studio album by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler. It was released on 11 November 1991, through Hansa Records. Bitterblue is a pop rock album, described by Dieter Bohlen as "more commercial" than her previous albums. Bohlen began working with Tyler in early 1991, writing and producing multiple songs for the album. Bitterblue also features compositions from Albert Hammond, Nik Kershaw and Giorgio Moroder.
Bitterblue received mixed reviews from music critics, with the songs being complimented but the production criticised. The album had major success in mainland Europe, where it reached number one in Austria and Norway. In 1992 it was certified 3× Platinum by IFPI Norway. Three singles were released from the album, including the hits "Bitterblue" and "Against the Wind".
Writing and recording Tyler signed to Hansa Records in 1990. Bitterblue was her first multi-producer album, with contributions from Dieter Bohlen, Luis Rodríguez, Roy Bittan, David Yorath, Giorgio Moroder and Nik Kershaw. Bohlen claimed that Tyler was reluctant to record his songs as she perceived them to be more commercial-sounding than her previous work.Bohlen, Bonnie. Oder: Keiner singt geiler als die Tyler, p. 204. The title track includes elements of Scottish folk music, including bagpipes and accordion, and was inspired by the Rod Stewart hit "Rhythm of My Heart".
Bitterblue was the first of three albums that Tyler recorded with Bohlen. His songwriting and production work was often credited under the names Howard Houston, Steve Benson and Jennifer Blake. Tyler claimed that Bohlen chose to disguise his involvement to avoid radio DJs developing preconceptions about the album.
Bitterblue was recorded at five recording studios located in Germany, the UK and in the US. Bohlen wrote, recorded and produced his own songs, with Luis Rodríguez acting as co-producer on three tracks. Nik Kershaw, Giorgio Moroder David Yorath all wrote and produced their own songs. Songs written by Albert Hammond and Diane Warren were produced by Roy Bittan at Conway and A&M Studios in Los Angeles. Tyler recorded "Heaven Is Here" as a duet with Moroder, and "Till the End of Time" with Dan Hartman. Both songs were written by Moroder. Tyler also co-wrote the lyrics for "Whenever You Need Me" with David Madiran.
Critical reception
Tomas Mureika of AllMusic rated the album three and a half stars out of five, describing the album as "a pleasant collection of pop tunes." He opined that her pairing with Giorgio Moroder "[gave] Tyler's work a contemporary sheen that frames her vocals within the songs." Mureika concluded that Bitterblue is "better than most pop records," but not as strong as her work with Jim Steinman and Desmond Child. In a review of the lead single, Billboard criticised Bohlen's production; "bombastic production, with a rush of bagpipes and a choir of chirping children at the forefront, overpower Tyler's distinctive raspy voice."Billboard, p. 102
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from AllMusic.
Technical and Design Dieter Bohlen (as Howard Houston) – recording (1, 13), mixing (1, 13) Dieter Bohlen – recording (2, 9, 14), mixing (2, 9, 14) Luis Rodriguez – recording (2, 9, 14), mixing (2, 9, 14) Phil Kaffel – engineer and recording (3, 5, 6), mixing (3, 5, 6) David Yorath – recording (4), mixing (4) Stuart Bruce – recording (7), mixing (7) Brian Reeves – engineer (8, 10, 11, 12), mixing (8, 10, 11, 12) Giorgio Moroder – mixing (8, 10, 11, 12) Thomas Sassenbach – art direction Aaron's Outfit – design Ariola – design Markus Amon – photography Jeff Weiss – photography David Aspden – management
Musicians and Vocals Bonnie Tyler – vocals Dan Hartman – vocals (12) Giorgio Moroder – programming (8, 10, 11, 12) - vocals (10) Roy Bittan – keyboards (3, 5, 6), arrangements (3, 5, 6) Richard Cottle – keyboards (7) Nik Kershaw – keyboards (7), programming (7), guitars (7), arrangements (7) Scott Greer – programming (8, 10, 11, 12) John Pierce – guitars (3, 5, 6) Waddy Wachtel – guitars (3, 5, 6) Tim Pierce – acoustic guitar (3, 5, 6) Teddy Castellucci – guitars (8, 10, 11, 12) Randy Jackson – bass (3, 6, 6) Kenny Aronoff – drums (3, 5, 6) Gary Herbig – saxophone (8, 10, 11, 12) Dieter Bohlen – arrangements (as Howard Houston on 1, 13), arrangements (2, 9, 14) David Yorath – arrangements (4) Jackie Challenor – backing vocals (7) Miriam Stockley – backing vocals (7) Debbie McGlendon-Smith – backing vocals (8, 10, 11, 12) Joe Pizzulo – backing vocals (8, 10, 11, 12) Marietta Waters – backing vocals (8, 10, 11, 12)
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1991) Peakposition European Top 100 Albums (Music & Media)21 Finland Seura/IFPI (Music & Media)6
Year-end charts Chart (1992) PeakpositionAustrian Albums Chart (Ö3 Austria Top 40)12 European Top 100 Albums (Music & Media)79Norwegian Albums Chart (VG-lista)15
Certifications
Release history Country Date Format(s) Label Europe 11 November 1991 Hansa Japan 21 May 1992 Brazil 10 April 1992 vinylBMG Ariola United States 24 April 2012 Digital download Rdeg
Accolades RSH Gold Award
|1992 |Bitterblue |Most successful German produced interpreter female
Notes
References