Between the late seventies and the first half of the eighties, singer Bonnie Tyler had a string of worldwide hits including “It’s A Heartache,” “Holding Out For A Hero” from “Footloose”, and the Jim Steinman produced, #1 sensation “Total Eclipse Of The Heart.” Tyler was often considered a female counterpart to Rod Stewart for her husky, smoky voice and their common British origins.

Although she was still a popular name in some European countries, Tyler tried to revive her career, especially in the USA, with the 1995 release of “Free Spirit.” Tyler enlisted some big name music-makers to help her out on this project including her old partner Steinman, Andy Hill, Christopher Neil and David Foster.

There are some very good songs on “Free Spirit.” The cover of the Air Supply hit “Making Love (Out Of Nothing At All)” was produced by Steinman in the same vein as “Total Eclipse Of The Heart.” Foster added a great moment with the powerful cover of the Simon & Garfunkel classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The super-producer’s gospel inspired arrangement is perfectly suited to Tyler’s voice that soars strongly over Foster’s trademark keyboards. His high-tech production is top notch. Another nice touch is the uncredited vocal cameo by superstar Lenny Kravitz towards the end of the song.

Other memorable moments on the album include “Time Mends A Broken Heart,” co-written by Kiki Dee and Jeff Lynne and produced by Neil. Tyler sang this song in a subtle, understated fashion. Another outstanding song is the Humberto Gatica/Simon Franglen produced “Nothing To Do With Love” that opens the album with a cool pop/rock atmosphere.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/bridge_over_trouble_water.mp3|titles=Bridge over trouble water|artists=Bonnie Tyler]

Lead Vocals: Bonnie Tyler
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitar: Michael Thompson
Synclavier Programming: Simon Franglen
Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

When you’re weary
Feelin’ small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all
Oh, I’m on your side
When times get rough and friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evenings fall so hard, I will comfort you
Oh, I’ll take your hand
When darkness comes and pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down, ooh….
Boy:
Sail on silver girl, sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way, hey
Boy: see how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
Boy: If you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind…….