Favorite Waste Of Time

"Favorite Waste Of Time" by Bette Midler: A Playful Pop Detour

There is something delightful about a performer who refuses to be boxed in, who can move from torch songs to comedy to bouncy pop without missing a beat. Bette Midler was exactly that kind of artist. In the autumn of 1983, the Divine Miss M served up "Favorite Waste Of Time," a cheerful, retro-flavored single that showed off her playful side and her genuine love for the pop music of earlier eras.

Bette Midler, the Irrepressible Entertainer

By 1983, Bette Midler was a beloved and versatile star, a singer and actress whose larger-than-life personality had won her a devoted following. She had built her career on a unique blend of powerhouse vocals, theatrical flair, and irreverent humor, equally at home belting a ballad or delivering a comic turn. Her musical output ranged widely, embracing nostalgia for classic pop styles alongside contemporary material. "Favorite Waste Of Time" fit her sensibility perfectly, a fun and unpretentious song that let her channel the bright, bouncy spirit of an earlier age. It was the kind of record only an entertainer with her range and charm could pull off so naturally.

A Bright, Retro-Flavored Charmer

The song itself is a buoyant, upbeat pop number with a distinctly nostalgic flavor, evoking the girl-group sound and breezy charm of early-1960s pop. The arrangement is light and energetic, all hand-claps and cheerful momentum, perfectly suited to Midler's spirited delivery. She sings it with obvious enjoyment, leaning into the song's playful, lighthearted mood. There is a warmth and good humor running through the whole performance, the sound of an artist having fun with material she clearly adores. It is pop music as pure pleasure, a sunny confection designed to lift the spirits. The retro touches never feel like mere imitation; they feel like a genuine tribute from a performer who grew up loving these sounds. Midler understood the appeal of that vintage style intuitively, and she brings to it both affection and a knowing wink. The result is a record that works as both homage and entertainment, light on its feet and impossible to dislike.

A Brief Run on the Hot 100

On the Billboard Hot 100, "Favorite Waste Of Time" made only a brief appearance. The single debuted on October 22, 1983, at number 90 and climbed to 79, then edged up to its high point. It peaked at number 78, reached during the week of November 5, 1983, before falling back the following week. In total, the record spent just four weeks on the Hot 100. Those modest numbers place it among the lesser-charting entries of Midler's recording career, a song that found its admirers without becoming a major hit. Its breezy charm and nostalgic appeal earned it a place in the hearts of fans, even if the broader chart success proved limited. For many listeners, the song's modest peak mattered little next to the simple pleasure it offered.

A Fun Footnote in a Storied Career

In the rich and varied story of Bette Midler, "Favorite Waste Of Time" is a minor but endearing chapter, overshadowed by her bigger hits and her towering ballads. Yet it captures an essential part of her appeal: her sense of fun, her versatility, and her affection for the pop traditions that shaped her. The song endures as a delightful curio, a reminder that Midler could turn even a lighthearted throwaway into something charming. For her devoted fans, it remains a small, sunny treat worth revisiting.

Press Play and Smile

Cue up "Favorite Waste Of Time" and let Bette Midler's playful charm brighten your day. It is pure, retro-flavored pop fun, delivered with infectious good humor. Turn it up and enjoy the Divine Miss M at her most delightfully carefree.

"Favorite Waste Of Time" — Bette Midler's singular moment on the 1980s charts.