Barbra Streisand is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. She began her music career in the 1960s, quickly becoming a star with her distinctive and powerful voice, which combined elements of pop, Broadway, and jazz. She has released over 30 studio albums, earning numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Evergreen” from the film “A Star is Born.”
Streisand has also had a successful career in film and television, starring in iconic movies such as “Funny Girl” and “Yentl” and directing and producing several films. She is known for her activism and philanthropy, supporting causes such as women’s rights, education, and the environment.
Streisand’s legacy in music and entertainment is unparalleled. She has inspired and influenced generations of artists with her unique voice, her passion for social justice, and her commitment to excellence. She remains one of the most successful and respected performers in history, and her impact on American culture and society is immeasurable.
1. The Way We Were
“The Way We Were” by Barbra Streisand is a timeless classic that captures the bittersweet nostalgia of reminiscing on a lost love. The song’s poignant lyrics and gentle melody create a sense of longing and wistfulness, evoking the memories of a past relationship and the joy and sadness that came with it. Streisand’s emotive vocals bring a sense of depth and emotional resonance to the song, conveying the complexity of love and the enduring power of memories. “The Way We Were” is a beautiful and haunting ballad that continues to resonate with listeners and capture the timeless themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
2. People
“People” by Barbra Streisand is a timeless ballad that captures the beauty and complexity of human relationships. The song opens with a delicate piano melody, before Streisand’s rich and powerful voice takes center stage. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the ways in which people come and go from our lives, and the impact they can have on us even after they are gone. Streisand’s performance is both tender and soaring, conveying a sense of both vulnerability and resilience. “People” is a beloved classic of Streisand’s catalog, and a testament to her ability to capture the essence of the human experience through her music.
3. Don’t Rain on My Parade
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a classic show tune from the 1964 musical “Funny Girl,” famously performed by American singer and actress Barbra Streisand. The song features Streisand’s powerful and emotive vocals, with a soaring melody and an upbeat tempo. The lyrics express the singer’s determination to pursue her dreams, no matter what obstacles come her way. The song’s energetic and triumphant sound, combined with Streisand’s powerful delivery, make it a fan favorite and a beloved classic in the musical theater canon. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” showcases Streisand’s talent as a singer and her ability to create music that is both inspiring and entertaining.
4. Evergreen
“Evergreen” by Barbra Streisand is a romantic ballad that has become a classic in the world of popular music. The song’s tender melody and heartfelt lyrics capture the beauty and power of true love, evoking the enduring nature of a relationship that withstands the tests of time. Streisand’s emotive vocals bring a sense of warmth and intimacy to the song, conveying the depth of feeling and commitment that comes with a lasting love. “Evergreen” is a timeless ode to the power of love to transform and sustain us, and remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire and move listeners.
5. Somewhere
“Somewhere” by Barbra Streisand is a haunting and poignant song from the Broadway musical “West Side Story.” Streisand’s delicate and emotive vocals are accompanied by a lush orchestral arrangement, creating a sense of yearning and hope. The lyrics are a powerful meditation on the universal desire for a better life, with the refrain “somewhere there’s a place for us” speaking to the longing for acceptance and belonging. Streisand’s performance is a masterclass in vocal expression, conveying both the pain of exclusion and the possibility of redemption. “Somewhere” is a timeless classic, and a powerful example of the enduring power of musical theater.
6. A Piece of Sky
“A Piece of Sky” is a poignant and emotional song by American singer and actress Barbra Streisand, released in 1983. The song features Streisand’s powerful and expressive vocals, with a haunting melody and a cinematic orchestration. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and determination, as the singer reflects on her life and her dreams of achieving something greater. The song’s epic and dramatic sound, combined with Streisand’s emotive delivery, make it a standout track in her discography and a beloved classic in the pop and adult contemporary genres. “A Piece of Sky” showcases Streisand’s talent as a singer and her ability to create music that is both introspective and inspiring.
7. My Man
“My Man” by Barbra Streisand is a powerful and emotional ballad that captures the pain and heartbreak of a woman who has lost her lover. The song’s mournful melody and poignant lyrics evoke the depth of feeling and intensity of emotion that comes with grief and loss. Streisand’s rich and emotive vocals bring a sense of raw vulnerability and honesty to the song, conveying the intensity of emotion and the complexity of love. “My Man” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences, capturing the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of human emotion.
8. Woman in Love
“Woman in Love” by Barbra Streisand is a romantic and emotive ballad that showcases her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The song features a lush arrangement of strings and synths, creating a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere. The lyrics are a powerful declaration of love, with Streisand’s voice soaring over the instrumentation as she sings about the intensity and vulnerability of being in love. “Woman in Love” was a major hit for Streisand, and remains one of her most beloved songs, with its passionate and heartfelt expression of love resonating with listeners around the world.
9. Papa, Can You Hear Me
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is a poignant and heartfelt song by American singer and actress Barbra Streisand, released in 1983. The song features Streisand’s emotive and powerful vocals, with a haunting melody and a simple piano accompaniment. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and grief, as the singer reaches out to her deceased father, asking if he can hear her and if he is proud of her. The song’s emotional and introspective sound, combined with Streisand’s raw delivery, make it a standout track in her discography and a beloved classic in the pop and adult contemporary genres. “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” showcases Streisand’s talent as a singer and her ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
10. Happy Days Are Here Again
“Happy Days Are Here Again” is a classic song performed by American singer and actress Barbra Streisand, released in 1963. The song features Streisand’s iconic and emotive vocals, with a lush orchestration and a memorable melody. The lyrics convey a sense of optimism and hope, as the singer declares that happy days are here again after a period of struggle and hardship. The song’s uplifting and triumphant sound, combined with Streisand’s powerful delivery, make it a fan favorite and a beloved classic in the pop and adult contemporary genres. “Happy Days Are Here Again” showcases Streisand’s talent as a singer and her ability to create music that is both timeless and inspiring.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
