Barbra Streisand, an iconic figure in the realm of music and entertainment, has captivated audiences worldwide with her remarkable talent, undeniable charm, and unparalleled vocal abilities. With a career spanning over six decades, Streisand has solidified her position as one of the greatest artists of all time. Her discography is a testament to her versatility, as she effortlessly transitions between genres, delivering powerful performances that resonate with listeners on a profound level. In this article, we delve into the musical brilliance of Barbra Streisand and explore the top 10 best songs that have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of her fans. From heartfelt ballads that tug at the heartstrings to exuberant anthems that ignite a sense of joy, each composition represents a chapter in Streisand’s illustrious career. Whether it’s her early classics that launched her into stardom or her later masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences today, these songs showcase Streisand’s innate ability to transcend time and evoke emotions like no other artist. Join us as we celebrate the genius of Barbra Streisand and embark on a musical journey through her top 10 most magnificent and unforgettable songs.
1. “Woman in Love”
This iconic tune "Woman in Love" is undeniably one of the most celebrated Barbra Streisand songs of all time. The ballad, written by Barry and Robin Gibb, reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This heart-wrenching melody captured the emotions of love and heartache that were easily relatable to many listeners.
Streisand's rendition of the song is notable for her unique vocal phrasing, which adds depth and emotion to the lyrics. The combination of her voice and this powerful song makes it a timeless masterpiece.
"Woman in Love" became one of Streisand's signature songs from the moment it was released, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance (Female). Its memorable chorus and sweeping orchestration epitomize the pop ballad genre of that era.
Don't miss out on experiencing this unforgettable classic track that continues to live on through generations since its release. Listen to “Woman in Love” to appreciate Barbra Streisand's unrivaled talent as a performer that has stood the test of time.
Barbra and Barry together are more guilty pleasure than actual guilt.
2. “Guilty” with Barry Gibb
Pairing with the distinctive Barry Gibb, "Guilty" is a captivating and nostalgic track that showcases Barbra Streisand’s renowned vocal capabilities. The song was released in 1980 as part of their collaborative album, "Guilty," and quickly became one of Streisand's most popular songs due to its catchy melody and romantic lyrics.
The perfect blend of Streisand's soothing vocals and Gibb's melodic composition style, "Guilty" possesses a timeless appeal that transcends generations. It speaks to the universal theme of love and longing, making it easy for listeners to connect with the emotions brought forth by the song.
Unique details about "Guilty" with Barry Gibb include its conception during a vacation where the duo penned several songs before signing on to collaborate for an album. Additionally, it was recorded in Miami using top-notch technological innovations at the time to create an audio experience that remains incomparable.
Fun fact: The songwriting partnership between Streisand and Gibb has continued long after “Guilty,” with both artists occasionally collaborating on various other projects.
Looks like Barbra finally found someone who could out-sing her, and it's Bryan Adams of all people.
3. “I Finally Found Someone” with Bryan Adams
This timeless collaboration between pop icon Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams is a must-listen for fans of emotive ballads. The sweet lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of finally finding that special someone. Adams' gentle vocals complement Streisand's distinctive voice, creating an unforgettable duet that showcases both artists' talents.
"I Finally Found Someone" was also featured on the soundtrack of the romantic comedy "The Mirror Has Two Faces," which stars Streisand alongside Jeff Bridges. The song earned a nomination for Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, cementing its place as one of the best tracks in Streisand's illustrious career.
Streisand herself has spoken about how much she enjoyed working with Adams, saying that he brought a fresh perspective to her music. The two have since collaborated on other projects, further cementing their shared musical bond.
Overall, "I Finally Found Someone" is a beautiful ode to love and finding your soulmate. It is sure to strike a chord with anyone who has ever experienced the joy of true love.
Move over, trees, 'Evergreen' is the only thing that'll stay timeless forever.
4. “Evergreen”
This iconic power ballad, written by Streisand and Paul Williams, was part of the soundtrack for the romantic drama film 'A Star is Born'. The song earned her two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its soft melody and poetic lyrics have captured hearts worldwide, making it one of her most beloved hits. "Evergreen" continues to be a timeless classic that showcases Streisand's incredible vocal range.
Streisand's distinct voice and emotional delivery make this love song all the more haunting. Its captivating lyrics speak to the beauty, strength, and loyalty of true love. Streisand collaborated with songwriter Rupert Holmes on this hit single from 1980's 'Guilty' album. It became an instant classic in both pop music and Streisand's career catalogue.
Notably, the “queen of contemporary pop culture” has performed “Evergreen” live at various performances throughout her career. Her concerts were often sold out within hours.
During the recording session for “Evergreen”, Barbra Streisand wanted to emphasise certain phrases in the lyrics through her musical arrangement choices and vocal technique. She took time in perfecting every aspect of the track to deliver a stunning masterpiece that continues to enchant fans worldwide today.
If this song doesn't make you want to cry in a bathtub surrounded by empty wine bottles, are you even a Barbra Streisand fan?
5. “The Way We Were”
Honored as one of the “10 Best Barbra Streisand Songs of All Time,” this iconic song is a masterpiece that has won several awards. Known as an emotional and nostalgic ballad, “The Way We Were” tells the story of two individuals who reminisce about their past memories together. This song was popularized in the 1973 film of the same name and touches a universal chord of loss and love. With its poignant lyrics and Barbra’s precision vocal delivery, “The Way We Were” remains a hallmark song in music history.
In terms of musical arrangement, Barbra’s rendition features soft piano undertones accompanied by her soaring vocals. This accompaniment creates an emotional resonance with listeners that only adds to the song's impact. The lyrics coupled with the melody create an atmosphere that many consider nostalgic, taking them back to precious memories they’ve shared with loved ones over time.
Notably, Marvin Hamlisch composed this song specifically for Barbra Streisand to perform in the eponymous movie, which made it all the more special. Throughout her career, Barbra has received widespread recognition for this heartfelt performance that won her multiple awards including an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
For maximum impact while listening to this classic piece, it is recommended to take some time off and listen carefully while reminiscing about your own cherished moments with loved ones. Additionally, one can delve into the behind-the-scenes story of its creation penned by Alan Light in his biography titled “The Way We Were."
Celine Dion joins Streisand in a song that tells the age-old tale of two women trying to win the heart of the same man, because nothing screams romance like pitting women against each other.
6. “Tell Him” with Celine Dion
This entry on our list features the iconic Barbra Streisand's duet with Celine Dion in "Tell Him." The track was a hit, peaking at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100. The melodic ballad showcases the vocal power of both artists and their ability to deliver an emotionally charged performance.
Listeners can't help but be captivated by the harmonies that the two divas create, elevating the song to new heights. Whether you're a fan of Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion or simply appreciate good music, this rendition of "Tell Him" is a must-listen.
This classic love song merges two worlds and creates something extraordinary. Apart from being an emotional thread through time, it's a reminder of how beautiful collabs can be. It's one of those songs which stand out and leave no room for mediocrity.
For those looking for further suggestions on Streisand's remarkable discography, we recommend checking out "The Way We Were," "Woman In Love," or "People." These timeless classics showcase her talent as one of the most distinctive voices in music history and will undoubtedly leave listeners feeling moved.
It's like the song is saying 'Memories, light the corners of my mind…but not enough to remember the other six songs on this list.'
7. “Memory”
This song, a classic from the musical Cats in 1981, showcases Barbra Streisand's vocal prowess. The melody is beautiful and haunting, making it an emotional experience for all listeners. It is a timeless piece that tugs at the heartstrings, with lyrics that speak to longing and nostalgia. Barbra sings this famous song with such power and feeling that it resonates deeply with everyone who hears it. This performance cemented her status as one of the greatest singers of our time.
In addition to being a well-known Broadway hit, “Memory” became popularized by numerous renditions from notable performers. Barbra Streisand’s version stands out for its raw emotion and interpretive skillset – attributes she adds seamlessly to any performance piece. Overall, this song has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Barbara's musical ability was evident during the recording of this song when she proposed an unexpected change in melody on one of the high notes which resulted in a more moving and soaring sound – making it all more emotionally charged. This made her realize that her voice was more adaptable than previously thought. It just goes to show why her music career spans several decades – spanning critical developmental periods in contemporary music history.
Barbra Streisand will not let even a single droplet of rain dampen her parade, but she might need an umbrella to shield herself from all the awards and applause for this iconic song.
8. “Don’t Rain on My Parade”
This iconic tune, from the musical Funny Girl, showcases Barbra Streisand's dynamic vocal range and powerful presence. The upbeat tempo and lyrics that champion personal resilience make "Don't Rain on My Parade" a timeless classic in Streisand’s repertoire.
The song brings to mind the image of someone determined to overcome any obstacle as they march toward their goals with purpose and conviction. Its catchy tune and vibrant energy have made it a crowd favorite during live performances.
"Don't bring me flowers, bring me a stiff drink" – this song is a reminder that love isn't always rosy.
9. “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” with Neil Diamond
This classic song, with lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman, gained immense popularity when Barbra Streisand sung it as a duet with Neil Diamond. The song was originally composed by Neil Diamond, but it was only after Barbra's version that it became popular. The emotional depth of the lyrics is what makes this song one of the best. It speaks about deteriorating relationships and how gestures such as flowers can make a huge difference.
The soulful melody along with the poignant words conveys the emotions of two partners in a fading relationship. Both partners miss each other’s loving gestures in their formerly passionate love story, where bringing flowers used to mean everything. ‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” highlights how during troubled times couples reminisce about their past relationship affectionately but also fail to resurrect it.
Interestingly, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” was actually supposed to be a solo track for each artist before they ended up recording it together.
It is believed that Neil Diamond added extra verses to the original chorus he wrote for ‘You Don't Bring Me Flowers’ because he wanted the song to tell more of a story than what he initially penned down.
Barry Gibb and Barbra Streisand prove that sometimes fools can collaborate and create a masterpiece.
10. “What Kind of Fool” with Barry Gibb
This collaboration of Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb resulted in a beautiful and dynamic love ballad called “What Kind of Fool”. The song exhibits Gibb’s impeccable songwriting skills, alongside Streisand's powerful vocals. The chemistry in their duet is unmatched, making it one of the best hits in music history.
The lyrics speak of heartbreak and second-guessing oneself when it comes to love – a universal feeling anyone can relate to. The melody complements the message perfectly, with its slow-building instrumentation leading to an emotional climax towards the end.
It's worth noting that after this album's release, Streisand and Gibb became romantically involved, further adding to the song's significance. This track remains a testament to both artists' talents, serving as an anthem for anyone who has ever been let down by love.
Samuel Moore 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.
