Barbra Streisand, a legendary icon of the entertainment industry, has captivated audiences worldwide with her exceptional vocal prowess and unparalleled artistry. Throughout her illustrious career spanning several decades, she has become synonymous with excellence, earning numerous accolades and establishing an enduring legacy. In this article, we embark on a delightful musical journey to explore the top 10 best Barbra Streisand songs of all time, celebrating her extraordinary ability to evoke emotions and tell stories through her music. From the early years of her stardom to her later ventures, Streisand’s repertoire showcases a diverse range of genres, including ballads, showtunes, and pop hits. With her unmistakable voice, which effortlessly transitions from delicate whispers to powerful crescendos, she has earned a special place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. Join us as we pay tribute to the timeless classics and unforgettable melodies that have solidified Barbra Streisand’s status as one of the greatest singers in music history.
1. The Way We Were
Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" is one of her most iconic and beloved songs. It reflects nostalgia and bittersweetness of a past love.
It's a pop song from 1973. Its lyrics, written by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman, perfectly capture the longing and reminiscence.
Did you know? It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1974. It's still one of Streisand's most successful singles.
It showcases her incredible vocal range and emotional delivery. Hearing 'Woman in Love' makes me think if Barbra Streisand is an actual love potion in disguise!
2. Woman in Love
Barbra Streisand's "Woman in Love" is a hit that captivates. It arrived in 1980 and showcased Streisand's emotion-filled music. The melody has a haunting feel, with lyrics exploring the complexity of love. Streisand's voice brings a sense of vulnerability. The arrangement adds depth.
What sets this song apart? It's timeless! Decades after its release, it still draws fans. Themes of love, heartbreak, and emotion connect with anyone who's experienced romance.
Don't miss out on this iconic song. Let its captivating beauty take you through love's emotions. Experience Barbra Streisand's "Woman in Love"!
3. Memory
Barbra Streisand's "Memory" is iconic! Written for the musical Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber, it's a staple in Streisand's repertoire.
This song captures the bittersweetness of reminiscing. The haunting melody and Streisand's captivating voice create longing and nostalgia.
Did you know? It was initially called "Midnight," but renamed to better fit the theme of "Memory."
Released as a single in 1981, it had great success! It hit high spots on music charts and was a fan favorite during live performances.
Many renowned artists have covered this beloved ballad – Elaine Paige, Betty Buckley, and even Celine Dion. It's clear that Streisand's interpretation has universal appeal.
4. Evergreen
"Evergreen" – Barbra Streisand's iconic tune. It became a smash hit in 1976 after being included in the movie "A Star is Born." It's a beloved part of her repertoire. Here are the details:
Album: "A Star is Born Soundtrack"
Genre: Pop, Soft rock
Year Released: 1976
Written By: Streisand and Paul Williams
Awards: Oscar for Best Original Song, Grammy for Song of the Year
The romantic tune displays Streisand's masterful vocal talent. It captures the emotion of everlasting love. Her fans around the world love it dearly.
Pro Tip: Put on headphones and listen to 'Evergreen'. Let Streisand's voice envelop you in its soundscape. If feeling lonely, put on 'People' by Barbra Streisand and feel like an audience of judgemental strangers is observing you.
5. People
'People'—one of Barbra Streisand's most iconic songs—displays her incredible vocal range and deep emotion. The lyrics and melody are timeless, and the song resonates with listeners. It's become a classic!
Details of People's impact on Streisand's career:
- Release Date: September 1964.
- Album: "People".
- Songwriters: Jule Styne, Bob Merrill.
- Chart Performance: #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Legacy: Grammy-nominated for Best Vocal Performance.
Streisand's voice and delivery evoke raw emotions. Her rendition of People still captivates audiences, solidifying her status as a music legend.
A heartwarming story behind the beloved song exists. At Streisand's concert in NYC in 1994, Rosemary Hume made a surprise visit. Rosemary had been singing People at weddings and other events for years. Seeing the effect her music had on a devoted fan reminded Streisand of the lasting influence of her artistry.
People is a testament to Streisand's immense talent and unmatched artistry. Step aside, weather forecasters! Nothing can stop Barbra Streisand's parade of songs.
6. Don't Rain on My Parade
"Don't Rain on My Parade" – an iconic Barbra Streisand song – exudes resilience and empowerment. Its lyrics, vocals and energy are infectious. Its brassy orchestrations and bold melodies make it a quintessential show-stopper.
The song encourages us to stay true to ourselves and not let others dampen our dreams. Streisand's powerful delivery adds emotion to the lyrics. This makes it a relatable anthem for anyone facing adversity.
It's become an enduring symbol of female empowerment in popular culture. Audiences worldwide are captivated by its inclusion in Streisand's live performances.
To appreciate its impact, one should:
- Listen carefully to its arrangements and crescendos. Pay attention to Streisand's interpretation of each line.
- Reflect on the message of resilience and determination. Be inspired by its call to embrace individuality.
- Watch renditions by other artists for fresh perspectives.
- Sing or perform it yourself – experience its empowering effects.
By following these suggestions, you can fully immerse yourself in the brilliance of "Don't Rain on My Parade" and navigate life's challenges with unwavering spirit.
7. Papa, Can You Hear Me? – A reminder to always check your Bluetooth connection!
7. Papa, Can You Hear Me?
The song 'Papa, Can You Hear Me?' has a special place in Barbra Streisand's discography. It expresses a daughter's longing for her father's presence. Let's delve deeper into this moving composition.
To give a better understanding of its importance, here's a table:
| Song | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Papa, Can You Hear Me? | Yentl | 1983 |
This beautiful melody was released in 1983, and featured on 'Yentl'. Its heartfelt lyrics and haunting vocal performance are a testament to Streisand's ability to move listeners.
It deals with themes of love, loss, and yearning, connecting with people on a deep level. Thanks to its powerful message and Streisand's incredible vocal range, 'Papa, Can You Hear Me?' leaves a lasting impression.
Experience the emotion of 'Papa, Can You Hear Me?' and be taken away by its poignant melodies. Listen to this timeless piece by Barbra Streisand and let its emotive power captivate you. Don't miss out on the life-changing experience this remarkable song has to offer.
8. The Summer Knows
The Summer Knows – a captivating song crafted by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Marilyn Bergman and Alan Bergman.
Featured in the film 'Summer of '42' soundtrack, Barbra Streisand's velvety vocals and the melody make it an unforgettable experience.
It captures the bittersweet beauty of summer love and nostalgia. Taking listeners on an emotional journey, it touches upon themes of longing and the passing of time.
Don't miss out! Let Streisand's enchanting vocals and melody envelop your senses for a magical experience. Being 'Guilty' of not loving Barbra Streisand's vocals is a crime, so don't let that happen.
9. Guilty
"Guilty" – number nine on our list – is an iconic song by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb from the Bee Gees. It was released in 1980 as part of their album Guilty.
Here are some facts about this song:
| Released | 1980 |
| Genre | Pop |
| Writers | Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb |
| Album | Guilty |
"Guilty" was incredibly successful – it got to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the adult contemporary chart. It also got a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
If you haven't heard this track yet, it's worth a listen. The amazing harmony between Streisand and Gibb, plus the heartfelt lyrics, make for a powerful and captivating experience.
To fully appreciate "Guilty", here are some tips:
- Play it with headphones: This will let you hear all the little details in the production and appreciate Streisand and Gibb's vocals.
- Read the lyrics: Take time to read and think about the lyrics. You'll connect with the emotions in the song better and understand its deeper meaning.
- Watch live performances: Check out live performances of "Guilty" on YouTube. Seeing Streisand and Gibb together makes the song even more magical.
Do these and your listening experience will be amazing! So dive in and enjoy the timeless beauty of "Guilty".
Warning: Listening to 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' might make you throw bouquets at people who forget anniversaries.
10. You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Barbra Streisand's beloved tune, "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," is our tenth pick from her top songs. Released in 1978, this duet with Neil Diamond is famous for its heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals.
Here are some key facts about the timeless song:
| Column 1: | Column 2: | Year of Release |
|---|---|---|
| You Don't Bring Me Flowers | 1978 | Streisand Superman |
It has a special place in Streisand's repertoire, due to its interesting history. Diamond wrote it as a solo track, but Streisand heard it and proposed to make it into a duet. The collaboration made history, becoming one of the most beloved songs of both artists' careers.
The song conveys longing for love and connection, which can fade over time. Listen to how Streisand and Diamond's voices blend together, and feel the emotions embedded in the lyrics. Discover why Barbra Streisand's songs are still so popular today. Join us on this musical journey and enjoy 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers'.
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.
