Barbra Streisand, the legendary songstress and actress, has graced the world with her unparalleled talent for over six decades. With a voice that transcends time and an indomitable presence, she has left an indelible mark on the music industry. In this article, we embark on a musical journey through the illustrious career of the incomparable Barbra Streisand, as we celebrate her top 10 best songs of all time.
From her early days in Brooklyn, New York, to her meteoric rise on Broadway and in Hollywood, Streisand has consistently captivated audiences with her emotive and powerful performances. Her songs, a harmonious blend of Broadway showtunes, jazz, pop, and ballads, have resonated with generations of listeners, earning her numerous accolades and a place in the pantheon of music legends.
As we explore this carefully curated list of her most iconic songs, we will delve into the stories behind the music, the emotions they evoke, and the enduring impact they have had on the world of entertainment. Join us on a melodic voyage as we count down the “Top 10 Best Barbra Streisand Songs of All Time,” a tribute to a living legend and her timeless contributions to the world of music.
1. Memory
"Memory" – a timeless masterpiece by legendary Barbra Streisand. This iconic track has touched millions with its poignant lyrics & soulful melody. Let's dive into the enchanting world of "Memory" and explore its mesmerizing essence.
It has an emotional impact that resonates deeply, evoking nostalgia & longing. The profound lyrics portray the bittersweet nature of reminiscing & the power of memory. Streisand's flawless rendition showcases her unmatched vocal talent, leaving listeners in awe.
This song has become synonymous with Streisand's illustrious career. It was originally composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber for "Cats" & was ranked as one of the greatest performances in music history by Rolling Stone magazine.
"Memory" is an evergreen song that captivates listeners worldwide. Perfect for moments when you need a good cry or just want to serenade your houseplants.
2. Evergreen
' Barbra Streisand's legendary hit "Evergreen" is a timeless gem. This ballad, for the film "A Star is Born," shows Streisand's vocal power. It's one of her most beloved songs, with touching lyrics and melodies.
Let's look at some facts surrounding this classic track.
Album: A Star is Born Soundtrack
Year: 1976
The song, written by Streisand and Paul Williams, captures the feeling of everlasting love. With its moving words and musical notes, it's a major part of Streisand's legacy. To get the full effect of "Evergreen," here are some tips:
- Dive into the Lyrics: Listen carefully to the meaningful lyrics. Let Streisand's voice take you away.
- Appreciate Streisand's Vocals: Pay attention to Streisand's singing technique. Notice how she switches from softness to strength.
- Explore Its Cinematic Link: As part of the soundtrack for "A Star is Born," "Evergreen" has a special place in the movie. Watch it to see how the song adds emotion.
- Notice Its Impact: See how "Evergreen" still moves people, even after all these years. It's a timeless classic in Streisand's discography.
Follow these tips to appreciate the beauty of "Evergreen." Let Streisand's artistry captivate you.
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3. People
'People'. Released in 1964, this iconic song by Barbra Streisand displays her vocal power and emotion. It was an instant classic, reaching the top of the charts and making Streisand a legendary musician.
Let's take a look at its success:
| Chart Performance | Sales | Accolades |
|---|---|---|
| #5 (Billboard Hot 100) | Over 1 million copies sold | Grammy Hall of Fame Inductee |
'People' had a special impact on Streisand's career. It gave her a breakthrough in both pop and adult contemporary charts. It also connected with listeners who related to its message of empathy and compassion.
It's a fact that 'People' was originally written for the Broadway musical "Funny Girl" by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill. Barbra Streisand herself confirmed this in various interviews.
Put on your raincoat and get ready for Barbra Streisand's parade of this unforgettable hit!
4. Don't Rain on My Parade
"Don't Rain on My Parade" – a timeless classic from Barbra Streisand's impressive discography. Energetic and powerful, it captures the spirit of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
- This catchy melody and soaring vocals showcase Streisand's incredible range and emotive delivery.
- Lyrics of the song have a message of empowerment and staying true, making it relatable to all.
- Streisand's version in the hit movie "Funny Girl" earned her critical acclaim and legendary status.
- Plus, the energetic brass section adds an extra layer of excitement to the song, creating a dynamic sound.
- "Don't Rain on My Parade" is now an anthem for anyone who won't let negativity beat them down.
- This iconic track is still one of Streisand's most beloved songs and stands testament to her talent and popularity.
Many artists have covered this anthem, proving its lasting impact on popular culture.
Jule Styne and Bob Merrill are the ones to thank for its composition and lyrics, showcasing their songwriting skills.
5. Papa, Can You Hear Me?
Barbra Streisand's song, "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" is emotionally charged and touches listeners. Let's explore its true colors without HTML elements:
| Verse | Chorus | Bridge | | —— | —— | —— | | "Papa, can you hear me?" | "Papa, can you see me?" | "Sometimes it seems like lately" | | "Can you help me not be frightened?" | "Can you help me not be blinded?" | "I've got so much on my mind" |
This song is unique in its composition and lyrics. It captures the universal longing for connection and understanding. Streisand's vocal prowess conveys deep emotions.
"Papa, Can You Hear Me?" was featured in the film Yentl (1983), directed by Streisand. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to the sentimentality.
In conclusion, this song is a powerful testament to Streisand's talent. It resonates worldwide with its heartfelt lyrics and captivating melody. The Summer Knows: Barbra's songs are like a refreshing cocktail – smooth, classy, and sure to leave you humming all summer long.
6. The Summer Knows
"The Summer Knows" is a magical song, showcasing Barbra Streisand's incredible talent. With its captivating melody and meaningful lyrics, it's become one of Streisand's biggest hits.
Let's take a deeper look at this special piece. Below is a table summarizing the key details:
| Released: 1971 | Genre: Pop, Easy Listening | |
|---|---|---|
| Songwriter(s): | Michel Legrand, Marilyn Bergman, Alan Bergman |
Apart from its success, it's known for its unique orchestration and Streisand's amazing vocals. It expresses the beauty of love and nostalgia, giving a feeling of warmth and fondness.
Pro Tip: To fully enjoy "The Summer Knows," find some time to absorb its melody and lyrics. Let the music take you to a place of summer memories and deep emotions.
7. Guilty
Guilty: Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb's classic hit "Guilty" is a sensational display of their vocal and emotional range. The 1980 duet earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance, and its chart-topping success shows that its unique blend of passion and vulnerability still captivates hearts worldwide.
The lyrics of "Guilty" explore the conflicting feelings of a forbidden relationship. Streisand's velvety tone perfectly harmonizes with Gibb's smooth vocals. Her impeccable artistry evokes intense emotions that draw listeners into the whirlwind of the music.
The heartfelt delivery and compelling storytelling create a true gem in Streisand's catalog of songs. Its timeless appeal makes "Guilty" one of her most beloved songs. Don't miss out on experiencing the magic of this song!
8. You Don't Bring Me Flowers
"You Don't Bring Me Flowers" is an iconic, timeless ballad showcasing Barbra Streisand's emotion and vocal talent. It tells of a declining romance and the longing for love.
Neil Diamond, Alan Bergman, and Marilyn Bergman wrote it. Its genre is Pop and Adult Contemporary. It was released on "Songbird" (1978) and "Barbra Streisand's Greatest Hits Vol. 2" (1978). In November 1978, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The lyrics and music tug at the heartstrings. Streisand's powerful singing evokes strong emotions.
Pro Tip: Listen to both the original duet with Neil Diamond and Streisand's solo version to appreciate the song fully.
9. The Way We Were
Barbra Streisand's ninth greatest song is "The Way We Were." This classic tune captures the past's nostalgia and lost love. Its meaningful words and melodious tune made it a timeless hit.
Check out its success in the charts:
| Chart | Position |
|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | 1 |
| UK Singles Chart | 3 |
| Canada RPM Top Singles | 2 |
Not only did it excel in the charts, "The Way We Were" won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1974. Barbra Streisand's moving singing enchanted people all around the world.
A fun fact about it – it was written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, and Marvin Hamlisch. Marilyn had jotted down a phrase on a napkin after watching a play, which they then used as the basis of their masterpiece. It still moves people today.
10. Woman in Love
Barbra Streisand's classic hit, "Woman in Love", takes the 10th spot on our best-of list. It shows off Streisand's signature vocals and emotion, making it a fan favorite.
The song explores being in love, with feelings of vulnerability and obsession. Streisand's delivery captures listeners and allows for deep connections.
For those unfamiliar with Streisand's songs, "Woman in Love" is a great introduction to her talent. Its lyrics and melody are special, showing off her versatility.
To truly appreciate this masterpiece, take time to listen to Streisand's live performances of "Woman in Love". Her presence and vocal control add a layer of emotion to the song.
For more songs that evoke similar feelings, explore tracks from Streisand's album "Guilty". Songs like "Guilty" (with Barry Gibb) and "What Kind of Fool" have heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals.
By exploring Streisand's music, fans can learn more about her artistry and connect with the emotions in her songs.
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.
