Barbra Streisand, a name synonymous with musical brilliance and timeless elegance, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. With a career spanning over six decades, Streisand’s incomparable voice has captivated audiences worldwide. In this article, we embark on a journey through her illustrious repertoire to unveil the top ten best songs that have defined her legacy. From her early days as a Broadway sensation to her chart-topping hits and iconic film performances, Streisand’s versatility as a singer, actress, and songwriter has earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, Oscars, and a Tony Award. Each song on this list represents a pinnacle of her artistic expression, showcasing her unmatched vocal range, emotional depth, and profound storytelling ability. From heartfelt ballads that tug at the heartstrings to upbeat anthems that ignite the spirit, Streisand’s music transcends generations, resonating with listeners of all ages. Join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy of one of music’s greatest treasures and explore the unforgettable melodies that continue to inspire and enchant audiences around the globe.
1. What Kind of Fool with Barry Gibb
“What Kind of Fool,” a timeless duet featuring Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb, resonates as one of Streisand’s most beloved songs. Released in 1980 as part of her album “Guilty,” the track showcases Streisand’s unparalleled vocal prowess alongside Gibb’s signature falsetto. Their harmonious blend creates a captivating narrative of love and heartache, evoking a spectrum of emotions in listeners.
With its lush orchestration and poignant lyrics, “What Kind of Fool” transcends generations, remaining a staple in Streisand’s repertoire and a classic in the pantheon of love ballads. Streisand’s emotive delivery, coupled with Gibb’s soulful performance, captures the essence of vulnerability and longing, striking a chord with audiences worldwide.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Streisand’s enduring influence as a musical icon and her ability to craft melodies that resonate deeply with listeners. “What Kind of Fool” continues to be celebrated as one of Streisand’s greatest achievements, earning its place as a top favorite among fans and critics alike, solidifying its status as one of the most popular and enduring songs in her illustrious career.
2. Don’t Rain on My Parade
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” stands tall as one of Barbra Streisand’s most iconic and empowering anthems. Originally featured in the musical “Funny Girl” in 1964, Streisand’s rendition electrified audiences with its fierce determination and defiance. From its soaring trumpet introduction to Streisand’s powerhouse vocals, the song exudes a sense of resilience and triumph.
As Streisand’s character, Fanny Brice, belts out the lyrics, she embodies the spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity, inspiring listeners to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams unapologetically. The song’s dynamic arrangement, punctuated by bold brass and driving rhythms, mirrors the protagonist’s unwavering resolve to overcome obstacles and seize life’s opportunities.
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” has endured as a timeless anthem of self-empowerment, resonating with audiences across generations. Streisand’s impassioned delivery and undeniable charisma infuse the song with an infectious energy that ignites the spirit and fuels the fire of ambition.
Whether on stage or through speakers, “Don’t Rain on My Parade” remains a rallying cry for anyone striving to carve their own path and defy the naysayers. Its enduring popularity cements its status as one of Barbra Streisand’s most beloved and influential songs, earning it a well-deserved place among the top favorites in her illustrious repertoire.
3. Tell Him with Celine Dion
“Tell Him,” the electrifying duet featuring Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion, marks a momentous collaboration between two powerhouse vocalists. Released in 1997 on Streisand’s album “Higher Ground,” the song captivates audiences with its raw emotion and soaring melodies.
As Streisand and Dion trade verses, their voices intertwine in a mesmerizing display of vocal prowess, creating a harmonious dialogue that speaks to the complexities of love and longing. Set against a lush orchestral backdrop, “Tell Him” builds to a climactic crescendo, showcasing the full range and depth of both artists’ voices.
The song’s lyrics, infused with longing and vulnerability, resonate deeply with listeners, evoking a universal longing for connection and understanding. Streisand and Dion’s impassioned delivery imbues each line with palpable emotion, drawing listeners into the heart of the song’s narrative.
“Tell Him” stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and the transcendence of music across generations. Streisand and Dion’s undeniable chemistry elevates the song to new heights, earning it a place as one of the most beloved and popular tracks in both artists’ illustrious careers.
With its timeless appeal and emotional resonance, “Tell Him” continues to captivate audiences around the world, cementing its status as a classic in the canon of Barbra Streisand’s greatest hits.
4. Evergreen
“Evergreen,” an enduring classic from the 1976 film “A Star is Born,” showcases Barbra Streisand’s unmatched vocal talent and songwriting prowess. Co-written by Streisand and Paul Williams, the song captivates listeners with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics.
As Streisand’s character, Esther Hoffman, sings of everlasting love and devotion, her velvety voice weaves a tapestry of emotion that resonates with audiences across generations. The song’s lush orchestration and stirring arrangement provide a cinematic backdrop for Streisand’s soul-stirring performance, creating an indelible musical moment that lingers in the hearts of listeners long after the final notes fade.
“Evergreen” earned Streisand both critical acclaim and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song and topping the charts around the world. Its timeless appeal has ensured its enduring popularity, solidifying its status as one of Streisand’s most beloved and iconic songs.
Beyond its accolades and achievements, “Evergreen” remains a testament to the power of love and the enduring legacy of Streisand’s artistry. Its timeless beauty continues to inspire new generations of listeners, reaffirming its place as a cherished classic in the pantheon of popular music.
5. Guilty with Barry Gibb
“Guilty,” the electrifying collaboration between Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb, is a dazzling showcase of their combined musical genius. Released in 1980 as the title track of Streisand’s album, the song instantly captivated audiences with its infectious energy and irresistible charm.
As Streisand and Gibb trade verses, their voices blend seamlessly, creating a mesmerizing vocal interplay that is both soulful and dynamic. Set against a backdrop of pulsating rhythms and lush instrumentation, “Guilty” exudes a sense of passion and urgency that is impossible to ignore.
The song’s lyrics, which explore themes of desire and longing, resonate deeply with listeners, striking a chord with anyone who has experienced the intoxicating pull of forbidden love. Streisand and Gibb’s impassioned delivery imbues each line with palpable emotion, drawing listeners into the heart of the song’s narrative.
“Guilty” quickly became a chart-topping hit, earning critical acclaim and solidifying its place as one of Streisand’s signature songs. Its infectious melody and timeless appeal have ensured its enduring popularity, making it a favorite among fans around the world.
With its irresistible blend of pop sensibility and emotional depth, “Guilty” stands as a testament to the enduring power of Streisand and Gibb’s musical partnership, cementing its status as a classic in the annals of popular music.
6. Woman in Love
“Woman in Love” stands as a mesmerizing testament to Barbra Streisand’s ability to capture the essence of love’s fervor and vulnerability. Released in 1980 as part of her album “Guilty,” the song became an instant classic, catapulting to the top of the charts worldwide.
Streisand’s velvety vocals soar effortlessly over the lush orchestration, weaving a tale of passion and longing that resonates deeply with listeners. The song’s haunting melody, coupled with Streisand’s emotive delivery, evokes a sense of urgency and intensity, capturing the euphoria and vulnerability of being in love.
As Streisand croons the poignant lyrics, she taps into the universal experience of love’s emotional highs and lows, creating a profound connection with her audience. “Woman in Love” became an anthem for lovers everywhere, its timeless appeal enduring across generations.
The song’s success solidified Streisand’s status as one of the preeminent voices in popular music, earning her critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female.
Decades after its release, “Woman in Love” remains a beloved staple in Streisand’s repertoire, its evocative melody and heartfelt lyrics continuing to captivate audiences and reaffirming its place as one of the greatest love songs of all time.
7. I Finally Found Someone with Bryan Adams
“I Finally Found Someone” is a heartfelt duet that epitomizes the essence of love’s triumph, featuring the dynamic pairing of Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams. Released in 1996 as part of the soundtrack for the film “The Mirror Has Two Faces,” the song resonated deeply with audiences, capturing the euphoria of finding true love after a long journey.
Streisand and Adams’ voices blend seamlessly, their harmonies evoking a sense of intimacy and connection that is both powerful and poignant. Against a backdrop of sweeping orchestration, the duo’s impassioned vocals convey the joy and relief of finally discovering that special someone.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Streisand herself along with Marvin Hamlisch, Alan Bergman, and Marilyn Bergman, speak to the universal longing for companionship and fulfillment. With its tender melody and heartfelt sentiment, “I Finally Found Someone” struck a chord with listeners around the world, ascending the charts and earning acclaim from critics and fans alike.
Streisand and Adams’ undeniable chemistry shines through in every note, imbuing the song with an authenticity and depth of emotion that lingers long after the music fades. “I Finally Found Someone” remains a cherished favorite among Streisand’s vast catalog of hits, a timeless ode to the enduring power of love and the joy of finding one’s soulmate.
8. The Way We Were
“The Way We Were” stands as an immortal ballad, emblematic of Barbra Streisand’s incomparable vocal prowess and emotive storytelling. Released in 1973 as the theme song for the film of the same name, the song swiftly captivated audiences with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics.
Streisand’s evocative rendition of the song, with its delicate piano accompaniment, transports listeners to a realm of bittersweet nostalgia. Her voice, rich with emotion and sincerity, breathes life into the lyrics, painting a vivid portrait of love’s enduring memory.
As Streisand croons the iconic lines, she embodies the wistful longing and tender reminiscence that define the human experience. The song’s evocative melody, composed by Marvin Hamlisch with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, strikes a universal chord, resonating with anyone who has ever cherished a past love.
“The Way We Were” quickly ascended the charts, earning Streisand both critical acclaim and commercial success. It became one of her signature songs, garnering numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song and Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Decades after its release, “The Way We Were” remains a timeless classic, its enduring beauty and emotional resonance ensuring its place in the hearts of listeners for generations to come.
9. Memory
“Memory,” a haunting and evocative masterpiece, showcases Barbra Streisand’s unparalleled ability to convey raw emotion through her music. Originally written by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the musical “Cats,” Streisand’s rendition of the song in her 1981 album “Memories” elevated it to legendary status.
With a delicate piano melody and Streisand’s soul-stirring vocals, “Memory” transports listeners into a world of longing and introspection. Streisand’s emotive performance captures the essence of the song’s lyrics, which speak of reminiscence and yearning for a past that may never return.
As Streisand pours her heart into each note, she invites listeners to share in her journey of nostalgia and reflection. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke a myriad of emotions, from melancholy to hope, resonating with audiences on a deeply personal level.
“Memory” quickly became one of Streisand’s most beloved songs, earning her critical acclaim and enduring popularity. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics have cemented its status as a classic in the realm of musical theater and popular music alike.
Decades after its release, “Memory” continues to captivate audiences around the world, its enduring beauty and emotional depth ensuring its place as one of Barbra Streisand’s most iconic and cherished performances.
10. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers with Neil Diamond
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” the poignant duet between Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond, remains an enduring testament to love’s complexities and the passage of time. Released in 1978 as a collaboration between the two iconic artists, the song struck a chord with audiences worldwide, resonating with its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody.
Streisand and Diamond’s voices intertwine in a delicate dance of emotion, their harmonies capturing the essence of a relationship in transition. Against a backdrop of gentle instrumentation, they convey the bittersweet realization of drifting apart and longing for the passion that once defined their love.
The song’s narrative, written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, and Neil Diamond, paints a vivid picture of love’s evolution, from the euphoria of new romance to the ache of disappointment and loss. Streisand and Diamond’s heartfelt delivery imbues each line with a depth of feeling that is both poignant and relatable.
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” struck a chord with listeners, topping the charts and earning critical acclaim. Its timeless message and universal appeal have ensured its enduring popularity, cementing its status as a classic in the annals of popular music.
Decades after its release, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” remains a cherished favorite among fans of both Streisand and Diamond, a timeless reminder of love’s fragile beauty and the importance of cherishing the moments we share with those we hold dear.
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.
