Barbra Streisand is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker, known for her distinctive voice and versatile talent. She has achieved success in multiple fields of entertainment and is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with a career spanning over six decades.
Streisand began her career in the early 1960s and quickly rose to fame with her debut album, “The Barbra Streisand Album,” which won her two Grammy Awards. She has since released numerous albums, many of which have achieved platinum status, and has won multiple Grammy Awards throughout her career.
In addition to her music career, Streisand is also a successful actress, having appeared in numerous films, including “Funny Girl” (1968), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. She has continued to act in films and television over the years, earning critical acclaim for her performances.
Streisand is also known for her philanthropic work and activism, particularly in the areas of civil rights, women’s rights, and the environment. She remains a cultural icon and a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
1. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a song performed by Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand. It was released as a single in 1978 and became a massive hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a duet that explores the sadness and disillusionment of a couple whose relationship has lost its spark. Diamond and Streisand’s powerful vocals and the emotional depth of the lyrics contributed to the song’s success and enduring popularity. “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” has since been covered by various artists and remains a classic duet in popular music history.
2. Guilty
“Guilty” is a song recorded as a duet by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb. It was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, and it was released as the lead single from Streisand’s 1980 album of the same name. The song became a major hit, reaching the top 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the adult contemporary chart.
“Guilty” is a passionate love song that showcases the chemistry between Streisand and Gibb. Their vocals blend beautifully, and the song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences. The success of “Guilty” helped propel the album of the same name to great commercial success, solidifying Streisand and Gibb’s collaboration as one of the most memorable in music history.
3. The Summer Knows
“The Summer Knows” is a song from the 1971 film “Summer of ’42,” with music by Michel Legrand and lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman. The song captures the nostalgic and bittersweet essence of summer and young love. It has been recorded by various artists over the years, including instrumental versions and vocal renditions. “The Summer Knows” has become a jazz standard and is often performed as a romantic ballad, evoking the feelings of warmth and longing associated with the fleeting beauty of summer.
4. Papa, Can You Hear Me?
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand from the 1983 film “Yentl,” which she also directed and co-wrote. The song was composed by Michel Legrand with lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman. In the film, Streisand’s character, Yentl, sings the song as a prayer to her deceased father, expressing her longing for his guidance and approval as she navigates the challenges of her life.
The song is a poignant ballad that showcases Streisand’s emotive vocals and the powerful storytelling of the Bergmans’ lyrics. “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” has become one of Streisand’s signature songs and is often performed in her live concerts. It captures the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning, resonating with audiences around the world.
5. Don’t Rain on My Parade
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a song from the musical “Funny Girl,” with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill. It was famously performed by Barbra Streisand in both the original Broadway production in 1964 and the 1968 film adaptation.
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is an empowering and defiant song that has become one of Streisand’s signature tunes. It is sung by the character Fanny Brice as she expresses her determination to pursue her dreams despite the obstacles in her way. Streisand’s powerful vocals and the song’s uplifting melody have made it a favorite among fans and a standout moment in the musical.
6. People
“People” is a song from the musical “Funny Girl,” with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, and a book by Isobel Lennart. It was famously performed by Barbra Streisand in both the original Broadway production in 1964 and the 1968 film adaptation.
The song is a powerful ballad that reflects on the complexities of relationships and the need for human connection. Streisand’s rendition of “People” became one of her signature songs and remains one of her most iconic performances. The song’s message of empathy and understanding has resonated with audiences for decades, making it a timeless classic in the world of musical theater.
7. Evergreen
“Evergreen” is a song written and recorded by Barbra Streisand for the 1976 film “A Star Is Born,” in which she starred alongside Kris Kristofferson. The song’s music was composed by Streisand, with lyrics by Paul Williams. “Evergreen” is a love ballad that became a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
“Evergreen” is known for its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics, capturing the enduring nature of true love. Streisand’s emotional delivery and the song’s lush orchestration contributed to its success and enduring popularity. “Evergreen” has since become one of Streisand’s signature songs and is considered a classic in the realm of romantic ballads.
8. Memory
“Memory” is a song from the musical “Cats,” composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Trevor Nunn. It is based on “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” by Sergei Rachmaninoff. “Memory” is sung by the character Grizabella, a once-glamorous but now downtrodden cat.
In the song, Grizabella reminisces about her past glory days and longs for acceptance and redemption. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and yearning for a time when life was better, and dreams were within reach. The haunting melody and emotional depth of “Memory” have made it one of the most beloved and iconic songs from musical theater.
“Memory” has been performed by numerous artists and has become a standard in the repertoire of many singers. It has been covered in various styles, ranging from pop to classical, and its enduring popularity continues to captivate audiences around the world.
9. Woman in Love
“Woman in Love” is a song performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1980 as the lead single from her album “Guilty.” The song was written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees.
In “Woman in Love,” Streisand sings about the intense emotions of being deeply in love and the vulnerability that comes with it. The lyrics express the feelings of devotion, longing, and surrender that often accompany romantic relationships. Streisand’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery capture the passion and intensity of the song’s themes.
“Woman in Love” became one of Barbra Streisand’s biggest hits, topping the charts in multiple countries around the world. Its lush production, catchy melody, and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences, making it a timeless classic in Streisand’s discography. The song remains a favorite among fans and is widely regarded as one of Streisand’s signature songs.
10. The Way We Were
“The Way We Were” is a song recorded by Barbra Streisand for the 1973 film of the same name, in which she starred alongside Robert Redford. The song was composed by Marvin Hamlisch, with lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman. It became one of Streisand’s most iconic songs and is often considered one of the greatest movie themes of all time.
“The Way We Were” is a nostalgic ballad that reflects on memories of a past romantic relationship. Streisand’s emotive vocals and the song’s poignant lyrics struck a chord with listeners, earning it widespread acclaim and commercial success. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, further solidifying its place as a classic in popular music history.
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.
