Few artists in the world can match the iconic career of Barbra Streisand. With a voice that transcends time and a career spanning over six decades, Streisand has become a living legend, leaving an indelible mark on music, film, and Broadway. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres, from classic show tunes to contemporary pop, has earned her a place in the hearts of millions. From powerful ballads that stir the soul to upbeat anthems that showcase her vocal range, Streisand has created a catalog of hits that have stood the test of time.
But what are the songs that define her extraordinary career? In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular Barbra Streisand songs of all time. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering her music for the first time, this list will take you on a journey through Barbra’s most beloved tracks. These timeless hits have not only topped charts but have also become part of the very fabric of popular music, proving why Streisand remains one of the most celebrated artists of all time. Get ready to sing along as we explore the songs that made Barbra Streisand a true global icon!
1. The Way We Were (1973)
Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” released in 1973, remains one of her most iconic songs, cherished for its emotional depth and sweeping orchestration. Written by Marvin Hamlisch, Alan Bergman, and Marilyn Bergman, it was the theme song for the film of the same name, where Streisand played the lead role. The song became an instant hit, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and earning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. With its melancholic lyrics and Streisand’s signature vocal delivery, the song captures the nostalgic longing for past love, bringing to life the heartache of remembering what was and can never be again. The gentle yet emotionally charged melody, paired with Streisand’s soulful performance, allows listeners to immerse themselves in a sense of bittersweet reflection. The orchestral arrangement, with its lush strings and delicate piano, provides a perfect backdrop to the powerful lyrics. Even decades after its release, “The Way We Were” continues to resonate deeply with audiences, its timeless quality proving that the feelings of lost love and cherished memories are universal. This song cemented Streisand’s legacy as one of the greatest interpreters of emotion through song.
2. Evergreen (Love Theme from *A Star Is Born*) (1976)
“Evergreen” stands as one of Barbra Streisand’s most beloved ballads, co-written with Paul Williams for the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born. Released in November 1976, this love song quickly became a chart-topping hit and earned Streisand both an Academy Award and a Grammy for Best Original Song. The song’s beauty lies in its simplicity—a delicate acoustic melody that perfectly frames Streisand’s tender vocal performance. “Evergreen” reflects the romantic themes of the film with grace, offering an ode to the enduring nature of love. Streisand’s voice, with its warmth and sincerity, evokes the emotions of deep connection and devotion, making the song resonate on a personal level with its listeners. The song’s minimalist arrangement—guitar, strings, and gentle piano—allows her voice to take center stage, further emphasizing the sincerity and depth of the song’s message. The combination of Streisand’s vocal clarity and the song’s understated instrumentation creates a timeless classic that has transcended the movie it was written for. “Evergreen” remains a fan favorite, appreciated for both its emotional weight and the serene beauty of Streisand’s voice at the height of her vocal power.
3. Woman in Love (1980)
Released in 1980 as part of the Guilty album, “Woman in Love” became one of Barbra Streisand’s most commercially successful songs. Written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, the track showcases Streisand’s ability to embrace a more contemporary pop sound while maintaining her vocal prowess. The song’s sweeping melody and powerful lyrics explore the intensity and passion of love, expressing devotion and emotional vulnerability. Streisand’s soaring vocals elevate the song, making it not just a pop hit but a deeply emotional experience. Her ability to convey the complexities of love and heartache through her voice is what makes “Woman in Love” so compelling. The song reached No. 1 on charts around the world, solidifying Streisand’s position as a global superstar and a dominant force in popular music during that era. “Woman in Love” is more than just a pop anthem; it’s a declaration of the overpowering nature of love, which can both uplift and consume. Decades after its release, the song remains a beloved classic, its emotional resonance and Streisand’s impeccable delivery continuing to captivate listeners.
4. Don’t Rain on My Parade (1964)
“Don’t Rain on My Parade,” released in 1964 as part of the Funny Girl soundtrack, has become one of Barbra Streisand’s signature songs and a Broadway classic. Streisand’s portrayal of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl solidified her status as a star, and this song, with its bold, brassy energy, is a declaration of defiance and determination. The powerful, upbeat melody and Streisand’s fearless vocal performance capture the spirit of someone who refuses to be held back by obstacles. The song radiates confidence and is an anthem for anyone who has ever fought against the odds to achieve their dreams. The combination of Streisand’s commanding voice, full of passion and precision, with the dynamic brass-driven arrangement, makes the song unforgettable. Its high-energy and boldness inspire audiences to embrace their own inner strength and resilience. Even after more than half a century, “Don’t Rain on My Parade” continues to inspire listeners and performers alike with its message of empowerment and self-confidence. Streisand’s performance of this song remains a highlight of her career and a testament to her undeniable star power and vocal talent.
5. People (1964)
“People,” one of Barbra Streisand’s earliest hits, was released in 1964 as part of the Funny Girl soundtrack and quickly became one of her signature songs. Written by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, the song explores the themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and the deep human need for connection. Streisand’s emotive delivery of the ballad, filled with tenderness and sincerity, touches the listener’s heart, making it one of her most beloved performances. Her interpretation of “People” captures the emotional nuances of longing for companionship while celebrating the beauty of relationships. The song’s poignant message about the importance of people in our lives resonates deeply, transcending its theatrical origins to become a timeless anthem. The gentle orchestration, coupled with Streisand’s powerful and heartfelt vocals, creates a sense of intimacy, making the song a standout moment in both her live performances and recorded career. “People” has endured as one of Streisand’s most iconic songs, its universal message about love, connection, and humanity continuing to captivate audiences. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its emotional depth, and Streisand’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
6. Guilty (with Barry Gibb) (1980)
“Guilty,” the title track of Barbra Streisand’s 1980 album, marked a shift in her musical style as she teamed up with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees for a sultry, disco-influenced sound. The song’s smooth groove, combined with Streisand’s rich, soulful vocals and Gibb’s signature falsetto, created an unforgettable duet that dominated the charts. The chemistry between Streisand and Gibb is palpable, with their voices blending seamlessly to deliver a song that’s both seductive and catchy. The song’s infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo made it a hit on both pop and adult contemporary charts, proving that Streisand could easily transition from Broadway ballads to contemporary pop anthems. “Guilty” showcases her versatility as an artist, with its playful lyrics and sultry vibe offering a different side of Streisand’s musical talent. The song was a commercial success, earning Grammy nominations and widespread acclaim, further cementing Streisand’s place as one of the most dynamic and multifaceted performers in music. Even decades later, “Guilty” remains a fan favorite, cherished for its groove, its energy, and the undeniable chemistry between Streisand and Gibb.
7. Memory (1981)
“Memory” is one of the most iconic songs in musical theater, and Barbra Streisand’s 1981 version of the song from Cats brought it to new heights of popularity. Originally composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the song conveys a deep sense of longing, regret, and hope, making it a poignant ballad that resonates on a deeply emotional level. Streisand’s version of “Memory,” released as a single, highlights her extraordinary vocal control and emotional depth, breathing new life into the already haunting melody. Her rendition captures the essence of the character Grizabella’s reflections on the past and the yearning for redemption, and Streisand’s powerful voice gives the song an added layer of emotional complexity. The combination of the poignant lyrics and Streisand’s heart-wrenching performance makes this one of the most memorable versions of the song ever recorded. The song’s haunting orchestration, with its swelling strings and melancholic piano, perfectly complements Streisand’s voice, creating an unforgettable listening experience. “Memory” remains one of Streisand’s most beloved interpretations, a testament to her ability to take a well-known piece of music and make it entirely her own.
8. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers (with Neil Diamond) (1978)
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In 1978, Barbra Streisand teamed up with Neil Diamond for the poignant duet “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” a song that explores the painful realization of a relationship that has lost its spark. Written by Neil Diamond, Hal David, and Alan Bergman, the song tells the story of two people coming to terms with the emotional distance that has grown between them. Streisand and Diamond’s voices blend beautifully, creating a sense of intimacy and shared sorrow as they reflect on the love that has faded. The song became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and the undeniable chemistry between the two singers. The simplicity of the arrangement, with its soft piano and subtle orchestration, allows the focus to remain on the heartfelt lyrics and the vocal interplay between Streisand and Diamond. “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” remains one of Streisand’s most beloved duets, its message of lost love resonating with listeners who have experienced the pain of growing apart. The song’s emotional honesty and the raw vulnerability in both singers’ performances make it a timeless classic.
9. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) (with Donna Summer) (1979)
In 1979, Barbra Streisand joined forces with disco queen Donna Summer for the electrifying duet “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough),” a song that quickly became a dance floor anthem. Released during the height of the disco era, the song’s infectious beat and empowering lyrics made it an instant hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s theme of strength, independence, and liberation struck a chord with audiences, particularly women, who saw it as an anthem of empowerment. Streisand and Summer’s voices, though very different in style, complemented each other perfectly, creating a dynamic and unforgettable performance. The song begins slowly, with a sultry, introspective tone, before exploding into a high-energy, disco-driven chorus that demands liberation from heartache and oppression. The powerful vocals and irresistible rhythm made “No More Tears” a favorite in clubs and on the radio, and the collaboration between Streisand and Summer was celebrated as one of the most iconic duets of the era. Even today, the song remains a disco classic, remembered not only for its infectious groove but for its message of empowerment and resilience.
10. Papa, Can You Hear Me? (1983)
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” from the 1983 film Yentl is one of Barbra Streisand’s most poignant and heartfelt songs. Written for the film, which Streisand directed and starred in, the song explores themes of faith, love, and longing as Streisand’s character, Yentl, reaches out to her late father for guidance and understanding. The song’s haunting melody, composed by Michel Legrand, paired with Streisand’s emotionally charged performance, creates a powerful moment in both the film and the song’s standalone recording. Streisand’s voice is filled with a deep sense of yearning and vulnerability, capturing the complexity of Yentl’s emotions as she navigates her struggles with identity, faith, and love. The simplicity of the arrangement, with its soft piano and sweeping strings, enhances the emotional weight of the song, allowing Streisand’s voice to take center stage. “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is not just a standout moment in Yentl, but also in Streisand’s career, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotional truths through her voice. The song continues to resonate with listeners who have experienced loss, longing, and the desire for connection.
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.
