Barbra Streisand is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker who has become one of the most iconic and influential figures in the entertainment industry. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1942, Streisand began her career as a nightclub singer before rising to fame on Broadway in the 1960s.
Streisand’s music is known for its powerful vocals and emotional depth, and she has released numerous hit albums over the course of her career, including “The Barbra Streisand Album,” “Guilty,” and “Higher Ground.” She has won multiple Grammy Awards and is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with more than 150 million records sold worldwide.
In addition to her music career, Streisand is also a highly regarded actress, with notable film roles in movies such as “Funny Girl,” “The Way We Were,” and “A Star is Born.” She has won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Actress for “Funny Girl” and Best Original Song for “A Star is Born.”
Streisand is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of women’s health and the environment. With her incredible talent, passion, and dedication, Barbra Streisand has become a true icon of American music, film, and culture.
1. “What Kind of Fool” with Barry Gibb
This soulful duet sees Barbra Streisand team up with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. “What Kind of Fool” is a powerful ballad that showcases both artists' incredible vocal range and their ability to convey heartfelt emotions through music. The song's lyrics explore the pain of unrequited love, with Streisand and Gibb conveying a sense of vulnerability and heartbreak that few other singers can match. It's a timeless classic that remains as relevant today as it was when it first topped the charts.
As one of the standout tracks from Barbra Streisand's 1980 album "Guilty", “What Kind of Fool” is undoubtedly one of her greatest hits. With its soaring melody, lush production, and stirring vocals, it's no wonder this song has endured for decades. The combination of Streisand's iconic voice and Gibb's infectious pop sensibility creates an irresistible musical synergy that makes “What Kind of Fool” a true masterpiece.
Fans of Barbra Streisand should also check out other songs from her extensive discography, including classic hits like "People," "Evergreen," and "The Way We Were." In addition, listening to collaborations with other legendary artists like Celine Dion and Donna Summer gives listeners insight into how Streisand has influenced contemporary music.
To fully appreciate Barbra Streisand's legacy as one of the greatest singers in history, it's important to listen to her entire body of work. From Broadway standards to Hollywood classics and even contemporary pop hits, she has continually pushed boundaries and set new standards for excellence in vocal performance. By exploring all aspects of her remarkable career, music lovers can gain a greater understanding of why she remains such an enduring icon in popular culture today.
Looks like Barbra's flowers weren't the only thing Neil let wilt in this duet.
2. “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” with Neil Diamond
This classic duet, originally performed by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond, encapsulates the pain of a failing relationship and the longing for lost passion. Diamond wrote this song after being inspired by a TV commercial for flower deliveries, and it was later presented to Streisand as a solo track. However, when radio DJs began playing both her version and Diamond's version, a duet was born. "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" went on to become one of the most iconic love songs of all time.
Don't rain on Barbra's parade, unless you want a torrential downpour of vocal perfection.
3. “Don’t Rain on My Parade”
This timeless classic from Barbra Streisand, where she belts out the lyrics “Don’t tell me not to fly, I simply got to” is a celebration of self-confidence and determination. The song belongs to the musical Funny Girl and has become an anthem for those who refuse to be held back by obstacles. Streisand’s compelling vocals elevate the track further, making it one of her most beloved tracks.
The song starts with an upbeat tempo and gradually builds up until the climax where Barbra's voice reaches its highest peak. The song is all about being true to oneself and going against naysayers. This iconic tune has been covered by many other famous artists like Lea Michele and Diana Ross.
Interestingly, this song almost didn't make it into the musical, as the producers felt it was too upbeat for a dramatic musical number. But Streisand insisted on keeping the song in, stating that it represented her character's personality perfectly.
According to Billboard's Greatest of All Time Adult Contemporary Artists list, Barbra Streisand is still at #1 after spending over five decades on this chart.
Get ready to feel all the feels with Streisand's powerful rendition of 'Memory' – unless you're a cat, in which case you'll just be thinking about knocking over some more stuff.
4. “Memory”
This iconic and soulful song, featuring in Cats musical, is one of Barbra's finest works. The stunning lyrics and her powerful vocal range make it a nostalgic piece for many fans. With the mesmerizing tune and emotional depth, “Memory” undoubtedly deserves to be on this list.
As Barbra weaves through the emotions of love lost and memories cherished, every line in this song hits harder than the previous one. The poignant combination of Andrew Lloyd Webber's composition and Trevor Nunn's lyrical masterpiece creates a timeless classic to behold. A beautiful ode to nostalgia that showcases Barbra Streisand's unmatched talent.
This masterpiece does not just evoke emotions but also empowers us with incredible life lessons. It teaches us the value of cherishing our memories, no matter how painful they may be. We should always hold on to them as they help shape who we are today.
Pro Tip: Play this song with headphones on full volume to experience its true essence and let yourself get lost in its soul-stirring melody.
Barbra and Celine together? It's like a musical powerhouse on steroids, ready to dominate the radio waves and make us all swoon.
5. “Tell Him” with Celine Dion
Barbra Streisand's duet with Celine Dion, "Tell Him," is a timeless classic that showcases the vocal prowess of these two iconic divas. The song features powerful lyrics and beautiful harmonies that give listeners an emotional rollercoaster ride. As both singers trade lines, their voices blend effortlessly to create a beautiful, harmonious melody that is truly unforgettable.
In this track, Celine Dion brings her unique style and vocal range to the table while complementing Streisand's outstanding performance. The two artists deliver an outstanding duet, showcasing their incredible talents and making it a fan favorite around the world.
Interestingly, "Tell Him" was originally recorded by The Exciters in 1962 before being reimagined by Streisand and Dion in 1997. Since then, it has gone on to become one of the most beloved duets of all time and continues to inspire a new generation of singers.
Pro Tip: If you want to hear the best version of "Tell Him," look up Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion's live performance on YouTube. It will blow your mind!
If you don't shed a tear while listening to The Way We Were, you might want to check if you're still alive.
6. “The Way We Were”
Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" is a soulful classic that has captured the hearts of lovers for generations. Written by Marvin Hamlisch and Alan Bergman, it was released in 1974 as the theme song for the film of the same name. The song's gentle melody and poignant lyrics evoke nostalgia and yearning, making it a timeless piece that transcends generations. The beauty of Streisand's interpretation makes it one of her most popular songs, and it remains an iconic tribute to both love and loss.
In the song, Streisand reflects on memories of a past relationship with fondness. She recalls their laughter, shared dreams, and moments that they exchanged together – all while grappling with their eventual separation. Her voice works beautifully with the subtle piano accompaniment to create a tender yet melancholic ambiance throughout.
"The Way We Were" skyrocketed up to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards in 1973 while being covered by various artists over time.
Without any doubt, this masterpiece is one of Barbra Streisand's defining pieces that she performed live hundreds of times throughout her career- each rendition showcasing more depth than ever before.
Barbra's "Evergreen" is like a fine wine – only gets better with age, just like the rest of us who still remember cassette tapes.
7. “Evergreen”
One of the most iconic songs by Barbra Streisand is “Evergreen,” a romantic ballad that captivated the hearts of millions. This hit song has stood the test of time and remains beloved by fans worldwide.
For a comprehensive overview of this classic tune, we’ve created a table including details about its position on charts, awards earned and notable covers.
| Song title | Position on Charts | Awards Earned | Notable Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evergreen | Song reached #1 on Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977 | Academy Award for Best Original Song (1977) | Cover versions by artists such as Celine Dion and Diana Ross |
In addition to its commercial success, what makes “Evergreen” unique is that it was co-written by Streisand herself, with lyrics by Paul Williams.
If you’re looking to enjoy this classic tune further, here are some suggestions: listen to live performances by Streisand or watch the movie in which it was featured, A Star Is Born (1976). Both options will give you a deeper appreciation for this beautifully crafted piece of music. Finally found someone who can belt it out with Babs? Yes please, sign us up for this duet with Bryan Adams.
8. “I Finally Found Someone” with Bryan Adams
This song is a duet by Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams, known as "Finally Found Someone". It was written by Streisand along with Marvin Hamlisch, Robert John Lange, and Bryan Adams for the 1996 movie 'The Mirror Has Two Faces', which also starred Streisand. It captures the feeling of finding someone special and holding onto them through ups and downs. The song topped various music charts around the world including Canada's RPM chart, US Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks, and UK Singles Chart.
In this track, the Canadian singer-songwriter's voice blends beautifully with Streisand's high pitch vocals to create a harmonious melody that will make you want to dance along. The ballad showcases their expressive voices and emotional connection. The lyrics suggest a deep yearning for love and finding someone to lean on in life's journey.
Interestingly, despite their successful collaboration on this track, both artists never met during its recording. Bryan Adams recorded his part in Vancouver separately while Barbra Streisand was in LA.
It is no surprise that "Finally Found Someone" remains one of the best romantic songs of all time from Barbra Streisand's repertoire. Don't feel guilty for bobbing your head to this disco-infused duet, even if it's secretly your guilty pleasure.
9. “Guilty” with Barry Gibb
The collaboration between Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb led to the creation of a timeless classic in the form of "Guilty." This track features a fusion of their individual styles, resulting in a harmonious piece that showcases their vocal prowess and undeniable chemistry. Its catchy melody, impeccable production, and heartfelt lyrics make it one of the most memorable tracks from Streisand's discography. The duo's ability to deliver emotive and authentic performances is evident in every note, making "Guilty" an enduring hit.
A standout feature of "Guilty" is its distinct sound, which seamlessly blends pop and R&B elements. The instrumentation complements Streisand's sultry vocals and Gibb's soulful approach, resulting in a masterful display of musical artistry. The song's lyrics also tell a relatable story of unrequited love, resonating with listeners across generations.
Despite being released over four decades ago, "Guilty" continues to captivate audiences worldwide. It has spawned several cover versions and has been featured in numerous films and TV shows. Its longevity can be attributed to its timeless qualities – a testament to the immense talent of both Streisand and Gibb.
Overall, “Guilty” with Barry Gibb serves as an example of how great collaborations can stand the test of time. Its blend of genres and authentic lyrics hit all the right notes, making it one of the best songs in Barbra Streisand’s repertoire. Fans continue to appreciate its charm years after its release – a true testament to its impact on music culture.
Move over Cupid, Barbra's 'Woman in Love' is the real heartbreaker.
10. “Woman in Love”
This iconic track takes the 10th spot amongst Barbra Streisand's best songs. The soft yet powerful vocals and catchy lyrics make it a favorite love song of many.
Its popularity led to a top spot on music charts worldwide and became one of Streisand's signature tunes.
The song "Woman in Love" is about being consumed by love and losing control over one's feelings. The chorus, "I am the woman in love," captures the essence of how love can make us feel vulnerable yet invincible at the same time. Fans appreciate how Streisand took simplistic lyrics and gave them a depth that resonates with listeners.
What sets "Woman in Love" apart from other ballads is its composition: the piano intro leading into a subtle mix of strings creates an emotional build-up before Streisand's voice comes in. This blend of melody and lyrics has made it a timeless classic, still popular as ever.
Pro Tip: When listening to this song, pay attention to how each note and chord progressions enhance Streisand's vocal range, making it an exceptional listening experience.
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.
