Few artists have left a mark on the music world as indelible as Barbra Streisand. With a career spanning over six decades, Streisand has captivated audiences with her unparalleled vocal range, emotional depth, and commanding stage presence. Her ability to tell a story through song has made her one of the most celebrated entertainers of all time, transcending genres and generations. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering her magic, there’s no denying her influence on music and culture.
From soaring ballads that tug at your heartstrings to empowering anthems that inspire, Barbra’s songs have become the soundtrack of countless lives. But which of her timeless hits truly stand out? In this article, we dive into the top 10 most iconic and beloved Barbra Streisand songs of all time—tracks that have not only defined her illustrious career but have also cemented her legacy as a global superstar.
Get ready to relive the magic, as we count down the unforgettable classics that showcase her vocal brilliance and emotional artistry. Whether it’s a song that brings back cherished memories or one that makes you feel something new, these hits are sure to remind you why Barbra Streisand is a living legend.
1. People (1964)
Released in 1964 as part of the legendary Broadway musical Funny Girl, “People” quickly became one of Barbra Streisand’s most iconic and beloved songs. Written by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, the ballad captures the vulnerability and deep longing for human connection that lies at the heart of the story and the character of Fanny Brice. Streisand’s soaring, expressive vocals breathe life into the lyrics, making every word feel personal and universal at the same time. The lush orchestration, paired with her impeccable phrasing, creates a timeless atmosphere of tenderness and hope. “People” isn’t just a song — it’s an emotional experience. Streisand’s performance radiates authenticity, allowing listeners to feel the ache of loneliness and the joy of finding someone who understands. The song’s success helped solidify her place not just on Broadway, but in popular music as well. Over the decades, “People” has remained a staple in Streisand’s repertoire, often serving as a reminder of her extraordinary ability to touch hearts with her voice alone. It’s a testament to her artistry and emotional intelligence, and one of the many reasons why she has remained a beloved cultural icon for generations.
2. The Way We Were (1973)
“The Way We Were” stands as one of Barbra Streisand’s most timeless and emotionally resonant songs. Released in 1973 as the theme for the film of the same name, in which Streisand starred opposite Robert Redford, the song perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet nostalgia that runs through the movie. Written by the dream team of Marvin Hamlisch and lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman, “The Way We Were” explores the delicate beauty of memories — both painful and precious. Streisand’s tender, heartfelt delivery transforms the song into a moving reflection on lost love and what it means to cherish the past even when it brings sorrow. The understated yet sweeping orchestration supports her voice without overpowering it, allowing every emotional nuance to shine through. The song became an enormous commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and winning both an Academy Award and a Grammy. Even today, it remains one of Streisand’s signature performances, often cited as one of the greatest movie songs of all time. “The Way We Were” resonates because it speaks to something universal — the ache of remembering a love that, though gone, shaped who we are.
3. Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born) (1976)
“Evergreen” is a shining example of Barbra Streisand’s ability to capture the profound emotions that accompany enduring love. Released in 1976 as the love theme for A Star Is Born, the song was co-written by Streisand herself alongside lyricist Paul Williams. “Evergreen” is a delicate, graceful ballad with lyrics that celebrate a love that remains fresh and vibrant through the passage of time. Streisand’s delivery is effortlessly beautiful, full of warmth, tenderness, and sincerity. Her voice flows through the song like a gentle stream, perfectly matched to the soft, acoustic-driven melody. The track was not just a commercial hit but a critical triumph as well, earning an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Song of the Year. “Evergreen” remains one of Streisand’s most cherished recordings, a love song that feels timeless rather than tied to any particular era. It showcases the softer, more intimate side of her vocal artistry, proving that sometimes the greatest emotional impact comes from a whisper rather than a shout. Every time she sings it, “Evergreen” sounds like a love letter whispered directly to the listener’s heart.
4. Don’t Rain on My Parade (1964)
Few songs are as synonymous with Barbra Streisand’s legacy as “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” Released in 1964 as part of the Broadway smash Funny Girl, the song became an anthem of defiance, ambition, and unstoppable spirit. Written by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, it captures the fiery, determined essence of Streisand’s character, Fanny Brice — and, arguably, Streisand herself. With its bold, brassy orchestration and soaring vocal demands, the song showcases Streisand’s incredible range and her ability to convey powerful emotion without losing vocal precision. Her performance is electrifying, filled with a mix of theatrical flair and raw authenticity that immediately draws the listener in. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a declaration of independence, a refusal to let anyone or anything stand in the way of dreams. Over the decades, Streisand has performed it countless times, each rendition infused with fresh vitality, reaffirming its place as a rallying cry for anyone striving to forge their own path. It’s not just a standout moment in her career — it’s a cultural landmark, a reminder that sometimes, the boldest thing you can do is sing your heart out and keep charging forward.
5. Woman in Love (1980)
“Woman in Love” marked a significant moment in Barbra Streisand’s career when it was released in 1980 as the lead single from her Guilty album. Written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, the song blends the shimmering sounds of late-’70s disco with Streisand’s unparalleled emotional intensity. It’s a sweeping ballad that explores the complexities and contradictions of deep, overwhelming love — the kind that consumes and defines a person. Streisand’s performance is both powerful and delicate; her voice soars over the lush production, capturing every nuance of passion, vulnerability, and determination. The track became an international sensation, topping charts worldwide and cementing her status as a pop icon as well as a Broadway legend. What makes “Woman in Love” particularly striking is how effortlessly Streisand embodies the song’s drama without ever slipping into melodrama. Her control and phrasing turn what could have been a simple love song into a profound emotional journey. It’s one of those rare tracks where the singer doesn’t just perform the lyrics — she lives them, making the listener feel every heartbeat, every tear, every desperate promise to hold onto love at all costs.
6. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers (1978)
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is one of those rare songs that feels like a conversation overheard — intimate, raw, and heartbreakingly real. Originally written and recorded separately by Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand, it was a radio DJ’s clever idea to merge their solo versions that sparked the now-famous duet. Released officially in 1978, their voices blend with such natural chemistry that it’s hard to believe the song wasn’t always meant to be a duet. The track tells the quiet, aching story of a love that has faded over time — when simple acts of affection disappear and silence replaces passion. Streisand’s emotional delivery, paired with Diamond’s gravelly, sorrowful tone, creates an atmosphere that’s as heavy with regret as it is beautiful. The simplicity of the arrangement allows every sigh, every note of resignation, to land with full force. “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” became an instant hit, resonating with anyone who’s ever mourned the slow, painful drifting apart of a once-vibrant relationship. It remains one of Streisand’s most iconic duets and a masterclass in emotional storytelling through music — a reminder that sometimes the saddest songs are the ones closest to the truth.
7. Guilty (1980)
Released as the title track of Barbra Streisand’s Guilty album in 1980, “Guilty” is a steamy, sophisticated duet that pairs her effortlessly with Bee Gees frontman Barry Gibb. The song feels like a whispered secret between two lovers, layered with longing, passion, and a touch of rebellion. Gibb’s signature falsetto weaves around Streisand’s rich, resonant voice, creating a sound that is both sensuous and sleek. The production, full of soft disco grooves and shimmering strings, captures the vibe of the era while still feeling timeless today. Lyrically, “Guilty” is all about a love so consuming that it feels almost forbidden — yet they embrace it anyway, without apology. Streisand’s performance balances strength and vulnerability perfectly, making the emotions feel tangible and immediate. Their musical chemistry is undeniable, and it’s part of what made Guilty one of the best-selling albums of Streisand’s career. Even decades later, “Guilty” stands as a testament to the magic that can happen when two powerhouse talents find the perfect song. It’s the kind of track that transports you into a smoky, glamorous world where love is complicated, exhilarating, and utterly irresistible.
8. Memory (1981)
“Memory” is one of those rare songs that seems to live in the very soul of its performer, and Barbra Streisand’s 1981 recording brings an unforgettable emotional depth to this already powerful classic. Originally from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical Cats, “Memory” captures the bittersweet ache of looking back on a life filled with dreams, regrets, and longing. In Streisand’s hands, the song becomes something even more intimate and profound. Her voice, clear and achingly beautiful, carries every ounce of heartbreak and hope embedded in the lyrics. The orchestration swells around her without ever drowning her out, allowing her vocal interpretation to remain the emotional centerpiece. Streisand’s version is less theatrical than many stage renditions; instead, she brings a pop-ballad sensibility that makes the song feel more personal and accessible. “Memory” became a highlight of her Memories album and helped introduce this Broadway anthem to audiences who may never have set foot inside a theater. It’s a breathtaking reminder of Streisand’s ability to inhabit a song fully, making it her own and turning even the most familiar melodies into deeply personal statements.
9. Somewhere (1985)
When Barbra Streisand recorded “Somewhere” for her 1985 The Broadway Album, she took a beloved classic from West Side Story and infused it with fresh passion and poignancy. “Somewhere” speaks to the universal longing for a place where dreams can thrive and love can exist without barriers — a timeless message that Streisand delivers with extraordinary tenderness. Her rendition starts softly, almost hesitantly, building gradually to a powerful, soul-stirring climax. Streisand’s voice, with its astonishing control and emotional transparency, captures every shade of hope, yearning, and quiet desperation found in the lyrics. The orchestral arrangement complements her perfectly, adding drama without ever overwhelming her. What makes her version of “Somewhere” so special is the way she finds new emotional depths in a song many thought they already knew by heart. She doesn’t just sing it — she inhabits it, offering listeners not just a performance but an invitation to dream along with her. “Somewhere” became a standout track from The Broadway Album, helping to reintroduce Streisand’s talents to a new generation while reminding longtime fans of the emotional brilliance that has defined her career for decades.
10. Papa, Can You Hear Me? (1983)
“Papa, Can You Hear Me?” is one of Barbra Streisand’s most haunting and heartfelt performances. Featured in the 1983 film Yentl, which she directed, co-wrote, and starred in, the song captures the profound longing of a daughter reaching out across spiritual and physical distances to a lost parent. Streisand’s delicate, almost prayerful delivery makes the listener feel the depth of Yentl’s grief and yearning for guidance. Accompanied by a sparse yet sweeping orchestral arrangement, her voice seems to float between earth and heaven, full of questions, hopes, and unspoken fears. The emotional honesty in her performance is breathtaking — vulnerable, tender, and filled with quiet strength. “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” transcends its context within the film to become a universal expression of the human need for connection, especially in moments of loneliness and doubt. It remains a touchstone in Streisand’s career, not just for her flawless vocal performance, but for the sincerity and depth she brings to every note. The song’s enduring resonance is a testament to Streisand’s artistry, her ability to turn a deeply personal story into something that speaks to anyone who’s ever yearned to be heard.
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.
