Barbra Streisand, a name synonymous with unparalleled vocal talent and captivating performances, has gifted the world with a treasure trove of songs spanning decades. From Broadway stages to Hollywood screens, her music resonates with emotion, power, and timeless appeal. This list explores some of the most essential Barbra Streisand songs, celebrating her remarkable career and enduring legacy.
20. Guava Jelly (1974)
In a surprising twist that highlights Streisand’s versatility, “Guava Jelly” sees her take on a Bob Marley tune. Released before Bob Marley and The Wailers achieved mainstream fame in the US, this cover is undeniably quirky. Yet, Streisand transforms it into a gleeful 70s pop-soul piece, injecting a gentle reggae feel into the chorus and subtly grasping the song’s playful undertones. It’s a testament to her ability to make any song her own, even a bubblegum-pop-reggae fusion.
19. Promises (1980)
Often overshadowed by the bigger hits from the “Guilty” album, “Promises” is a hidden gem that deserves recognition. This track is a masterclass in understated mid-tempo disco. Richly melodic and exceptionally classy, it boasts a fabulous chorus and sophisticated arrangement. For the full experience, seek out the 12-inch mix, which extends the song to six minutes, subtly amplifying its dancefloor groove and allowing its intricate layers to truly shine.
Barbra Streisand in a Vogue photoshoot, April 1975, showcasing her timeless style and elegance.
18. Night of My Life (2005)
“Guilty Pleasures,” while not reaching the commercial heights of Streisand’s previous collaboration with Barry Gibb, stands as her strongest pop album in decades. “Night of My Life” is a standout track where Gibb revisits the iconic sound of Saturday Night Fever, something the Bee Gees themselves notably avoided. This song is a minor triumph, capturing the disco spirit with a modern Streisand twist.
17. Left in the Dark (1984)
The collaboration between Barbra Streisand and Jim Steinman, known for his work with Meat Loaf and theatrical rock anthems, seemed like a perfect match made in AOR heaven. “Left in the Dark,” their sole collaboration, is surprisingly restrained for Steinman. However, it still delivers a powerful punch with booming drums, soaring choral backing vocals, and a killer power ballad heart. It’s a taste of what could have been a truly epic partnership.
16. Mother (1971)
Streisand’s interpretations of 70s rock weren’t always successful – her “Life on Mars” cover famously displeased David Bowie. However, her rendition of John Lennon’s raw and emotional “Mother” is undeniably amazing. She boldly departs from the primal scream origins, introducing a full orchestra and gospel organ, yet remarkably retains the song’s intense emotional core. This transformation showcases her interpretive genius, finding new depths in a deeply personal song.
15. Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over) (1975)
Hidden within the “Lazy Afternoon” album is the unexpected yet delightful sound of Streisand embracing Philadelphia International-style mid-70s dancefloor soul in “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)”. Featuring lush orchestration, wah-wah guitars, and backing vocals reminiscent of The Three Degrees, it even includes “When Will I See You Again”-esque sighs at the beginning. This track demonstrates Streisand’s adventurous spirit and ability to conquer diverse musical genres.
Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand in the studio recording their iconic duet, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” a testament to their musical chemistry.
14. You Don’t Bring Me Flowers (1978)
The story behind “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is as unique as the song itself. Originally written and recorded by Neil Diamond for a sitcom (oddly fitting its melancholic tone), Streisand later covered it. A serendipitous moment occurred when a Kentucky radio program director, going through a divorce, spliced the two versions together. This accidental duet became a radio sensation, and a 70s weepy ballad classic was born, showcasing the raw emotion both artists brought to the song.
13. The Way He Makes Me Feel (1983)
“The Way He Makes Me Feel” from “Yentl,” Streisand’s directorial debut, is a song of Oscar-worthy caliber. It might have even won Best Original Song had it not split the vote with another “Yentl” nomination, “Papa Can You Hear Me?”. Michel Legrand’s beautiful melody, combined with a sumptuous orchestral arrangement and Streisand’s impassioned vocal performance, makes this song a true standout from the film and her discography.
12. People (1964)
“People” almost didn’t make it into “Funny Girl” until Streisand’s preview performance garnered rapturous applause. It became one of her signature songs, despite some humorous critiques. This song’s enduring popularity lies in its simple yet profound message about human connection, perfectly delivered by Streisand’s emotive voice.
11. Somewhere (1985)
The highlight of “The Broadway Album,” aptly titled, is Streisand’s impressive reimagining of the Bernstein and Sondheim classic, “Somewhere.” Her performance is flawless and deeply moving. The lengthy and surprisingly modern electronic intro transforms the song from the 1950s Manhattan setting of “West Side Story” to a more contemporary urban landscape. This rendition proves Streisand’s ability to breathe new life into timeless classics.
Barbra Streisand as Katie Morosky in “The Way We Were,” capturing the romantic and poignant essence of the film and its era.
10. Stoney End (1971)
The “Stoney End” album marked a deliberate attempt to modernize Streisand’s image, featuring covers of Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman and songs with socially conscious themes. While it might not have converted rock purists, the Laura Nyro-penned title track is a gem of freewheeling pop-soul brilliance. “Stoney End” showcases Streisand embracing a more contemporary sound while retaining her signature vocal power.
9. My Man (1965)
Fanny Brice’s signature song, “My Man,” was absent from the original 1964 Broadway production of “Funny Girl” starring Streisand but made its way into the 1968 film adaptation. This inclusion might be attributed to Streisand’s stunning rendition recorded in between, for her album and TV special, “My Name Is Barbra.” Her version is a powerful and definitive take on this classic torch song.
8. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) (1979)
“No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” is an inherently successful formula: a vocal collaboration with disco queen Donna Summer, production by Giorgio Moroder at his peak, and a dynamic structure. The 12-inch version expands into a 10-minute epic with hammering synths, over-the-top rock guitar, and a frenzied, empowering duet. This song is a high-energy, genre-bending masterpiece.
7. Woman in Love (1980)
Pairing Streisand with the Bee Gees was a stroke of genius. Despite critical backlash at the time, the Gibb brothers, with their undeniable songwriting prowess, poured their energy into “Guilty.” “Woman in Love,” the lead single, topped charts in 19 countries, a testament to its dramatic and cinematic power. This song perfectly blends Streisand’s vocal strength with the Bee Gees’ melodic sensibility.
Barry Gibb and Barbra Streisand, the creative force behind the “Guilty” album, a landmark collaboration in pop music history.
6. Happy Days Are Here Again (1962)
Streisand’s early success was remarkable: a 21-year-old achieving a massive hit album of standards and show tunes during the height of Beatlemania. “Happy Days Are Here Again” exemplifies why. Her voice is simply incredible. The slow arrangement delves beneath the lyric’s cheerful surface, transforming it into a song about resilience and stoicism rather than simple joy. This rendition reveals Streisand’s ability to find depth and nuance in classic material.
5. My Father’s Song (1975)
Co-written by Rupert Holmes, “My Father’s Song” possesses a deeply personal quality, seemingly drawing from Streisand’s own life. Singing about the inescapable influence of a father who passed away when she was just a year old, Streisand delivers a performance filled with raw emotion and conviction. This song resonates with its poignant exploration of family legacy and personal connection.
4. Don’t Rain on My Parade (1964)
The ultimate showstopper from “Funny Girl,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” has been covered by numerous artists. However, it remains inextricably linked to Streisand. She recorded it first, and arguably, no one has matched her definitive interpretation. Her rendition injects a subtle yet noticeable hint of desperation beneath the song’s defiant optimism, making it all the more powerful and iconic.
3. Evergreen (1976)
While primarily known as an interpreter of songs, “Evergreen” showcases Streisand’s songwriting talent, at least musically (lyrics by Paul Williams). This Oscar-winning love theme from “A Star is Born” makes you wish she had composed more. While categorized as MOR (middle-of-the-road), “Evergreen” is MOR at its most sophisticated, genuinely affecting, and timelessly beautiful.
Barbra Streisand in her iconic role as Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl,” a role that solidified her status as a superstar.
2. Guilty (1980)
“Guilty,” the title track from Streisand’s greatest pop album, is a collaboration with all three Bee Gees. The song glides effortlessly, with a melody that soars over a subtly crafted soft-rock backdrop. Streisand’s vocal performance is exceptional, creating a striking contrast with Barry Gibb’s distinctive voice, and the chorus is simply magnificent. “Guilty” is a perfect example of pop perfection.
1. The Way We Were (1973)
After a brief career lull following the 1973 album “…And Other Musical Instruments,” “The Way We Were” revitalized Streisand’s career. This Oscar-winning, instantly classic ballad is both tearjerking and timeless, evoking a sense of nostalgia that transcends eras. Exquisitely written and performed with remarkable restraint and subtlety, especially in the iconic line “what’s too painful to remember,” where her pause before “painful” speaks volumes. The emotional release at 2:40 is all the more cathartic and impactful, cementing “The Way We Were” as her signature song and a true masterpiece.
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