Search - Barbra Streisand :: The Best of Collection (Best of Barbra Streisand)

Great--as far as it goes, that is (three and 1/2 stars)

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Barbra Streisand's Greatest Hits gives us what is really just a sampling of her very best. This disappoints me because it is not a thorough "greatest hits" package; but what we do get here is excellent material. The sound quality is excellent and the artwork is very nicely done.



"People" starts off the CD with a smash hit for Streisand; she sounds like pure silk on this number and there couldn't be a better interpretation that the one Barbra does here! The strings are very beautiful and I like the harp, too. "Second Hand Rose" is an older number that gets a ragtime flavored musical arrangement--listen for that piano! Barbra aces this easily and I've always liked her rendition of "Second Hand Rose." It makes me smile whenever I hear it. Great!



"Why Did I Choose You" is a tender love song that Barbra makes glisten like gold when she delivers it so flawlessly; Barbra Streisand fans are sure to love this tune! Barbra sings her heart out on "Why Did I Choose You" and just one listen proves it. There's also "He Touched Me;" this ballad is a wonderful highlight of this album. Barbra is able to capture the joy a woman can feel when her one true love shows his affection for her; and that's grand.



"Free Again" is quite a stunner; this somewhat torchy song moves with its beauty. However, what really impresses me the most on this album would have to be "Don't Rain On My Parade" from Funny Girl. Barbra opens us and lifts this tune to new heights; I've never heard anything like it. Barbra's delivery of "Don't Rain On My Parade" is truly one of her best masterpieces ever.



"Sam, You Made The Pants Too Long" is another song that makes me smile; this nostalgic tune gets the royal treatment with what sounds like a washboard used as a type of percussion treatment. Barbra performs "Sam, You Made The Pants Too Long" a charming little tune that you can't resist playing over and over again. "My Man" is also a fine ballad on this CD; I think you'll like this very much if you haven't heard Barbra sing it yet.



The CD ends well with Barbra Streisand performing "Happy Days Are Here Again;" this live concert track features Barbra literally front and center--and that's quite all right with me! Streisand does a fine job on "Happy Days Are Here Again."



This is not a complete "greatest hits" album--and it wasn't even when it was originally released on record album! I must take off 1 and ½ stars for this flaw. However, what we do hear is wonderful words and music, so Streisand fans will want this for their collections.

"

Fun with a voice

Stefan Hayes | 05/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Each song on this album is great fun! Mix her voice with these fun lyrics and compositions: FUN FUN FUN! Love the music Babs!"

Barbra's beautiful!

i. t. j. | 10/31/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is also a great place to start especially if you're interested in young Barbra!"