Barbra Streisand is one of the most legendary and iconic singers in the history of music. Her powerful and emotive vocals, combined with her incredible stage presence and timeless songs, have captivated audiences around the world for over six decades. With numerous chart-topping hits and countless awards, Streisand has cemented her place in music history as one of the greatest artists of all time.
Choosing the top 10 best Barbra Streisand songs of all time is no easy task, as her discography is filled with so many incredible tracks that have stood the test of time. However, there are certain songs that have become synonymous with Streisand’s legacy, and that have remained beloved by fans and critics alike for decades.
From timeless ballads to upbeat pop hits, these 10 songs showcase Streisand’s incredible range and versatility as an artist. Each song tells a unique story and captures a particular moment in time, while also showcasing Streisand’s unmatched talent and ability to evoke powerful emotions in listeners.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Streisand’s music or are just discovering her incredible talent for the first time, these 10 songs are sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.
1. “Woman in Love”
“Woman in Love” is a powerful ballad performed by the legendary singer Barbra Streisand. Released in 1980, the song became an instant classic, topping the charts in several countries and earning critical acclaim. Streisand’s emotional delivery and soaring vocals bring to life the lyrics, which tell the story of a woman who finds herself deeply in love, yet struggling with the vulnerability and uncertainty that come with it. The song’s melody is haunting and beautiful, featuring a sweeping orchestral arrangement and a memorable chorus that captures the song’s themes of passion, longing, and fear. With its timeless message and unforgettable performance, “Woman in Love” remains one of Streisand’s most beloved and iconic songs.
2. “Guilty”
“Guilty” is a hit duet performed by Barbra Streisand and the Bee Gees, released in 1980. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody, combined with the impressive vocal harmonies of Streisand and the Bee Gees, make it a classic disco-era track that still remains popular today. The lyrics describe a passionate love affair that is secret and taboo, with the two lovers feeling guilty for their forbidden feelings. Streisand’s vocals are as powerful as ever, while the Bee Gees bring their signature falsetto harmonies to the chorus. The song’s upbeat energy and infectious rhythm make it impossible not to dance along, and it’s no surprise that “Guilty” was a huge commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. As a testament to its popularity, “Guilty” remains a fan favorite and a beloved staple of Streisand’s extensive discography.
3. “I Finally Found Someone”
“I Finally Found Someone” is a touching ballad performed by Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams, released in 1996. The song tells the story of two people who have been searching for love, and have finally found each other. Streisand’s emotional delivery and soulful vocals perfectly capture the feeling of joy and relief that comes with finding true love. Adams’ raw and powerful vocals complement Streisand’s perfectly, and the two singers’ voices blend together seamlessly in the song’s memorable chorus. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect choice for weddings and other romantic occasions. “I Finally Found Someone” was a commercial success, reaching the top of several charts and earning critical acclaim. Its timeless message and heartfelt delivery have made it one of Streisand’s most beloved and enduring hits.
4. “Evergreen”
“Evergreen” is a beautiful ballad performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1976. The song’s tender melody and poignant lyrics make it an unforgettable love song that has touched the hearts of millions. The lyrics describe the enduring power of love, and how it can weather any storm and stand the test of time. Streisand’s vocals are breathtakingly beautiful, and her emotional delivery perfectly captures the song’s themes of love and devotion. The lush orchestral arrangement, with its sweeping strings and gentle piano, adds to the song’s romantic and nostalgic mood. “Evergreen” was a huge commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its timeless message and unforgettable melody have made it one of Streisand’s most enduring and beloved songs, and a true classic in the world of romantic ballads.
5. “The Way We Were”
“The Way We Were” is a poignant ballad performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1974. The song’s bittersweet melody and heart-wrenching lyrics make it a true masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The lyrics describe a love affair that has ended, and the memories and nostalgia that remain. Streisand’s vocals are nothing short of stunning, with her powerful voice delivering the song’s emotional message with sincerity and authenticity. The orchestral arrangement, featuring a beautiful piano and soaring strings, adds to the song’s romantic and nostalgic mood. “The Way We Were” was a commercial and critical success, topping the charts and earning numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its timeless message and unforgettable melody have made it one of Streisand’s most enduring and beloved songs, and a true classic in the world of romantic ballads.
6. “Tell Him”
“Tell Him” is a powerful duet performed by Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion, released in 1997. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it a true pop classic that remains popular today. The lyrics describe a woman who is in love and struggling to express her feelings to the man she loves. Streisand and Dion’s vocals are both impressive and powerful, with each singer bringing their unique style and energy to the song. The harmonies are flawless, and the two voices blend together beautifully in the song’s memorable chorus. The song’s pop-rock arrangement, featuring electric guitars and drums, adds to its energetic and uplifting mood. “Tell Him” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning critical acclaim. Its catchy melody and dynamic vocals have made it one of Streisand’s most beloved and enduring hits, and a true gem in the world of pop duets.
7. “Memory”
“Memory” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1981. The song’s emotional melody and poignant lyrics make it a true masterpiece that has touched the hearts of millions. The lyrics describe a cat named Grizabella who is remembering her past and feeling the pain of her loneliness. Streisand’s powerful and soulful vocals are nothing short of stunning, perfectly capturing the song’s themes of nostalgia and heartache. The orchestral arrangement, with its sweeping strings and gentle piano, adds to the song’s melancholic and wistful mood. “Memory” was a commercial and critical success, topping the charts and earning numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Its timeless message and unforgettable melody have made it one of Streisand’s most enduring and beloved songs, and a true classic in the world of emotional ballads.
8. “Don’t Rain on My Parade”
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a classic show tune performed by Barbra Streisand, released in 1964. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a true showstopper that has been performed by countless artists over the years. The lyrics describe a determined and independent woman who is determined to succeed, no matter what obstacles stand in her way. Streisand’s vocals are powerful and commanding, with her signature vibrato adding a touch of drama and flair to the song. The brass-heavy orchestral arrangement, with its driving trumpets and trombones, adds to the song’s brassy and bold mood. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” was a commercial and critical success, and has become one of Streisand’s signature songs. Its empowering message and infectious melody have made it a true classic in the world of show tunes and musical theater.
9. “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a poignant duet performed by Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond, released in 1978. The song’s melancholic melody and heart-wrenching lyrics make it a true classic that has touched the hearts of many. The lyrics describe a couple who have lost their spark and are struggling to find their way back to each other. Streisand and Diamond’s vocals are both powerful and emotive, with each singer bringing their unique style and energy to the song. The harmonies are flawless, and the two voices blend together beautifully in the song’s memorable chorus. The song’s orchestral arrangement, featuring a haunting piano and strings, adds to its emotional and nostalgic mood. “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” was a commercial success, topping the charts and earning critical acclaim. Its poignant message and unforgettable melody have made it one of Streisand’s most enduring and beloved songs, and a true gem in the world of romantic ballads.
10. “What Kind of Fool”
“What Kind of Fool” is a powerful ballad performed by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb, released in 1981. The song’s emotional melody and poignant lyrics make it a true masterpiece that has touched the hearts of many. The lyrics describe a woman who is struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship, and the pain and regret that come with it. Streisand and Gibb’s vocals are both impressive and emotive, with each singer bringing their unique style and energy to the song. The harmonies are flawless, and the two voices blend together beautifully in the song’s memorable chorus. The song’s orchestral arrangement, featuring a haunting piano and strings, adds to its emotional and nostalgic mood. “What Kind of Fool” was a commercial success, topping the charts and earning critical acclaim. Its poignant message and unforgettable melody have made it one of Streisand’s most enduring and beloved songs, and a true classic in the world of emotional ballads.