Search - Barbra Streisand :: Songbird

Pleasant, but unremarkable.

R. Graff | South Windsor, CT United States | 10/29/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Released after the huge success of the A Star is Born soundtrack and the positive response to Streisand Superman, it's no surprise expectations were high, as were initial sales, for this album. However, the album stalled at #12, only had a modest hit with the title song, and is often regarded as one of Barbra Streisand's most forgettable albums.



Admittedly, it is hard for me to truly dislike anything Barbra records. But even I have to say that this collection is very weak and underwhelming. I can't blame it on Streisand, though. The problem is these songs are mainly meant to be filler, as there are no real strong hooks or catchy beats to make you want to listen over and over, and a lot of the songs (and there are many) that seem to have potential, such as "Love Breakdown," "I Don't Break Easily," "One More Night," and "Stay Away" build up to what you expect to be a big payoff just fizzles.



There are some really good tracks on the album, though. "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" is an interesting variation on her later hit, with her being the sole singer this time, "Songbird" has a beautiful melody and good lyrics, even if it sounds too much like a rip-off of "Evergreen", and "Honey Can I Put On Your Clothes" has some of the best vocals on the album, with Barbra cooing in a sexy way, similarly to Diana Ross on "Love Hangover," that makes the track irresistible.



Overall, this is a very inessential album, only for fans wanting to complete their collection, and even so is one of minor priority. Only the most religious Barbra Streisand fans will truly love this, but even "lesser" fans will find it pleasant enough."

The Only Real Songbird is Barbra

L. Stuby | USA | 11/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once again Barbra has given us something real to listen to, relax to and relate to......every song she sings is pure magic!!!! This lady is the only true genius in the industry!!!!!! She is to be idolized, and learned from - she not only takes chances in her career, she opens up new paths for other women. Barbra is pure love!"

Streisand/Songbird

gerwill | 05/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I originally bought this cd as an L.P. back when it came out, probably the first day it was released...I was 16..and a Streisand fanatic...and while I remember loving it a LOT (!!!!)...it probably blows my mind more as an adult listener than as a teenage listener. Songs I did NOT care for back then: Deep In The Night...and Honey Can I Put On Your Clothes...mean a whole lot more now and I enjoy listening to them immensely...SONGBIRD is still a KNOCKOUT, underestimated song that Streisand sings so earnestly and longingly...her instrument never sounding better...Love Breakdown, was so "disco" back then, and it brings back lots of memories of the era...and lets Streisand "let her hair down"...I Don't Break Easily and A Man That I Loved...are hearbreakers...and once again, Streisand's interpretation raises them to levels no other singer could bring them too...haunting...Tomorrow from Annnie is breezy and enjoyable, with a new arrangement not the one that was used in the show...and quite a different take on it...Stay Away and One More Night are incredible portraits painted by Streisand here, all ending up in the same place: She's the best...Solo version of You Don't Bring Me Flowers garnered a Grammy Nod for Best Female Vocalist Pop...quite stirring...She sounds incredible throughout...This cd is a "golden Treasure"...run don't walk...."