Search - Barbra Streisand :: The Way We Were

The Way We Were

Jo | 08/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a classic Streisand CD. It contains not only favorite hits, but little known personal favorites...Summer Me, Winter Me; Pieces of Dreams, etc."

I'll have what she's having

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 10/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whatever Barbra Streisand had in her drinking water when she recorded these songs must have been so special, magnetic and powerful that I wouldn't mind drinking some of it myself--maybe then I could actually sing as a tenor every bit as beautifully as Barbra sings! Barbra Streisand's album The Way We Were has nothing but the very best from this wonderful, singularly talented songbird! I do agree with reviewers who note that they should have added the other version of "The Way We Were;" that is a disappointment but the rest of this album is just so good that it still stands well on its own. There's not a dud in the bunch here; and that's terrific. In addition, I like that cover art that incorporates the artwork from the original record album release; and the quality of the sound is superb.



"Being at War with Each Other" starts the track set with a dynamic, striking number that Streisand aces as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing--but, of course, we know it really isn't all that easy. Barbra's talent easily carries her through. The music fits perfectly with Barbra's vocals--and how's about that brass? "Something So Right" lets Barbra do an awesome cover of this poignant tune by Paul Simon; she makes it sparkle brighter than silver and gold with her magnificent delivery! Her excellent diction and her fine sense of timing makes Barbra's delivery all the better. "(The) Best Thing You've Ever Done" is very well done with excellent use of the strings and percussion; and of course the title track is flawless. Barbra sings "The Way We Were" with panache and I'm very impressed.



"All in Love Is Fair" strikes me with its natural beauty and that overwhelming sense of melancholy; this ballad by Stevie Wonder is unforgettable in Barbra's capable hands. The percussion is again used quite well and Barbra sings this with all her heart and soul; you can really tell it's true with just one listen! "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" has always been one of my very favorite love songs; Barbra sings this to perfection-and beyond! I love it; this leaves nothing to be desired--this music is all THAT good.



"Summer Me, Winter Me" is gorgeous when Barbra sings it; those strings really add to the lushness of the ballad. "Pieces of Dreams" is easy on the ear; and I really like "I've Never Been a Woman Before." The album ends very nicely with Barbra Streisand performing a medley of "My Buddy" and "How About Me." The music provides the faultless accompaniment to Barbra's vocals and it also leaves me wanting more!



Barbra Streisand never fails to please her fans; and albums like this prove it. This is a must-have CD for Streisand fans; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals would do well to add this to their music collections."