Barbra Streisand is one of the most iconic and influential singers of the 20th century, known for her powerful voice, stunning performances, and timeless music. With a career spanning over six decades, Streisand has amassed an impressive discography of hits that have touched the hearts of millions around the world. Her music has transcended genres, from pop to show tunes, jazz to classical, and everything in between. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best Barbra Streisand songs of all time. From her early days in the 1960s to her latest releases in the 21st century, we will explore the breadth and depth of Streisand’s musical talent and examine what makes these songs so special. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Streisand’s music, this list is sure to showcase some of her finest work and leave you in awe of her incredible vocal range and artistry. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the top 10 best Barbra Streisand songs of all time.
Table of Contents
1. “Memory”
“Memory” is a song from the hit musical “Cats” and was made famous by Barbra Streisand in 1981. The song was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn and has a hauntingly beautiful melody, with Streisand’s powerful vocals bringing the lyrics to life. The lyrics describe the nostalgia and longing for a past love or time, with memories that still linger.
The music video for “Memory” features Streisand singing the song in front of a black backdrop, with images of cats and the moon interspersed throughout. The video perfectly captures the beauty and melancholy of the song and Streisand’s performance is nothing short of breathtaking.
2. “Don’t Rain on My Parade”
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a classic showtune from the musical “Funny Girl,” in which Barbra Streisand originated the role of Fanny Brice on Broadway in 1964. The song was written by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill and has a lively, upbeat melody that showcases Streisand’s incredible range and vocal power. The lyrics describe the determination and resilience of a young woman who refuses to let anyone hold her back or rain on her parade.
The music video for “Don’t Rain on My Parade” features Streisand singing the song in front of a live audience, with clips of her performance in “Funny Girl” interspersed throughout. The video perfectly captures the energy and spirit of the song and Streisand’s performance is nothing short of electrifying. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” remains one of Streisand’s most iconic and beloved songs, inspiring generations of young women to follow their dreams and never give up.
3. “I Finally Found Someone” with Bryan Adams
“I Finally Found Someone” is a beautiful duet by Barbra Streisand and Canadian rock star Bryan Adams, released in 1996. The song was written by Streisand and Adams, along with Robert John “Mutt” Lange and Marvin Hamlisch. The song has a slow, romantic melody, with the two singers’ voices complementing each other perfectly. The lyrics describe the joy of finally finding true love after a long search, and the relief and happiness that comes with it.
The music video for “I Finally Found Someone” features Streisand and Adams performing the song together, interspersed with scenes from the movie “The Mirror Has Two Faces,” which Streisand directed and starred in. The video perfectly captures the emotion of the song and the chemistry between the two singers.
4. “Evergreen”
“Evergreen” is a classic love song by Barbra Streisand, released in 1976. The song was written by Streisand and Paul Williams and was the theme song for the movie “A Star is Born,” which Streisand starred in. The song has a slow, romantic melody, with Streisand’s powerful vocals bringing the lyrics to life. The lyrics describe the eternal nature of true love and the hope that it brings.
The music video for “Evergreen” features Streisand singing the song in front of a colorful backdrop, with images of nature and flowers interspersed throughout. The video perfectly captures the beauty and timeless quality of the song, and Streisand’s performance is nothing short of stunning.
5. “Woman in Love”
“Woman in Love” is a classic love ballad by Barbra Streisand that was released in 1980. The song was written by the legendary songwriting duo Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. The song has a slow, romantic melody, with Streisand’s signature powerful vocals bringing the lyrics to life. The song tells the story of a woman who has fallen deeply in love and is struggling to express her feelings to her partner. The lyrics are both heartfelt and vulnerable, making the song a relatable and timeless classic.
Streisand’s rendition of “Woman in Love” was an immediate success, topping the charts in many countries and becoming one of her signature songs. The music video for the song features Streisand in a flowing white dress, standing in front of a wind machine, and singing her heart out. The video perfectly captures the emotion of the song and Streisand’s incredible talent as a performer.
6. “Guilty” with Barry Gibb
“Guilty” is a duet by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, released in 1980. The song was written by the Gibb brothers and is a catchy, upbeat disco-pop track with a romantic theme. The lyrics describe two lovers who are hesitant to admit their feelings for each other, fearing rejection and vulnerability. The song features Streisand and Gibb’s harmonizing vocals and is backed by a lively orchestral arrangement.
The music video for “Guilty” features Streisand and Gibb singing and dancing together on a brightly lit stage. The video perfectly captures the energy and fun of the song, and the chemistry between the two singers is undeniable. “Guilty” was a massive hit for Streisand and Gibb, reaching the top of the charts in many countries and becoming one of the most successful collaborations of their careers. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it a timeless classic and a must-have on any party playlist.
7. “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” with Neil Diamond
“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” is a duet between Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond, released in 1978. The song was written by Neil Diamond, Marilyn Bergman, and Alan Bergman and tells the story of a couple whose love has faded over time. The song’s melancholy lyrics and gentle melody perfectly capture the bittersweet emotions of a failing relationship.
The music video for “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” features Streisand and Diamond singing the song together on a stage, with clips of a couple going through a breakup interspersed throughout. The video captures the sadness and regret of the lyrics and the chemistry between Streisand and Diamond is palpable.
8. “What Kind of Fool” with Barry Gibb
“What Kind of Fool” is a duet between Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb, released in 1980. The song was written by Barry Gibb and Albhy Galuten and has a smooth, soulful melody that perfectly showcases the two singers’ vocal talents. The lyrics describe the confusion and heartbreak of a couple whose relationship is falling apart, and their desperation to hold on to what they once had.
The music video for “What Kind of Fool” features Streisand and Gibb singing the song together in a studio, with footage of a couple going through a breakup interspersed throughout. The video captures the sadness and frustration of the lyrics, and the chemistry between Streisand and Gibb is palpable. “What Kind of Fool” is a beautiful and emotional duet that showcases the incredible talent of both singers.
9. “The Way We Were”
“The Way We Were” is a classic song by Barbra Streisand, released in 1974. The song was written by Marvin Hamlisch, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. The song has a slow, nostalgic melody, with Streisand’s emotive vocals bringing the lyrics to life. The lyrics describe a past love that will never be forgotten, with memories that still bring joy and pain.
The music video for “The Way We Were” features Streisand singing the song in front of a black backdrop, with images of stars and the night sky interspersed throughout. The video perfectly captures the bittersweet nature of the song and the raw emotion in Streisand’s performance. “The Way We Were” remains one of Streisand’s most beloved and iconic songs, and its timeless beauty continues to captivate listeners to this day.
10. “Tell Him” with Celine Dion
“Tell Him” is a duet by Barbra Streisand and Canadian pop icon Celine Dion, released in 1997. The song was written by David Foster, Linda Thompson, and Walter Afanasieff and has a powerful, upbeat melody that showcases the two singers’ incredible vocal talents. The lyrics describe the nervousness and excitement of confessing one’s feelings to a crush, and the hope that they feel the same way.
The music video for “Tell Him” features Streisand and Dion singing the song together on a brightly lit stage, with images of the ocean and the sky behind them. The video perfectly captures the energy and enthusiasm of the song and the chemistry between the two singers is undeniable.
FAQs
What is considered to be Barbra Streisand's best song? ›
- 'Woman in Love', Barbra Streisand.
- 'Guilty', Barbra Streisand with 'Barry Gibb.
- 'Evergreen', Barbra Streisand with Babyface.
- 'The Way We Were', Barbra Streisand with Lionel Richie.
- 'I Finally Found Someone', Barbra Streisand with Bryan Adams.
- 'Tell Him', Barbra Streisand.
- “Don't Rain on My Parade” ...
- “Memory” ...
- “Tell Him” with Celine Dion. ...
- “The Way We Were” ...
- “Evergreen” ...
- “I Finally Found Someone” with Bryan Adams. ...
- “Guilty” with Barry Gibb. ...
- “Woman in Love”
'Don't Rain on My Parade' This anthem appears in the Funny Girl musical, in which Babs starred in 1968. Many artists have performed the song over the decades, but it will be Barbra's powerhouse version that will forever be the definitive.
What was Barbra Streisand's first number one hit? ›In 1974, "The Way We Were" became the first original single by a female artist to achieve the No. 1 song of the year in US.
What is Barbra Streisand's best selling song? ›"The Way We Were" won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and is given credit for reviving Barbra Streisand's commercial fortunes as a singer. "The Way We Were" was the bestselling single released in 1974. It has been certified platinum for sales of over one million copies.
Who is the best female singers of all time Barbra Streisand? ›Billboard honored Streisand as the greatest Billboard 200 female artist of all time. Her accolades include two Oscars, 10 Grammy Awards (including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Grammy Legend Award), five Emmys, four Peabody Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Kennedy Center Honor.
What is the number 1 song ever? ›According to Guinness World Records, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (1942) as performed by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies.
What is considered the greatest song ever? ›| Rank | Artist | Song |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aretha Franklin | "Respect" |
| 2 | Public Enemy | "Fight the Power" |
| 3 | Sam Cooke | "A Change Is Gonna Come" |
| 4 | Bob Dylan | "Like a Rolling Stone" |
“Blinding Lights” was also officially recognized as the biggest US Billboard Hot 100 single of all time. When released at the end of 2019, the song spent over 100 weeks in the charts. If you haven't already, be sure to give "Blinding Lights" a listen on Spotify.
Does Barbra Streisand have perfect pitch? ›Barbra Streisand
She was deemed “too ugly to be a star” while young and never got support from her mother. But her voice of an angel and a perfect pitch at age five catapulted her to stardom.
Did Barbra Streisand have a good voice? ›
Barbra Streisand is one of the strongest vocalists of her generation, imbuing her reality into the songs that have littered her life and lit our stages.
Why is Barbra Streisand such a good singer? ›She carries the technical proficiency of a mezzo soprano that allows her to hit and hold the high notes that most people love in a diva's singing. Yet her voice remains distinctly her own, sometimes nasally and conversational, always reminding you of her Brooklyn roots.
Who is Barbra Streisand favorite singer? ›She was a big fan of Elvis and is still a big fan of a singer who can only be described as a megastar. “I really love Stevie Wonder, I have worked with him and he is just great,” Barbra enthused. “Stevie is so infectious.
Who had the first number one song? ›Al Martino's "Here In My Heart" was the track to Top the first ever chart (Nov 1952) so, technically, this was the first track to debut at Number 1. But ignoring this, the first artist to enter at Number 1 in the established chart was Elvis Presley ("Jailhouse Rock", Jan 1958).
Is Barbra Streisand a Millionaire? ›Is Barbra Streisand a millionaire? Streisand is indeed a millionaire—400 times over.
What song did Barbra Streisand win a Grammy for? ›Did you know? Streisand has won two Oscars, one in 1968 for Best Actress for her role in Funny Girl, and again in 1978 for Best Original Song for "Evergreen (Love Theme From A Star Is Born)." The latter also earned her two GRAMMYs for 1977 for Song Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female.
Who is Barbra Streisand's best friend? ›Streisand considered Corman not only her best friend, but a surrogate mother, as Corman was 32 and Streisand only 16 when the two first met in an acting class.
How great was Barbra Streisand? ›According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), she is the second highest-certified female artist in the United States, with 68.5 million certified album units. Billboard ranked Streisand as the greatest solo artist on the Billboard 200 chart and the top Adult Contemporary female artist of all time.
Who is the world No 1 female singer all time? ›1. Aretha Franklin. Aretha Franklin is often credited as one of the greatest female vocalists of all time. Her ability to transcend genres and styles, such as rock, gospel, soul and jazz, has earned her the title of “Queen of Soul” and the number one spot on this list.
How many octaves can Barbra Streisand sing? ›Comfortably spanning just over three octaves, Streisand's voice has something of a rounded, nasal quality to it, something emphasised by Streisand's frequent use of vibrato.
Who is the most decorated female singer? ›
Whitney Houston holds the Guinness World Record as the most awarded female artist of all time, with more than 400 career awards. Whitney won 6 GRAMMY Awards and 22 American Music Awards. This list details a majority of Whitney's awards.
What is the best-selling female single of all time? ›Whitney is perhaps best known for her rendition of 'I Will Always Love You. ' The song, which is off the Bodyguard soundtrack, is the all-time best-selling physical single from a female artist, with over 20 millions sales.
What singer has the most number one songs of all time? ›The Beatles, unsurprisingly, lead the way with a record 20 No. 1s, all earned between 1964 and 1970.
What was the number one selling album of all time? ›Michael Jackson's Thriller, estimated to have sold 70 million copies worldwide, is the best-selling album ever. Jackson also currently has the highest number of albums on the list with five, Celine Dion has four, while the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Madonna and Whitney Houston each have three.
Who made the best song ever? › What are the top 3 songs of all time? ›| Position | Song | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Day In The Life | The Beatles |
| 2 | Billie Jean | Michael Jackson |
| 3 | Suspicious Minds | Elvis Presley |
| 4 | Bohemian Rhapsody | Queen |
- 'Blinding Lights' by The Weeknd (3.52 billion streams) ...
- 'Shape of You' by Ed Sheeran (3.44 billion streams) ...
- 'Dance Monkey' by Tones And I (2.79 billion streams) ...
- 'Someone You Loved' by Lewis Capaldi (2.74 billion streams) ...
- 'Rockstar' by Post Malone feat 21 Savage (2.65 billion streams)
In 1893, the Hill sisters needed a song for their kindergarten class to sing on birthdays. Fast forward 120 years and "Happy Birthday" is by far the richest and most profitable song of all time. The Ownership of "Happy Birthday" has changed hands a few times in the last 100 years.
What singer can hit the most octaves? ›Luciano Pavarotti is hailed as the world's greatest tenor, and his impressive vocal range proves just that. In his prime, the larger-than-life tenor could hit an F5 – that's an octave and a half above middle C. Then, there are those of musicians from the pop world.
Who is the most pitch perfect singer? ›Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey not only has perfect pitch, but she also has an unparalleled five-octave range. Her highest pitch almost sounds like her voice has been digitally altered by high-tech machinery. It is the highest pitch the human voice can achieve, known formally as the whistle register.
Which singer can sing the highest pitch? ›
Georgia Brown. The last artist on our short list is not very well known as an artist. However, she holds the world record for the highest note. Guinness World Record registered her in their list for the highest note ever hit by a human, a G10.
Who has the most beautiful voice ever? ›- 1 of 35. Celine Dion. Kevin Winter/Getty Images. ...
- 2 of 35. Barbra Streisand. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for BSB. ...
- 3 of 35. Etta James. ...
- 4 of 35. Nina Simone. ...
- 5 of 35. Aretha Franklin. ...
- 6 of 35. Whitney Houston. ...
- 7 of 35. Smokey Robinson. ...
- 8 of 35. Mariah Carey.
Though she never learned to read music, Streisand says she can hear a tune in her head.
What singers have the best head voice? ›Some singers that have great head voice include Celine Dion, Sting, and Aretha Franklin. They can all go high with control, full resonance and punch. This is also referred to as “mixed voice” or “middle voice”.
What language does Barbra Streisand speak? ›Moving away from the sleek bouffant hairdos of the 1960s, Streisand started showing off her naturally curly hair in movie roles and while performing on stage.
Can Barbra Streisand still sing? ›Whether with Judy Garland or Barry Gibb, Streisand loved to sing duets. In 1978, her duet with Neil Diamond, "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," became a global hit. In her most recent album, "Encore," she sings Broadway songs with fellow actors, including Alec Baldwin.
What did Robert Redford think of Barbra Streisand? ›The then 36-year-old Redford did not think the then 30-year-old Streisand was a 'serious actress' because her previous roles were light and fluffy and mostly to do with musicals. "Her reputation is as a very controlling person. She will direct herself. It'll never work," Redford reportedly said.
Did Barbra Streisand like Judy Garland? ›I didn't know of her when I was very young. And then I happened to walk by a recording session she was doing in New York somewhere and I thought, "Oh my God, this woman is fantastic." But doing that with Judy was a wonderful experience. We fell in love with each other and we became good friends afterwards.
Was Elvis supposed to do a star is born with Barbra Streisand? ›Presley Was Not Officially Cast in 'A Star Is Born'
While the star was considered for the role after Streisand and her husband saw Presley at one of his Vegas shows, after some back and forth with Parker over Presley's pay, says Outsider, they ultimately dropped Presley and gave the role of Kris Kristofferson.
Who is the youngest person to have a #1 song? ›
When the track reached No. 1, Stevie became the youngest solo artist to have topped the Billboard Hot 100 – though another future Motown superstar, Michael Jackson, was aged just 11 years 155 days when The Jackson Five's “I Want You Back” topped the Billboard charts in January 1970.
Who is the youngest singer with #1 hit? ›- Stevland Hardaway Morris (né Judkins; May 13, 1950), known professionally as Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter. ...
- Wonder's single "Fingertips" was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963, at the age of 13, making him the youngest artist ever to top the chart.
Gogi Grant, Who Knocked Elvis Off Top of Chart, Dies at 91 - The New York Times.
Did Barbra Streisand ever have a child? ›Streisand and ex-husband Gould were one of the biggest "it" couples in the 1960s. Although their marriage ultimately ended in 1971, the two welcomed their son, Jason, on Dec. 29, 1966.
Why did Barbra Streisand change her name? ›Streisand changed her name from 'Barbara' to 'Barbra' because, she said: "I hated the name, but I refused to change it." She later said: "Well, I was 18 and I wanted to be unique, but I didn't want to change my name because that was too false.
How old is Barbra Streisand right now? › What is Barbra Streisand best known for? ›Barbra Streisand, original name Barbara Joan Streisand, (born April 24, 1942, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.), American singer, composer, actress, director, and producer who was considered by many to be the greatest popular singer of her generation.
What makes Barbra Streisand such a good singer? ›She carries the technical proficiency of a mezzo soprano that allows her to hit and hold the high notes that most people love in a diva's singing. Yet her voice remains distinctly her own, sometimes nasally and conversational, always reminding you of her Brooklyn roots.
Does Barbara Streisand have a great voice? ›Barbra Streisand is one of the strongest vocalists of her generation, imbuing her reality into the songs that have littered her life and lit our stages.
What is Barbra Streisand's ethnicity? ›Streisand's family is Jewish. Her paternal grandparents emigrated from Galicia (modern-day Poland and Ukraine) in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and her maternal grandparents from the Russian Empire, where her grandfather had been a cantor.
Why did Barbra Streisand stop singing? ›
Streisand's admission that performing live is such a profoundly nerve-wracking experience for her is far from a new revelation. The singer famously refrained from touring or performing for 27 years following a concert kerfuffle in New York's Central Park in 1967 during which she forgot the lyrics to a song.
What is Barbra Streisand's favorite color? ›To understand Barbra Streisand, you have to know why she loves the color burgundy.
How many octaves did Barbra Streisand sing? ›Comfortably spanning just over three octaves, Streisand's voice has something of a rounded, nasal quality to it, something emphasised by Streisand's frequent use of vibrato.
Who is said to have the best singing voice? ›Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul was unrivalled for decades when it came to having the best singing voice on the planet. Using her gospel background to her advantage, Aretha had such an incredibly powerful and passionate voice. Even 50 years after her debut, she brought audiences to tears with her performances.