Barbra Streisand: The Music, the Albums, the Singles

Howe, a Streisand superfan and host of the site Barbra-Archives.com since 2003, masterfully reviews the entire catalogue of one of the most famous singers on the planet. Howe dissects her albums, soundtracks, boxed sets, and collaborations decade by decade, which provides background on the recording processes, the development of the songs, quotes from those involved, and his personal takes on each recording. Beginning with the first recording of then 13-year-old Barbra in 1955, to her first Broadway musical appearance, to singing “Happy Days are Here Again” for three presidents, and the 2022 release of her Live at the Bon Soir album, Howe eloquently captures Streisand’s journey and growth as an artist. He details her lifelong maintenance of her voice, her perfect technique, storytelling ability, and innovative experimentations to keep songs fresh. Howe is honest in his reviews, citing David Foster’s negative influence on Back to Broadway and calling out the few songs that sound dated or expose her propensity to fall behind the beat.