Released 59 years ago this October
A Christmas Album
Barbra Streisand · 1967
34 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A lush orchestral arrangement meets Streisand's soaring vocals in a timeless celebration of holiday classics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Jingle Bells? Start here — accessible entry with immediate holiday spirit
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Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas — Streisand's rendition transforms this classic into a poignant ballad, emphasizing vulnerability and warmth that resonate deeply during the holidays.
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The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) — Her interpretation brings an intimate quality to this beloved song, highlighting both nostalgia and joy through rich vocal delivery.
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Gounod's Ave Maria — This track stands out as a showcase of Streisand's operatic range, blending sacred tradition with her unique vocal stylings, creating a meditative moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Streisand's vocal prowess combined with orchestral arrangements creates a memorable holiday album that balances tradition with her unique style.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Streisand's powerful vocals, creating a rich soundscape for each holiday classic.
- Tracks like 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' and 'The Christmas Song' showcase dynamic vocal crescendos that build emotional intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady holiday ambiance and warmth
- nostalgic reflections on tradition
- heartfelt moments of celebration
- joyful sing-along potential
- cozy evening gatherings with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer modern styles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Streisand as a key figure in holiday music, influencing future releases.
- Themes
- warm nostalgia· holiday spirit
- Career context
- When 'A Christmas Album' was released in 1967, Barbra Streisand was already an established star, having achieved significant acclaim with her debut album and subsequent hits. This album came shortly after her breakthrough year, which included the release of 'People,' solidifying her status in the music industry and showcasing her versatility across genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bette Midler· Liza Minnelli· Diana Ross
Tracklist
- 1 Jingle Bells? Start here 1:57
- 2 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 3:13
- 3 The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) 4:00
- 4 White Christmas 3:08
- 5 My Favorite Things 3:09
- 6 The Best Gift 3:14
- 7 Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Silent Night) 3:07
- 8 Gounod's Ave Maria 3:26
- 9 O Little Town of Bethlehem 2:58
- 10 I Wonder as I Wander 3:18
- 11 The Lord's Prayer 2:43
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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