Is Emotion a good place to start with Barbra Streisand?

Yes, Emotion is recommended as a starting point for new Barbra Streisand listeners. A lush blend of soft rock and traditional pop, underscored by Streisand's powerful and emotive vocal delivery. Released in 1984, Emotion was Barbra Streisand's 28th studio album and followed her commercial success with Guilty in 1980. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her status as a pop icon while exploring contemporary themes through her music. This album showcased her ability to blend various genres while maintaining her trademark emotional depth.

Emotion works well if you're into steady emotional exploration throughout, heartfelt ballads for quiet moments and powerful vocals that resonate deeply.

How many songs are on Emotion?

Emotion has 10 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Released 42 years ago this October

Emotion

Barbra Streisand · 1984

46 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of soft rock and traditional pop, underscored by Streisand's powerful and emotive vocal delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Emotion Start here — The title track captures the album's essence with its sweeping melodies and poignant lyrics about vulnerability and longing, showcasing Streisand's vocal prowess.
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Make No Mistake, He’s Mine — This duet features a compelling interplay between Streisand and Kim Carnes, highlighting themes of love and jealousy with an engaging narrative structure.
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Left in the Dark — The lengthy ballad reflects deep emotional struggles, with haunting instrumentation that amplifies the lyrical content about heartbreak and regret.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Emotion showcases strong vocal performances and lush arrangements, though it follows familiar pop structures.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow, orchestral arrangement that sets a lush tone for the album.
Streisand's vocal delivery varies from soft and intimate to powerful crescendos, particularly in the chorus of 'Make No Mistake, He’s Mine'.
Several tracks feature prominent backing harmonies that complement her lead vocals, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The album closes with a ballad that gradually builds in intensity before tapering off, leaving a lingering sense of resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 emotional exploration throughout
heartfelt ballads for quiet moments
powerful vocals that resonate deeply
reflective listening during introspection

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced energy
prefer standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Emotion is a solid entry that reflects a transitional phase in her career.
Themes: 1980s romantic longing· Hollywood heartbreak· disco-infused balladry
Career context: Released in 1984, Emotion was Barbra Streisand's 28th studio album and followed her commercial success with Guilty in 1980. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her status as a pop icon while exploring contemporary themes through her music. This album showcased her ability to blend various genres while maintaining her trademark emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Bette Midler· Liza Minnelli· Diana Ross