Released 51 years ago this October
Lazy Afternoon
Barbra Streisand · 1975
36 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A lush blend of traditional pop and jazz, wrapped in Barbra Streisand's signature emotive vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lazy Afternoon Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's serene mood, showcasing Streisand's ability to convey deep emotion through subtle vocal nuances against a soft orchestral backdrop.
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My Father’s Song — This poignant tribute highlights Streisand's storytelling prowess, as she reflects on familial love and loss, creating an intimate atmosphere that resonates deeply.
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Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over) — This track stands out for its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, providing a contrast to the more somber themes elsewhere on the album while still highlighting Streisand's vocal agility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Streisand's emotive vocals and lush arrangements create a solid blend of jazz and pop, though it doesn't push boundaries.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Streisand's vocals, particularly on tracks like 'Lazy Afternoon' and 'Moanin’ Low'.
- Several tracks incorporate jazz standards with a pop sensibility, blending improvisation with structured melodies.
- The pacing is consistent, with most songs maintaining a relaxed tempo that allows for emotional delivery without abrupt shifts.
- 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
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
- intimate moments of reflection
- steady pacing for relaxation
- for quiet afternoons
- melodic journey through nostalgia
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone hits
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Marked a new phase in her career following commercial success, showcasing her versatility.
- Themes
- intimate jazz clubs· parental love tribute· reflective summer days
- Career context
- Released on October 14, 1975, Lazy Afternoon marked Barbra Streisand's arrival at a new phase in her career following her previous commercial success with the soundtrack for A Star Is Born. By this time, she had already established herself as a dominant force in music and film, but this album showcased a more introspective side of her artistry, stepping deeper into jazz influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bette Midler· Liza Minnelli· Diana Ross
Tracklist
- 1 Lazy Afternoon Start here 3:52
- 2 My Father’s Song 3:54
- 3 By the Way 2:57
- 4 Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over) 2:52
- 5 I Never Had It So Good 3:36
- 6 Letters That Cross in the Mail 3:36
- 7 You and I 4:16
- 8 Moanin’ Low 4:25
- 9 A Child Is Born 2:51
- 10 Widescreen 4:00
What to play next
A Star Is Born
1976
Continues the emotive vocal style with a mix of pop and theatrical elements.
Funny Lady – Original Soundtrack Recording
1975
Sets the stage for 'Lazy Afternoon' with similar lush arrangements and themes.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Tapestry
Carole King
Shares introspective lyrics and a smooth, personal vibe with jazz-inflected pop arrangements.
Lady in Satin
Billie Holiday
Similar intimate atmosphere with lush orchestration and deeply emotional, reflective themes.
Come Away with Me
Norah Jones
Combines smooth jazz elements with introspective songwriting, creating a cozy, laid-back ambiance.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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