Lazy Afternoon cover

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

  • →
    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.
  • →
    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.
  • →
    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.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

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
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • 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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata