Live at the Bon Soir
69 min · 24 tracks · jazz
A vibrant showcase of Barbra Streisand's vocal prowess, blending traditional pop with jazz-inflected spontaneity and intimate storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Introduction by David Kapralik (Columbia Records) / My Name Is Barbara Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Cry Me a River — Streisand's rendition transforms this classic into a haunting ballad, showcasing her emotional depth and vocal control that captivates listeners.
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Happy Days Are Here Again — This track serves as an anthem of optimism, with Streisand's powerful delivery making it a memorable highlight that resonates with audiences.
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My Name Is Barbara — Opening the performance, this song introduces Streisand's persona with charm and wit, establishing her unique stage presence right from the start.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong vocal performances and arrangements but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include spoken introductions or transitions, creating a conversational atmosphere between songs.
- The arrangement of the songs often highlights the piano accompaniment, with moments where the instrumentation takes precedence over vocals.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- fragmented performances with humor
- intimate live atmosphere engagement
- short bursts of emotional variety
- playful storytelling in song
- nostalgic charm for late nights
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, cohesive albums
- seek high-energy dance tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Captured her early concert performances post-Broadway success, establishing her reputation.
- Themes
- Broadway beginnings· intimate cabaret nights· vocal mastery
- Career context
- Released in 1962, 'Live at the Bon Soir' was Barbra Streisand's first live album, capturing her early concert performances shortly after her Broadway breakout in 'Funny Girl'. At this stage in her career, she was establishing herself as a formidable talent, transitioning from theater to a wider audience through recorded music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bette Midler· Liza Minnelli· Diana Ross
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Had Myself a True Love
The narrative shifts from reminiscing about lost love to a poignant acceptance of solitude.
This shift adds complexity to the song's emotional landscape, highlighting the contrast between longing and self-discovery.
Tracklist
- 1 Introduction by David Kapralik (Columbia Records) / My Name Is Barbara Start here 2:01
- 2 Much More 2:30
- 3 Napoleon 3:19
- 4 I Hate Music 1:16
- 5 Right as the Rain 2:46
- 6 Cry Me a River 4:11
- 7 Value 2:16
- 8 Lover, Come Back to Me 1:54
- 9 Band Introductions 2:56
- 10 Soon It’s Gonna Rain 3:42
- 11 Come to the Supermarket (in Old Peking) 1:51
- 12 When the Sun Comes Out 3:14
- 13 Happy Days Are Here Again 3:25
- 14 Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now 1:54
- 15 A Sleepin’ Bee 4:03
- 16 I Had Myself a True Love 4:47
- 17 Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered 2:39
- 18 Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? 2:36
- 19 I’ll Tell the Man in the Street 2:49
- 20 A Taste of Honey 2:23
- 21 Never Will I Marry 2:56
- 22 Nobody’s Heart Belongs to Me 2:14
- 23 My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms 2:10
- 24 I Stayed Too Long at the Fair 5:11
What to play next
The Second Barbra Streisand Album
1963
Continues the vocal showcase with a mix of pop and jazz influences.
I Can Get It for You Wholesale
1962
Sets the stage with early vocal performances and storytelling.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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