Is Simply Streisand a good place to start with Barbra Streisand?

Yes, Simply Streisand is recommended as a starting point for new Barbra Streisand listeners. A lush collection of romantic standards showcasing Streisand's powerful vocals wrapped in rich orchestral arrangements. Released on October 1, 1967, Simply Streisand marks Barbra Streisand's fourth studio album, following her highly successful People from 1964. At this point in her career, Streisand was solidifying her status as a major pop and jazz vocalist, transitioning from Broadway star to a mainstream recording artist.

Who is Simply Streisand for?

Simply Streisand works well if you're into short bursts of emotive vocals, for intimate gatherings and elegant background for dinner.

How many songs are on Simply Streisand?

Simply Streisand has 10 tracks, running approximately 29 minutes.

Released 59 years ago this October

Simply Streisand

Barbra Streisand · 1967

29 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A lush collection of romantic standards showcasing Streisand's powerful vocals wrapped in rich orchestral arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My Funny Valentine Start here — This track highlights Streisand's emotional depth, with her voice effortlessly conveying longing and vulnerability through a beautifully nuanced delivery.
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Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?) — Streisand's rendition transforms this classic into a heartfelt plea, showcasing her ability to connect deeply with the song's yearning lyrics.
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The Nearness of You — This track exemplifies the album's romantic essence, with Streisand's smooth phrasing creating an intimate atmosphere that lingers long after the song ends.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Streisand's emotive vocal delivery and orchestral arrangements create a strong yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Streisand's vocals, particularly evident in tracks like 'My Funny Valentine' and 'The Nearness of You.'
Each track is structured around a central melodic line, with Streisand's voice often soaring above the instrumentation, creating a dynamic contrast.
The tempo varies across the album, with several slower ballads followed by more upbeat tracks, maintaining listener engagement throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
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

short bursts of emotive vocals
for intimate gatherings
elegant background for dinner
nostalgic moments of reflection

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, sprawling albums
seek upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Streisand's status as a leading figure in music.
Themes: Broadway nostalgia· intimate jazz ballads· 1960s romantic longing
Career context: Released on October 1, 1967, Simply Streisand marks Barbra Streisand's fourth studio album, following her highly successful People from 1964. At this point in her career, Streisand was solidifying her status as a major pop and jazz vocalist, transitioning from Broadway star to a mainstream recording artist.
Stylistic neighbors: Bette Midler· Liza Minnelli· Diana Ross