The Barbra Streisand Album cover

The Barbra Streisand Album

Barbra Streisand · 1963

33 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A blend of jazz-inflected pop and traditional balladry, showcasing Streisand's powerful and emotive vocal delivery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cry Me a River Start here — Streisand's rendition of this torch song highlights her emotional range and ability to convey deep longing through her voice, setting a standard for future interpretations.
  • →
    Happy Days Are Here Again — This upbeat track became one of Streisand's signature songs, embodying themes of hope and joy that resonated widely with audiences during its release.
  • →
    A Sleepin’ Bee — The complex arrangement and melodic intricacies allow Streisand to showcase her vocal prowess, making this track a standout example of her artistry.

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 debut album combines strong vocal performances with well-crafted arrangements, establishing her distinct style in jazz and pop.

What we noticed

  • Most tracks are arranged for a small ensemble, allowing for intricate interplay between the instruments and vocals.
  • Several songs include dramatic dynamic shifts, with quiet verses building to powerful choruses that showcase Streisand's vocal range.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • timeless melodies for relaxed evenings
  • elegant arrangements with emotional depth
  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • nostalgic warmth in every track

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic songs
  • seek modern production styles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Debut album that established Streisand's reputation and earned her critical acclaim.
Themes
Broadway beginnings· emotive ballads· jazz-infused elegance
Career context
Released in 1963, The Barbra Streisand Album was her debut studio album, marking the beginning of her illustrious career. At this point, she had already gained recognition from her performances on Broadway, particularly in Funny Girl, which set the stage for her transition into recording.
Stylistic neighbors
Bette Midler· Liza Minnelli· Diana Ross

Tracklist

  • 1 Cry Me a River Start here 3:39
  • 2 My Honey’s Loving Arms 2:18
  • 3 I’ll Tell the Man in the Street 3:14
  • 4 A Taste of Honey 2:56
  • 5 Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf 2:34
  • 6 Soon It’s Gonna Rain 3:47
  • 7 Happy Days Are Here Again 3:09
  • 8 Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now 2:16
  • 9 Much More 3:05
  • 10 Come to the Supermarket (in Old Peking) 2:01
  • 11 A Sleepin’ Bee 4:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata