Barbra Streisand - Love Is The Answer (2009/2014) [Official Digital Download]

As great as the anticipation for a new studio album by Barbra Streisand was, so frowning at first the view on the concept. There is nothing new here, but just another CD of the brand "I'll just take some old songs and play them anew". Michael Bublé recently proved that this doesn't always go well with the boring "Meets Madison Square Garden". Now, the Streisand, also with nothing else in the Luggage as primarily Tunes of the Thirties and Forties. But take care: For many reasons "Love Is The Answer" means perhaps the most beautiful Streisand album of the last twenty years.

First of all, the approach of production turns out to be a very important advantage. Here nothing more points to the often artificially inflated arrangements, suffocating by string hosts in superfluous pomp. Instead, there is a reduction, purification and reflection on the actual soul of the respective song: sometimes only a piano, Barbra's voice - that's all it takes! When used, the orchestra acts discreetly and cautiously in the background as support; the voice of Streisand has not been heard so close and intimate for a long time.

The producer of the album deserves praise for her decision to withdraw her instrumentation: Jazz lady Diana Krall recognises the real strengths of the last American diva. The pianist and singer gently leads Barbra into areas of arrangement that no longer need any superfluous, stormy wave foam. Probably the best known of the title selections are "In The Wee Small Hours In The Morning" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes". Especially the latter, the artist adds new, finely chiseled nuances. The Jacques Brel composition" If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas) " convinces with its intense urgency.

Streisand's vocal volume has arrived at its artistic dusk - and she is celebrating this with no lifting or artificial embellishments (as opposed to the photos in the booklet). Even Sinatra with his brittle intonation of the last years proved again and again special style and outstanding class - warm shining patina can often be more beautiful than glaring blinding, immature youth shine.

"You Must Believe In Spring", Barbra Streisand conjures up the constantly recurring miracle of hope of spring in her last song, and thus provides decisive and lasting contrast to personal despondency in dark periods of life. This is a special charm of these old, often almost forgotten songs: the original composers and lyricists may not be in this world for a long time, but their razor - sharp analysis of life and love situations moves timeless, comforting, and above all-true.

If you expect voluminous Hollywood sounds and dramatic song climaxes, you will certainly be disappointed by "Love Is The Answer". But who knows how to listen; who gives room for deceleration; lets himself time to enjoy; for him Barbra's current album can be a warming friend for upcoming winter nights. And so many certain moments afterwards.

TRACKLIST

1. Barbra Streisand - Here's to Life (Orchestra Version)
2. Barbra Streisand - In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning (Orchestra Version)
3. Barbra Streisand - Gentle Rain (Orchestra Version)
4. Barbra Streisand - If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas) (Orchestra Version)
5. Barbra Streisand - Spring Can Really Hang You up the Most (Orchestra Version)
6. Barbra Streisand - Make Someone Happy (Orchestra Version)
7. Barbra Streisand - Where Do You Start? (Orchestra Version)
8. Barbra Streisand - A Time for Love (Orchestra Version)
9. Barbra Streisand - Here's That Rainy Day (Orchestra Version)
10. Barbra Streisand - Love Dance (Orchestra Version)
11. Barbra Streisand - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (Orchestra Version)
12. Barbra Streisand - Some Other Time (Orchestra Version)
13. Barbra Streisand - You Must Believe in Spring (Orchestra Version)



Thanks to the Original customer.