Can't wait till this album is out. I love Barbra, she is the greatest singer on our planet. Got the chance to see her live in Vienna. She was simply great.

Love is the answer... and when Barbra sings it only then you know it's true. Such a beautiful voice. My only dream is to be able to see her at least once. But dreams don't always come true

It's wonderful to hear your latest work! You have an amazing talent. Your work soothes souls yet brings excitement for whats to come! Congratulations!!

The perfect album...truly.

Barbra has given a gift, not only to her fans, but to all who appreciate the great legacy of American pop and jazz music. This new album is an exploration of love, its incredible highs and lows, and also its ability to provide sustainability of the soul.

In much of her career, Barbra has always had a message that she wanted to express to her listeners. This album is no exception.

What we have here is Barbra, at age 67, an age at which most serious singers have a wealth of life experience to color their interpretations of lyrics, but they may be lacking the vocal abilities they once had. We have great readings of the emotional content of songs, but sadly they are lacking the great musicality of their earlier recordings.

This is not the case with Barbra.

Her voice remains a supple, thrilling instrument, whether conversationally extolling the everyday comfort of having someone that loves you, or conveying the despair of losing that someone that you love.

What I find most notable about Barbra's choice of songs for this album, is that, for years she has avoided so called, "victim songs", those that we usually call "torch songs". We should thank our lucky stars that she has abandoned that thinking for this album, for her interpretations of songs of lost love are the strongest. Listen to "If You Go Away" and, especially "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".

The latter contains a reading by Barbra that is, in my opinion, among the greatest of her career, rivaling "Cry Me A River" from her earliest recording. She bares a raw emotionality not heard from her in many years, even allowing a raspiness to creep into her voice as she describes her pain.

Buy this CD, this is Barbra at the pinnacle of her career.

as always barbra has done it again with that voice that phrasing it is immpeccable and one of a kind.she touches the soul of the listener in ways that are amazing she makes you feel the words through your heart like the songs are just for you and always seem to be there when you need her most at least she is for me thank you barbra for another brilliantly done cd words can not express how much your songs have helped me through my life heres to you to more cds and heres to love thank you so very much xoxoxoxoxo you are amazing this cd should defenitely be #1 i am 49 years old and your concerts and cds have been very important parts of my life thank you for all the happiness you brought me throughout my life best of everything to you

My earliest memory of Barbra was when I was a child and we were decorating our Christmas tree: my mother played her brand new record (yes, the record) of The Way We Were. I remember stopping what I was doing and listening. I have not stopped listening.

The first album of Barbra that I ever bought on my own was The Broadway Album. I have very fond memories of leaving classes at John Jay College and walking home via West End Avenue or Broadway and listening to this album on my Walkman. Interestingly, I often walked by the building where Barbra's character lived, on West End Avenue, from The Mirror Has Two Faces, while listening to her music (I use to make my own cassettes of what I thought were her greatest hits up to that point--my cassettes were the grandfather of the playlist).

I couldn't help but think of these memories when I listened to her new (two-disc) album, Love is the Answer. I found myself wishing I still lived in Manhattan, able to walk up Broadway or West End Avenue.

Listening to Love is the Answer is like listening to The Broadway Album for the first time. Love is the Answer is probably one of the most ROMANTIC records I have ever heard. My favorites are: "Here's To Life"; "Gentle Rain"; "If you Go Away"; and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes."

I first listened to the album in my car---I was eager! I finally downloaded it to my iPod. While both versions of each song are great (both discs feature the same songs--one with a full orchestra and the other with a more acoustic quartet), I find that the songs recorded with the full orchestra are best for your stereo, while the more acoustic version is best listened to with headphones---it is really intimate---as if she were singing to me.

Barbra, you are the best! Congratulations on your fantastic new album!

Edwin

P.S. I hope you make your performance at the Village Vanguard available on iTunes as a video...

Well I finially had some time today to sit quietly and listen to Barbra's new album. I chose to listen to it with my parents because I know how much they love her choice of songs as I do. Along with such masterful arrangements and orchestrations, listening to this album was absolutely delicious elegance and pure pleasure for the senses. My father cried, I'm not sure why, but they were tears of joy and my mother bent over him and kissed him. We continued to sit and listen enjoying every note of exquisite excellence. After we had finished listening the first time my 83 year old father looking me straight in the eyes said almost tearfully," you know John I must have heard 50 different versions of Smoke Gets In Your Eyes in my lifetime, and thats the best I ever heard". A beautiful collection of song and vocals by any standards-such a treat in todays world of offensive music and lyrics. I will enjoy this album for many, many years too come. I encourage anyone who loves fine vocals and beautiful music to get this album. Barbra sounds simply exquisite. John Renner

God, can you hear her? God, can you hear her? God, can you help my heart and soul not be constantly moved and humbly blessed by this marvellous piece of musical masterpiece? My dearest Barbra, my one regret in life: having never seen you live in concert! God, can you hear me? New Zealand, a.k.a. Godzone, is waiting for a visit and I shall be at that concert ... xoxox

Diana Krall's no-nonsense production on "Love Is the Answer" puts the focus on where it should be: Barbra's voice. And what a magnificent voice it is! Seductively rich... perfectly aged... as intoxicating as a fine Bordeaux. This album contends as one of her most impressive creative efforts in years. In today's flighty, fickle circus of passing "singing sensations"... Barbra remains the regally poised lioness of the arena.

This album touches so many sensitive chords of my soul. I feel nostalgia and I feel so calmness at the same time, also a bit painful. But I like all emotions which your voice makes me feel, I love lyrics of the songs. It's enjoyment through the suffering. I am in the mood for life when I am listening this wonderful album. I do believe in Spring and I know that the only one thing that really important in life is LOVE.

It's Barbra! 5 Stars, period!

Looking down you'll never see her
Try the sky 'cause that'll fit her
She can make you cry
She can make you smile
Have you guessed yet?
who's the best yet?
If you ain't
I'll tell you one more time...
You bet your last dime
In all of the word, so far
She's the greatest Star!

Art at perfection: Ms. Streisand, Mr. Mandel and Ms. Kroll. Soothing and pure bliss. jk

Hmmm! "Deluxe Edition": two different versions of the same material - I love it! In fact, I've always looked for "brand new" versions of Barbra's repertoire, but now she is on the track to offer them in the same package!

very exciting this "double" album project; to hear the songs in orchestral and quartet version appears to be extremely interesting and original.
September, come soon!

Barbra's voice sounds great on the Amazon song clips. Just fabulous, darlings!

Based on the four 'teasers' thusfar, she sounds gorgeous. With or without the lush orchestral arrangements, Ms. Streisand will thrill yet again. The choice of material simply adds to what is arguably the classiest body of work in vocal recording history. Not the best male singer, not the best female singer, let's call her what she is: The best vocalist ever. I predicted back in November, 2008 when recording sessions began and I'm sticking to my prediction: Debut at #1 on Billboard.

I heard a couple of clips. I know this is something new and it will take time for some to adjust to it, but the clips did nothing for me.

Like a fine wine, Barbra's voice has retained its exquisite characteristics. Hers is the most distinctive voice of the century. Working with Krall and Mandel, Barbra promises a double disc delight: great songs, great orchestrations, sung by the greatest voice of all time.

...if its true that idea of jazz album coming from Alan Bergman, than i have to thanks him, cause it was exactly what i was dreaming about many years...
Have to say that almost /or more than?/ 50 years old recordings from Bon Soir were always my top-fav pieces and then and there Barbra really had something what can be called JAZZ-DRIVE!
/also love the rejected "too jazzy" version of Can't Help Lovin' from The Broadway Album/
Well, sadly, the "jazz drive" is something what i simply can't hear in the excerpts from new recordings.
...so i am really not sure if the dream came true this time!

What i am sure about is, that i am going to buy "deluxe" edition.
...and Barbra knows that!

Martin

I've already pre-ordered it and listened to the preview on the home page here. I can't wait to hear it - especially both versions!

Joe Albanese

really beautiful cover photo....
looking forward to your version of "smoke gets in your eyes".....
and perhaps I'll be one of the lucky ones to win a ticket to the upcoming historic village one night only...

Nitzan
NITZAN DESIGN
a fan -

I have almost all Barbra´s CDs and I don´t need to explain the reason.... I hope I´ll listen to "Love is the Answer" very soon. Barbra´s voice calms my soul and makes my heart smile. Greetings from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil !

Thanks to my 6th grade friend J. Nodine back in 1976 I have been listening to Barbra Streisand and have enjoyed every record and now CD. As I listen to the the teasers I know I will be listening to it 24/7. I am excited for my two daughters now in 6th and 4th grade to be part of your music... another generation, another inspiration... thank you for being part of our lives.

I can't wait for this album to come out, Please be on the exact release date cause I'm on the Philippines and Sometimes it take one year before they import the album!!!!

Can't wait to receive my copy of Love Is The Answer. The cover is gorgeous, I love the way she sings Gentle Rain, beautiful! I love them all! Looking forward to adding to my Streisand collection!

it's sad that i can not pre-order this new Music because i am a belgium fan. I wanted also to win the special intimitate performance at the Village Vanguard in New York City. perhaps with this way (Yes ? No ?). I hope one day i can see you and i can here you live, thats my dream !
But i hope that the cd quickly arrives here in belgium.
I still love you Barbra xxx

How lucky are we?
Barbra at 67 looks 20 years younger and a gorgeous 47 year old she makes too.
I remember seeing her for the first time on screen - 'A Star is Born' and fell head over heels.
Over 30 years later, looking at her album cover for this album I am just as much in love with her and her talents.

Barbra the greatest star of all time, this cd is going to be the ultimate music experiance for me thank you for all the music you have giving me in my life time your loving fan
Gypsy Kim from Detroit

Barbra And Love Are The Answer...
Barbra you break my heart and touch my soul.
If love is the answer, Barbra is the happiness.
Laurent from France.

Really looking forward to this new album!! The music clips sound wonderful!!!

My mother, who is born on the same day and year as Ms. Streisand, saw Barbra perform in... she thinks it was Vegas but it could have been Reno... in the 60's, I was a young child. Its funny what she remembers and what she does not. Barbra could have been the opening act for Liberace or it could have been a lounge show she saw right before. What she does remember “Is being completely mesmerized.” She said “I was overwhelmed by her voice; I could hardly believe what I heard.” She also remembers Barbra was wearing a “Small red & white checked floor length dress with an empire waistline with poufy white see through sleeves with checked cuffs.” This began my mother’s love of Ms. Streisand’s music and mine.

I grew up listening to her albums and remember playing them as loud as possible and singing along… because there is something about listening to Barbra’s voice that makes you “want” to sing too… even if you can’t hold a tune you feel you must be able to when listening to Barbra.

It has been my dream for a long time to be able to take my mother to one of Barbra’s concerts so we could share that experience together which is why I’m so excited about the contest for the Vanguard show. We’re counting on Deepak Chopra’s “Synchronicity” to get us there! Wish us luck!

listened to some of the tracks! her voice is amazing as always! I can add this to my streisand collection. Have every album from I cant get it for you wholesale to the present cd!
When Barbra sings you know its her no one can compare! Its my wish to be able to take my mother to see her also! she missed the 2006 concert because of surgery! Maybe this will be the one!

Dear Denney64...

I truly hope you get to go with your mother! Maybe we'll be equally blessed and see you there! Best of luck!

Midnightsunlady...

Let's not dwell on the word 'jazz' too much. From what we've heard (BBC-2) the songs are mostly ballads with a very light jazzy, smoky, nightclub flavor. Jazz purists can be pretty tough and I tend to agree with them. The quartet-only version will be the purer versions to have and form an opinion about when reviewing the entire album. We fans know Barbra is quite capable of singing in the jazz style but just have an open mind when categorizing (if you must) this new project.

Music is the thread of your vein. You were meant to sing and there was no other option. I am so glad that your gift was so profound that you knew it was meant to be and understood at such a young age that this generosity would mean so much to the rest of us. Your music has been such an important part of my life always. I have never seen you live even though it has always been a dream of mine. Please keep sharing so that perhaps someday I might be given the chance to share your gift more intimately in the same venue!

You go girl!!

-K

I've been listening to the clips and counting the days!!! I can't wait until that mailman knocks on my door. I'm driving my friends and college instructors nuts. 4 years is too long without an album (oops! sorry, CD! I'm old). One more thing, Where's the MOVIE ALBUM: PART 2??? The clock is ticking til the release date!!!!! Thank you, Barbra!!! Je t'adore!!!!

Have the tracks been removed for sample listening? I can't believe I missed it. I know it's only a week away, but I'm going crazy. I've downloaded "In The Wee Small Hours" and I can't stop listening to it. I don't have any Barbra fan friends. So let me say it here... I am outta my skin waiting for the delivery guy.

This is the perfect music for an autumn day...I can picture myself in my room, sitting cozy, with a cup of tea in my hands...while outside it's raining. That's the impression I get. This music is relaxing , easy listening...quality music.
Greetings fom a 19 year old girl from Romania....

I have no doubt that it will be an excellent CD. But after hearing her on Oprah yesterday I know it will be amazing. Sure hope my preorder arrives quickly

THANK YOU, BARBRA!!!!!

I bought this CD on Saturday (26 Sep) here in Sydney and have been playing it ever since.

Favourite track: Love Dance - both versions.

This is the album I have wanted Barbra to make for YEARS. I have played early Barbra over & over listening to the crystal clarity of a GIRL'S voice at the Bon Soir and so on. But what I have longed for is the mature, woman's voice doing the jazz and torch-song classics, uninhibited by over-orchestration, swelling violins and all that stuff that sometimes get a BIT too much.

Turn up the quiet, Barbra!!! More please. More souble bass, more guitar, more brushes on drums, and especially more piano.

Wish I were an American citizen - would love to have been in the competition to win tix to the Village Vanguard. Meanwhile, how about another tour of Australia, Barbra????!!!!!

I got mine today. The Deluxe Edition is simply superb, but I am itching to get my hands on the Lp edition as well! What could be better than hearing the orchestra versions on a 33 1/3?

Barbra Streisand, the entertainment grande dame, returns with one of her most beautiful albums in a long time! With an exquisite cover and marvelous artists at the controls.. Love is the Answer is a truly a marvelous recording. The shimmering stings and harp glissando outro on "Gentle Rain", makes those rainy nights seem irresistible. "Make Someone Happy" can make even the hardest music critic misty eyed. It is any wonder that this album was co-produced by Tommy LiPuma? (he worked with Natalie Cole on her Grammy sweeping tour-de-force "Unforgettable" in 1991.) Not at all, it';s a perfect collaboration between Diana Krall, LiPuma, Streisand and Johnny Mandel. At 67, Streisand's voice is at once both mature and still stunningly beautiful.

Why should we rush? Light some candles, put a few logs on the fire for that nippy evening. "Love is the Answer" is an album tailored made for an evening of solitude or that special moment with a lover.

Favourite Tracks: In the Wee Small Hours, Gentle Rain, Spring Can Really Hang You up the Most, Make Someone Happy, A Time For Love, Here's That Rainy Day, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, and Some Other Time are just MARVELOUS with both orchestra and the quartet!

Save yourself the aggravation of reading the Billboard or Entertainment Weekly reviews of the album. Find out how much of a gem our Streisand still is, for yourself!!!

WOW i'll even say it backwards WOW
Fantastic Album, it was worth the wait

Hi! I'm from the Philippines and I'm just wondering when will the album be available here. Can't wait......

Brilliantly conceived and beautifully performed by the artist, producer, arranger & musicians! More natural vulnerability in the voice for the ages! Bittersweet, like dark chocolate or a musky wine, these classics are captured in vintage supreme! Would love to have heard an extra track - Love is the Main Event . . .
Howpa

Love the whole CD! Both versions. My favorite tracks are Here's To Life...Where Do You Start!!!!(LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS ONE) The Bergmans score again! Some Other Time as well!...You Must Believe In Spring...Love Dance... all are my most favorites. I haven't stopped playing it since last tuesday. Its a part of me now!

Great!!! Finally, It´s the day!!! I live in Buenos Aires and I will try to find the CD here just now.
I love Barbra, I love her voice and I cannot wait to hear her new songs from the beginning to the end.

sheer perfection...Barbra's new album is one of her career bests, and her collaboration with Diana Krall is on par with Barry Gibb for Guilty. I honestly think that jazz/quartet arrangements is the new direction for Barbra.

Firstly, I'm in the Navy and I'm deployed in Guantanamo Bay. Here, we received Madonna's album on the day it was released. I've yet to see their stores stacked with Streisand's latest CD "Love Is the Answer". That disappoints me because there are so many of us in the military who DO listen to her music - some of us religiously. So, since we're still not selling her here, I've downloaded the CD. And, needless to say, I melted hearing it. I want to go home and be with the person I love!

Here we have Streisand at her absolute best. I don't think anything really compares to the naturalness of Barbra's performance on this album.

I'm simply infatuated with every song on this album. Miss Streisand has managed to capture the essence of each song PERFECTLY! There's not a mis-step on this album of any kind.

I find myself returning (almost always) to the Quartet Version of this fine repetoire. I feel "A Sleepin' Bee" on every track, that same Barbra...refreshed, perhaps...recycled.

On standards like these, accompanied by little more than a piano and bass, the woman excels, doesn't she? Really! This album fits comfortably alongside the first three albums, People, Simply Streisand, Je M'appelle Barbra, The Way We Were, The Broadway Album, A Love Like Ours, and The Movie Album.

I remember reading a post from 2005, when Barbra was releasing "Guilty Pleasures" that said, "Barbra...I wish you would look a little farther in the past for inspiration!" I didn't agree then, but hearing this marvelous album (which I can't stop listening to), I must concur.

Of course, I would never presume to tell people what to do, but whatever Barbra does seems to work for her anyways. Again, I have my favorites and if she continues putting out material as rich as this, I wouldn't complain. This really is my favorite album since The Movie Album, which was close to perfect.

Essentially, I'm hoping this is where Barbra stays. Since "The Concert" back in the early 1990s, I've loved everything she's done. But this is really superior to anything since "The Broadway Album", which will NEVER be outdated. Still, I think this is EVEN MORE NATURAL to her than the theater! Is that even possible?

If anyone read "The Importance of Being Barbra" you will no doubt remember the author's backhanded comments about Streisand's music, film, live career lately. Well, I've never agreed that "The Movie Album" is anything else than marvelous and "Guilty Pleasures" is anything less than exciting! Still, I think everyone's longed for Miss Streisand to return to her roots.

I'm excited to see what she does next! "Release Me", perhaps...?

Just checked...Barbra is #1 on Amazon...Canadian sales...NUMBER ONE! And that's not even her regular CD, but the Deluxe Edition....

Again, it's that jazz that's remarkable!

Barbra...you're doing good, girl! You and Krall make the best team this country's seen since Sinatra passed.

YOU GO GIRL!

Love,
Lou
USN, GITMO