The artistry displayed in this recording is the medium’s pinnacle. I’m not someone who cries easily while listening to music, but so many of these tracks brought me to tears. The emotional journey in the Bergman’s lyrics and Barbra’s interpretations reaches deep into the spirit and illuminates those spaces guarded and somber, yet joyous and cathartic. This was truly a master class for anyone seeking to use their voice to make people think and feel. Well done!

Gavin

I have recently started learning to sing at the age of 60. Barbra Streissand is my inspiration. My appreciation for music has soured so high that it often makes me tearful when I listen to her sing. What Matters Most is another masterpiece.

When I heard that Barbra was making a new album... I WAS SO FREAKIN EXCITED! I am fifteen years old and was only thirteen when I first heard that angelic voice. The first song I heard was "The Way We Were." It brought me to tears. Needless to say, I just HAD to hear more Barbra. Since then, I have become a complete Barbra fan. I just loved getting this album and listening to every song. I would have to say my favorite song of the album is "What Matters Most" due to the fact that when you listen to it, it truly speaks to the heart and allows you to exam your life . What really does matter most? This song teaches that its not how long something is or how many you have, but its affects on you and your life. I am glad to have joined this community of Babs lovers. As you can tell, now Barbra is not widely listened to among high schoolers. I honestly can say, I hate the music that is out today, all the rap and hip hop. You cannot connect to those songs and artists. I have a passion for broadway and real music. I believe in The Prince of Tides Barbra's character mentions how her husband (a musician) has the ability to make you feel something through their music, and I can say with much confidence that Barbra has that quality as well, as I have learned through experience.

Thank you for continuing to make music:)
~Hannah Grace

Querida Barbra,
I have around the half of your amazing discography. In my city is very hard to find your albums, specially now, thanks to the crazy and ridiculous political importation ban in my country.
Anyway, every time I am visiting San Diego I am buying more CDs for my "sanctuary" of you, on my book shelve : ) And I don't want mp3... I want the box, the book, to see your photos and to read what are you saying inside!
Since I was a very young teenager your movies and your music have made me feel so happy, so good, and with so good mood... And my first daughter was called Bárbara, in gratitude to you and to honor her.
So thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ART!
Hope to have the oportunity to see you in October.
With all my heart, Gustavo, from Mendoza, Argentina.
P.S.: Your version of What Matters Most is a delight for the senses, BESOS!

I absolutely adore this album. I just have one question: why did Barbra wait so long to record some of these songs? Her version of "Windmills of Your Mind" is....nothing short of amazing! "Nice and Easy"---what fun!

For 38 years, i have admirred barbra and her talent. she has brought such joy to my life daily with her music...augh, that voice....we the fans are so lucky to be able to still have her gift at this stage in her life to enjoy, for her to be able to still share with us her insight, passion and love of expression in her music...wow, this cd ranks up as one of the best..the choices of song, the arrangements, and the orchestrations are wonderful, and sang so effortlessly telling a story..wow..thank you barbra for still being an active part in my life...i will be forever grateful...t meola

I received my copy yesterday from pre-ordering. Throughout the years of listening to Barbra and attending her concerts, I always feared that one day, her voice would decline. Well fear no more, it just keeps getting better! I love the songs that Alan and Marilyn write, and the choices here are super.
I will always be a fan, I will always purchase the music, the movies, the concert tickets as Barbra Streisand is never disappointing. I know she probably tires of hearing it, but the gift she possesses is like no other. And it all comes natural to her, requires really no effort.

This album is the BEST. She has my vote for another Grammy.

To many people in many cultures, music is an important part of their way of life. Greek philosophers and ancient Indian philosophers defined music as tones ordered horizontally as melodies and vertically as harmonies.

cricinfo

WOW Barbra, what a loving Tribute Album you have created.You have taken the Lyrics of Two of the Greatest Lyricist of all time Marilyn and Alan Bergman.Then you added that wonderful Orchestra with its Big Band sound and the Great Conductor and Arranger Bill Ross.For that personnel touch you have added Chris Botti ,such a wonderful addition to this mix.Now the most important ingredient of this Album is of course That Voice and especially the interpretation that Barbra Streisand brings to this wonderful Album.Barbra who says you can't Cook! I love all the songs of this Album but I Love Love Love That Face and Nice and Easy because I love to hear the playfulness and relaxed sound that you have in your voice,It is such a treat to hear you so upbeat.
Thank you for all you give to us the Fans,It is so much appreciated and Loved.
Love you Always and Forever
Lee Anne

During the dark days of divorce in 1966, I had found much joy and release from my personal sorrow in the music of those early songs of Barbra. But personal struggles with depression gradually changed that. After 43 years, I have found again what I had thought I lost forever. My early innocence of love for her music has suddenly come forth in a power that brings out the tears and feeling more strongly than ever!
In the aftermath of my own unhappiness and political bias, it took the near death of my wife last month, to finally understand a greater truth. The beauty and power of great talent is a thing in its own right. The spiritual gift of a singer has absolutely nothing to due with a person's own view of the artist--she is who she is--and any personal distaste for what I might judge another person to be, is totally separate from the gift she brings to my soul. Who am I but another soul on this journey of life. And how insignificant my own opinion is if I am to find myself standing in judgment of another!
Music that reaches the inner spaces and causes those springs of joy to overflow--that is the testimony that I want to express.

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incrivel e unica!
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I love this album and it deserves a Grammy, how do we nominate Barbra and the album
for a grammy 2012?

Barbra surprised me again from all the albums I have (65) is this one of my top 5 albums. My favorite song is ''Alone In The World'' I love this song, the music, Barbra, everything is right in this song, the whole album is great..............What Matters Most.

Marijke
Love from the Netherlands

Absolutely love this album! She sounds the best she has in years on this one!! I use it to take my evening walks every night, and it runs the gamut of emotions with me! I cry, I smile, I think....just me, and Barbra and her music! Barbra the grammy is yours this year! You should be making the GYPSY soundtrack now to capture this great stage of your voice...lovely!!!