Barbra Streisand's 'What Matters Most' Leaving Critics 'Unimpressed'
Barbra Streisand has come out with a new album entitled, “What Matters Most,” but critics are not necessarily impressed with the legendary singer’s new work.
The album, which came out on Tuesday, includes 10 songs written by her lifelong friends, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and is her 33rd studio album. Streisand produced the album herself.
The legendary singer has collaborated with the Bergman’s throughout her career and Streisand has said of the Bergman’s, “They’ve written for movies, so they write for stories and characters. I relate to them as an actress and a person,” according to Florida Today.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Streisand can indeed relate to the Bergman's as she has already recorded 51 of their songs throughout her career. With Streisand's new collection of songs, the number will rise to 63.
The much talked about album covers themes of passion, torment, loneliness, and love.
However, not everyone has taken a liking to Streisand’s new album.
One critic, a Los Angeles Times Music Blog contributor, argues that although “What Matters Most” is a “love fest” the album is lacking in authenticity saying, “Not until the eighth track, the sprightly Cole Porter-esque, ‘That Face,’ does the old funny girl show up.”
Another critic argues, “Her voice met all the challenges.”
But added that, “The melodies from the various musical collaborations tend toward adult-contemporary sameness, and some arrangements are snoozy.”
Nevertheless, the new album does manage to impresses some critics.
One such critic, Sarah Rodman wrote of the Streisand's new musical endeavor, “The famous voice is still in grand shape. Her ability to send shivers as she hits certain notes or rolls off a perfect turn of phrase is as deeply touching as ever.”
Streisand has had a number one album every decade since the 1960s and even though some critics may not be taking a liking to her new more "melancholy" songs, the legendary singer is not likely to give up her decades long number one album streak without a fight.
