NPR has given the album it's review, and also has the tracks posted for your listening pleasure !
Not bad...not bad at all....
http://www.npr.org/2016/08/18/490258191/first-listen-barbra-streisand-encore
"Splodey heads keep splodin' " - Sarah Palin, 7-1-16
I bought the album today at my local TARGET store (4 bonus tracks; sale price $13.99). It really is fantastic.
"Splodey heads keep splodin' " - Sarah Palin, 7-1-16
I listened to it online (minus the additional tracks) and found it
exactly the same as "Partners" - schmaltzy, but pleasant; never great.
There is no real "art" involved, but an expensive orchestra, some
curiously unique selections (Streisand has always gone for the baroque,
rather than the obvious, to her credit), and some truly clumsy
duets (Chris Pine comes to mind). It's pure gimmickry, and never
emotionally moving. But, yes, it's pleasant.
It's not a CD I would spend a penny on, as I would never want to listen
to it repeatedly. But diehards, fans of the stars involved, and little
old ladies will lap it up like a puppy over a bowl of water.
Still, Streisand, at 74, sounds better than Tony Bennett, Sinatra and
Lena Horne did at that age. And her duet albums are superior to
theirs.
But, oh, please...let this be the last duet album from Streisand.
But, oh, please...let this be the last duet album from Streisand.
^^This!
I must admit I love this album, but enough is enough (no pun intended)! And please no Adele duet album. The solo numbers on Encore simply beg for more, so let her next albm be a solo effort again!!
I like it better than PARTNERS. I, too, wish for another solo album (the Adele project sounds cheesy - like the Bennett/Gaga album). I questioned her choices when the album was first proposed a year ago, but I think the final product is exceptional. It's not your run-of-the-mill duets project; she put a lot of thought and creativity into it.
"Splodey heads keep splodin' " - Sarah Palin, 7-1-16
This is the first I've heard of an Adele duet album. But come on, an
album with Adele would be no "cheesier" than "Partners" and "Encore",
which could've been produced by Kraft!
If the Adele project is truly happening, this seems proof positive that
Sony no longer believes Streisand can sell enough albums on her own,
just like Tony Bennett.
I was very skeptical about the ENCORE project, yet it works. It's much better than PARTNERS. I think because the songs she did choose (wisely) were written for the musicals with two characters singing.
The 'Adele' project was allegedly discussed between the two singers months ago, according to Adele herself. Again, I think it may be a bit too cheesy.
I'm sure her next release will be a recording of her recent tour.
"Splodey heads keep splodin' " - Sarah Palin, 7-1-16
The album is great but would be unthinkable without the 4 solos on the Target only version. They are the best cuts! I wish she had just done a 3rd Broadway album but maybe Sony doesn't believe she can sell on her own anymore. Too bad, her voice sounds better than it has in years.
Open the door for Mr. Muckle!!
The CD of Streisand's "Back to Brooklyn" tour sold horribly, but the DVD
sold very well. So, if Streisand's next CD is of her tour - and, as you
wrote, it probably will be - it will probably be the same situation
(and it'll probably be two together for a slightly higher price).
I agree that Streisand sounds better than she has in years, but these
recent duet CDS come nowhere near classic Streisand albums. But, then,
who says they have to? I will never listen to it again, as I never
listen to "Partners" (I own neither), but I'm happy for those who are
really enjoying the album.