Top Tracks
- Golden Dawn
- Stranger In a Strange Land
- Hideaway
- Letting Go (Watch Video)
2 Mature Artists At Home In the Studio
The most striking initial impact of listening to Guilty Pleasures is how comfortable both Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb sound. Streisand sounds as if she is making her way through a set of old favorites. This ease with the material gives the songs an instant aura of timelessness. Gibb's way with a melody (enhanced by songwriting collaboration with his sons Ashley and Stephen) has never been more sure. This album is the sound of two consummate pop professionals whose talents have only matured with time.
Variety Of Pop Styles
Barbra Streisand's best work of the past two decades have been her albums interpreting Broadway and Hollywood classics. When she has turned to pop her performances have too often sounded forced and uncomfortable...until now. On Guilty Pleasures she moves among a variety of pop styles with ease. From the Latin touches of "Golden Dawn" and "Hideaway" to the disco "Night Of My Life" and classic adult contemporary pop of "Stranger In a Strange Land," Streisand is fully in command of her muse.
Top Pop Offering From Streisand
If you are a Barbra Streisand fan, Guilty Pleasures is required listening to be shelved right alongside other landmark pop albums like Stoney End and the first Barry Gibb collaboration, Guilty. However, this collection is unlikely to win over too many new fans. The stretching into various styles works to add interest to the songs, but it doesn't really break significant new ground for Streisand. It should be noted, however, that an upcoming Junior Vasquez mix on its way next week could return Streisand to the dancefloor. Ultimately, Guilty Pleasures should be seen simply as the work of two pop masters doing what they do best - making music.
