Customer Reviews

Guilty Pleasures

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3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

Few albums like this are as highly anticipated and there is no disappointment. This collection of songs is produced by Barry Gibb/John Merchant and written by Barry Gibb with help from his two sons, Ashley and Stephen. Brian Wilson once said that Barry Gibb is a "song writing machine" and it's proven here with the largest variation of songs on an Adult Contemporary album in a long time.

The duet "Come Tomorrow" has so much blues (via Fats Domino) with its fifties `doo-wop' influence, you immediately think of "Blueberry Hill". The other duet, cheekily called, "Above The Law" is reminiscent of "What Kind Of Fool" but with a positive exchange of lyrics. The Jacksons will be listening closely to "It's Up To You", with it's clear nod to "I'll Be There" and "Night Of My Life" is a modern day dance song already mixed in four different dance versions. I swear "Hideaway" was written for a Broadway show with its biographical "Evita" style as well as "Golden Dawn" with its similar mood. The strongest songs here are "Stranger In A Stranger Land", "(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away" and "Letting Go", the latter two much older songs. "(Our Love)..." a #2 hit by Andy Gibb is given refreshed respect by Barbra with Barry giving a strong back-up. "Letting Go" was written in 1985 in which Barry actually stated it was the best song (at the time) he has ever written. Streisand does a remarkable job singing it. "All The Children" is also a strong anti-war song with its Middle Eastern instrumentals and similar back-up chorus. The lyrics are blatant without offense. But the big hit here is "Stranger In A Strange Land" with its oddly lovely anti-war statement and video. It's hard to say it's the best song on the album, it's all that good.

This DUALDISC provides fantastic sound *(LPCM) and includes a charming video interview and four music videos. This is a truly remarkable album that showcases Gibb and Streisand as compliments to eachother. It will make history.

*The official term (sometimes abbreviated to 'PCM') for the high-quality stereo soundtrack found on most music DVDs. It refers to the most common digital recording process, first introduced with CD. In fact, DVD supports higher-resolution versions of LPCM than CD, the most common of which is 48kHz/16 bit (as opposed to CD's 44.1kHz/16 bit). It should be noted that LPCM Stereo is 'uncompressed', offering higher quality than such 'compressed' alternatives as Dolby Stereo (commonly used for feature films).

"Sequel" albums are risky because they can easily pale in comparison to the original albums they're spinning off from. However, "Guilty Pleasures" is the exception to the rule. While it may not overtake "Guilty" in the quality department, it comes awfully close. Like "Guilty", La Streisand reunites with the dapper Barry Gibb (Both Barbra and Barry look even better twenty-five years later) to wrap her gorgeous voice around lovely pop originals such as the doo-wop flavored "Come Tomorrow", the single "Stranger In A Strange Land", and the tastefully disco-flavored "Night Of My Life."

The biggest surprise on this album is Barbra's interpretation of the Andy Gibb hit "(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away". Here, Streisand transforms this teeny-bopperish hit into something beautiful to behold.

Barry Gibb is really the best producer for Streisand because he knows how to play up to her strengths without using bombastic production techniques. Barbra responds to Mr. Gibb's production and gorgeous background vocals with performances that are both majestic and earthy. Celine Dion would give her right arm for great material and production that is presented here.

Exactly 25 years ago, Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb released the finest pop album of Streisand's career, the 1980 multi-platinum Guilty. Sony/Columbia Records re-released the landmark album on August 30th as a Dual Disc. The Dual Disc was complete with videos, a new interview with Barbra and Barry, and a photo gallery. In other words--all the bells and whistles. It worked. The 25 year-old album re-entered the Billboard Pop Catalogue Chart with the impressive "Hot Shot Debut" and the Internet Sales Chart at numbers 13 and 19, respectively. They used the milestone recording as a marketing tool to remind listeners of the history that was made all those years ago. Did they need it? No, but it sure helped with awareness of the brand new collaboration, Guilty Pleasures that was released on September 20th.

Can lightning strike twice? My answer is a resounding YES! Guilty Pleasures is the most diverse album in Streisand's vast discography. The album's content and placement of the eleven tracks is reminiscent of its predecessor, but a couple of tracks take some bolder steps than any material she has recorded in her previous 60 albums.

Of the eleven tracks, nine were written with Streisand in mind -- and it shows. Just like Guilty, the songs were tailor-made for Streisand's vocals as they slide `n glide effortlessly throughout the entire album. One critic seemed to take the words right out of my mouth when he said, "Streisand sounds as if she just stepped out of the original Guilty sessions -- here is a singer still in her prime and ready to remind the whole world about it." For those who ever thought Streisand was suffering from vocal decline, think again.

As for collaborating with Gibb again after 25 years, Barbra comments, "Reuniting with Barry was wonderful. I love his voice and the passion comes through his music."


The album kicks off with a playful 50's style doo-wop duet "Come Tomorrow," and it's a complete pleasure to hear Barbra and Barry playing off of each other and blending their unique vocals. It's pure harmony.

The album's first single "Stranger In A Strange Land" is a wonderful salute to the troops, past and present. The Right Wing has already mocked Barbra by suggesting this is an anti-war song, when in reality it's just the opposite. But then again, what do you expect from the Bill O'Reillys of the world? It's a love letter to the men and women in uniform, and it firmly states that although we may not agree with the war, we acknowledge their courage and firmly stand by them. The images of the accompanying video that's on the flip side of the Dual Disc literally gave me chills while Streisand sang her heart out.

Two very strong highlights are also the sexiest and most sultry songs, "Hideaway" and "Golden Dawn." These two tracks carry a Bossa-Nova flavor and Barbra's vocals are so exceptional, it sounds as if she recorded these two songs back in the late 60's. The mood is true romance -- Streisand style. The saxophone solo by veteran musician Tom Scott adds soulful romance to the extraordinary arrangement of "Hideaway." No other female singer can touch this type of material without touching your heart this deeply. Even her detractors sing her praises when she represents this soft and smooth style that makes her the unique and consummate artist that she is. These two tracks make you hopeful that she'll record an entire album of Bossa-Nova style music one day. They are stunning.

Not enough diversity yet? I haven't even mentioned Barbra's merriment with her ode to disco. She delves back into the dance genre with "Night Of My Life," with a chorus that's reminiscent of Barry's best dance songs, ala "You Should Be Dancing" and "Tragedy." You'd swear Barbra just tripped the light fantastic on the dancefloor. Listening to Streisand's vocals soaring "I send out a message to you/no early warning/I'm under the radar" is like she just stepped out of the recording booth with Donna Summer. For the dance die-hards, let it be known that the master, Junior Vasquez, along with L.E.X. and John Luongo, has flawlessly remixed this song on four different versions. Junior's Roxy Anthem runs just under eight minutes, John Luongo's 12" Mix is just over nine minutes and the incredible L.E.X. Club Mix runs close to nine minutes. For the radio-friendly market, the single, John Luongo's 7" Mix at 3:48 minutes, will be released on September 27th. A CD single of the mixes will be available at retail shortly following the release of the DJ-only vinyl.

After the pleasant assault on dance fever, Barbra and Barry take us through one of the most delightful duets, titled "Above The Law." Talk about unification. Their voices compliment each other so well, one wonders why they haven't worked more often together. Barbra comments "On the song `Above The Law,' I liked the gentle wink towards the title `Guilty'... sort of like after all these years...we've got nothing to be guilty of... we're above the law! For a minute, we thought that might be a good name for the album. When Barry played me the rough demo, the song wasn't quite finished. As I was listening to it, I heard a counter melody in my mind and sang it to Barry. The next day, he'd incorporated it into the song...making it a duet. So that was very gratifying."

Another interesting song is "It's Up To You." It almost sounds as if it could've been a sterling but simple track that Linda Ronstadt would've recorded back in the 70's. It's a pop song with an ever-so-slight country edge. The horns at the end are a bit reminiscent of an R&B classic. The elements are varied, yet Gibb's lyrics and arrangements make perfect sense.

Just when you thought it was all pop magic, in walks the song "Without Your Love," which could have easily been lifted from a Broadway show. And you know when it comes to Broadway, Barbra absolutely shines, just as this tender love song does.

Perhaps the most adventurous song is the East-Indian influenced "All The Children." It has shades of a political message, and Barry's arrangement and chorus are very evocative of an up-tempo Pink Floyd composition. In Barbra's 43-year recording career, she has never performed a song of this distinction. If you're a fan of Streisand's recording of "Life Story" from the Guilty album, "All The Children" takes you a step further into the mysterious yet dramatic and melodious Gibb sound that makes him one of the most unique artists in pop music.

Streisand heads into familiar territory with a remake of the 1978 Andy Gibb classic "(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away," and yet puts her indelible stamp on it. Barry's gentle background vocals highlight Barbra's gorgeous interpretation. It appears that Barry wanted very much to pay loving tribute to his youngest brother, who passed away far too young.

Streisand has made the final track "Letting Go" perhaps the most personal song, and one of the most heart-wrenching vocals on the album. It's just Barbra, a piano and minimal orchestration. If you hadn't realized the power and resonance of her vocals, this is the perfect example of what sets her apart from every other female vocalist. No studio trickery, no synthesizers and heavy bass, just a voice and a message that will send any person with half-a-heart reeling.


Each day, with each listen, I found myself responding to a different song and declaring it my favorite. After two solid weeks of not removing this CD from my player, I have decided that there isn't one favorite track. The diversity is smashing and every single track is special and unique in its own way.

It's no secret that I'm an unabashed Streisand fan, but I'm also fair-minded. I haven't been this much in love with a complete Streisand recording in over twenty years. It's truly the most consistent and best pop album of hers since the last time she teamed up with Gibb. History is certainly repeating itself. This will be one of the best-selling albums of Streisand`s career. But you don't have to take my word on it, just wait and hear it for yourself.

There will, in the coming days and weeks, be many things written and said about Streisand's latest effort, both pro and con. If you judge a good pop album by how many repeat plays it gets after its' initial spin, then this CD is the real deal. Catchy, fun and memorable stuff. Streisand definately steps outside herself and actually sounds like she's having a blast. After Rob Thomas' "Something To Be," this is the best album of the year.

Before listening to this album for the first time, I had certain expecations of what I wanted to hear and how I wanted Barbra to sound. Well, upon my first listen last night and my second listen this morning, I can truly say that this album has met and far exceeded my expectations. Barry is a true genius and Barbra's voice sounds as if she's just stepped out of the "Guilty" recording sessions 25 years ago. She sounds youthful and fresh, and she's full of that singer/actress expression that she's so known for. She makes each song her own and does them justice. The combination of Barbra and Barry's voices is truly magical and they suit each other well. One can only hope for another collaboration from Barbra and Barry. Bringing these two awesome talents can only create one thing: magic. This is one of the best albums in Barbra's huge catalog of albums. There could not be a more appropriate title; "Guilty Pleasures" is certainly a guilty pleasure and will be for years to come. It's a hit! Barbra's back and here to stay!

The first track, "Come Tomorrow" is a perfect blend of Barbra and Barry's vocals in a 50s doo-wop duet. "Stranger in a Strange Land" is a poignant and touching tribute to troops of today and yesterday. Contrary to many beliefs, this is not an anti-war song, as the lyrics should reveal. The best lyric in this song: "give em hell before you go to heaven". The video on the DVD side of the DualDisc brought me to tears just by watching Barbra's expressions. "Hideaway" is a sensual, exotic sounding song containing perhaps the best lyric of the entire album, "maybe we'll shuffle off to Rio, a little Rio de Janiero." It's a very playful song and the sax adds a great touch. "It's Up To You" is a wonderful pop song with a slight country feel.

"Night of My Life" is a throwback to disco. It is very catchy and Barbra's vocals are reminiscent of "The Main Event" or "No More Tears". It is meant for the clubs and has been remixed wonderfully by Junior Vasquez, L.E.X. and John Luongo. The remix is currently in the #32 spot on the Billboard Dance Club Hits. "Above the Law" is one of my favorites on the album. It is very playful duet with Barry and their vocals mesh very well together. I love how they play off of each other. Barbra sounds like she's having so much fun. "Without Your Love" is a broadway-esque song and Barbra sounds amazing. She sounds as if she just stepped right out of the days of "The Broadway Album".
"All the Children" is also another one of my favorites on the album. It's a middle-eastern flavored upbeat song. Barry's backing vocals are wonderful. Once again, their voices blend so well together.

"Golden Dawn" is again a very sensual, romantic song. One of my favorite lyrics in this song is when Barbra sings "mi amor". She should sing this song is Spanish. That would be pure heaven. "(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away" is an Andy Gibb classic, but Barbra makes it her own and truly shines. "Letting Go" is a ballad and Barbra makes it very personal adding her heartbreaking vocals. Everytime I listen to it, I am in tears. On the DVD, she sings this song live with just a piano. It shows just why she is the best female vocalist of our time. Truly breathtaking.

With "Guilty Pleasures" Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb Take The Listener On A Wonderful Ride!!!The 50's Inspired "Come Tomorrow", The Brazilian Feel Of "Hideaway", The Latin Romance Of "Golden Dawn", The Middle Eastern Hint To The Powerful "All The Children", The Motown/Country Vibe Of "It's Up To You" All Show The Genius Of Barry Gibb & Co.'s Song Writing!!And For Pure Classic Pop Fans There Are The Danceable "Night Of My Life", The Playful Wink To The Song "Guilty" With "Above The Law" & The Sentimental "A Stranger In A Strange Land"...For Ballad Lovers Barbra Does Not Disappoint..."Without Your Love", "Letting Go" & The Classic Remake Of Andy Gibb's "(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away" Showcase Streisand At Her Best!!!! Once Again Barbra Shows The Public She Can Sing Anything And Sing It Wonderfully!! Bravo To Both Barbra & Barry Gibb For This Glorious Gift!!!

From the opening hook of "Come Tomorrow" to the closing cry in "Letting Go" we are once again reminded why Barbra Streisand is a musical Legend and without compare. Applause for the arrangements, writing and production of "Guilty Pleasures" truely is for Barry Gibb and on several tracks - his sons. However, Streisand is (as always) what elevates and defines this material. Tracks like "Night of My Life" (which has been mixed for your club pleasure) might have seemed doomed for failure (much has been made of the Disco sound and lyrics) but Streisand fuels the groove and carries it home. Two cuts from this release that will surely cement and kill those trite rumors that Barbra has lost -The Voice- are "Hideaway and Golden Dawn". These tracks will ultimately rien as the envy for female singers from "Guilty Pleasures" - you know the track that a female singer is identified with and all others kick themselves for either passing it up or wishing it was presented to them first. Furthermore, the vocal acrobatics that Streisand pulls off on GP is quite an accomplishment at - dare I say it - 63. Infact after several listens you will certainly find yourself wondering if Barbra has been holding out on us during the last 5 years. Simply put - "Guilty Pleasures" has a song for everyone - infact it is almost intended to be this way. If you enjoy classic Streisand "Letting Go" and "Without Your Love" will tickle your fancy. If you have been waiting since the late 70's for an uptempo track from Barbra "Night of My Life" and "All the Children" will make your jaw drop. And if you (like so many of us) always wondered what more lavender duets with Barry Gibb would sound like - check out "Come Tomorrow" and "Above the Law". But to me the most ingenius cuts on Guilty Pleasures are "Hideaway and Golden Dawn" two tracks that were inspired by Streisand's masterful ear when she heard George Michael's "Jesus to a Child" and her recent passion to record a Brazilian album. "Guilty Pleasures" is pure passion filled brilliance and there's nothing to be "Guilty" of here.

Guilty Pleasures is definitely a guilty pleasure! I haven't stopped listening to it. It is simply one of Barbra's best albums! Here is my breakdown song by song:

Come Tomorrow: Wonderful duet with Barry, rich instrumental. I sway to the music-definitely a great prom song for couples to dance to!

Stranger: Great vocal, love the line "Give em hell before you go to heaven", Love the video and the message.

Hideaway- one of my FAVORITES on the album. Barbra has a very sexy playful vocal here. Love the Rio de Janiero line and superb saxophone. My favorite video of the four on the dvd.

It's Up to You- this song is still growing on me. A sweet song, almost sounds like a country song. Lovely instrumental.

Night of My Life- GREAT dance club song, her vocals soar! She sounds like she did 20 years ago- wish she would do a video for this song a la Emotion.

Above the Law- great duet, love both of their vocals, playful video, love Barbra's expressions in the video, nice compliment to "Guilty"

Without Your Love- terrific ballad, sounds like a Broadway song. Barbra does what she does best-interprets a song as if she were a character acting it.

All the Children- Great song!! and the guitars amazing!!

Golden Dawn- Amazing song, sexy vocal, beautiful instruments, this would be a great song for a movie and movie soundtrack.

Our Love Don't Throw it All Away- great vocals, this song is also growing on me as well.

Letting Go- She gives a great performance. The song gives me chills, love the line "the hunger seizes me and tears my soul apart" Just breathtaking.

We all know of albums where we may skip a song or two, but this is NOT one of them! I love every song for a different reason,there are so many "flavors" to the album. I can't think of any singer who can sing songs from pop, rock, disco/dance, and country like Barbra can! Barbra gives so much raw emotion in her songs that it makes you want more! Thank you Barbra for this collection of outstanding songs and gorgeous vocals! Thank you!! Barry ((you are a master)) and his sons for writing these magnificent songs and for producing the record. It is SIMPLY SUBLIME!!

No need to feel guilty about liking this album, especially if you were around in 1980 when "Guilty" came out. Produced by Barry Gibb and John Merchant, there are eleven original songs, written by Barry with his sons Ashley and Stephen, and one cover of Andy Gibb's "Our Love (Don't Throw it all Away)"

With the two decade nostalgia gap, it makes perfect sense for Barbra to revisit her biggest selling album, and both she and Barry look like they would hold up pretty well at any 25th reunion party.

Barbra has released over 60 albums and had hit singles galore, many memorable ones being duets with folk like Neil Diamond (1978), Donna Summer (1979), Barry Gibb (1980), Kim Carnes (1985), Don Johnson (1988), Bryan Adams (1996) and Celine Dion (1997). This album has two duets with Gibb, and could have used many more, once none of the other songs were taken off, that is.

First single "Stranger in a Strange Land" is a tribute to soldiers fallen while fighting wars overseas, and musically would be at home on any Bee Gees album. "Hideaway" sounded very familiar, then I realized that it was very similar to The Beatles' "You Never Give Me Your Money", which was done Bee Gees-style on the Sgt. Peppers soundtrack.

There are a lot of mellow, easy listening tunes on the album, all given the Barbra touch, but still very Barry. There's even a dance number "Night of My Life" which sounds a bit like "She's a Liar". The very dramatic "Without Your Love" and "Letting Go" are tracks that sound more Streisand than Gibb.

Relaxed and polished, Barbra's voice comes through loud and clear on this album, making it hard to believe that she's been entertaining us all for four decades.


Amanda Richards, September 23, 2005

At the beginning, I was a bit worried about this new album. It is quite dangerous for Barbra and Barry to do a reunion because, if it's not as good as the first album, this album would be critized as a failure right away. Thus, both Bs have to do it good this time.
But what suprises me is that this album is beyond my expectation. I thought it should be good, but didn't expect it to be soooo good! All the pleasure streaming from the first note to the last one, non-stop! What they said that this album is good from the beginning to the end is right.
Go get this album, and when you hear a "wooow" in your mind while listening, you'll understand what I mean.