Customer Reviews

The Way We Were: Original Soundtrack Recording

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The official soundtrack to the blockbuster movie of the same name, this disc contains Barbra's rendition of the hit title song that was featured in the film (along with her brief vocal reprise that was used over the film's closing credits) as well as Marvin Hamlisch's underscore. This soundtrack sold well, reaching the Top 20 and going Gold (while Barbra's solo album that contained the single version of "The Way We Were" hit #1). The film version of the title song has a more lush, orchestrated sound than the more contemporary-sounding hit single version, and both versions, though significantly different, are equally brilliant.

Barbra's vocals are top notch on both the single version and this soundtrack cut, which also has a slower tempo than the pop-oriented single recording. Hamlisch's score is lovely (if a little repetitive), however Barbra's soundtrack rendition of the title song is this record's main attraction. However, the soundtrack version of the song is also available on the JUST FOR THE RECORD... box set, so if you have that release than there's no real reason that anyone would need to own the soundtrack. Unless, that is, you just really love the underscore.

Marvin Hamlisch became famous the year he won all three music Academy Awards in one year. This film was responsible for two of those Academy Awards (his other Oscar was for his adaption of THE STING).

This score is well worth listening to. It uses the title tune frequently and to good effect but also has several lovely supporting melodies. There are a few period pieces scattered in which only enhance the lovely mood created on this disk.

One of the most haunting and beautiful soundtracks to any film, "The Way We Were" is the companion to the movie that starred Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford in one of their most dramatic roles. The background music is lush, melodramtic at times and simply unforgettable as the music adds so much ambiance to the film. The only vocal in the soundtrack is Barbra's stirring rendition she did for the movie as well as her vocals that played during the end credits. Barbra's version here is sightly different than the one she recorded for her 1974 album of the same name. This movie version is also available on her 1991's "Just For The Record" box set.

Marvin Hamlisch did the composing for the film and he did a wonderful job. The music here would win two Academy Awards: one for Best Dramatic Score and the other for Best Original Song for a Film.

"The Way We Were" soundtrack went all the way to #20 on Billboard and the song went to #1 for 3 amazing weeks, garnering Barbra her first #1 pop song.

No matter how many times I see this movie, I like it more and more. Didn't quite notice the music the first time but the soundtrack is beautiful. A great movie you can enjoy over and over. Robert Redford at his best.

Probably one of the greatest love stories (on film) Streisands' haunting theme melody makes it a good buy.