A Star Is Born (Restored/Rm)

The Streisand-penned composition "Evergreen" (with lyrics by Paul Williams), with it's haunting melody and classical-style timbre (very typical of her work), is one of the grandest pop records ever recorded. Artistic justice was served when the song also became a huge commercial smash, hitting #1 on both the Pop and Adult Contemporary charts and winning several armfuls of awards. The other song with music composed by Streisand, "Lost Inside Of You" (a surprisingly effective duet with leading man Kris Kristofferson), features a similar classical slant and perhaps could have been a hit as well (that is if it had been released as a single). The remainder of the Streisand tracks were recorded live in front of an audience ("Evergreen" and "Lost Inside Of You" were also recorded live, but in the studio), and these amazing performances will make listeners wish Streisand had given more concerts in the seventies.

Some of this material (especially Rupert Holmes' "Queen Bee") is second-rate and forgettable, but even then Streisand's vocals make them more memorable than they deserve to be. My favorite concert selections are the scorching "Woman In The Moon" and the heart-stopping medley "With One More Look At You/Watch Closely Now." On the downside, the disc has a somewhat disjointed feel (typical of pop-oriented soundtracks) and Kristofferson's three solo numbers are monotonous and sound out of tune. However, Streisand's vocals are fabulous and will make this a must-own for fans.


Barbra always deserves 'one more look.'   June 10, 2003
Robert Johnson (Richmond, KY USA)
This soundtrack to the film blockbuster (which became the second highest grossing movie of that year) was also an enormous success itself, spending six weeks at #1 and selling over four million copies in the US alone. Though a monster hit, the film was entertaining but uneven and the soundtrack reflects this. A STAR IS BORN is at it's best during Streisand's seven numbers, which feature astonishingly powerful vocals that resonate in the memory even long after the disc has ended.

The Streisand-penned composition "Evergreen" (with lyrics by Paul Williams), with it's haunting melody and classical-style timbre (very typical of her work), is one of the grandest pop records ever recorded. Artistic justice was served when the song also became a huge commercial smash, hitting #1 on both the Pop and Adult Contemporary charts and winning several armfuls of awards. The other song with music composed by Streisand, "Lost Inside Of You" (a surprisingly effective duet with leading man Kris Kristofferson), features a similar classical slant and perhaps could have been a hit as well (that is if it had been released as a single). The remainder of the Streisand tracks were recorded live in front of an audience ("Evergreen" and "Lost Inside Of You" were also recorded live, but in the studio), and these amazing performances will make listeners wish Streisand had given more concerts in the seventies.

Some of this material (especially Rupert Holmes' "Queen Bee") is second-rate and forgettable, but even then Streisand's vocals make them more memorable than they deserve to be. My favorite concert selections are the scorching "Woman In The Moon" and the heart-stopping medley "With One More Look At You/Watch Closely Now." On the downside, the disc has a somewhat disjointed feel (typical of pop-oriented soundtracks) and Kristofferson's three solo numbers are monotonous and sound out of tune. However, Streisand's vocals are fabulous and will make this a must-own for fans.


Are You a Figment of My Imagination...   January 23, 2003
Dr. Rocco Malacca
I bought this album not because of Streisand, like most of the people who have reviewed this album, but because of Kris Kristofferson. He has been one of my favorite singers since I was young, and the songs here don't do him justice. I post this review to let people know that the songs here should in no way reflect Kristofferson's abilities as a singer and a songwriter. The songs here were written by other songwriters for this movie, and his character was a burnt out singer whose career was going down the tubes. Keep this in mind as you listen to his singing here. One need only to listen to any of Kristofferson's albums to know that the scratchy growling voice heard here (almost a deadringer for Tom Waits, which is what makes the songs listenable) sounds nothing like the singer when he makes a valid effort to make music.
As for the soundtrack, the duet with Streisand was good, "Hellacious Acres" is pretty funny, and the opening song (Kristofferson's main hit in the movie) is okay. As for Streisand, I have to admit her voice has a great range and this CD, as well as the movie, is a good showcase of her abilities. That's what the movie was about, and again I stress: don't judge Kristofferson by these songs.


Forget the Movie "Snobs"   December 29, 2002
Brian McClafferty (Dover, DE USA)
I liked this movie. I don't care if anyone else did. It's a re-make and I'm no expert on the original. I like to be entertained and this movie and its music did. So, I like the CD as well. I will say this: you can listen to the words to the songs and, for the most part, they speak to you. No gibberish (although that's okay sometimes, too.) Lots of hooks, and Streisand is great. I'm not offended by Kris Kristofferson either. Listen to it 3 times and you'll fall in love with it.