The Third Album – BARBRA STREISAND*****

My Melancholy Baby/Just In Time/Take A Chance On Love/Bewitched Bothered & Bewildered/Never Will I Marry/ As Time Goes By/Draw Me A Circle/It Had To Be You/Make Believe/I Had Myself A True Love

Barbra Streisand maintained the critical acclaim lavished on her first two LPs with The Third Album. Many commentators stress the purity of her voice during this early stage of her singing career. (US:5)

"A pristine masterpiece of what singing is all about and should be all about."

"This has been my favourite Streisand album for a long time. The excellent choice of classic songs, the ultra-slow tempo, a very subtle piano, her unique phrasing which contributes to definitive versions of her own, make this LP a must for Streisand fans and for music lovers in general. Barbra's first albums are among her best."

"Wow, what a voice and what a way to put an album together. Its a lost art. You will never see this again. First rate production, wonderful songs and great orchestrations."

"Barbra's early albums were by far her best. Her voice was at it's bell-like peak, her delivery beyond her tender years. This is an album of standards but there is nothing standard about it. One after another she takes the greatest songs of our time and stretches them out, adding poignancy and lushness in the process."

"She proves that in those days at least, she was the premier interpreter of standards. No Streisand fan needs to be reminded that in 1964 her voice, her pitch, her phrasing were so perfect that probably they will never be equalled."

"The Third Album saw Barbra Streisand exploring the softer side of her voice and personality. While her two previous albums virtually defined brass and sass, Barbra's third platter revealed how limitless her appeal was in the quieter numbers too."

"This is a fabulous album, complete with not only the greatest voice, but with classic songs to accompany her magnificent talent. A wonderful album."

"Barbra's readings are so subdued, she is in constant control and the end result is a mature, warm, intimate album of standards delivered by a very talented young lady much in control of her destiny."