26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A piece of brilliance., Jun 10 2003
By Robert Johnson - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Yentl (Audio CD)
Like the film of the same name, the YENTL soundtrack is a massive success for Barbra Streisand, both personally and professionally. This was her dream project, and she was determined to make every aspect of YENTL come alive with class and brilliance. Composer Michael Legrand is an unrecognized genius, and his score is both complex and inviting. Alan and Marilyn Bergman have penned the lyrics to many of Streisand's best-loved recordings, but they really outdo themselves here. Their words and Legrand's music complement each other perfectly, and their collaboration is largely the reason the album is as consistent and as cohesive as it is.
However, the main factor to YENTL'S artistic success is the phenomenal vocal performance of Barbra Streisand. This album was recorded twenty years after her official studio debut, and she has never sounded better than she does here. Whether the tone of the song is anguished ("Where Is It Written," "Tomorrow Night"), euphoric ("This Is One Of Those Moments"), or incredibly sensual ("The Way He Makes Me Feel"), Streisand's hushed restraint and dramatic range are nothing short of incredible. Her phrasing is put to excellent use in "Will Someone Ever Look At Me That Way" and the three renditions of "No Wonder" (each with different lyrics and a different meaning), while both "No Matter What Happens" and "A Piece Of Sky" are terrific showcases for Streisand's astonishing vocal prowess.
YENTL also marks the first appearance a "Papa, Can You Hear Me," which instantly became one of Streisand's signature songs due largely to her intensely soulful performance. A Top Ten, Platinum-selling album, YENTL is a recording that is very close to the heart of many Streisand fans. It is a project that Streisand believed in with all her soul, and both the film and it's soundtrack remain near the top of the list of the best things she's ever done.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best, Oct 19 2005
By Miriador "miriador" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Yentl (Audio CD)
It's rare that the music from a show can stay with a listener for years, but as so many other reviewers attested to, this one does. Yentl is a gorgeous story - see the film! - and surprisingly, one of the last great musical films of the 20th Century. It's amazing to me that no one remarked that this was a musical, because that's how I was first introduced to it. And yet, the music and Streisand's heartfelt delivery go beyond the usual trappings of the musical genre. This is such emotional stuff, spiritual stuff, enlightening, passionate, thought-provoking, meaningful material. It is so well done, and you don't have to be a Streisand fan to marvel at her brilliance on this project. Truly, a work of art! It moved me in the 80s, and it STILL moves me today. Truly enduring and exquisite entertainment.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Breathtaking, May 21 2001
By "gemini_j" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Yentl (Audio CD)
Yentl is a wonderful soundtrack. This is a movie Barbra wanted to do for so long, and she finally did in 1983. Not to sound clicheish, but the music featured on this soundtrack IS timeless. So many great songs here, sung with all the passion and emotion Barbra can deliver. Whenever I hear A Piece of Sky or Papa Can You Hear Me, there is a lump in my throat. It is so beautiful to hear. Another favorite on this album is The Way He Makes Me Feel, such a beautiful song that demonstrates the emotional tapestry of a relationship, complete with butterflies and shivers. Overall, Yentl is a must have for any Barbra fan, you must have this in your collection. It is some of the most compelling work she has ever done.
