Barbra Streisand – Higher Ground (1997/2015)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 56:43 minutes | 586 MB | Genre: Pop
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Columbia
As Barbra Streisand’s first studio album of mainstream pop material in nine years, Higher Ground is something of an oddity. Instead of devoting herself to Broadway standards or a set of radio-oriented pop tunes, Streisand has crafted a record that she intended as a tribute to the power of music as prayer. It’s an ambitious project, but for the most part it works, achieving a surprising grace. Higher Ground comprises both traditional religious songs and new material (even “Tell Him,” an overblown duet with Celine Dion, vaguely touches on that theme), with grandiose arrangements by Marvin Hamlisch. Although Streisand and Hamlisch still favor sweeping strings and bold statements — so much so that many of the songs sound remarkably similar to each other, in terms of dynamics and arrangements — the album retains its power thanks to her subtle interpretations of melody and lyrics. The end result might not quite match her latter-day masterpieces, but it’s another strong addition to her catalog. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist:
1. Barbra Streisand – I Believe/You’ll Never Walk Alone (06:11)
2. Barbra Streisand – Higher Ground (04:23)
3. Barbra Streisand – At the Same Time (04:18)
4. Barbra Streisand – Tell Him (Duet With Celine Dion) (04:53)
5. Barbra Streisand – On Holy Ground (06:14)
6. Barbra Streisand – If I Could (04:25)
7. Barbra Streisand – Circle (04:15)
8. Barbra Streisand – The Water Is Wide/Deep River (05:32)
9. Barbra Streisand – Leading With Your Heart (03:32)
10. Barbra Streisand – Lessons to Be Learned (04:43)
11. Barbra Streisand – Everything Must Change (04:04)
12. Barbra Streisand – Avinu Malkeinu (04:09)
