Few albums like this are as highly anticipated and there is no disappointment. This collection of songs is produced by Barry Gibb/John Merchant and written by Barry Gibb with help from his two sons, Ashley and Stephen. Brian Wilson once said that Barry Gibb is a "song writing machine" and it's proven here with the largest variation of songs on an Adult Contemporary album in a long time.
The duet "Come Tomorrow" has so much blues (via Fats Domino) with its fifties `doo-wop' influence, you immediately think of "Blueberry Hill". The other duet, cheekily called, "Above The Law" is reminiscent of "What Kind Of Fool" but with a positive exchange of lyrics. The Jacksons will be listening closely to "It's Up To You" with it's clear nod to "I'll Be There" and "Night Of My Life" is a modern day dance song already mixed in four different dance versions.
"Hideaway" could have easily been written for a Broadway show with its biographical "Evita" style as well as "Golden Dawn" with its similar mood. The strongest songs here are "Stranger In A Stranger Land", "(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away" and "Letting Go", the latter two much older songs. "(Our Love)..." a #2 hit by Andy Gibb is given refreshed respect by Barbra with Barry giving a strong back-up.
"Letting Go" was written in 1985 in which Barry actually stated it was the best song (at the time) he has ever written. Streisand does a remarkable job singing it. "All The Children" is also a strong anti-war song with its Middle Eastern instrumentals and similar back-up chorus. The lyrics are blatant without offense. But the big hit here is "Stranger In A Strange Land" with its oddly lovely anti-war statement and video. It's hard to say it's the best song on the album, it's all that good.
This is a truly remarkable album that showcases Gibb and Streisand as compliments to each other. It will make history.
Track Listing:
1. Come Tomorrow
2. Stranger In A Strange Land
3. Hideaway
4. It's Up To You
5. Night Of My Life
6. Above The Law
7. Without Your Love
8. All The Children
9. Golden Dawn
10. (Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away
11. Letting Go
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