Extremely underated (only reaching #64 on the charts), this is an international kaleidoscope of sounds, featuring over 150 instruments. The central instrument is, of course, the majestic voice of Streisand. Taking standards and show tunes and giving them an international flair, the album never lets up for a moment. "I Got Rhythm" is given a jazzy, stylish twist. "Johnny One Note/One Note Samba" is fast and wacky and done East Indian style. There's a Turkish-Armenian version of "People." There's even an Irish take of "I Got Rhythm" complete with bagpipes and military field drum. At the end of this song Barbra holds a note that has to be one of the longest in recorded history.
Streisand shows her sense of humor in an electronic version of "By Myself/Come Back To Me," stretching her diversity to the limit in near-Kraftwerkian fashion. The album reaches a unique peak with "The World Is A Concerto" performed by…appliances. Yes folks, Barbra's long time manger Marty Erlichman plays the dishwasher. The record finishes monumentally, with "The Sweetest Sounds," featuring Barbra accompanied by a 24-strong choir.
Professional Reviews
Mojo (Publisher) (p.49) - Ranked #34 in Mojo's "The 50 Most Out There Albums Of All Time" - "[A]n extraordinary LP that borders on total musical madness and extreme genius."
