WHAT ABOUT TODAY is a shining souvenir of an era in the U.S. when there was social unrest and young people's voices were heard, a subject Streisand alludes to in her liner notes. Released in July 1969, the album kept Barbra current, while continuing to showcase her incredible talent. The title track questions the contemporaneous socio-political state of affairs and is a fast, brilliant number. "Ask Yourself Why" (From The Motion Picture The Swimming Pool) is a Bacharach-like tune with what sounds like a one-take vocal due to Barbra's sheer mastery of the song.
"Honey Pie" is the first of three Beatles covers and is Barbra at her swanky best. Streisand adds a humorous touch with the food metaphors of Paul Simon's "Punky's Dilemma" and again masters the art of the ballad in "Until It's Time For You To Go." The Queen of Easy Listening puts her own spin on "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "Alfie," and concludes the record with a sweet, heartfelt rendition of the Beatles' "Goodnight." This record shows that Barbra was both continuing to expand her horizons and maintaining her musical roots.
