A four-disc collection of material that had mostly been previously unreleased, JUST FOR THE RECORD is a fascinating package indeed. Unlike most box-sets, this is not an extended "greatest hits" repackaging with a few rarities to pull in longtime fans. Sure, there are a few well-known recordings present ("People," Guilty"), but over 85% of the tracks on JUST FOR THE RECORD had never seen the light of day. This is exactly what many of Streisand's dedicated fans had been hoping for.

The first two discs are dedicated to material recorded in the sixties, and they include many live recordings from the decade when Streisand gave the most public performances. Live performances culled from Streisand's appearances on "The Jack Paar Show," "P.M. East," The Garry Moore Show," The Tonight Show," "The Ed Sullivan Show," and "The Judy Garland Show" are all absolutely priceless. Eight tracks from Barbra's legendary "Bon Soir" performances (which were initially intended to be her first record) are included, and they present the then-twenty year old singer at her rowdy best. This is the Streisand that many of her sixties fans dearly miss.

The two sixties discs also cover her years on Broadway (previously unreleased live performances from FUNNY GIRL), performances from her first four television specials (including three songs from the still- unreleased BELLE OF 14TH STREET soundtrack album), and a terrific live medley from her performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, which includes her only recorded performances of "When You Gotta Go" and "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning."

The remaining two discs (one devoted to the seventies, the other to the eighties) feature less live performances, but are just as enthralling. These two disc feature several great recordings that were released, but never appeared on a Streisand album. It's great to finally have Streisand's sizzling rendition "You're The Top" from WHAT'S UP, DOC? and "Cryin' Time," her wonderful duet with Ray Charles on disc. Even better are the recordings from unfinished projects, or the ones that were scrapped from finished albums and movies. Tracks from the aborted albums THE SINGER and BETWEEN YESTERDAY AND TOMORROW (also known as LIFECYCLE OF A WOMAN) finally surface, and I'm so glad they finally found a home here. The unused UP THE SANDBOX theme "If I Close My Eyes," The alternate theme song to THE WAY WE WERE (heard here in a live rendition from 1980), Barbra's rendition of Billie Holiday's "God Bless The Child" and the medley "A Quiet Thing/There Won't Be Trumpets" (both left off of 1974's BUTTERFLY), YENTL'S sensual "The Moon And I" (which was replaced in the film with the superior "No Matter What Happens"), and the absolutely phenomenal rendition of Tim Rice's "I Know Him So Well" (which just didn't fit onto THE BROADWAY ALBUM) all make their debuts here.

Also included are the original demos of "Evergreen" (with Barbra playing the guitar) and "Papa, Can You Hear Me," as well as the instrumental theme from NUTS (the soundtrack of which is nearly impossible to find), and the Grammy-nominated "Warm All Over" (an intended preview of BACK TO BROADWAY that ended up not making the cut). In addition to the bountiful amount of unreleased material, Barbra provides detailed liner notes (which are worth the price of admission alone) and thousands of rare photographs. It all comes packaged in a lovely, cloth-covered box, with a beautiful rose motif carried throughout the entire set.

Extremely rare for [a] box set, this four-disc collection hit a very impressive #38 on the Hot 100 and was certified Platinum in sales (and this before the RIAA had a separate criteria for multiple-disc packages). JUST FOR THE RECORD is proof that the material of Streisand's that has sat unreleased is every bit as interesting as what was officially issued. An essential purchase for any Streisand fan.

Barbra Streisand is the greatest female vocalist of our time. Discs one and two alone would be more than worth the price of this box set. The medley from the Judy Garland show is pure gold. If you're considering making this purchase for a Barbra lover in your family - do not hesitate. Any true Barbra fan would be meshugah to pass up an opportunity to have all of this greatness in one pink box.

What every Streisand fan has been waiting for- and more. The emphasis on pre 70s music (discs one and two) lower the rating in this listener's opinion, but oh, discs three and four!The unreleased gems show Barbra's versatility and sense of style. Also her ego- not crediting Karen and Richard Carpenter for the definitive (and earlier recorded) versions of "Close to You" and "We've Only Just Begun"- it's akin to not mentioning Sinatra in your liner notes for "My Way"! Ego aside, Barbra has a right to be proud. This set confirms her star status in American music.

An endearing and fantastic retrospective of one of the most unbelievable and dynamic performing talents the world has known. Very detailed and enlightening. More than just a glimpse into the spectacular career of Miss Streisand. Worth every penny. You'll lose yourself in the music, films, awards and personal commentary. An absolute treasure.

Some reviewers have lambasted this box set for the introductions that proceed some songs and the awards speeches that "waste space." However what those reviewers failed to realize is that Just for the Record is not just a random box set, but an almost autobiography on cd. the liner notes and introductions to songs(in particular in the 60's set which feature barbra's early club and tv appearances) put the performances in context and enrich their meaning. Now I admit the THREE awards speeches(and thats all there are, out of 80 or so tracks) arent nescesary but jeez its only three, anyone can skip right through them. The unreleased material makes the box set what it is, if barbra had just released another greatest hits package that would have been boring. Alternate takes, live versions, never before released songs all these things make Just for the Record unique and more than worth the price.