This cd is the epitomy of all that is Barbra!! Especially liked "Guava jelly" and "Is there life on Mars" it gave me goose pimples!!She does it better than David Bowie.

I don't LOVE this CD, but I don't HATE it either. Anything by Barbra Streisand is usually better work than most of what is on the market...even when it's odd. This is not one of my favorite CD's, but song #4, "I Won't Last A Day Without You," is one of my all-time favorite individual tracks of Barbra Streisand's entire catalog. This is one of the most intimate, heartfelt, really- feeling-the-love-energy-go-right-through-you songs (and vocals, for that matter) ever recorded. This song alone is worth the CD purchase price. I also like the calypso "Guava Jelly." I can't help but think of Barbara Streisand singing this song dressed like Mary Ann from "Gilligan's Island." Incidentally, folks, don't forget the early 1970's were an experimental/growth time. Very little lasting/quality music, film, clothes, or interior decor came from this time. "Butterfly" is like that avocado lamp, harvest-gold rug or orange-and- brown bean bag chair you come across in the attic. Once you're through making jokes about it, you pay attention and begin to focus on what you liked about it at the time it caught your attention.

Leave your prejudices at the door...this album was savagely criticised when it came out in 1974, due mainly to the involvement of Jon Peters. Critics seemed to miss

the fact that Streisand was trying out different styles and textures in her voice and experimenting with a different type of song. "Love In The Afternoon" "Guava Jelly" and "Grandma's Hands" in particular are light years away from what she had been doing. The understatement of "Simple Man" is a great introduction for people who only see Streisand as a 'belter'. Her gentle interpretation of that song alone is worth the

price of the album. In my opinion the only substandard

track would be "Jubilation", which does sound a little Broadway Goes Gospel. Apart from that...enjoy.

The reason I'd call this a surprisingly truely great album is because it has the reputation of being Streisand's worst album. A reputation wholely undeserved. Barbra's work (and voice) in the 70's is my favourite, and I think her best (disregarding The Broadway Album and Guilty)

I would have bought this CD long ago if it hadn't had such a bad rep. Well, when my friend purchased a copy and made a copy for me, I was blown away. The songs are brilliant and her voice has rarely sounded so good. It has to be one of her best pop albums.

My favourite is probably the beautiful 'I Won't Last A Day Without You' - I knew this song faintly before hearing Streisand sing it and when I heard her version, I fell in love with it. The lyrics are beautiful and so is her reading of them. Her voice is pure and soft and high, full of emotion and vibrato. A real gem.

Another big favourite is 'Let The Good Times Roll' - I'd heard of the song before, but never actually heard it. Upon first listen, I was shocked that Barbra actually spoke directly to me, the listener. Not in song, not in character alongwith the song - just spoke as herself to the listener. It was enchanting, the only time I've ever heard that done on a recorded song. Her words.... "It's not easy to be happy. Sometimes, it's more comfortable to be sad..... that's why I like this song" spoken with sincerity are touching.

The song is simply about feeling good and her fun vocals can easily lift a 'down' mood. You'll feel good after hearing this song.

These are just two of my favourites on this album - but it's full of them. Each is a good song, some of them great - each with a great vocal, some of them incredible.

Believe me.... Streisand has rarely sounded as incredible as she does here. With so much power, passion, clarity and stunning vibrato in her voice. And those high notes!!!

Don't miss out on this gem because it has a bad reputation - it does NOT deserve it - some of her albums that are well reviewed arn't as good as this one.

So come on..... Let The Good Times Roll!

This record, possibly more than any other Streisand release, shows Streisand's soul. The songs have that extra bit of depth to them, showing that Babs can really dig deep and produce some powerful stuff. It's Barbra's turn at R&B done her way, and she hangs with the best of them. "Love In The Afternoon" is a sweet ballad, with the aforementioned soul ringing throughout. "Guava Jelly" is Barbra trying her hand at some tropical music, with excellent congas, percussion, and steel drums.

She turns in a distinctive performance of Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hands," while the mid-tempo "Jubilation" continues the funky theme with an added choir. The highlight of the record is "Simple Man," beautifully arranged with acoustic guitar, piano, and cello. Streisand voices her longing, exclaiming "I just wanna hold you/I don't wanna hold you down/I don't wanna make it on my own." The album runs from humorous to deep, while showing a more spiritual side to the Funny Girl.