Emotion

Released in October 1984, Emotion represents Barbra Streisand's most concerted effort to engage with the contemporary synth-pop and dance-rock sounds of the mid-80s. The project was a massive undertaking, utilizing thirteen different studios and a rotating door of high-profile producers including Richard Perry, Jim Steinman, and Maurice White. This fragmented recording process resulted in a stylistically diverse tracklist that ranges from the Jellybean Benitez-influenced title track to the bombastic, theatrical rock of 'Left in the Dark.' The latter, a Steinman composition originally intended for Meat Loaf, stands as one of the most ambitious recordings in Streisand's catalog, clocking in at over seven minutes. The album also features notable collaborations, including a duet with Kim Carnes and songwriting contributions from John Mellencamp and Diane Warren. Despite the modern production, the album maintained Streisand's commercial juggernaut status, achieving Platinum certification and spawning a high-concept music video featuring Roger Daltrey and Mikhail Baryshnikov.