Love Is the Answer

Love Is the Answer marks a significant stylistic pivot for Barbra Streisand, moving away from the adult contemporary and theatrical pop that defined her later career toward a pure vocal jazz aesthetic. Released in 2009, the project was a collaboration with Diana Krall and her quartet, marking the first time Streisand worked with a producer who is also a peer in the vocal jazz world. The album consists entirely of Great American Songbook standards, but they are reinterpreted through a minimalist lens. Critics noted the 'glacial' pacing of the tracks, with some reviewers praising the bravery of such slow tempos while others found it overly placid. The recording was released in two versions: a standard disc featuring orchestral arrangements by Johnny Mandel and a deluxe version featuring only the quartet. This dossier focuses on the core quartet-driven intimacy that defines the project's identity. It stands as one of her most critically respected late-career entries, showcasing her interpretive powers over her physical vocal power.