Originally released as the two-disc, 40-track collection
The Essential Barbra Streisand in 2002, this set retains the same playlist order only with different cover art and a modified title. In either title or form, however, it does a great job of presenting the signature tracks from
Streisand's Columbia Records catalog, all arranged chronologically from her recording debut in 1963 through to 1999 -- which means "People," "Second Hand Rose," "The Way We Were," and every key song associated with this one-of-a-kind singer's five-decade career. ~ Steve Leggett