"Emotion" by Barbra Streisand

Song#:  2242
Date:  03/09/1985
Debut:  81
Peak:  79
Weeks:  2
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Streisand's first two singles from her Emotion album were mid-charters at Pop, but both easily reached the AC Top 10. It was decided that a third single would be issued and this title-track song would be the one selected. Produced by Richard Perry, the more upbeat tune did fine once again at AC reaching #14. However, it stumbled at Pop and could only manage a two-week stay near the bottom of the chart. While the album would be another platinum seller for her, it wasn't necessarily a hit. It stalled at #19, which was her lowest peaking non-concept pop studio album since 1969. However, her next album would turn things around in a big way and all of her studio albums from that point to the date of this posting would reach the Top 10 with six of them hitting #1.

ReduxReview:  Streisand's bid for staying relevant on the Pop chart in the 80s didn't pay off. Despite all the guest stars, name producers, and a gaggle of songwriters, the album just tried too hard to sell Streisand to a younger generation. Long-time fans, like me, bought into the album, but many were disappointed by it. I didn't think it was a very good album at all, but I do admit that there were certain songs I enjoyed and the LP was a bit of a guilty pleasure. This title-track was a fun little listen even though the song itself was fairly lackluster. Streisand tries to sell it as best as she can and indeed elevates the average tune, however it wasn't nearly enough to make this song a hit at Pop. After this album, Streisand finally set aside trying to be a charting pop star in favor of just doing what she wants. The results were far better.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) The first single from the album, "Left in the Dark," saw Streisand creating her first ever video specifically for MTV and VH1. This song would be the basis for her second music video. While "Left in the Dark" featured actor/singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson, this next video featured two well-known celebrities. The Who's Roger Daltry and ballet legend Mikhail Baryshnikov made appearances in the comedic video.  2) The background vocals on this song were performed by The Pointer Sisters. That tie-in most likely came via producer Richard Perry, who was most likely working with the Sisters on the follow-up to their hit LP Break Out, which Perry had produced.

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