An auspicious debut. From the bluesy opening number "Cry Me A River" to the vibrant, sassy "My Honey's Loving Arms," the listener is drawn into The Wonderful World of Barbra. "I'll Tell The Man In The Street" contains a striking violin arrangement, and "A Taste of Honey" is a beautiful ballad. The pace quickens on tunes like "Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf" and "Come To The Supermarket (In Old Peking)," which are both fast and funny.
On "Much More" Barbra shows the timing and vocal phrasing of a veteran and "Soon It's Gonna Rain" showcases the note-holding power that Streisand would come to be known for. The highlight of the record is unquestionably "Happy Days Are Here Again." It is sung with such conviction that it would raise the spirits of the harshest cynic. It is the definitive version and a landmark in popular song. Barbra was awarded Grammys for Album of the Year, Best Female Vocalist and Best Album Cover for her debut.