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Songs of Social Significance |
Editorial/July 2005 |
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After numerous
records dedicated to traditional ballads and show tunes, Barbra
Streisand broke her own mold in 1969 with the release of one of her
most socially relevant albums.
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"What About Today?" -
Relevance for Modern Times
July 1, 2005
Barbra Streisand broke new
ground on July 30, 1969
when her album, "What
About Today?" was
released. The LP
carried a socially
important message - one of
concern for a nation whose
bodies, hearts and minds
were at war. Songs
like "Ask Yourself Why,"
"Little Tin Soldier,"
"What About Today?" and
"The Morning After" gave
us pause while our social,
moral and political values
were being challenged in
Southeast Asia and at
home.
In a brave
new world several decades later, the album is still hauntingly
relevant. Listening to the album today highlights not only our current
concerns, but also our hopes, determination and resolve for a better
future.
I have always considered "What About Today?" to be among Barbra's
finest achievements, artistically and socially. Not only is she
at her vocal peak, but the subtext of this masterpiece is a revelation
for modern times. Barbra said it best in her liner note dedication:
"This
album is dedicated to the young people who push against
indifference, shout down mediocrity, demand a better future, and who
write and sing the songs of today."
It's an album
definitely worth revisiting.
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