Throughout the ‘60s, Barbra Streisand established herself as a keen interpreter of pop standards. On 1971’s Stoney End, she takes on the moment’s most formidable songwriters, imbuing Joni Mitchell’s “I Don’t Know Where I Stand” with regret and longing and giving Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind” a country-cabaret edge. Laura Nyro’s spirited title track and exuberant “Time and Love” split the difference between Broadway flash and rock muscle, giving Streisand ample room to flaunt her vocal prowess while diving into contemporary pop.
- Bette Midler