Editorial Review

One of the most common complaints about musicals is that the books are flimsy pretexts from which to hang numbers. Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (652)

Best Show on Broadway
I saw this musical last year, and thought it was amazing!!! The music is unbelivable!!!! Idina Menzel and kristin Chenoweth are wonderful, two of the best voices I've ever heard.If you like musicals, then you HAVE to get this CD.I've almost worn it out.

Not Necessarily Wicked!
I was excited about getting this compact disc about Wicked, the hottest ticket on Broadway. I liked the beginning about how the witch was born green. I think the compact disc does serve a service in providing us a closer view of the musical itself. I didn't care for the story involving Glinda, the good witch, and Elfaba, the bad witch who is green. I didn't like the story itself. While I am sure that the musical is much better than just listening to it but I was uncomfortable with Elfaba's portrayal as being born green and bad while Glinda was both popular and pretty. I think I was just more sympathetic towards Elfaba because she was the outcast and I always find myself among the outcasts so I felt sorry for Elfaba. I don't find much sympathy for Glinda who has spent her entire life being both popular and gifted so of course, she doesn't change. She gets rewarded while poor Elfaba gets treated as bad.

The Best Musical EVER.
I'm the kind of person that listens to showtunes all of the time. Seriously. Wicked is what made me that kind of person. The first time I had ever heard it was my first year doing choir, and ever since then, I've loved it. It's got amazing songs and two of the best musical theatre actressess to ever be on stage, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. So if you love musicals, this is the CD to buy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Original Cast Recordings    6. Original Score    7. Pop    8. Show Tunes    9. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Although it squarely falls in the "jukebox musical" category, Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (71)

OH OH OH THOSE JERSEY BOYS!!!
THE BEST SHOW ON BROADWAY I HAVE SEEN IN YEARS.FROM BEGINNING TO END!LISTENING TO THE CD BRINGS BACK THAT WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE AT THE THEATER.I WAS ONLY ONE WHEN SHERRY CAME OUT SO, I OF COURSE DIDNOT GROW UP WITH THIS MUSIC BUT, LOVE IT!. IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE BROADWAY SHOW BUY THE CD (ALSO GET THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS) OH WHAT A NIGHT!!!

Those Jersey Boys!
I never thought that Jersey Boys would be such a hit on Broadway enough to win Tony Award for Best Musical. Although Broadway has not really brought out anything spectacular but everybody who has seen it live as loved it. If you can't spend money on tickets to see the show, you might as well by the compact disc and just imagine the live performance. The Four Seasons were one of the biggest music groups of the last century. Who would have thought that these four Jersey boys from Belleville, New Jersey also hometown to actor Joe Pesci would become such a huge hit. The show and the compact disc show how it began for them with all the trials and tribulations. If you can't see the show regardless of cost or travel, why not buy the compact disc? I have bought two for other people.

Jersey Boys Rule
Great show and great CD.
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Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Cast Recordings    3. Music Theater    4. Musical Theater    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Showtunes / B'way    8. Soundtrack   

Editorial Review

Based on the Maysles brothers' cult 1975 documentary of the same name, this musical is an endearing—-and sometimes genuinely heartwrenching—-oddity propelled by Christine Ebersole's exceptional, for-the-history-books performance. The movie followed the kooky duo of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter, Little Edie Beale, as they lived with their 52 cats in a derelict East Hampton mansion. The show's first act, set in 1941, is a prologue of sorts, while the second act, set in 1973, follows the movie closely. Ebersole plays Edith in Act I (which she concludes in dazzling manner with "Will You?") and Little Edie in Act II (when Mary Louise Wilson comes in to play the mother). And while Wilson is superb, this is Ebersole's show. Technically, she is flawless—-just listen to the way she changes her voice between the acts—-but she also makes Little Edie a poignant eccentric, a lost soul stuck in a world of deluded, decaying grandeur. It all peaks in the poignant "Around the World," the show's best song and an Ebersole tour de force. Note that this recording documents the Off-Broadway production; the show transferred to Broadway in the fall of 2006 with a slightly altered first act. Read more

Reviews (11)

Great Score
Grey Gardens has hit written all over it and will definitely be one of the musicals to beat come awards time. It has one of the best scores to hit Broadway in many a season. The subject matter seems daunting to say the least for a musical, but they've pulled it off beautifully. Wonderful performances by Christine Ebersole and Mary Louise Wilson. Great songs that work within the story that you can sing along to. They havent skimped on the packaging, either, for this recording (made before it moves to Broadway). Essential for any theater lover. Quirky,funny and a little haunting. A class act all the way!

AN EXCITING NEW MUSICAL!
As I get older, I am intrigued by what material some composers/librettists choose to musicalize. Yes, we're seeing a ton of recent books and films take the musical route, and some of them have worked: HAIRSPRAY was terrific, and I have heard great advance word on LEGALLY BLONDE. More often than not, it doesn't work, however. Anyone remember LESTAT?
A real treasure
This is quite wonderful.There are a couple of clunkers - or maybe they'll just have to grow on me - but the score is smart, tuneful and totally entertaining.The range of material here is amazing - from very bouncy upbeat fun like The Five-Fifteen to Around the World, arguably the score's best.A real standout is The Revolutionary Costume for Today.A brilliantly realized piece of theater.And while all the performers shine, the real reason to buy this CD is Christine Ebersole!WOW.She gives a staggeringly brilliant performance on Disc.I can just imagine how powerful she is onstage.She moves to the top of my list. ... Read more

Editorial Review

For better or worse, Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of Gaston Leroux's gothic horror/romance novel has done for stage musicals what Spielberg's Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (167)

How could this not be good?
First of all, the cast was great!For those of you that are die-hard original cast fans, you still have to admit that Hollywood did a good job on this one.The music, of course, is incredible.The added song, sung by Minnie Driver, although really not of the same caliber as the other songs, is a great addition to the CD.As you're listening to the songs, you know exactly where you are in the movie, they've set it up really well.As per the usual, Amazon provided speedy, quality service and I received the CD right away.Anyone who liked the movie and found themselves singing along will find this CD to be a must-have for their personal collection.

Not Broadway, But Still Worth Watching
If you have never seen any version (Broadway, book, or movie) of The Phantom of the Opera, this is a worthwhile movie to watch.However, if you have seen the Broadway show or read the book of The Phantom of the Opera, then you will probably be a little bit disappointed, but it is still worth watching.
Breathtaking Music
I felt Gerard Butler was the perfect Phantom despite what some other reviewers have stated...he is dark, sexy, passionate with his emotions - his voice is incredible and fits the character perfectly.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Musicals    4. Original Score    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Soundtrack    8. Soundtracks    9. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Put together by Abba's own Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (150)

cd
I love this music and had recently been to the stage play with friends.This was a wonderful way to keep the memory of the music for myself.. AND to give another copy to our hostess as a thank you.

Mamma Mia - the CD
Having seen the show in London, I was looking forward to the CD.I did not purchase the CD at the show, and was suprised that your price was less.
For those who hate musicals
I love this CD.You have to like ABBA.If you don't, don't buy it obviously.It's great to listen to even if you don't like musicals.This is another broadway soundtrack that my fellow workers don't mind me putting in the CD player while working in the kitchen.They like ABBA and hate musicals, so this is right up their alley.The story is a little hard to follow by the songs, but you can get the very basic plot from them.I think you'll like it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Original Cast Recordings    6. Pop    7. Pop/Rock    8. Showtunes / B'way    9. Soundtracks    10. Swedish Pop/Rock   

Editorial Review

The movie is a 1970s take on 1950s musicals, providing all the kitsch anyone could hope for. It's John Travolta as Danny Zuko as Olivia Newton-John's pompadoured main squeeze, and the kids go crazy. Fresh from his astronomical success with Travolta in Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack

Reviews (115)

wtf!!
Best movie soundtrack ever!!! the movie was a unforgettable, john travolta and olivia newton-john were remarkable. Long live Sandy and Danny!!

Great Soundtrack
Most movie soundtracks are full of songs that aren't that good. Grease on the other hand is full of songs by a steller cast. Each one is a glimpse either into the era that is the birth of rock and roll or into the viscuous life of the American teenager.
Excellent!
This is an excellent CD! I couldn't help but listen to it over and over and OVER! The sound quality is wonderful and it sounds like it came straight from the movie itself! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Musical    3. Pop    4. Soft Rock    5. Soundtrack    6. Soundtracks    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

As gleefully silly yet wickedly smart as the beloved British comedy troupe and their 1975 cinematic savaging of the Arthurian legend that inspired it, this adaptation ofRead more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (117)

Monty Python's Spamalot
I love the songs on Monty Python's Spamalot . It's so great with wonderful actors & singings on here & I think it's a win for everyone who buys Monty Python's Spamalot . So , go get your money for this cd & get it fast. You will not go home unhappy with hearing Monty Python's Spamalot . Always look on the bright side of life :)
Could you think of a better soundtrack that could define Monty Python any better?
I recently purchased "Monty Python's SpamAlot" and that was money well spent.The lyrics are hilarious and couldn't define the humor of Monty Python any better.It captures that greatness of the 1970s movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and adds new laughs.Sara Ramariez has an amazing voice and (if you didn't know) I truly understand why she won the Tony in 2005 for her portrayal as The Lady of the Lake.If you are a Musical Theatre Junkie, like myself, then I highly suggest that you order this soundtrack.

Way too funny!!
I purchased this CD after seeing Spamalot because the songs from the show are clever, witty and, well, just plain funny. Listening to the CD at work or in the car just sends me into a great mood as I remember the show and how funny and entertaining it was.Anyone who has seen Spamalot will know what I mean and will want that same recollection over and over as they listen to the tracks.If you loved the show this CD is a must. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Britain    2. Cast Recordings    3. Music Theater    4. Musical Theater    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Showtunes / B'way    8. Soundtracks    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

An Oscar win might suggest a score that would need a miracle to be bettered--but this colorful stage adaptation of Disney's Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (135)

Enjoyed Seeing The Play Twice
I saw the stage production at Hollywood's famous Pantages Theater some years ago, and was quite impressed. I then purchased the CD, which has been in my CD player many times. But I somehow feel the original Movie soundtrack was a bit more superior. Especially the powerful film opening of 'Circle of Life.' I just feel the strong African male vocals delivered much more impact. And not to sound sexist, but Rafiki was also better portrayed as a male, than the female actresses seen in the stage productions. But still an extremely enjoyable listening experience.

Flawless Material
The Lion King will undoubtedly bring you oodles of entertainment. After recently seeing The Lion King National Tour I just had to have this item. From the legendary opening Circle of Life to the astounded ending, you will experience constant harmony. The land of Africa is a remarkable place, and now you can experience it in your very own home. Buy it now! You simply can't go wrong.

Amazing
I Have yet to see this play but,the music is absolutley beautiful. it's more than just feel good musical it has a message that can been heared through the music itself. i personally don't even listen to the orgnial songs from the movie soundtrack anymore, because many of the other songs are so spritual amd moveing. songs like; They Lives In You, He Lives In You (reprise, my FAVORUITE), The Cricle Of Life, Soudowland(My Other Fav) and Endless Night. All the Music on this soundtrack are REALLY GOOD. It's a good mixture of fun, and spritual music and does an amazing job of telling the story. The vocals, the music just evrthing is spotless. i can't say enough about this play, it's a classic
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Musicals    3. Original Cast Recordings    4. Pop    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

It's not that surprising that Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (153)

Superior to the Original
I'm not just a casual fan of Rent -- I've seen the Broadway show, I've heard the original cast recording, and I know a bit about each of the original cast members. But I must part ways with most of the fans of the stage show by saying that yes, the movie's cast recording is indeed superior.
Unbelievable
I love my OBC recording.But the production on it is less than stellar and it can sound almost "tinny" at times.So when I listened to this version, I was scared that it would not live up to the standards set by the cast album.
Loving Rent the soundtrack
Hello, My name is Michael, Im 15 years old. I love the rent soundtrack, I mainly like it becuase it has EVERY SINGLE SONG recorded for the rent movie instead of the highlited one, (I suggest you listen to Another Day and Goodbye Love if you purchace this) I've played it over a billion times by now (no joke) and it still is just plain lovely. Its a must have for all rentheads, or someone who just liked the movie. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film Music    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Pop    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks    8. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

Under its enigmatic title lurks a remarkably entertaining little show. Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (91)

Monkey song dull? Maybe cuz you haven't seen the show?
The first time I saw this show, the surprise after surprise really impressed me. When Aldolfo appeared in the Nightingale song, I asked my friend, "What's going on here, this scene does not make sense." The surprise a minute after I asked that, made me laugh and laugh and laugh.
Another 'On the Nose' show that oddly delivers
It's both perplexing and oddly reassuring to me that in today's cynical landscape musicals that are not cynical at all could be direct hits on broadway.Between The Producers and Spamalot there's been a kind of resurgence in old school humorists with a contemporary self-awareness which somehow doesn't take away from the earnesty and humor... Add Drowsy Chaperone to this list.I'll throw in my two cents- Foster is, as always, a master at her craft, the music is, if a little old fashioned, still completely satisfying... I'm kind of in love with this little show...

Wonderful Show!
It's amusing reading these reviews.So many people just don't seem to get it, but who cares? I love The Monkey Song and As We Stumble Along, the latter being a Zen masterpiece! Both reflect the genius of this show.How can you complain about something with lyrics like: "But what a thrill when lovebirds trill" or "But heartbeats rush when sweethearts gush"?Some of the jokes of course don't come off unless you see the show...otherwise, how can you possibly understand "Message from a Nightingale"?All I can say is,
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Pop    6. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Cast Recording
• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (208)

makes me laugh
everyone I've played it for has enjoyed it.Just a lot of fun

Amazing!
This CD is amazing, and has some of my favorite songs on it.I hope to see the broadway show sometime soon, but until then, this music will definately do.It has many hysterical numbers, such as "Schadenfreude," "Everyone's A Little Bit Racist," and "If You Were Gay."It also has some very sweet, beautiful songs, such as one of my favorites, "There's A Fine, Fine Line."I love this!

Avenue Q rocks the house
When telling people about this show, I usually use two turns of phrase: "Sesame Street... for adults," and "Rent, with muppets, and without HIV." Perfectly captures the "quarter-life crisis" experience. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Pop    3. Show Tunes    4. Showtunes / B'way    5. Soundtrack   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (37)

Great for little ones
I am not a fan of little kids (under 5) sitting and watching a 2 hour movie. However, listening to soundtracks of musicals is a great thing for them. There is nothing cuter than hearing a toddler belt out "When I fink of a day that's gray and wonely I just pick up my chin and grin and say..." while you are driving. I love it! Plus, there seems to be a small window of opportunity for this since the kids become more inhibited as they get older.

i love annie
every girl loves annie. even non orpahns. annie is the best and the braves girl. i love annie.

Annie rocks!!
Love the movie and had to buy it.I was a child, when I first saw it in the movie theater, and I wanted to be her. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Musicals    2. Pop    3. Show Tunes    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

What's left to be said about Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• Original recording remastered
• Box set

Reviews (382)

Lovely Recording
I personally prefer Rebecca Caine over Sarah Brightman, but it doesn't matter.This was a beautiful recording. :D

A True Musical Phenomenon!
After 20 years since it opened, THE PHANTOM has become the longest running, most popular stage show, and highest grossing Entertainment venture of all time, bringing in more earnings than any other stage show, any movie, (including the series of Star wars, Titanic, and Lord of the Rings)!! This Double disc volume of the original London cast is a Spectacular Rendition of this timeless Masterpiece. Not only are the performances by the entire Cast including 'THE' Phantom himself, Michael Crawford, who's melodic, extraordinary range and powerful vocals, make for fantastic Vocal tracks that capture the essence of 'Phantom,' but the Score and the way the orchestra plays it is powerful and very Full. Compared to both the Canadian Cast recording and Movie Record, The London Cast's Orchestra is by far the Most Full sounding overall.
75% more words!And 20% less carbs!
At the time that I'm writing this review there are 379 reviews for the original 1986 London cast recording of "The Phantom of the Opera".It can be safely surmised that many people have opinions about this particular hallmark of musical theater.It also seems requisite that any reviews written after 2004 must bring up the movie soundtrack and compare the two leads, with varying levels of love for one and hate for the other.I shall attempt to summarize some of the more frequently repeated comments here, attempting to adhere to bare facts while impressing as little opinion as possible into what is a very personal musical.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Original Cast Recordings    6. Pop    7. Show Tunes    8. Showtunes / B'way   

Features

• Box set
• Import

Reviews (48)

Amazing
I loved it! It has all of my favorite music from all of my favorite Disney movies: The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King! Although I have to say I didn't recognize some of the older songs and don't really jump for joy when some of the Mary Poppins songs play, I still really love this classic Cd set!

Classic Disney: 60 Years of Musical Magic
This CD set covers songs issued only before year 2000. If a song has more than one version(sang by two different singers), this CD set only include the less famous or popular one.It is good to have this CD set but it is not the best Disney CD sets in the market.

Great Disney Music Collection
I love this set!It has lots of great Disney music on 5 cds.I have yet to figure out how it is organized, but I highly recommend it for Disney fans of all ages. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Box Sets (Audio Only)    3. Children's    4. Childrens    5. Film Music    6. Musicals    7. Original Score    8. Pop    9. Pop/Rock    10. Show Tunes    11. Soundtrack Collections    12. Soundtracks    13. Traditional Pop    14. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

Fans of small, pretty-voiced soprano Sarah Brightman will not be disappointed by this CD. In addition to some pop songs, Brightman sings high-flying excerpts from Orff's Read more

Reviews (219)

Pay no attention to operatic snobs
By their own admission robusto sopranos are a dime a dozen and, to compare these divas with Ms Brightman's crystalline coloratura is akin to faulting a woodland sprite because she's not an eagle. Forget that her voice is more than adequate to rattle chandeliers at the farthest reaches of any opera house -- when she wants to; let's see any of the fat ladies spin out the gossamer thread of an excruciatingly delicate ballad with such purity and numinous emotion that it gently sneaks into the farthest reaches of the tenderest heart, unleashing tears and igniting waves of ecstasy along the spine. I think there's room for such rare artistry in this world.

An acquired taste
Since my original review, I have had to come back and revise it as I must humbly state that Sarah appears to be an acquired taste of sorts; meaning, my initial impression of her album was, well, shall we say, less than positive (see below). However, I soon found myself playing her CD over and over again, and have come to appreciate and actually enjoy this album. Hate to admit it but I just ordered 2 more of her CDs! ok..ok. I was wrong. Lastly, I dont see where I can change the ititial rating so..sorry Sarah!
Bueno Sarah!
This is undoubtedly my favorite CD of the last decade and definitely Sarah Brightman's best effort to date!Her duets with Andrea Bocelli and Jose Cura are outstanding!I especially love 'O mio babbino caro', Alleluja', and 'La Wally'. Sarah's uniquely sensual style is evident in the incredibly beautiful 'Bilitis - Generique', 'No One Like You' and 'Just Show Me How To Love You'.Close your eyes and drift away...
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Classical Crossover    3. Musicals    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Popular Music    7. Show Tunes   

Editorial Review

For his second Broadway musical (and first time out writing a full show directly for the stage), Elton John certainly set his sights high by turning to one of the grandest of all operas as a source. His continued collaboration with lyricist Tim Rice has produced a work far closer to the agreeable pop style and formula of the team's Disney musical, Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (261)

One of Disneys Best!
So Disney has a tendency to take basic ideas and make them astheticly wonderful, but the real musical theater aspect is lost. Luckily, Aida does not fall in that category. The only main artistic license that Disney took with "Aida" was making her form Nubia (shes from a different country in the opera) so they could play the whole race card. That aside, I love this musical. The Music is great, the lyrics are great, I listened to it non stop when I first got it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. My favorite songs would be "The Gods Love Nubia" and "Written in The Stars."

Not bad... Not good...
One major reason to buy this CD is the EXCELLENT cast, Sherie Renee Scott, Heather Headly, Adam Pascal, but the score is lacking. There are a few good songs that make it into my favorites but the rest seem to be just fillers, I would buy the four good songs off of iTunes and leave the rest to be undiscovered.
Aida is definitely worth buying
I became a "Renthead" as soon as I heard the music, and immediately fell in love with the voices of Adam Pascal and Idina Menzel. I heard about "Aida", and how Adam was in it, and how Idina had done it at one point, too, so I figured, "Why not?" So I tried it. And I'm really glad I did. Not only is Adam's rocker voice amazing, Elton John and Tim Rice really outdid themselves. "Aida" is a lot like "The Lion King", which was also really successful. At first I thought that I would be really biased against Sherie Rene Scott because she plays the part that Idina had. I was afraid I would totally blow off her voice, going, "It's not Idina. Whatever." But although she is not Idina, she is really good in her own way, and I think her voice is very beautiful and has a very strong tone. Then, I had heard so much about the "phenomenal" Heather Headley, but I have to say, I was somewhat non-impressed. I was waiting for this voice to totally blow me away, but I found her voice kind-of sharp and rough at times, not like the PLEASINGLY jagged voice of Adam, or the smooth liquidity of Sherie Rene. But even though I didn't think she had the best performance by far, this is still a very good buy. If you like uplifting Pop/Rock music, and beautiful love ballads,you will love "Aida". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Film Music    3. Original Cast Recordings    4. Original Score    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Showtunes / B'way    8. Soundtracks   

Editorial Review

Barbra Streisand's bravado made her one of the 1960s' overnight sensations. This 40-cut compendium traces her recording career from early tracks that frequently relay her subtlety to often impressive accommodations with soft rock and still later vibrato-fests that find her taxing the limits of performer's ego and listeners' ears. The narrative is one of direct, sometimes showy, emotion giving way to empty displays of technique. By 1983's icky anthem "A Piece of Sky," Streisand has plowed under the light touches of "Lover, Come Back to Me" and the triumphal