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#84 THE WAY WE WERE

BARBRA STREISAND

(1974)

Writers: Marvin Hamlisch; Alan & Marilyn Bergman

1974 saw the release of 2 versions of the title song from the box office hit film 'The Way We Were'. Both tracks were featured on Barbra Streisand albums bearing that same name. The version used in the opening sequence of the movie was included on its soundtrack LP. The interretation which reached #1 on the American chart was from a studio album also entitled 'The Way We Were'.
Marvin Hamlisch composed the score. He had worked with Streisand on Broadway when they were involved in the musical "Funny Girl". Alan and Marilyn Bergman wrote the lyrics. The married couple had previously worked with the singer on her movie, 'Up The Sandbox' in 1972.
'The Way We Were' teamed Streisand with Robert Redford. Their casting was an inspired choice. Both were perfect for their roles. The hit film dealt with a couple dealing with its own issues amidst political turmoil. Streisand earned her 2nd Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Katie Morosky. Sydney Pollack directed the film.
 At the Academy Awards, the title song collected the Best Original Song Oscar. "The Way We Were" also won the Song of the Year Grammy, beating out hit singles by Roberta Flack, Olivia Newton-John, Helen Reddy and Maria Muldaur.
The single "The Way We Were" was produced by Marty Paich. Streisand scored her 1st American #1 hit with the disc. Along with topping the US Pop chart, the disc reached #1 on the AC equivalent. It did the same in Canada. In 2004, The American Film Institute ranked "The Way We Were" the #8 movie song of the previous 100 years of American film.  

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.

A new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.