Happy 45th Anniversary to Barbra Streisand’s twenty-first studio album Wet, originally released in October 1979.
To have the luxury of witnessing Barbra Streisand and her artistry live must be one of life’s greatest gifts. With a career that has spanned in excess of six decades, it’s inevitable that musical exploration and the need to experiment is something that comes with the territory of being a creative mind that has not only explored, but conquered every artistic medium she has put her hand to.
Having been widely associated with traditional pop and Broadway standards, Streisand’s twenty-first album, 1979’s Wet, was not just a breakaway from everything that was familiar and known, it was a concept album, something that was more closely associated with rock opera and progressive rock in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and not the darling of popular music and Broadway.
Wet is a musical voyage through the realm of water and is a testament to Streisand's artistic vision. Its nine songs, each a sonic droplet, explore the multifaceted nature of water. From the serene calm of a gentle stream to the tempestuous fury of a raging ocean or the soothing sounds of rain, the album captures the essence of this essential element.
The word "wet," both opens and closes the album’s musical journey and serves as a constant reminder of the unifying theme that inspired the project. This inspiration, a wellspring of creativity, emerged from Streisand's imagination well before the album's initial conception.
Wet opens with Streisand's vocals, a flawless introduction on the album’s eponymous track, setting the tone for the subsequent songs. Her rendition of "Come Rain or Come Shine" reimagines the classic Broadway tune with a sensual, slowed-down approach, showcasing her ability to reinterpret timeless melodies.
Listen to the Album:
The playful energy of the only other cover on the album, Bobby Darin’s ”Splish Splash,” remains true to its original 1950s charm. These tracks, along with the album's original compositions, highlight Streisand's capacity to seamlessly blend genres, creating a cohesive and captivating listening experience.
Throughout the album, Streisand's vocal performance is a standout feature. Her renowned clarity, power, and versatility always at the forefront of each and every song. She effortlessly navigates the album's rhythmic intricacies while preserving her signature emotional depth and resonance. The ballads "On Rainy Afternoons" and "After the Rain" exemplify these qualities, offering a harmonious counterpoint to the album's overall energy.
Outside the prism of the disco era of the late ‘70s, early ‘80s or being a diehard fan of Streisand or Donna Summer, Wet’s modern day recognition is, for the most part, overlooked and incredibly underrated. At the heart of the album and undoubtedly its most successful single, “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) is a duet with Summer co-produced by the “Father of Disco” Giorgio Moroder and the album’s producer Gary Klein, which helped propel the album firmly into the top ten on the US Billboard 200 chart. The song is by far one of the disco era’s most revered tracks, some may even say the unofficial centerpiece in its glittery crown.
The album concludes with a powerful trifecta of songs. "Niagara," a poignant ballad penned by Marvin Hamlisch, Carole Bayer Sager, and Bruce Roberts, continues the overarching theme of water and emotion. Its evocative lyrics and soaring melody leave a lasting impression. The upbeat synth-pop track "I Ain't Gonna Cry Tonight" offers a contrasting energy, providing a sense of resilience and determination. Finally, the album culminates with "Kiss Me in the Rain," a romantic ballad that serves as both the second and final single. This song’s tender lyrics and melodic beauty offer a fitting conclusion, reinforcing the album’s exploration of love, loss, and the healing power of water.
Streisand’s Wet is a testament to her artistic courage and enduring legacy. By venturing into uncharted musical territory, she challenged both herself and her audience, proving that she was more than just a pop icon. The album's lasting appeal lies not only in its bold sonic experimentation, but also in Streisand's unwavering commitment to emotional honesty and artistic integrity.
As the embodiment of her versatility and artistry, Wet remains a cornerstone of her discography, a bold statement that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release. Streisand wasn’t just a chameleon on this album—her performance is a reminder that true artists, no matter how established they are, are never afraid to push boundaries. The most timeless music often comes from the most unexpected places.
Listen: