Barbra Streisand recently announced plans to release a new star-studded duets album, The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two, and now the entertainment icon has debuted her collaboration with one of the most famous artists featured on the record.
Videos by American Songwriter
Streisand teamed up with Paul McCartney for a new version of the Beatles legend’s romantic solo ballad “My Valentine.” The song is available now as a digital download and via streaming services.
On the updated rendition of “My Valentine,” Streisand and McCartney alternate singing the first two verses, then harmonize on the choruses and the remaining verses. Musically, the track features melodic piano joined by welling, plaintive orchestration, as well as a tasteful, blues-flavored guitar solo.
Prior to the song’s release, Streisand posted a note on her social media pages that read, “What a joy it was to record ‘My Valentine’ with Paul McCartney. To share time with him in the studio was truly special!”
Fans React to the New Duet
Judging by many of the comments posted on Streisand’s YouTube channel, plenty of fans were loving Barbra’s new collaboration with Sir Paul.
One fan wrote, “Two of the most incredible music careers in history wrapped into one. Plus a gorgeous song. Ain’t life good?!”
A second enthused, “The best female singer ever with Sir Paul McCartney…You can’t get better anywhere.”
A third fan commented, “They are timeless. I’ve always thought it would be nice if Barbra and Paul sung together. And by God it’s beautiful.”
More About The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two
As previously reported, The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two will be released on June 27. The 11-track collection is a sequel to Streisand’s chart-topping 2014 duets album, Partners. Besides McCartney, the upcoming album features Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Sting, Tim McGraw, Sam Smith, Hozier, Seal, Josh Groban, and Laufey.
“I’ve always loved singing duets with gifted artists,” Streisand said in a video trailer for The Secret of Life. “They inspire me in unique and different ways… and make our time in the studio a joy! My new album … gave me the chance to work and play with some of my old friends, label mates, and new artists too. I admire all of them… and I hope that you’ll enjoy listening to our collaborations as much as I enjoyed recording with all of my wonderful partners.”
The album was co-produced by Peter Asher and Walter Afanasieff.
The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two can be pre-ordered now. It’s available on CD, as a blush-colored vinyl LP, and via digital formats. The physical versions of the album include photos from Streisand’s personal archives and liner notes about each track.
“My Valentine” is the second advance track to be released from the album. The first was a cover of the Ewan MacColl-penned Roberta Flack hit “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” featuring Hozier.
More About “My Valentine”
McCartney first released “My Valentine” in 2011 as an advance track from his 2012 standards album, Kisses on the Bottom. It was one of two original tunes on the album, written by Paul for his wife, Nancy. The original version featured Eric Clapton on guitar.
The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two Track List:
- “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” – with Hozier
- “My Valentine” – with Paul McCartney
- “To Lose You Again” – with Sam Smith
- “The Very Thought of You” – with Bob Dylan
- “Letter to My 13 Year Old Self” – with Laufey
- “One Heart, One Voice” – with Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande
- “I Love Us” – with Tim McGraw
- “Secret o’ Life” – with James Taylor
- “Fragile” – with Sting
- “Where Do I Go from You?” – with Josh Groban
- “Love Will Survive” – with Seal
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