Hozier has said that it was a "huge honour" to record a duet of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face with Barbra Streisand for her new album.
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The Wicklow singer is among big names such as Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, and Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande appearing on the veteran singer and actress' upcoming album, The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume Two, which is released in June.
Sting, Sam Smith, Seal, Josh Groban, country star Tim McGraw, and jazz chanteuse Laufey also appear on the new album.
The first single from the album is Hozier and Streisand’s cover of Ewan MacColl’s enduring song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, which has also been covered by an array of artists, including most famously, by the late Roberta Flack.
Speaking about the collaboration, Hozier said, "Barbra Streisand is one of the most enduring and iconic vocalists of our time, and somebody who defined an era with the sheer force of her voice, her talent, charisma and vision.
"To be asked to join her on a duet was a huge honour and came as a wonderful and welcome surprise."
He added, "Ewan MacColl’s The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, made famous by the stunning Roberta Flack recording, has always mystified me.
"It is, to me, one of the most beautiful love songs ever written. Like so many, I was deeply saddened to hear of her recent passing. Along with the honour I have to sing on this record with Barbra, I hope this duet offers something of a gesture to Roberta Flack’s incredible legacy."
Streisand (83) has a long history of recording duets with artists from all musical genres. Beginning with her 1963 pairing with Judy Garland, for Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again, she went on to record duet recordings with Neil Diamond, Barry Gibb, Kris Kristofferson, Donna Summer, Bryan Adams, Celine Dion and many other legends.
According to Streisand's record label, Sony Music, The title to the new album, The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume Two, "was in-part, inspired by a photograph taken by Barbra’s daughter-in-law, Kathryn Boyd Brolin, capturing her joyful expression while watching her granddaughters at play".
"I’ve always loved singing duets with gifted artists," Streisand said. "They inspire me in unique and different ways…and make our time in the studio a joy!
"My new album, The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume Two, 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 track listing for is The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume Two:
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 & 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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