About the Song
Released in 1981 as part of the best-selling album Guilty, “What Kind of Fool” by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb is a deeply emotional duet that captures the sting of love lost and the vulnerability of hearts laid bare. Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, and Albhy Galuten, the song blends Streisand’s theatrical sensitivity with Gibb’s distinctive falsetto, creating a musical conversation that is both elegant and aching.
At its core, “What Kind of Fool” is a breakup song. But unlike those filled with bitterness or blame, this track unfolds like a quiet postscript—a final moment of reflection between two people who once loved deeply, now parting ways. Streisand’s voice is steady but trembling with restrained pain, while Gibb’s falsetto floats in with sorrowful disbelief. They sing not to accuse, but to ask—“What kind of fool tears it apart?”
The arrangement, like much of the Guilty album, is rich with orchestration: silky strings, soft piano, and a smooth rhythmic foundation that sways rather than pulses. It’s pure early ’80s adult contemporary, wrapped in elegance, but grounded by emotional truth. The production, overseen by Barry Gibb, perfectly suits Streisand’s dramatic delivery while still retaining his signature Bee Gees touch.
For older listeners—many of whom experienced this song during its original radio heyday—“What Kind of Fool” is more than a melody. It’s a memory. A song that played in the background of real-life goodbyes, second chances never taken, and questions left unanswered. Its graceful melancholy continues to resonate, not just because of its star power, but because it speaks gently and honestly about something everyone understands: the end of love, and the quiet wonder of how it slipped away.
Today, the song stands as one of the highlights of Guilty, an album that remains a career milestone for both artists. Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb didn’t just perform together—they connected, heart to heart. And “What Kind of Fool” is the exquisite proof.