Five of the best from Barry Manilow

1. Barry Manilow II (1974)

“Barry Manilow II,” released in 1974, marked a turning point, establishing him as a major force in the music industry. This album is notable for featuring “Mandy,” his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of “Mandy” catapulted Manilow to international stardom, showcasing his talent for blending pop melodies with heartfelt lyrics.  The album’s production, lush orchestration, and Manilow’s signature piano-driven arrangements. Critics and fans praised the album for its emotional depth and musical craftsmanship.

“Barry Manilow II” solidified his reputation as a leading pop artist of the 1970s, paving the way for successful follow-up albums. The album’s blend of pop and easy listening elements has made it a timeless classic in Manilow’s discography. Barry Manilow’s enduring appeal and the commercial success of “Barry Manilow II” have left an indelible mark on the music industry.

2. Tryin’ to Get the Feeling (1975)

“Tryin’ to Get the Feeling” showcases his talent as a pop and easy-listening artist, cementing his place in music history. The album features the iconic hit “I Write the Songs,” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of his signature songs. This album highlights Manilow’s ability to blend emotionally resonant lyrics with memorable melodies, appealing to a broad audience. The production includes lush orchestrations and Manilow’s distinctive piano arrangements, which have become hallmarks of his style.

“Tryin’ to Get the Feeling” received critical acclaim and commercial success, further establishing Barry Manilow as a significant figure in the 1970s music scene. The album’s enduring popularity is a testament to Manilow’s songwriting prowess and ability to connect with listeners. Barry Manilow’s “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling” remains a beloved classic in his discography, demonstrating his impact on pop music.

3. This One’s for You (1976)

“This One’s for You” is a landmark in his career, showcasing his exceptional talent as a pop and easy listening artist. The album features the hit singles “Weekend in New England” and “Looks Like We Made It,” which contributed to its commercial success. “This One’s for You” highlights Manilow’s ability to craft emotionally compelling songs with memorable melodies, appealing to a wide audience. The production is characterized by lush orchestration and Manilow’s signature piano-driven arrangements, elements that have become synonymous with his style.

Critics and fans praised the album for its heartfelt lyrics and musical sophistication, solidifying Manilow’s reputation in the 1970s music scene. The enduring popularity of “This One’s for You” is a testament to Barry Manilow’s songwriting skills and his connection with listeners. This album remains a cherished classic in Manilow’s discography, underscoring his significant impact on pop music.

4. Even Now (1978)

“Even Now” stands out in his illustrious career, featuring some of his most iconic hits. The album includes the beloved singles “Copacabana (At the Copa),” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and the title track “Even Now,” all of which achieved significant chart success. “Even Now” showcases Manilow’s unique ability to blend catchy pop melodies with heartfelt lyrics, a combination that resonated deeply with a wide audience. The production features lush arrangements and Manilow’s signature piano, elements that have become hallmarks of his musical style.

The album was lauded for its emotional depth and musical craftsmanship, further cementing Manilow’s place in the 1970s music scene. The success of “Even Now” solidified Barry Manilow’s reputation as a leading pop artist, with the album becoming a commercial triumph. “Even Now” remains a timeless classic in Manilow’s discography, highlighting his enduring impact on pop music.

5. One Voice (1979)

“One Voice” is a significant release in his career, highlighting his evolution as a pop and easy-listening artist. The album features the hit single “Ships,” which became a major chart success and is one of Manilow’s most enduring songs. “One Voice” also includes the powerful title track, showcasing Manilow’s vocal prowess and emotional depth. The album’s production is marked by lush orchestration and Manilow’s signature piano-driven style, elements that fans and critics have come to expect and appreciate. “One Voice” received widespread acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics and musical sophistication, reinforcing Manilow’s status in the music industry.

The success of the album established Barry Manilow as a leading figure in pop music. “One Voice” remains a beloved part of Manilow’s discography, demonstrating his ability to connect with listeners through his songwriting and distinctive musical arrangements.

To purchase any of these albums, click on the title link.