Classic Manilow

this is a Cool Overview of Barry Manilow's Career.many of His Best Songs&includes some Live stuff as well.this is a Better overall Buy than the Arista 3 different Hits Collections.this is Cool along with His Box Set.glad to See Him Making His Comeback&Just doing His thing.

Corrections to the Previous Review

In trying to choose the "best" Manilow compilation, I've noticed that the review below regarding missing tracks is incorrect.

While it's true that "It's a Miracle", "Bandstand Boogie", "NYC Rhythm", "Jump Shout Boogie" and "Memory", among others, are missing here and available on other compilations, the other songs referred to below are definitely included. In addition, this is the only "mainstream" collection that includes "I Don't Want To Walk Without You", "When I Wanted You", and "Stay".

Just wanted to set the record straight. Now, if we could just drag "Oh Julie!" out of purgatory...

They don't make 'em like Barry any more

In an age where most people placed more importance on the beat of a song than the song itself, Barry came along in the seventies to remind us what great songwriting is really all about. He wrote or co-wrote several of his classic songs but he was always willing to record quality songs written by others. Fortunately for Barry, there were still enough people around in the seventies and eighties who loved great songs, so he was able to become a major star despite being unfashionable in some quarters. Of course, he got - and continues to get - plenty of criticism from those with different musical tastes, but the appreciation of his fans provides him with more than adequate compensation.

This British compilation covering his most successful years contains many of Barry's classic songs though there are some strange omissions. Although Barry had many UK hits, only one of them actually made the top ten (I wanna do it with you) and it's not included here. Two other UK hit (Let's hang on, I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter) are also missing. Some of his other American hits are also missing but as this is a British compilation and they didn't make the UK charts that is understandable. Nevertheless, this is a fine compilation and a class act like Barry should not be judged on hits alone.

Among the many classic songs included here are I write the songs (ironically, not written by Barry), The old songs, Somewhere in the night, I made it through the rain, Daybreak, Bermuda triangle, Mandy, Copacabana at the copa, Can't smile without you and Could it be magic. Barry provides a brief comment (usually just one sentence) on each song here.

Despite the absence of some hits, this compilation provides a great introduction to Barry's music.