Released 52 years ago this October
Barry Manilow II
Barry Manilow · 1974
40 min · 11 tracks · pop music
A polished blend of soft pop melodies and heartfelt ballads that showcases Manilow's signature romantic style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mandy Start here — 'Mandy' serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, blending poignant lyrics with Manilow's powerful vocal delivery, ultimately becoming his signature song.
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It's a Miracle — This upbeat track combines catchy melodies with an infectious energy, exemplifying Manilow's ability to balance heartfelt ballads with more lively tunes.
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Home Again — Closing the album, 'Home Again' delivers a reflective narrative that encapsulates themes of nostalgia and belonging, showcasing Manilow's songwriting depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm.
- Several tracks feature lush orchestral arrangements that complement Manilow's vocal delivery, particularly on 'Mandy'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- heartfelt ballads for introspection
- steady pacing for relaxed listening
- melodic sing-alongs with friends
- nostalgic tunes for reminiscing
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Manilow's status with the hit 'Mandy' and wider recognition.
- Themes
- 1970s romantic ballads· nostalgic love stories· optimistic pop anthems
- Career context
- Released in 1974, Barry Manilow II is the follow-up to his self-titled debut album, which had already established him as a prominent figure in pop music. By this time, Manilow was gaining significant traction in the industry, with 'Mandy' poised to become one of his biggest hits.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Billy Joel· Paul Anka· Neil Diamond
Tracklist
- 1 I Want to Be Somebody’s Baby 4:18
- 2 Early Morning Strangers 3:25
- 3 Mandy Start here 3:32
- 4 The Two of Us 3:05
- 5 Something’s Comin’ Up 2:48
- 6 It’s a Miracle 3:58
- 7 Avenue C 2:37
- 8 My Baby Loves Me 3:18
- 9 Sandra 4:35
- 10 Home Again 5:34
- 11 Halfway Over the Hill 3:22
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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