Is Even Now a good place to start with Barry Manilow?

Yes, Even Now is recommended as a starting point for new Barry Manilow listeners. A blend of theatrical pop and heartfelt balladry, showcasing Manilow's signature melodic flair and emotional depth. Released on February 1, 1978, Even Now was Barry Manilow's fifth studio album, following his commercial breakthrough with the hit 'Copacabana.' By this point in his career, Manilow had established himself as a dominant force in pop music, known for his engaging live performances and polished production. This album continued to build on his successful formula while introducing more introspective themes.

Even Now works well if you're into heartfelt emotional reflections, intimate late-night listening and nostalgic sing-along moments.

How many songs are on Even Now?

Even Now has 13 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Even Now

Barry Manilow · 1978

44 min · 13 tracks · pop music

A blend of theatrical pop and heartfelt balladry, showcasing Manilow's signature melodic flair and emotional depth.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Copacabana (At the Copa) Start here — This vibrant disco-infused track tells a vivid story of love and loss at a nightclub, becoming one of Manilow's most recognizable hits. Its infectious chorus and theatrical presentation encapsulate his style perfectly.
→
Can't Smile Without You — A poignant ballad that showcases Manilow's vocal range and emotional delivery, this song resonates with listeners through its universal message about dependence on loved ones.
→
Even Now — The title track captures a sense of longing and reflection, featuring heartfelt lyrics that reveal vulnerability, which has become a hallmark of Manilow's songwriting.
→
Somewhere in the Night — This haunting ballad combines lush orchestration with an introspective lyricism that exemplifies Manilow's ability to evoke deep emotions through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album balances upbeat tracks with ballads, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacking standout depth.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks like 'Copacabana' and 'Can't Smile Without You', while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
Several tracks utilize lush orchestration, with strings and horns complementing Manilow's vocal delivery.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 emotional reflections
intimate late-night listening
nostalgic sing-along moments
steady melodic storytelling

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Manilow's status as a pop icon after prior commercial success.
Themes: nightclub glamour· romantic balladry· theatrical storytelling
Career context: Released on February 1, 1978, Even Now was Barry Manilow's fifth studio album, following his commercial breakthrough with the hit 'Copacabana.' By this point in his career, Manilow had established himself as a dominant force in pop music, known for his engaging live performances and polished production. This album continued to build on his successful formula while introducing more introspective themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Billy Joel· Paul Anka· Neil Diamond