In the Swing of Christmas
Barry Manilow · 2007
39 min · 12 tracks · pop music
A nostalgic collection of beloved Christmas classics infused with Manilow's signature pop flair and warm vocal delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Silver Bells Start here — accessible entry with immediate holiday charm
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Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas — This track captures the emotional depth of the holiday season, with Manilow's heartfelt interpretation bringing new warmth to a classic standard.
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Joy to the World / It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year — The medley seamlessly blends two iconic songs, showcasing Manilow's ability to create a joyful sonic experience that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas.
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The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) — Manilow's rendition emphasizes nostalgia and comfort, transforming this beloved tune into a personal reflection on love and togetherness during the holidays.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines classic holiday songs with pop flair, showcasing Manilow's vocal style but lacking standout originality.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include medleys, such as 'Carol of the Bells / Jingle Bells', which create a dynamic flow between familiar melodies.
- Manilow's vocal delivery is consistently warm and expressive, with a focus on emotional resonance throughout the collection.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- consistent festive flow throughout
- for holiday gatherings
- warm nostalgia for family moments
- easy listening while decorating
- joyful sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking intense musical experimentation
- prefer contemporary over classic styles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid holiday album that fits well in Manilow's catalog but isn't a primary entry point.
- Themes
- nostalgic holiday warmth· festive pop reinterpretations
- Career context
- By the time 'In the Swing of Christmas' was released, Barry Manilow had already established himself as a pop icon over three decades. This album marked his return to holiday music after a hiatus since his 1990 release 'Because It's Christmas', showcasing his enduring appeal and ability to reinterpret timeless classics for new generations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Billy Joel· Paul Anka· Neil Diamond
Tracklist
- 1 Silver Bells Start here 2:58
- 2 Carol of the Bells / Jingle Bells 2:46
- 3 Joy to the World / It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year 3:08
- 4 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 4:06
- 5 Violets for Your Furs 3:23
- 6 O Tannenbaum / Winter Wonderland 2:58
- 7 Christmas Time Is Here 4:36
- 8 The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) 3:19
- 9 Toyland 3:24
- 10 Count Your Blessings 3:51
- 11 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 2:26
- 12 Christmas Is Just Around the Corner 2:54
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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