Singin' with the Big Bands
Barry Manilow · 1994
52 min · 16 tracks · pop music
A nostalgic tribute that resurrects the golden age of big band music with lush orchestrations and Manilow's signature vocal warmth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Singin’ With the Big Bands Start here — The title track sets the tone for the album, blending upbeat rhythms with a celebratory spirit that embodies the essence of big band music.
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Sentimental Journey — This track captures a sense of nostalgia through its heartfelt delivery and orchestration, making it emblematic of Manilow’s connection to classic American standards.
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Chattanooga Choo Choo — An energetic rendition that highlights Manilow's playful side, this track brings a lively atmosphere reminiscent of dance halls from the big band era.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Manilow's tribute to big band music showcases solid production and interpretation but lacks significant originality.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestration with a full big band sound, emphasizing brass and woodwinds alongside Manilow's vocals.
- Each track is a reinterpretation of classic standards, maintaining the original melodies while adding Manilow's vocal stylings.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- nostalgic sing-along moments
- heartfelt interpretations of classics
- for afternoon gatherings
- easy listening with warmth
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of fast-paced tracks
- prefer modern soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in Manilow's catalog, focusing on classic standards without being a major highlight.
- Themes
- nostalgic big band revival· sentimental journey
- Career context
- By 1994, Barry Manilow was a well-established pop icon, transitioning into a phase that embraced classic standards. 'Singin' with the Big Bands' followed his successful run in the 1970s and 1980s, marking his first foray into the big band genre after several decades in the pop spotlight. This album reflects Manilow's desire to pay homage to the musical styles that influenced him early in his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Billy Joel· Paul Anka· Neil Diamond
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
I’ll Never Smile Again
The narrator reflects on lost happiness through poignant storytelling as they confront their emotional pain directly.
The stark honesty in addressing sorrow contrasts with the upbeat arrangements elsewhere, showcasing Manilow's versatility and depth as a vocalist.
Tracklist
- 1 Singin’ With the Big Bands Start here 2:28
- 2 Sentimental Journey 3:19
- 3 And the Angels Sing 3:03
- 4 Green Eyes 3:19
- 5 I Should Care 3:02
- 6 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 2:59
- 7 I Can’t Get Started 4:29
- 8 Chattanooga Choo Choo 3:24
- 9 Moonlight Serenade 4:50
- 10 On the Sunny Side of the Street 3:26
- 11 All or Nothing at All 3:02
- 12 I’ll Never Smile Again 3:07
- 13 I’m Gettin’ Sentimental Over You 3:27
- 14 Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree 2:52
- 15 (I’ll Be With You) In Apple Blossom Time 2:31
- 16 Where Does the Time Go? 3:10
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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