What makes The Manhattans by The Manhattans notable?

The album includes the hit single 'Kiss and Say Goodbye', which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1976 and became a staple of romantic ballads. This success helped solidify The Manhattans' place in the R&B genre during the mid-1970s, influencing subsequent soul groups with their smooth vocal style. Released in 1976, The Manhattans was the group's self-titled debut album, following their formation in 1962. At this point, they had already established a reputation on the R&B circuit but were looking for a breakthrough to wider audiences through polished production and songwriting.

Who is The Manhattans for?

The Manhattans works well if you're into smooth harmonies for romantic evenings, melodic storytelling with emotional depth and short tracks for easy listening.

How many songs are on The Manhattans?

The Manhattans has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

The Manhattans

The Manhattans · 1976

34 min · 10 tracks · rhythm and blues

Smooth harmonies and lush arrangements intertwine, creating a rich tapestry of rhythm and blues that defines the era.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kiss and Say Goodbye — This track not only topped charts but also epitomizes the group's emotional depth, showcasing intricate vocal harmonies layered over a poignant narrative of love and farewell.
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Searching for Love — Opening with an engaging melody, this song highlights the band's ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with rhythmic grooves, setting the tone for the album's exploration of love.
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Reasons — With its soulful instrumentation and introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies The Manhattans' signature sound while delving into themes of longing and desire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal harmonies and arrangements typical of the era, with notable emotional ballads.

What we noticed

The first four tracks feature smooth vocal harmonies layered over lush instrumental arrangements, establishing a romantic tone.
The final track, 'Kiss and Say Goodbye', is notably longer than the others, allowing for a gradual build-up before its climactic finish.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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

smooth harmonies for romantic evenings
melodic storytelling with emotional depth
short tracks for easy listening
nostalgic vibes for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy dance tracks
seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1976, The Manhattans was the group's self-titled debut album, following their formation in 1962. At this point, they had already established a reputation on the R&B circuit but were looking for a breakthrough to wider audiences through polished production and songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: The Stylistics· The Temptations· The Spinners

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Searching for Love 4:38
2 We'll Have Forever to Love 3:09
3 Take It or Leave It 3:17
4 Reasons 3:29
5 How Can Anything So Good Be So Bad for You? 3:10
6 Hurt 3:03
7 Wonderful World of Love 2:47
8 If You're Ever Gonna Leave Me 3:08
9 La La La Wish Upon a Star 3:27
10 Kiss and Say Goodbye 4:28

What to play next

Listen next

It Feels So Good

1977

Go back to

That's How Much I Love You

1974

Full The Manhattans discography Artists like The Manhattans

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata