Tryin' to Get the Feeling cover

Released 51 years ago this October

Tryin' to Get the Feeling

Barry Manilow · 1975

47 min · 12 tracks · pop music

A vibrant blend of pop melodies and theatrical arrangements, capturing the essence of 1970s American music culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Write the Songs — This track stands out for its anthemic chorus and heartfelt lyrics, encapsulating Manilow's songwriting prowess and emotional depth.
  • →
    New York City Rhythm Start here — Opening with a lively tempo, this song captures the bustling energy of city life, showcasing Manilow's flair for vivid storytelling through music.
  • →
    Bandstand Boogie — Drawing inspiration from classic dance shows, this track serves as a nostalgic tribute to television's influence on music culture during that era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and theatrical arrangements but lacks overall cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'New York City Rhythm,' that sets a lively tone for the first half.
  • Several tracks feature lush orchestration and layered vocal harmonies, particularly in 'I Write the Songs' and 'Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again.'
  • The tempo fluctuates throughout, with slower ballads like 'You’re Leaving Too Soon' contrasting against more upbeat numbers.
  • The final track, 'Marry Me a Little,' concludes the album with a reflective tone, creating a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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 connections
  • melodic sing-along moments
  • conversational storytelling vibes
  • reflective late-night listening
  • steady, engaging narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Manilow's reputation with hits like 'I Write the Songs.'
Themes
New York City nightlife· nostalgic longing· American Bandstand tribute
Career context
Released on October 1, 1975, 'Tryin' to Get the Feeling' was Barry Manilow's fourth studio album. Following the massive success of his previous album, 'Barry Manilow II,' this record solidified his status as a leading figure in pop music during the mid-1970s.
Stylistic neighbors
Billy Joel· Paul Anka· Neil Diamond

Tracklist

  • 1 New York City Rhythm Start here 4:42
  • 2 Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again 3:51
  • 3 Why Don’t We Live Together 2:54
  • 4 Bandstand Boogie 2:49
  • 5 You’re Leaving Too Soon 3:30
  • 6 She’s a Star 4:16
  • 7 I Write the Songs 3:51
  • 8 As Sure as I’m Standing Here 4:50
  • 9 A Nice Boy Like Me 3:58
  • 10 Lay Me Down 4:20
  • 11 Beautiful Music 4:32
  • 12 Marry Me a Little 3:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata