What is the best Barry Manilow album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Even Now" (1978). It's the most representative of what makes Barry Manilow worth hearing.

What are the best Barry Manilow albums?

The essential Barry Manilow albums include "Barry Manilow" (1973), "Barry Manilow II" (1974), "Could It Be Magic" (1975), "It's a Miracle" (1975) and "Tryin' to Get the Feeling" (1975).

How many albums does Barry Manilow have?

Barry Manilow has 81 releases in their discography, including 33 albums and 13 EPs.

Photo: PHOTO BY MATTHEW BECKER - www.melodicrockconcerts.com - matt@melodicrockconcerts.com / Weatherman90 at en.wikipedia · CC BY 3.0

Barry Manilow

Q: Who is Barry Manilow for?

If you're into pop music, Barry Manilow is worth your time. The music moves steadily with lush melodies that weave through intricate chord progressions, punctuated by moments of tension and release that amplify the emotional weight of each phrase.

The music moves steadily with lush melodies that weave through intricate chord progressions, punctuated by moments of tension and release that amplify the emotional weight of each phrase.

pop music

United States

Read about Barry Manilow on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Even Now (1978)

This album presents a cohesive collection of Manilow's signature pop sound, showcasing his emotional delivery and intricate melodies throughout.

The song

“Mandy”

This song features an immediate hook and is representative of Manilow's style, making it an engaging introduction for new listeners.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Mandy" — from Greatest Hits (1978)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Please Don’t Be Scared" — from Barry Manilow (1989)

establishes the emotional core of the record
3

"Silver Bells" — from In the Swing of Christmas (2007)

accessible entry with immediate holiday charm
4

"Sing It" — from Barry Manilow (1973)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"It’s a Miracle / London" — from Barry Live in Britain (1993)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"The Old Songs" — from If I Should Love Again (1981)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow matters for his ability to capture the emotional landscape of love, nostalgia, and longing in a way that resonates deeply with audiences.

His music has become synonymous with heartfelt balladry, carving out a space where vulnerability and sincerity take center stage.

His music has become synonymous with heartfelt balladry, carving out a space where vulnerability and sincerity take center stage. In an era dominated by fleeting trends, Manilow’s songs have endured, often serving as anthems for moments of celebration and reflection, thereby solidifying his place in the cultural zeitgeist. Manilow's approach to songwriting is marked by an intricate balance of melody and lyrical poignancy. He often employs sweeping arrangements that elevate simple narratives into grand emotional experiences, utilizing rich harmonies and orchestrations that envelop the listener. This attention to both the personal and universal allows his music to transcend its time, connecting generations through shared feelings. In his lyrics, Manilow frequently explores themes of romance, heartache, and reminiscence, reflecting both the joy and sorrow inherent in relationships. His writing style tends toward sincerity rather than irony, painting vivid pictures that engage listeners’ imaginations while inviting them to reflect on their own experiences.

33 studio albums· 81 total releases· 5 decades· United States