Barry Manilow

Manilow's third release proved that he could do everything but rock -- there's disco ("NYC Rhythm"), adult ballad hits (the title track "I Write the Songs"), and even a TV jingle that kept swing relevant to teenagers ("Bandstand Boogie"). But the perfect album for airports gets disorienting with a sincere reading of Sondheim's sarcastic, pained "Marry Me a Little."

Barry Manilow's toothy cheerfulness isn't really offensive -- it's actually preferable to the
lachrymose self-pity that soaks through so much current "product" -- but it's lightheaded
and emotionally vapid. Manilow is a gifted producer and melodist; and were the lyrics not
so mercilessly stupid, Tryin' to Get the Feeling might be satisfying MOR. Bruce Johnston's "I
Write the Songs," for example, is a celebration of the songwriting profession whi... More >