Barry Manilow is a legendary singer-songwriter who defined soft rock and pop ballads in the 1970s and 80s. With his signature smooth vocals and emotionally resonant songs, Manilow became a favorite of audiences worldwide. From chart-topping hits to beloved classics, Here is a look at Barry Manilow’s top 20 songs that have stood the test of time.
1. Mandy (1974)
Barry Manilow’s breakthrough hit, Mandy, remains a fan favorite to this day. The heartfelt ballad climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the start of his iconic career.
With its tender lyrics and piano-driven melody, Mandy solidified Manilow’s status as a master of emotional storytelling. Even after decades, this song continues to resonate with fans.
Mandy set the tone for what was to come—an incredible career filled with chart-topping songs and memorable ballads.
2. I Write the Songs (1975)
Despite not writing this song himself, Manilow’s performance of I Write the Songs became one of his defining hits. The song reached No. 1 on the charts and earned him a Grammy Award.
The lyrics celebrate the power of music, with Manilow delivering an impassioned vocal performance. It’s a track that truly speaks to the heart of his artistic journey.
It’s no wonder I Write the Songs became one of his signature tunes and a favorite in his live performances.
3. Could It Be Magic (1975)
Inspired by Chopin’s Prelude in C Minor, Could It Be Magic is a beautiful fusion of classical music and pop. This haunting melody captured audiences and reached No. 6 on the Billboard charts.
The classical influence gives the song a unique touch, standing out in Manilow’s repertoire. The lush orchestration makes it an unforgettable piece of pop history.
Manilow’s blending of genres here was truly ahead of its time, making Could It Be Magic a standout.
4. Copacabana (At the Copa) (1978)
A change of pace for Manilow, Copacabana is an upbeat, disco-infused song that tells the story of romance and tragedy at a famous nightclub. It reached No. 8 on the charts and became a fan favorite.
With its catchy melody and storytelling flair, Copacabana remains one of Manilow’s most entertaining and memorable hits.
This lively tune stands out as a fun, energetic moment in Manilow’s catalog, showing his versatility as an artist.
5. Can’t Smile Without You (1978)
This tender love ballad reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has become one of Manilow’s most enduring classics. It’s a heartfelt song that has been used in countless weddings and romantic moments.
The song’s sweet sentiment and simple melody make it an iconic part of Manilow’s discography. It’s a track that continues to connect with listeners, old and new.
Can’t Smile Without You is the perfect example of Manilow’s ability to craft timeless love songs.
6. Weekend in New England (1976)
Another romantic ballad, Weekend in New England reached No. 10 on the Billboard charts. Its poignant lyrics and lush orchestration make it one of Manilow’s most emotional songs.
The song tells the story of long-distance love, capturing the yearning and longing that comes with it. It’s one of those Manilow tracks that pulls at your heartstrings.
Weekend in New England is a song that showcases Manilow’s talent for creating deeply emotional music.
7. Looks Like We Made It (1977)
A No. 1 hit, Looks Like We Made It tells the bittersweet story of two former lovers who unexpectedly meet again after moving on with their lives. Its poignant lyrics and smooth melody made it a major hit.
The song’s narrative struck a chord with listeners, making it a staple on adult contemporary radio. It’s a track that demonstrates Manilow’s talent for storytelling.
Looks Like We Made It remains one of his most memorable and cherished songs.
8. It’s a Miracle (1975)
This upbeat and celebratory track reached No. 12 on the Billboard charts. It’s a Miracle captures the joy and excitement of success, marking another high point in Manilow’s early career.
The lively tempo and positive lyrics make it a feel-good anthem that still gets crowds dancing at his concerts.
It’s a Miracle is a reminder of the infectious energy that Manilow can bring to his music.
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9. Even Now (1978)
Even Now is a powerful ballad about lost love, and it became another top 20 hit for Manilow. The song reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, touching listeners with its heartfelt lyrics.
The emotion in Manilow’s voice is palpable in this song, making it a favorite among fans who appreciate his ability to capture deep feelings in his music.
Even Now remains a standout in his discography, a perfect example of his ballad expertise.
10. Somewhere in the Night (1978)
Peaking at No. 9, Somewhere in the Night is another romantic ballad that showcases Manilow’s skill for creating timeless love songs. It’s a beautifully arranged track with a soaring melody.
The song’s lush orchestration and tender lyrics make it a standout in his repertoire of romantic ballads. It’s a track that feels timeless, even decades after its release.
Somewhere in the Night is a fan favorite, continuing to receive airplay on soft rock stations.
11. Daybreak (1977)
Daybreak is a cheerful, optimistic tune that reached No. 23 on the Billboard charts. The song captures a sense of hope and positivity, which resonated with audiences during the late 70s.
The light, upbeat melody made it a feel-good anthem that still brings a smile to listeners. With its radio-friendly sound, Daybreak became a staple on Manilow’s tours.
This song is a perfect example of Manilow’s ability to lift people’s spirits with his music.
12. I Made It Through the Rain (1980)
A song of perseverance and overcoming adversity, I Made It Through the Rain reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became an anthem for those facing challenges, offering hope and encouragement.
The song’s theme of resilience struck a chord with fans, and its moving lyrics made it one of Manilow’s most memorable hits from the 1980s. It continues to inspire listeners today.
Manilow’s powerful delivery of this song makes it one of his most emotional and enduring tracks.
13. Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again (1976)
Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again is another top 10 hit from Manilow, peaking at No. 10 on the charts. The song explores the struggles of rekindling a fading romance, a theme that resonated with many listeners.
Manilow’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s lush orchestration made it a classic ballad that became a favorite for fans. The emotional depth in this song showcases Manilow’s strengths as both a performer and a storyteller.
This track continues to be a beloved part of his discography and a highlight in his live performances.
14. Ships (1979)
Ships is a song that explores the complex relationship between a father and son, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard charts. It’s a tender and introspective song that stands out for its deeply personal lyrics.
The song’s gentle melody and Manilow’s sensitive performance made it a favorite among fans who appreciate his ability to convey vulnerability in his music.
Ships remains a powerful song that resonates with listeners on an emotional level, making it one of his standout ballads.
15. Ready to Take a Chance Again (1978)
This upbeat and hopeful track was featured in the movie Foul Play, reaching No. 11 on the charts. Ready to Take a Chance Again is about embracing new opportunities and stepping forward with optimism.
The song’s bright melody and inspiring message made it a fan favorite, showing Manilow’s ability to uplift his listeners through his music. It’s a perfect example of his versatility as an artist.
This track remains a beloved part of Manilow’s catalog and continues to inspire those ready to take on new challenges.
16. This One’s for You (1976)
A nostalgic ballad, This One’s for You peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song reflects on past relationships with warmth and gratitude, making it one of Manilow’s more introspective hits.
Its gentle piano arrangement and heartfelt lyrics showcase Manilow’s talent for writing songs that evoke deep emotions. It’s a track that resonates with those looking back fondly on their memories.
This One’s for You continues to be a favorite among fans who appreciate Manilow’s sentimental side.
17. One Voice (1979)
A song celebrating unity and peace, One Voice became an anthem of hope for many. Although it didn’t reach high on the charts (peaking at No. 77), it remains one of Manilow’s most powerful and uplifting songs.
The song’s message of coming together as one continues to resonate with listeners around the world. Its simple yet profound lyrics carry a timeless message that transcends generations.
One Voice stands out as a reminder of Manilow’s ability to create music that not only entertains but also inspires.
18. When I Wanted You (1980)
This love song peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard charts and is one of Manilow’s more understated hits. When I Wanted You explores the complexities of love and timing in relationships.
The song’s soft melody and emotional lyrics make it a classic Manilow ballad, capturing the bittersweet feelings of missed connections and lost love.
When I Wanted You showcases Manilow’s ability to tap into universal emotions, making it a favorite for fans of his more introspective work.
19. Memory (1982)
Although originally from the musical Cats, Manilow’s version of Memory made its way onto the charts, peaking at No. 39. The song’s soaring melody and theatrical flair were a perfect match for Manilow’s style.
His version of Memory introduced the song to a broader pop audience, further cementing its place in musical history. Manilow’s rendition is emotional and moving, making it a standout in his catalog.
Memory remains one of the most beloved songs from both the musical world and Manilow’s repertoire.
20. The Old Songs (1981)
Peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, The Old Songs is a nostalgic ode to the power of music and memories. The song’s theme of revisiting the past through music resonated with Manilow’s fans, making it another timeless hit.
With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, The Old Songs is a beautiful reflection on the way music connects us to our memories and emotions. It’s a reminder of the lasting power of classic songs.
The Old Songs is a perfect example of Manilow’s ability to create music that stands the test of time, both for himself and his listeners.
Conclusion
Barry Manilow’s music has defined multiple generations, with his heartfelt ballads, lively disco tracks, and songs of hope and resilience. These top 20 hits represent the pinnacle of his career, highlighting his versatility, emotional depth, and unmatched ability to connect with his audience. Whether you’re rediscovering his music or hearing these classics for the first time, Barry Manilow’s hits continue to stand as a testament to his enduring talent.
