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Barry Manilow -
- Barry Manilow is at his crooner best with “The Greatest Songs of the Eighties”, taking 12 of the decade’s biggest hits and making them his own. Sorry, there are no Madonna or Wang Chung covers on this album. But there is Cyndi Lauper and Wham!
This is the fourth decades album for Manilow, whose “Greatest Songs of the Fifties” came in at No. 1 on the charts in 2006. The problem with the 80s is that people usually remember it as really great (Springsteen and Blondie) or really cheesy (Tommy Tutone). It’s the same thing with Manilow. You either adore him or you can’t stand him. Whether you appreciate his soft-rock style, this new album does offer a different gloss on the decade.
“Islands In The Stream” is a duet with country superstar Reba McIntire, whose voice is still perfect after all these years. Journey’s “Open Arms” is schmaltzy when Manilow sings it. After all, how do you top Steve Perry? But Manilow puts forth a good effort.
And for real 80s splendor, listen to Manilow’s take on “Never Gonna Give You Up” which sounds just as dated as the original Rick Astley version. It’s pure fun though. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” isn’t as good as Stevie Wonder’s classic version. That’s the hard part about doing covers. How do you re-interpret an original?
George Michael fans will be happy that “Careless Whisper” is still the smooth song it is when Manilow sings it. He’s no George, but it’s still a nice take. “Right Here Waiting” is a love song that makes you cry and Manilow makes sure that happens in his version.
“Time After Time” will always be a Cyndi Lauper signature and it’s strange to hear Manilow sing it. While it’s a lovely new interpretation on it, Lauper’s version is literally timeless.
The album ends with the pinnacle 80s song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” that now has a Manilow shine to it. You might want to re-watch “Dirty Dancing” and perhaps mute the TV when the original song comes on and listen to Manilow’s version instead and hear the difference.
Ah, the 80s. Big hair, big egos, and even bigger music. Manilow’s album is small compared to the decade, but it makes room for hopefully a 90s album. And this time Madonna better be on there.
Reviewer: Jill Marino
new
Reviewer's Rating: 7.5
Reader's Rating: 1.00
Reader's Votes: 1
Added: 26-Nov-2008
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