Barry Manilow Greatest Hits Vol. 1 CD

Digitally remastered by George Marino (Sterling Sound, New York, New York).

These are the Manilow essentials, a veritable Ten Commandments of Barry. The first and foremost commandment is always "thou shalt be entertained," and our boy goes to great lengths to accomplish this. Though he made his name as an essentially mellow balladeer with a sweet tooth for big arrangements and orgasmic crescendos ("Looks Like We Made It," "Even Now,") he's not afraid to throw himself into a syncopated, uptempo production number like the Latin-tinged "New York City Rhythm." Also included here is one of Manilow's earliest, best-loved hits, "Mandy," a sweet, unabashedly sentimental ode to a woman whose grace and understanding eased the singer's pain. From the frenetic, show-tuney "It's A Miracle" to the later, synth-flavored sarcasm of "Some Kind of Friend," GREATEST HITS presents a thumbnail sketch of what inspires and sustains untold millions of Manilow fans.

Recorded between 1974 & 1989.