Another misstep comes on “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” which is one of those classics that, unless an artist approaches it with a sensibility that’s divergent from the original version (like Aretha Franklin’s gospel rendition, for example), it’s best not to tackle it at all. Manilow certainly does an acceptable job, but it’s not extraordinary. It should be, though, because this is an extraordinary song.
Following the album proper, six acoustic performances comprising some of Manilow’s most recognizable seventies songs convey the merit and the emotional impact of his songwriting during that decade. While “Copacabana” fails to thrive in this context, the five piano ballads that round out this portion, especially “Weekend In New England” and “Looks Like We Made It,” sound exquisite.
Overall, The Greatest Songs of the Seventies is of sufficient quality to make the album worthwhile. Barry Manilow neither strays far from the original versions of these songs nor from the type of music his fans have come to expect and appreciate, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Article comments
1 - daryl d
Ok, now I agree with you Donald on why Madonna shouldn't be in the R&R Hall of Fame. Lets put Barry Manilow in there instead!! He has twice the hit material and audience that she does.
2 - Evan
i got Barry Manilows new cd Greatest Songs of the Seventies for christmas
3 - Evan
Barry Manilow does not come on here
4 - Evan
Happy Valaintines Day Barry Manilow fans
5 - Evan
Barry Manilow is a girly looking guy but his music is good
6 - Evan
the best music to listen to is Barry Manilow
7 - Evan
i dont listen to modern music i like classic music not modern music
8 - Evan
im not a thug thug rappers like Gorilla Zoe cant sing Barry Manilow is alot better then Gorilla Zoe
9 - Evan
i think about music all the time
10 - Evan
i also got his 2006 cd Greatest Songs of the Sixties and im getting his other 2006 cd Greatest Songs of the Fifties
11 - Evan
im not a thug thats rap music Barry Manilow is better then Marilyn Manson and rap music
12 - Evan
i do like music but im glad i stopped talking about it all the time and i developed a sports interest to go with my music intrest and happy valentines day Barry Manilow fans
13 - Evan
when people pick music to listen to its Barry Manilow