Barry Manilow is a well-known American singer, songwriter, and producer. One of his popular songs, "Could It Be Magic," has gained significant recognition over the years. The song was originally released in 1975 as a single from his second studio album. "Could It Be Magic" has a captivating melody and an enchanting ambiance that captivates listeners. It combines elements of pop, rock, and disco, showcasing Manilow's versatile musical style. The song has a unique structure, starting with a classical piano introduction before transitioning into a rhythmic pop arrangement.
Barry Manilow’s 25 Top 40 Hits, Ranked From Worst to Best: Critic’s Picks
The entertainer turns 80 on Saturday. To mark the occasion, here are all 25 of his singles that made the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, fearlessly ranked by an OG Fanilow.
Paul Grein
06/16/2023- Share this article on Facebook
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Barry Manilow had one of the most impressive hit streaks of the 1970s and early ’80s. Of his 26 commercially-released singles between “Mandy” in late 1974 and “Read ‘Em and Weep” in late 1983, 25 made the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.
If you’re a young pop fan, 25 top 40 hits may not sound all that impressive to you. Artists can amass that many top 40 hits with just a couple of albums these days, thanks to big, streaming-sparked debut weeks. But, back in the day, artists had to earn every hit one by one, single by single. If fans or radio didn’t care for a song, your streak was interrupted. (That happened to Manilow just once in his heyday, when “Lonely Together” stalled at No. 45 in April 1980.)
For those of us who were Manilow fans from the first time we heard “Mandy” on the radio in the fall of 1974, it’s hard to imagine that he is turning 80 on Saturday (June 17). (This doesn’t mean we’re aging too, does it?!).
Just as impressive as Manilow’s hit streak is the fact that he has sustained his stardom and drawing power decades after his last top 40 hit. Part of the reason for that is that he gained a reputation as a strong live performer.
Surviving in this business is a feat to celebrate. So, whether you’re a Fanilow from way back or you just want to understand why your mom always tears up when she hears “Mandy,” here are Manilow’s 25 top 40 hits on the Hot 100 – ranked from worst to best.
The song has a unique structure, starting with a classical piano introduction before transitioning into a rhythmic pop arrangement. Throughout the song, Manilow's smooth and expressive vocals shine, capturing the romantic and magical atmosphere. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and wonder, depicting a tale of love and enchantment.
“Oh Julie”
Hot 100 peak: No. 38 (Sept. 18, 1982) Songwriters: Shakin’ Stevens Notes: Shakin’ Stevens had a No. 1 hit on the Official U.K. Singles Chart in January 1982 with this rockabilly-infused song. Manilow’s four singles preceding this release had missed the top 10, so the idea here was to try something completely different. This didn’t really help. Just two of Manilow’s top 40 hits were left off his 2005 two-CD collection, The Essential Barry Manilow. “Oh Julie” was one of them. This was the second of Manilow’s top 40 hits to include a person’s name in the title. Let’s just say “Oh Julie” was no “Mandy.” True Fanilows Know: Three months after Shakin’ Stevens’ rendition of this song hit No. 1 in the U.K., Manilow had his only No. 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart with Barry Live in Britain.
"Could It Be Magic" became a fan favorite and solidified Barry Manilow's status as a prominent artist in the music industry. With the rise of online platforms like YouTube, many fans flock to the platform to enjoy and share their favorite music. As a result, several live performances and recordings of "Could It Be Magic" are available on YouTube. These videos allow fans to relish in Manilow's captivating performances, showcasing his exceptional stage presence and charismatic persona. The YouTube videos of "Could It Be Magic" often receive positive feedback from fans, who express their admiration for Manilow's talent and the timeless quality of the song. Many viewers comment about the song's nostalgic value, evoking memories of their youth or past romantic experiences. Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic" continues to captivate audiences, both through its original release and its presence on digital platforms like YouTube. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of Manilow's music and his ability to create timeless and magical melodies..
Reviews for "Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic" Becomes a YouTube Icon"
- Jenna - 1/5 stars - I really don't understand the appeal of Barry Manilow's music. "Could It Be Magic" is just another cheesy ballad that lacks substance. The lyrics are generic and the melody is forgettable. I can't believe this song has over a million views on YouTube. It's just not my cup of tea.
- Mike - 2/5 stars - "Could It Be Magic" is a classic Barry Manilow song, but it's just not my style. I find it to be overly sentimental and the arrangement feels outdated. I can see why some people might enjoy it for its nostalgia factor, but personally, I don't think it holds up well in today's music scene. There are much better songs out there to spend your time listening to.
- Sarah - 2/5 stars - I stumbled upon "Could It Be Magic" on YouTube and unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The song feels very generic and lacks originality. Barry Manilow's vocals are decent, but the overall production is underwhelming. I was hoping for a more captivating and memorable experience, but this song just didn't do it for me.
- Alex - 1/5 stars - I can't understand why Barry Manilow's music continues to be popular. "Could It Be Magic" is a sappy, cheesy mess with no originality. The lyrics are cliché and the melody is forgettable. I found myself cringing throughout the entire song. I highly doubt I'll ever voluntarily listen to Barry Manilow again.