Search - Barry Manilow :: The Complete Collection And Then Some...

Randy G. from VANCOUVER, WA
Reviewed on 8/2/2009...

The variety of music in this collection is incredible: from the beats (like NYC Rhythm, Copa, Riders, etc), to the go-for-the-gut power ballads (like "Tryin to get the feelin, Ready to take a chance" etc.), to classics (Could it be magic, Weekend in NE), to patriotic songs (Let Freedom Ring), to inspirational songs (I made it through the rain, One voice), to magical soundtracks (Let me be your wings), to smoky jazz (Big City blues, etc), to showtunes and swing. But regardless of the diversity of the styles in this box set, all the songs are stamped with the distinct rich melodies, solid arrangements, and meaningful lyrics that define Manilow's music.

The booklet and VHS video that comes with this are savvy marketing, chronicling with each song his meteoric rise to fame and showcasing some of his performances from his heydays in the 70s to 'Live on Broadway'---- and selling not only his public image as a performer, but also his songwriting and arranging. A wallop of real-life fairytale that makes him a real person, not just a voice, to anybody who buys this TOTAL entertainment package of a box set.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

A treasure chest of GREAT MUSIC

03/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This box set got me hooked on Barry Manilow music. Before buying this a few months ago, I wasn't familiar with Manilow's music. I had no idea that all these hit songs I vaguely remember from my childhood were all from one artist and are in this one big box. The variety of music in this collection is incredible: from the beats (like NYC Rhythm, Copa, Riders, etc), to the go-for-the-gut power ballads (like "Tryin to get the feelin, Ready to take a chance" etc.), to classics (Could it be magic, Weekend in NE), to patriotic songs (Let Freedom Ring), to inspirational songs (I made it through the rain, One voice), to magical soundtracks (Let me be your wings), to smoky jazz (Big City blues, etc), to showtunes and swing. But regardless of the diversity of the styles in this box set, all the songs are stamped with the distinct rich melodies, solid arrangements, and meaningful lyrics that define Manilow's music. The booklet and video that come with this are savvy marketing, chronicling with each song his meteoric rise to fame and showcasing some of his performances from his heydays in the 70s to 'Live on Broadway'---- and selling not only his public image as a performer, but also his songwriting and arranging. A wallop of real-life fairytale that makes him a real person, not just a voice, to anybody who buys this TOTAL entertainment package of a box set. If you are a very new fan like me, this will make you wish you had discovered Barry Manilow a long time ago. But owning this collection is the next best thing to having been there since "Mandy"."

Not really a "Complete" collection

03/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love Barry Manilow's music, but the title of this 4-CD box set is misleading. If, for example, you'd like one nice package to pick up of all his hits and more, you'll have to keep looking. For example, "Mandy" is one of his most famous songs, but the version on this collection is the "unreleased original first take." Also, you'll find "I Made it Through the Rain" in this set, but only the "demo version." What's up with that? So, if you're a big fan and you want to get some demos, outtakes, and live versions in addition to -most- of the original versions of his radio/chart hits, this will work. If you're looking to get some sort of complete compilation, you'll have to get this plus some other Manilow CDs. I'm also wondering why "Let's Hang On" and "Oh Julie" (both chart hits in 1982) were left off entirely. Maybe the record company will eventually remaster and put out a comprehensive greatest hits compilation, minus the filler "hardcore-fan" only tracks. By the way, the 2002 release "Ultimate Manilow" does an OK job putting many of the hits on one CD, but it's still missing about seven songs (and it's not remastered). Plus, am I the only one looking to see the extended version(s) / remix(es) of "Copacabana" available on CD? In any case, this "collection" is still good, so happy listening!"