I am a confirmed Manilow fan, no matter how un-PC that may be considered by some, and have been ever since his "2AM, Paradise Café" album. And it's just as well I have that (and a lot of other Manilow material, eg "Swing Street", the Sinatra tribute...) to go on, because if my first introduction to Manilow were by way of this album, I would immediately join the ranks of those who spurn his stuff.

"Paradise Café" was rated by the international critics as the best album of the year it was produced, and is still one of the handful of discs I would grab if my house were burning down. This album, and its companion (the Fifties) I would cheerfully consign to the flames. The voice has just had it. Like Sinatra in his later days, like Buddy Greco, like Tony Bennett - all of whom I generally rate highly - Barry just doesn't seem to know to quit when he's ahead. I can't see him having made these discs for the money, but I can't see any other good reason either. The tremolo is just too much. The backing is what I would at best rate as OK.

I have bought both these albums, and wish I hadn't, because they tarnish the memory of a man who really was a great singer and entertainer but now is just, and very sadly, vocally over the hill.

Anyone care to buy the discs of me? Going cheap!

Barry Manilow's latest CD brings us a superb collection of some of the greatest songs of the 1960s. Barry's voice is in excellent form; his voice is full, rich and vibrant. The quality of the sound on this CD is excellent even on my portable CD player.

The CD starts off strong with the romantic ballad entitled "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." The next track features a duet with Barry and The Association for the medley of "Cherish"/"Windy." Other great songs on this CD include "And I Love Her" by The Beatles; "This Guy's In Love With You" by Herb Alpert; "When I Fall In Love" by The Lettermens and Burt Bacharach's "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." Excellent!

Another song that interests me is "Blue Velvet." The musical arrangement is beautiful. Moreover, the way Barry performs this number highlights the haunting quality of a former love. This strikes a chord in all of us because the theme is so universal.

Overall, it's impossible to put ALL the greatest songs of the 1960s onto any single CD. However, if that job could ever be accomplished, Barry does it darn well on this CD. The CD tracks flow gracefully and it's a refreshing way to fondly remember simpler times.

Another reviewer is right: Barry does reinvent the songs on this CD as he puts his own stamp on them. Even if you loved the original renditions of all of these songs Barry succeeds at making them his own by tweaking the musical arrangements and the vocal tones here and there. It's a very good formula that works for Barry Manilow on this CD.

I highly recommend this CD for fans of Barry Manilow, fans of classic pop vocals and fans of the music of the 1960s. Get this CD and turn the volume up--way up--you won't be disappointed.

I don't get it. First Rod Stewart, now Barry Manilow has decided to mangle some classic tunes. They are has been singers who couldn't buy a hit, but for some reason if they warble a bunch of popular tunes, people buy their music in droves. Probably the same idiots that voted for Bush. Reality tv, Stewart, Manilow,... the dumbing down of America continues at a rapid pace. Why can't they just go away?

Barry, please create music again. Clive Davis you do not need. This is so below you. Your versions do NOTHING compared to the originals. Be your own man and make a new album of songs we are not familiar with. This is karoake at it's worst. You are better than this tripe.

An LP of cover songs...again

Lets have some original material

Older artists are doing it ..ie The Stones. McCartney, The Who

If this LP charts at #1....if I were Barry I would give the honour back.....this is terrible covers of worse songs.......again