Never the critics' darling, Manilow had a non-stop string of hits through the Seventies, including three No. 1's and five million-sellers. Billboard archivist Joel Whitburn listed Manilow at No. 12 among the Top Artists of the Seventies--based on chart position and weeks spent on the chart.

Michael Jackson might have been the King of Pop, but Manilow was the King of the Romantic Ballad. [Trivia footnote: Manilow's coproducer and sometime background vocalist on his first nine albums was ex-Archie Ron Dante.] If you were a teenager anytime during the Seventies, these songs have been burned into your brain. This is everything the casual fan will want or need. RECOMMENDED

46 of 49 found the following review helpful:


Barry gets the last laugh again!  Feb 20, 2002 By Carole C. Thorpe "apricotrse"
When was the last time Barry Manilow seriously charted a record? My guess is that it's been about 20 years since broke the top 25, let alone the top 10. Well, lookie here -- this album debuts on the Billboard 100 this week at #3. You read it right.....NUMBER THREE.

The really "Ultimate" thing about Manilow is that for all the jokes about him over the years - he has always had the last laugh. As a songwriter/arranger who most thought had only a passable voice with his thick Brooklyn accent, he became one of the top vocalists of the 1970's with many of his biggest hits being the songs he DIDN'T write. He also single-handedly brought back the sound of a full orchestra in popular music after years of only rhythm instruments.

When the early 1980's arrived and musical tastes changed, Manilow disappeared from the airwaves. But he has never disappeared from the public. He maintained and built his solid concert following worldwide, selling out shows for years and years. The average person in the U.S.A. has no concept of how big Barry is all over the world. In fact, unless you have and play his old albums, many people haven't heard him in years because his records don't even get played on "oldies" stations and only occasionally on "granny" stations.

Manilow's unabashed vocal sincerity and musical romanticism, while not always hip, has always been "in". As be-bop, hip-hop, new wave, grunge, and every other here today/gone tomorrow style passes by, the one constant is the romantic ballad. Barry knows it and never strays far from it. Unlike Coca-Cola who foolishly changed their winning formula several years ago to disasterous effect, Manilow is constant and loyal to both his product and his fans. He makes no apologies and you're either with him or you're not - but HE'S not going to change.

As for the songs in this collection, they are quintessential Barry - huge production values, soaring vocals, the halting drum break before the inevitable key-change. I had the full library of Manilow albums while growing up and we have long since parted. It's great to have the cream of the crop (with a few minor omissions) on one CD. These songs bring back some great memories.

I'm thrilled for Barry that he's regaining some prominence with this collection, his appearance on "Ally McBeal", and at the Super Bowl pre-game festivities. I suspect that about four years from now when he turns 60 and is tired of touring, we're going to see Barry pitch his tent in Branson, Missouri at the Copacabana Theater! Good for him.

31 of 34 found the following review helpful:


THE BEST OF THE BEST  Feb 09, 2002 By Kent Goble
Barry Manilow has had a lot of great songs,unfortunately they have not been captured on "best-ofs" very well. Finally though someone at Arista came up with this. All of his major and most important top 40 hits are here. The notable ommissions are
"When I Wanted You", and "Some Kind of Freind", but no greatest hits album is ever perfect. Barry Manilow is one of the most underrated musicians in the history of the music business. I hope maybe this will help to end that. Bravo! to Arista.

21 of 23 found the following review helpful:


Ultimately Strong  Mar 12, 2002 By Michael Kerner "Michael Kerner"
Throughout the 1970's, Barry Manilow conjured up some of the most everlasting and enduring songs of our times. Although many of us still listen to him as a guilty pleasure, I wasn't influenced by his music at that time. When I heard Ultimate Manilow, it really changed into tune.

Ultimate Manilow is a retrospective of Barry Manilow's legendary career. Not like most collection where you'd have to buy it just for one or two songs, this album is proof that all the songs make up a great collection. Songs like Mandy, Somewhere Down The Road, I Write The Songs, and Even Now, are still being played in romantic lovers all across the country.

Considering his time, Barry Manilow has made over 20 albums in his career, and will celebrate his 30th annversary in 2003. Still, the Ultimate Manilow collection is truly the peak of a underrated legend. A legend that used to play backup for Bette Midler, and can't smile without you.

16 of 17 found the following review helpful:


The Ultimate Songs that Reached Everyone.  Feb 09, 2002 By Mrs. JoEllen Gutierrez
This collection bridges the gap for people who love these songs,but don't neccesarily consider themselves hard core Manilow fans. Some people can't handle the abuse that comes with loving Barry!(At the concert is New Orleans on Feb.2 Barry thanked us fans for our love and support."I know it's not easy to be a Manilow fan!" he said.)

This compilation is Barry's last for Arista. A label who served him well for many years, but if you think Barry is resting on his larels and riding on his early hits . . .You are very mistaken!
Barry has indeed moved on. Check out his new album for Concord Records, "Here at the Mayflower". Phenomenal!! Barry hasn't lost a step I assure you. If anything, he's even better.
So, hopefully "Ultimate Manilow" will lead the hesitant to discover how talented Barry truly is. There are 30 albums availabe to back it up. Thanks Barry!!!

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