"The Old Songs" by Barry Manilow

Song#:  0777
Date:  10/10/1981
Debut:  57
Peak:  15
Weeks: 16
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Although the Manilow sound was waning at pop radio, he was still a draw at AC and this first single from his "If I Should Love Again" album was proof as it became his thirteenth #1 on that chart. That support probably helped this get into the pop Top 20, one of his last to do so. Manilow would collect up another platinum award with the disc peaking at #14, but he wouldn't see chart heights like this again for a studio album until a sudden resurgence in popularity in 2006 spawned his second #1 album, "The Greatest Songs of the Fifties."

ReduxReview:  Even though his style of music was being ushered out the back door, before leaving Manilow proved that he could sell a big-ass ballad better than anyone. He had a little fuel left in the tank with this album and this single was one of his best latter-day hits. It's classic Manilow done in his inimitable style.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  Manilow's given name is Barry Alan Pincus. He became Manilow after adopting his mother's maiden name.

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