Brooklyn native Barry Alan Pincus (aka Manilow) was a student of the prestigious Julliard School and his talents were quickly put to use. He got his start as the accompanist for the great Bette Midler and was a sought after composer of commercial jingles (he gets the praise or blame for McDonald's long-running "You deserve a break today" ad). Manilow's first chart hit arrived in 1974 when "Mandy" soared to #1 - not a bad way to start your career. He would reach the top twice more with "I Write The Songs" and "Looks Like We Made It." Manilow did so well in the 70s with his grandiose pop and syrupy ballads that he became the 23rd most successful artist of the decade. The 80s were not as kind. With changing musical trends, Manilow struggled to stay contemporary. He adapted his sound to incorporate more synths and even dabbled in jazz. His last top 40 hit was in 1983 when "Read 'Em And Weep" reached #18. "Here Comes The Night" was Manilow's 1982 album that spawned the hits "Memory" (#39) and "Some Kind Of Friend" (#26). He was running on fumes at this point, but "Heart of Steel" seemed to have all the ingredients to put some zest back in Manilow's step, but it fell through the cracks.
The history of Manic Street Preachers goes all the way back to 1986. The Welsh band has hit the big time in the UK, but never rose to more than cult status in the US despite critical acclaim. This is not a reflection on the band, but rather a reflection on the questionable taste of music among Americans. As you might expect for a band that has been together for decades, the sound of The Manics (as they're called by those in the know) has undergone significant evolution. They burst onto the scene with an ambitious hard rock and punk album in 1992 called "Generation Terrorists." Considered by many to be one of the greatest rock albums, it probably didn't gain traction in the US because it wasn't grunge. Check out "Slash 'n' Burn" and "Stay Beautiful" for highlights from this era. Today, the band still crafts lofty melodies around cerebral lyrics, and they often incorporate sweeping orchestration into their songs. Their latest album came out this year, entitled "Resistance Is Futile." It is not a tribute to Star Trek's Borg, but do check out "People Give In" and "International Blue." Compare and contrast this sound to the tracks on "Generation Terrorists" and you'll think they're from two different bands. "Send Away The Tigers" is the majestic opening to their 2007 album of the same name. Another track that should not be missed.
Manfred Lubowitz was born in South Africa and embarked on his musical career in England after taking the stage name Manfred Mann in the 60s. They scored an early #1 hit right out of the gate in 1964 with the classic, "Do Wah Diddy Diddy." The band would see the top spot of the chart one more time as Manfred Mann's Earth Band in 1976 with song "Blinded By The Light," which was written by Bruce Springsteen. Another artist Mann liked to cover was Bob Dylan. They took his song "Mighty Quinn (Quinn The Eskimo)" to #10 in 1968. "You Angel You" was also written by Dylan, but stalled at #58 in 1979. I thought it deserved better. The band's last chart hit was in 1984 when "Runner" reached #22.
Barbara Mandrell is no stranger to the country music scene. She churned out 55 appearances on the country charts in the 70s and 80s, and was inducted into the C&W Hall of Fame in 2009. Crossover success seemed eminent when she and her sisters scored a variety show for television in the early 80s; however, her only top 40 hit remained 1979's "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right," which got to a modest #31. I honestly don't know why she couldn't interest top 40 radio with her pop friendly songs like the ear worm "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed." This had hit written all over it, but it bubbled under in 1978.
Mitch Malloy is a singer/songwriter from North Dakota who arrived on the hairband scene just a little too late to hit the big time. And its a shame, because this guy is a soulful rock vocalist with a knack for writing big, bold choruses that make you want to sing along. His debut album arrived in 1992 and he almost cracked the top 40 with his first single, "Anything At All." The song reached #49 and was followed by the requisite power ballad, "Nobody Wins In This War," which peaked at a disappointing #66. Taking many of his melodic rock fans by surprise, Malloy went full adult contemporary for his follow up record, "Ceilings and Walls." It proved to be a sophomore jinx, which is too bad because it has some beautiful gems on it, including a soulful duet with Paul Carrack called "Ready To Go Home." Malloy has also been a part of other projects, including Fluid Sol and South of Eden. He also auditioned to be Sammy Hagar's replacement in Van Halen. Malloy continues to crank out quality rock as a solo artist and recently (July 2018) became the lead singer for Great White. "Forever" goes back to Malloy's killer debut record. If this catchy tune were released as a second single, perhaps it would have made him the household name he deserves to be.
Madonna is ranked the fourth most successful act in history, and is the #1 female vocalist of our time. After a couple false starts in groups like The Breakfast Club and Emmy, she went solo and dominated the 80s and 90s, becoming the 3rd most successful charting artist of each of those two decades. Even in the 2000s, she was able to change with the music landscape and maintain an impressive chart presence, winding up as the 49th best artist of that decade. She continues to have hits this decade as well, her last top 10 being "Give Me All Your Luvin'" from 2012. Madonna has scored a dozen #1 hits and plenty of #2 hits and top 40 hits and she is still going. "Over and Over" comes from her 1984 sophomore record, "Like A Virgin." It is a peppy dance pop song in all its 80s glory, but has a message that is the secret to Madonna's success.
Indiana native Lonnie Mack didn't sound like your typical 60s artist. Mack fused rockabilly with blue-eyed soul, an unexpected combination that few others could ever hope to pull off. Mack achieved modest chart success with hits like "Memphis" (#5, 1963) and "Wham!" (#24, 1963). He also did a lot of session work for the likes of James Brown and The Doors. You can't get more versatile than that! "The Man In Me" showcases yet another side to this underrated musician, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 74.
