There's a cynical adage that argues if you stand still long enough, history will eventually catch up with you. It's tempting to say that about Barry Manilow, an artist whose stubborn, quarter-century dedication to old-fashioned songcraft and musical melodrama has earned him few critical praises but a loyal worldwide following in the millions. When a cult of 20-something would-be lounge lizards tried to cash in on Manilow's shtick in the 1990s, they distanced themselves from its emotional potency with telling dollops of irony and retro-hip cynicism--anything to keep from looking too sincere. This album serves up the high points of Manilow's long, successful career, rightly focusing on the long string of 70s hits that built both his legend and record label. They're a body of songs whose solid craftsmanship is undeniable, but it's Manilow's sincerity that crucially sells them--indeed, he didn't write "I Write the Songs", but who could doubt him? It's an odd tribute that much here--"Mandy", "Looks Like We Made It", "Copacabana", et al--has become the palette for a popular entertainment spectrum that somehow encompasses endless hotel piano bars on one flank and TV sketch-com parody on the other. Good to remember that kitsch, by definition, requires a deep and lasting impact on the culture. Manilow hasn't just embraced the "K" word; he's revelled in it with a smile--how could one frown through "Bandstand Boogie" and "Copa" anyway?--and elevated it to something approaching the transcendental through his sheer, joyous force of will. And if his latter work has been unabashedly nostalgic, how could anyone be surprised? --Jerry McCulley

this Ultimate collection is eactly that, A collection of his ultimate hits. And, having followed and loved him since I was a little girl, this is wonderful. It has all the hits you know, from the discoesque 'copacabana' 'Can't smile without you' 'It's a miracle' qll of them are here....well, almost all thats' where my slight gripe comes in. It's missing 'This one's for you, and 'New York city Rythym tsk tsk. Having said that, the bonus song is wonderful, 'Who needs to dream' from the movie copacabana and a must for any fan.

I agree with previous reviews that Barry Manilow has never really got any acclaim, despite popularity with middle aged women (or so it was thought). I didn't know that much about Manilow, and went into this collection only knowing a couple of his songs. Having listened to it, I am stunned. This is clearly one of the best singer-singwriters there is; although a lot of his stuff consists of ballads, and can be shmaltzy, the quality of songwriting is outstanding. Just listen to the lyrics......
this collection is a great 'starter' to Manilows career, showcasing 19 of his best tracks, and a bonus track. Trust me when I say you will have many sing-a-long moments while listening.
Sometimes, old school is the way to go..........

I consider myself a mans man, so it came as a surprise that the first time I listened to "Ultimate Manilow" I wept! Infact I couldn't stop. I experienced ambivalence like never before, sublime happiness as I basked in his vocal splendour, my soul came alive and anger as it unfolded a life time of repressed torment and hardship!

When I finally turned the CD off after 10 hours solid I felt emptied, spent. Like many others before Track 5 touched me in a special place, I think the words relate to everybody in some way, and despite never having been with a woman, it reminded me of my childhood when my pet rabbit flopsy passed away.

If you think Barry is just a compilation of cheesy lyrics and a catchy tune, you couldn't be more wrong. Manilow appeals to all levels, much like Baywatch! With a smile 12 Parsecs wide you can't but idolise the man.

I for one would just like to say thanks Barry, thanks for the smiles. Keep em coming!

I love barry manilow and this is by far his best cd, especially track 5 which is utter brilliance, its like your first mcdonalds. Smile without you, you can't smile without this CD...Track 5 calms me down whilst walking the streets of london...its great, buy it!!!

Altogether I was a little disappointed with this album. As much as I respect the man and the work he did bring people of all creeds and colours together with some of his memorable world tours (Hull '74, Berlin '81 to name but two), I unfortunately did not think the album stood the test of time.
Mandy was shown up by the infinitely superior Westlife cover fairly recently and besides Track 5 or 6 which threatened to make the album a decent one, it quickly faded back again.

Perhaps this album would have been better 20 years ago, however, like a Furby or Kappa tracksuit it perhaps belongs in the past.