Manilow sings Sinatra

By Kristina Brezden, Special to the On-line Forty-Niner

Monday, November 30, 1998

"Walking behind the mic and beginning to sing Frank Sinatra's 'All The Way,' there's a little voice inside that says, 'who do you think you are?" Barry Manilow said. "But I have to ignore that voice and do it to the best of my abilities."

Manilow should have listened to that voice. There was only one Frank Sinatra. There will never be another. Let's face it, Sinatra was the essence of musical talent for six decades.

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ALBUM REVIEW

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Manilow claims that he is paying tribute to Sinatra, not trying to imitate or copy him.

However, Manilow fails to change the songs at all. The album consists of 14 songs done in the Sinatra style. Unfortunately, Manilow sings the songs in the same voice and style as he sang "Copa Cabana." The entire album sounds like a bad Sinatra impression.

In order for Manilow to have truly paid tribute to Sinatra, he should have changed the songs a little. No one can do Sinatra, except Sinatra.

Manilow's musical talents should not be questioned. Rolling Stone has proclaimed Manilow as "a giant among entertainers." His international career has spanned from recording and song writing to television, film and the Broadway stage. Manilow has released 30 albums.

Still, Manilow singing Sinatra is like Hanson singing The Beatles. Despite good intentions, the younger generation can not capture the spirit and timelessness of past musical icons.

As Manilow states himself, "Sinatra possessed an innate sense of music, a unique vocal instrument and the ability to communicate a lyric." Sinatra had a special style and a personality that will remain legendary.

Sinatra has surpassed musician and has become musical history. A history that should be studied and admired, not repeated.