Producers: Barry Manilow, Ron Dante, Michael Masser.

Recorded between 1973 & 1989.

Digitally remastered by George Marino (Sterling Sound, New York, New York).

The second half of the 1978 two-record set Greatest Hits, the CD issue of Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 contains nine tracks from Barry Manilow's '70s prime. ~ Steve Huey

The second half of the 1978 two-record set Greatest Hits, the CD issue of Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 contains nine tracks from Barry Manilow's '70s prime; however, since it's incomplete without the material on Vol. 1, those looking for a more or less definitive overview will need both volumes. For those who want more, the rest of this period's worthwhile songs not found on these two volumes can be heard on Live. ~ Steve Huey

Let's get one of the biggest ironies of Manilow's career out of the way first. His mega-hit "I Write The Songs" (included here), was actually written by Beach Boy Bruce Johnston. That's not to say that Manilow doesn't sing the hell out of it, laying undisputable claim to the song. Manilow displays similar authority on the other tunes included here. Though this is the second installment in Manilow's greatest hits trilogy, Barry's got enough infectious tunes to fill up ten such volumes, so there's enjoyment aplenty to be found here. The somber, contemplative ballad "Weekend In New England" shows the introspective side of Manilow, while "Jump Shout Boogie" gives him a chance to let his hair down a bit and indulge in some up-tempo frivolity. GREATEST HITS VOL 2 also includes one of Manilow's career peaks, the majestic, elegant "Could It Be Magic," in which he attempts to correlate his romantic and spiritual urges on some higher plane, fueled by the semi-classical tone of his own piano accompaniment.