About the song
A Forgotten Gem from the Stage: Rediscovering Barry Manilow – Cloudburst
When most people think of Barry Manilow, their minds often go to the sweeping ballads, the heartfelt love songs, and the anthems that defined an era of popular music. But buried within his vast catalog lies a number that might surprise those who know him only for “Mandy” or “Copacabana.” That song is Barry Manilow – Cloudburst, a fast-paced, jazz-inspired track that showcases a very different side of Manilow’s artistry.
Originally written by Jimmy Harris and Jon Hendricks, “Cloudburst” is no ordinary tune. It’s a whirlwind of rhythm and vocal precision, demanding both skill and energy from anyone who dares perform it. For Manilow, whose reputation was largely built on lush arrangements and emotional delivery, tackling a piece like “Cloudburst” was a bold and refreshing choice. It demonstrated not only his versatility but also his deep respect for the traditions of jazz and swing music.
What makes Barry Manilow – Cloudburst stand out is its sheer vitality. The song races forward with playful scat-like phrasing, intricate timing, and a sense of fun that is contagious from the very first note. Rather than leaning on grand orchestration, Manilow uses his voice as an instrument of rhythm, weaving in and out of the arrangement with precision and wit. For listeners accustomed to his ballads, it’s a revelation—a reminder that Manilow was never confined to a single genre.
Moreover, “Cloudburst” has an almost theatrical quality, reflecting Manilow’s lifelong love of the stage. It captures the joy of performance, the thrill of pushing musical boundaries, and the energy of big band-inspired arrangements. In many ways, this song acts as a bridge between the popular music of the mid-20th century and the contemporary pop that Manilow helped to shape in the 1970s and beyond.
For those who only know the hits, discovering Barry Manilow – Cloudburst feels like uncovering a hidden treasure. It’s a reminder that great artists are never one-dimensional; they carry within them layers of style, influence, and ambition. Manilow’s rendition of “Cloudburst” is proof of his fearless musicianship—a song that refuses to sit quietly in the background, bursting instead with life, energy, and personality.