About the song
The Lasting Power of Barry Manilow – Even Now
Few songs manage to capture the bittersweet pull of memory and emotion as gracefully as Barry Manilow – Even Now. Released in 1978, this song is one of the finest examples of Manilow’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with sweeping, orchestral pop arrangements. By the time of its release, Manilow was already an established star, known for his skill in creating songs that not only charted but also left deep emotional imprints on listeners. Even Now solidified that reputation, standing as one of his most poignant and enduring works.
What makes Barry Manilow – Even Now so special is its delicate balance between intimacy and grandeur. At its heart, the song is a simple story of reflection—looking back on choices made and paths not taken, while still carrying a sense of enduring feeling. Manilow’s voice, filled with both strength and vulnerability, carries these emotions with sincerity. His vocal delivery is never forced; instead, he allows each phrase to unfold naturally, letting listeners feel every nuance of regret, longing, and quiet hope that runs through the song.
The arrangement is classic Manilow—lush, dramatic, and carefully crafted. Strings, piano, and gentle percussion swell at just the right moments, lifting the song’s emotional peaks without overwhelming its tender core. This attention to musical detail is part of what has made Manilow’s work so distinctive. He doesn’t just sing a lyric; he surrounds it with a soundscape that amplifies its meaning and lingers long after the final note fades.
For many who first heard it in the late 1970s, Barry Manilow – Even Now was more than just another pop ballad—it was a song that spoke directly to the heart, a reminder of how music can give voice to feelings we sometimes cannot put into words ourselves. Decades later, the song still resonates, not because of trends or production tricks, but because it speaks to a timeless human truth: the way certain emotions never truly fade, no matter how much time passes.
Ultimately, Barry Manilow – Even Now is a testament to Manilow’s enduring artistry. It is a song that comforts, moves, and reminds us of the power of music to reach across years and circumstances to touch the soul. It remains one of his most powerful ballads, a piece that continues to connect with listeners both old and new, proving that true emotion in music never loses its voice.