15 Minutes (Fame...Can You Take It?) [+Digital Booklet]

Barry Manilow | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: June 14, 2011
• Release Date: June 14, 2011
• Label: Stiletto Entertainment
• Copyright: (C) 2011 Stiletto Entertainment
• Record Company Required Metadata: Music file contains unique purchase identifier. Learn more.
• Total Length: 52:49
• Genres:
• ASIN: B00535RR0S
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,494 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Barry's Back!, June 14, 2011

By 

Michael (Philadelphia, PA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 15 Minutes (Audio CD)

Yesterday, I met Barry Manilow in New York City, at Radio City Music Hall, for an autograph signing. The event was to promote his new album, "15 Minutes," as well as his upcoming concert series at the venue. Barry spoke with me for several minutes and was one of the nicest celebrities I've met.

After listening to "15 Minutes," I have to say that it is an excellent album filled with dynamic vocals and various musical styles. If you're a Barry Manilow fan that enjoyed "Here At The Mayflower," you'll love this album. It's a concept album that follows the story of young man's rise to fame, as well as his subsequent fall from grace.

"15 Minutes" kicks off with a 1-2-3 punch; the title track is a guitar-laden, country inspired, mid-tempo rocker that sets the tone for the album. The second track, "Work the Room," is a funky song where Barry expertly raps the lyrics. If you've ever had to look for a job and go to a networking event, you'll appreciate this song. "Bring On Tomorrow" rounds out the first three tracks, and it is a classic Barry power ballad. Filled with beautiful lyrics, a gorgeous arrangement and soaring vocals, this track is one of the best on the album. Needless to say, I love it!

The fourth track, "Now It's For Real," is another guitar heavy track that finds the album's main character realizing that he's achieved the success he was after. Barry sounds like he had a lot of fun recording this song and it comes through in his impassioned vocal.

"Wine Song" gives the listener an inside view into how the young star's life has changed. Now he's surrounded by people who constantly tell him they love him and that he's beautiful. This, along with the drinking and drugs, foreshadows what's to come.

The next song is an interesting one because it is a reworked track from Barry's "Trying To Get The Feeling" album from the 1970s. This time around it's called "He's A Star," and it's a fun upbeat pop/rock song that fits this album perfectly.

The following two songs deal with relationships. "Written in Stone" focuses on the deteriorating romantic relationship that seemed so strong in "Bring on Tomorrow." It shows that the young star has done a poor job in handling his new-found fame; and, in doing so, he has destroyed a relationship he held so dear. "Letter from a Fan/So Heavy, So High" starts off with a haunting vocal by Nataly Dawn as an obsessive fan, and she does an excellent job. This juxtaposed with Barry's vocal about becoming tired of dealing with these kinds of fans, effectively shows two different points of view.

The brief track "Everybody's Leavin," segues into the following tracks. As everyone starts to desert the star, he literally says "Who Needs You" to those that once supported him and wonders if fame is worth the price in "Winner Go Down."

"Slept through the End of The World" is a beautiful acoustic song that conjures up visions of a star that is at the end of his rope. It is where he comes to terms with the fact that he is no longer the star he once was because he didn't handle fame the way he should have.

"Reflection" is a beautiful piano interlude that leads into "Trainwreck." During this song, the performer realizes what went wrong and is ready to start over. He recognizes that what happened in the past is behind him, and he must move forward. This recognition culminates in the reprise of "15 Minutes" where he is determined to do things right this time around.

The album closes with the disco-infused "Everything's Gonna Be All Right." It's a fun track that is reminiscent of "They Dance!" from "Here At The Mayflower." It's an infectious pop song that is bound to get stuck in your head.

Overall, "15 Minutes" is a solid album. The majority of the songs are excellent, and the narrative is engaging. Barry's voice is in good form, and the arrangements are top notch. If you're a fan of Barry Manilow, or just good music, I highly recommend this album. You won't be disappointed.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Manilow at his best!, June 13, 2011

By 

Lori - See all my reviews

This review is from: 15 Minutes (Fame...Can You Take It?) (MP3 Download)

When I first heard talk of '15 Minutes,' I wasn't sure what to expect. Being a life-long fan of Barry's, I was very comfortable with his musical style and his "big Barry ballads." After hearing the album, I can honestly say that it has everything that makes a Manilow album great: catchy melodies and powerful lyrics, only brought to us in a way that took Barry out on a limb. The album gets you moving, both physically and emotionally, as it takes you on a journey that anyone can relate to no matter what your walk of life. This album has something for everyone whether you're a fan of the "old songs" like me or a new listener. Mr. Manilow's amazing musical genius does not disappoint! Take a chance on this one...you'll be very glad you did!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tells a Story and Sounds Great too!, June 14, 2011

By 

SandyBeachBum - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 15 Minutes (Fame...Can You Take It?) [+Digital Booklet] (MP3 Download)

This album arrived as a surprise to me, and I appreciate a good-great musical surprise! Makes it all the more fun and exciting.

This album tells a story with simplicity and great sound. Music listeners and those in the business should surely relate to this. Barry's voice sounds clear and fresh. The album has a rock and soulful vibe with excellent instrumentation: many electric guitar riffs, Barry's beautiful piano work, bumping drumming, percussion, and strings.

The tracks are well-sequenced to tell a story, so I highly recommend an enjoyable focused listen to the entire album. Yet, each individual song includes nice and interesting transitions and completeness within itself.

Focusing on a few tracks, Wine Song has a psychedelic vibe, Written in Stone and Winner Go Down (a favorite) have beautiful melodies. Letter From a Fan / So Heavy So High is a haunting trippy favorite. The whole album is really good, fresh, and timely - prompting a big WOW! from me.

After listening to the entire album, check out the digital booklet to fully absorb the whole thing. Thanks for the digital booklet!

Big kudos to Barry, the band, and lyrical contributions from Mr. Anderson!