Barry Manilow - 2 Nights Live! (2004)

No one could have predicted the phenomenal multi-platinum success of Barry Manilow's 2002 hits collection, Ultimate Manilow. Coming on the heels of the well-reviewed concept album Here at the Mayflower, the disc debuted on the charts at a stunning number three and began a resurgence of all things Manilow. A six-week promotional tour suddenly turned into a nine-month gig as folks of all ages crowded venues across the country to relive some of "The Old Songs." Capitalizing on the revival, Manilow simultaneously released a concert DVD version of Ultimate Manilow and a double-CD titled 2 Nights Live. Splicing together a couple of New Jersey concert dates, 2 Nights Live covers a gaggle of Manilow hits along with a few lesser-known songs from his concept albums and six previously unrecorded tunes. The discs are divided as if they were two separate concerts complete with their own opening numbers. The "Night One" disc is loaded with hits, including an energetic opening medley that includes "Ready to Take a Chance Again," "Daybreak," "Somewhere in the Night," and "This One's for You." Several more hits follow until the streak is broken by "Harmony," the title tune from Manilow's yet-to-be-seen Broadway musical that he co-wrote with longtime collaborator Bruce Sussman. From that point on, the disc is unable to maintain the momentum generated by the opening nine hit songs, as weaker material like "The Best of Me" and "Let Freedom Ring" are mixed with classics like "Weekend in New England" and "It's a Miracle."

Tracklist:

CD1:

01. The Walk To The Stage (1:10)
02. Gonzo Opening: Ready To Take A Chance Again / Daybreak / Somewhere In The Night / This One's For You (7:06)
03. Looks Like We Made It (3:20)
04. Can't Smile Without You (5:54)
05. Bandstand Boogie (3:14)
06. Mandy (3:20)
07. Even Now (3:46)
08. Dialogue #1 (0:21)
09. Harmony (from 'Harmony') (4:58)
10. Turn The Radio Up (4:03)
11. Dialogue #2 (0:28)
12. The Best Of Me (4:13)
13. Weekend In New England (4:00)
14. Could It Be Magic (Play Off) (0:51)
15. Let Freedom Ring (4:56)
16. It's A Miracle (2:35)
17. Dialogue #3 (0:23)
18. You're There (3:11)
19. We Live On Borrowed Time (4:14)
20. Could It Be Magic (Play Off) (0:42)

CD2:

01. Fanfare / I'm Comin' Back (3:53)
02. Sweet Heaven (I'm In Love Again) (3:28)
03. Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed (3:23)
04. Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again (4:19)
05. Somewhere Down The Road (4:06)
06. Dialogue #4 (0:28)
07. That's Life (3:08)
08. Dialogue #5 (0:30)
09. Every Single Day (from 'Harmony') (3:05)
10. New York City Rhythm (Intro) (0:50)
11. New York City Rhythm (3:29)
12. I Made It Through The Rain (3:54)
13. She Should'a Been Mine (3:44)
14. They Dance! (3:18)
15. Dialogue #6 (0:28)
16. When October Goes (3:51)
17. If Tomorrow Never Comes (4:48)
18. Copacabana (At The Copa) (3:44)
19. I Write The Songs (4:55)
20. Old Friends (1:11)
21. Forever And A Day (3:57)