About the song

There’s a special kind of warmth that fills the room when Barry Manilow performs a classic soul duet, and “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” is one of those songs that feels instantly familiar—like a photograph you’ve held onto for years. Originally a Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell masterpiece, this song has always carried the heartbeat of true connection, the kind of love that doesn’t survive on memories or imagination alone. And when Manilow steps into it, he brings a gentle theatrical sincerity that makes the song feel both nostalgic and freshly intimate.

Barry has always had a way of honoring the past while giving it his own quiet glow. In this track, he doesn’t try to overshadow the legacy of the original. Instead, he leans into its soul, its simplicity, its message: that nothing—a letter, a picture, a memory—can replace the touch, presence, and reality of someone who truly matters. His voice carries a softness, a respect, and a kind of emotional storytelling that fits perfectly with the song’s longing.

The atmosphere here is warm, easy, and deeply human. You can almost imagine two people standing close, smiling as they sing, not putting on a show but sharing something honest. The arrangement keeps that classic Motown-effervescence while adding Manilow’s signature polish—smooth, heartfelt, and touched by a little Broadway sparkle.

What makes this version so comforting is the way it feels like a bridge between eras. It carries the soul of the late 60s but filters it through Manilow’s timeless Adult Contemporary glow. And for listeners who grew up with the original, this interpretation doesn’t replace it—it simply brings another layer of warmth, a sense of gratitude for songs that stay alive because artists continue to love them.

“Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” is a reminder of something beautifully simple: real love, real presence, real connection—they’re irreplaceable. And Manilow captures that truth with a tenderness that makes the song feel like it’s smiling at you.

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