By admin 
About the song
A Storm of Rhythm and Soul: Barry Manilow’s “Cloudburst”
When people think of Barry Manilow, the first songs that come to mind are usually lush ballads like Mandy or Weekend in New England — sweeping melodies filled with heartfelt emotion. But Barry Manilow – Cloudburst is a completely different storm. It’s a thrilling burst of musical energy, a dazzling reminder that Manilow was not only a master of sentimental pop, but also a showman with deep jazz and swing roots.
Originally written by Jimmy Harris and Jon Hendricks in the early 1950s and famously performed by vocal groups like Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Cloudburst found new life in Manilow’s hands. On his 1979 album Even Now, Manilow transformed the song into a high-speed showcase of precision, charm, and sheer vocal agility. From the very first note, it sweeps listeners into a whirlwind of rapid-fire lyrics and big-band brilliance.
In Barry Manilow – Cloudburst, the energy never lets up. The arrangement is crisp, playful, and bursting with life — brass instruments blaze, percussion snaps, and Manilow’s voice races across the rhythm with effortless control. It’s the sound of a performer completely in command of his craft, having fun while paying tribute to an era of sophisticated swing. Beneath all that lively flair lies Manilow’s deep respect for the music that shaped him: the jazzy vocal harmonies, the show tunes, the elegance of mid-century pop.
What’s truly remarkable is how he manages to make such a technically challenging song sound so joyful and spontaneous. He turns the performance into a celebration — of rhythm, of voice, and of pure musical joy. Barry Manilow – Cloudburst might not have been one of his biggest chart hits, but it stands out as one of his most impressive vocal achievements. It’s a delightful surprise for anyone who knows him only through his softer ballads.
For listeners who love the thrill of big-band swing or the clever charm of vocal jazz, Cloudburst is proof that Manilow could do far more than tug at heartstrings — he could set the stage alight with lightning speed and timeless style.