About the song

There’s something unmistakably Barry Manilow about “Some Kind of Friend” — that perfect blend of warmth, melody, and emotional honesty that makes his music feel like a conversation with an old friend. Released in 1983, this song captures a moment in time when pop music was shimmering with synths and heart-driven lyrics, yet still anchored in genuine feeling. Manilow, always the storyteller, takes us through a relationship that’s teetering between love and friendship — that confusing, bittersweet place where you’re not sure if holding on will save you or break you.

“Some Kind of Friend” is a departure from the softer, sentimental ballads that Barry was best known for in the ‘70s. Here, he leans into a more upbeat, radio-ready pop-rock sound, filled with bright guitars, punchy drums, and his signature soaring vocals. But underneath that lively rhythm is a story of emotional complexity — a plea wrapped in rhythm, a heartbreak hidden behind a catchy melody. It’s Barry doing what he does best: turning vulnerability into something powerful and singable.

Listening to this track now feels like stepping into a movie scene — neon lights outside a diner, a rain-slicked street, and someone sitting alone, wondering how friendship got so complicated. It’s both nostalgic and timeless, reminding us how relationships can blur lines and how love doesn’t always fit neatly into definitions.

For fans who grew up with Manilow’s music, “Some Kind of Friend” is like finding an old letter in a drawer — a little faded, but still full of truth. It’s not just a song; it’s a snapshot of that era when pop could be personal, when melodies stayed in your heart long after the record stopped spinning.

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