About the song

There’s a certain energy in “Some Kind of Friend” by Barry Manilow that captures the complicated dance between friendship and love — that uncertain line where caring turns into something deeper, and you’re not sure whether to take the risk or step back. It’s upbeat, confident, and yet there’s a trace of vulnerability in it — the kind that only Barry Manilow could express with such honesty.

Released during the early 1980s, “Some Kind of Friend” marked a moment when Manilow was experimenting with a livelier, radio-friendly pop-rock sound. Gone were the lush orchestral arrangements of his ‘70s ballads; instead, this song grooves with electric guitars, snappy rhythms, and that unmistakable Manilow charm. But even with the shift in tempo, the heart of his music remained the same — real emotion, real storytelling.

At its core, the song is about longing — that confusing moment when friendship feels like it could be something more, but fear keeps you from saying it aloud. It’s playful on the surface, yet filled with tension underneath. Manilow’s delivery walks that fine emotional line: his voice carries warmth and humor, but you can hear the ache behind every word. He’s not just singing about attraction; he’s singing about connection, the kind that complicates everything in the best possible way.

Listening to “Some Kind of Friend” today feels like being pulled into a memory — maybe of a time when you laughed too hard with someone you secretly loved, or when you stayed up late wondering if they felt the same. It’s got that nostalgic ‘80s pulse, but it never loses its timeless heart. Manilow knew how to make pop music that felt alive — catchy enough to make you dance, emotional enough to make you think. And that’s why “Some Kind of Friend” still feels so personal, even decades later.

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