VOA常速英语:New Barry Manilow Album Explores Consequences of Fame

Andy Warhol once said, “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.”   Pop crooner Barry Manilow explores the perils of life in the spotlight on his new album, “15 Minutes.”

Manilow’s album deals with the negative consequences of fame.  He says its inspiration came after watching the careers of many talented people be destroyed by their inability to handle success.

“15 Minutes” is Manilow’s first collection of all original songs since 2001.  From 2006 to 2010, he recorded a series of albums that featured covers of classic tunes from the past six decades.  But, the 68-year-old Songwriters Hall of Fame member says that he missed writing songs during those years.  

Manilow’s new concept album takes him in a much different direction than the pop melodies that brought him fame and fortune in the 1970s and 1980s.  Although his signature piano playing is featured on a few tracks, most of the album is guitar driven.

“15 Minutes” is receiving critical praise.  A review in Billboard says, “In a pop culture landscape dominated by Twitter, an unrelenting gossip news cycle and TMZ cameras, ’15 Minutes’ feels right on time.”  

Retired from touring, Manilow has been performing long-term engagements in Las Vegas since 2004.  He wrapped up a five-year run at the Las Vegas Hilton in late 2009 and opened his new show, “Manilow Paris Las Vegas” at the Paris Hotel and Casino in March of 2010.  Upcoming projects include the release of a live album from his recent shows at London’s 02 Arena with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.  He also plans to record his second jazz album.