The Manhattans Albums (16)
'Live In Concert'
Release Date 3/26/2002
Tracks 23
Label Classic World
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Live from South America'
Release Date 6/8/1999
Tracks 23
Label Classic World
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Since the Manhattans aren't exactly a visual group, you get the price of admission to one of their live shows with this CD, with the added convenience of being able to replay the concert over and over. Lovers of their patented harmonies won't be disappointed; despite Ernest Bivins and Ken Kelly's departures, and the addition of two new members to sing with Gerald Alston and Winnie "Blue" Lovett, the sound remains tight. South Africans know their recordings well and respond enthusiastically at the mere introductory notes of songs. They deliver mesmerizing versions of Hall & Oates' "Sara Smile," Atlantic Starr's "Send for Me," Boyz to Men's "End of Our Road," and their own: "Wish That You Were Mine," an update of Timi Yuro's "Hurt," "There's No Me Without You," "When We Are Made As One," "One Life to Live," and more; 23 in all, and well worth whatever price charged. They conclude with "Shining Star" and "Kiss and Say Goodbye" to curtain the most enjoyable, comprehensive, and fulfilling live recording in sometime. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
'One Life to Live'
Release Date 4/16/1995
Tracks 10
Label Sony Special Products
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
You could pull 15 or 20 Manhattans' tracks at random and come up with a winning compilation every time. Consistency and quality exemplified every song they waxed at CBS. They never strayed far from the tight paradigm that defined them. The only negative is its brevity -- only ten songs (far too short for a CD), but Gerald Alston's smooth leads and seasoned harmonies from Kenny Kelly, Edward "Sonny" Bivins, and Winnie Lovett make each song a special delivery. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although this was a nice album, The Manhattans were beginning to encounter problems in the mid-'80s with Columbia. The hits were drying up, and although their harmonies and Alston's soothing leads were still first-rate, they had become strictly an R&B band in appeal and weren't generating any pop attention. They tried being even smoother and more romantic than ever, softening the production and toning down the group interaction. The results were some excellent singles in "Just The Lonely Talking" and "Locked Up in Your Love," but they couldn't move the album or the group ahead. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The finest Manhattan album in their second incarnation. The original group with George Smith had a slightly rougher, more traditional R&B/doo-wop sound, while the soul unit featuring Gerald Alston was smoother, but no less anthemic, especially on ballads. This album didn't make it as high on the pop charts as their self-titled '76 work, but had more consistently compelling tracks. "Shining Star" and "Girl Of My Dream" are masterful ballads. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Even though this album does not feature any chart-busters, it does have an impressive blend of uptempo and midtempo numbers, along with some sensuous ballads. The only singles spawned by this album are "Here Comes the Hurt Again" and "The Way We Were/Memories." The former is a calm, easy-flowing number augmented by some whispering, yet animated background vocals. The single peaked at #29 on the Billboard R&B charts inside 13 weeks. The latter is a medley rendition of two classic pop ballads. The Manhattans add an inviting, soulful twist to these nostalgic numbers, groomed with Gerald Alston's expansive vocals. It cracked the R&B charts at #33 after 12 weeks. Any one of these vintage R&B numbers could stand alone. Uptempo tracks like the sizzling, soulful title number and the jumpin' "New York City," and ballads like "That's Not Part of the Show" and "Devil in the Dark," are exemplary. Not only does Alston give compelling deliveries, but he does it with versatility. In spite of the lackluster chart action, this is an outstanding album. ~ Craig Lytle, All Music Guide
