Why Being a Barry Manilow Fan is Such a Guilty Pleasure
I have a confession to make: I am a big Barry Manilow and I have been for years. I first saw him in concert in the late 1990s, and again about 8 years later with my mom. And yes— I own his box set as well. While I am not ashamed of being a “Fanalow” I definitely think it is a guilty pleasure. Only true fans will understand and not give that familiar grown when you want to have your own little carpool karaoke when one of his iconic hits like Copacabana, Mandy, and Can’t Smile Without You come on the radio. I say, turn up the volume!
Barry Manilow, with his smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and heart-on-sleeve lyrics, has cultivated a career spanning over five decades. His music is unmistakably sentimental, and for many, that’s the exact appeal. Manilow’s songs tap into universal feelings of love, heartbreak, and nostalgia, making them timeless. Yet, in a culture often obsessed with “coolness,” being a fan of such earnest, unapologetically emotional music can feel a bit… corny. But let’s face it: we love him anyway.
The Magic of Manilow’s Music
Barry Manilow has sold more than 85 million records worldwide, proving that his appeal is anything but niche. His ability to craft a perfect pop song is undeniable, and his catalog brims with singable, theatrical anthems. Still, his style, often described as melodramatic or schmaltzy, has led some to keep their admiration under wraps. Fans might blush when admitting that Weekend in New England still brings a tear to their eye or that Could It Be Magic has been on repeat since the ‘70s.
Yet, it’s precisely that unabashed sentimentality that makes Barry Manilow so lovable. His music serves as a comforting reminder that it’s okay to feel deeply. Whether you’re swooning over a romantic ballad or tapping your feet to Copacabana, Manilow’s songs provide an emotional outlet in a world that often tells us to “play it cool.”
How the “Fanalows” Came to Be
The term “Fanalow” originated in the early 2000s as a tongue-in-cheek nickname for Barry Manilow’s devoted fanbase. As the story goes, during one of his Las Vegas residencies, a group of fans began calling themselves “Fanalows” to describe their near-religious dedication to his music. The nickname quickly caught on, with Barry himself eventually embracing it.
Today, being a Fanalow is a badge of honor. His fans are known for their enthusiasm, often showing up to concerts in brightly colored Hawaiian shirts reminiscent of Copacabana or holding signs proclaiming their love for the superstar. Some even call themselves “closet Fanalows,” secretly belting out his songs in the privacy of their cars or shower while claiming indifference in public. But no matter how “guilty” the pleasure may feel, one thing is certain: Fanalows are passionate about their music.
The Guilty Pleasure That Unites Us
Being a Barry Manilow fan taps into something universal—the joy of celebrating music that makes us feel alive, no matter how sentimental or theatrical it might be. There’s no shame in loving music that speaks to your soul, even if others might roll their eyes. In fact, the Fanalows have turned their so-called guilty pleasure into a movement, reminding us all that music should be fun, emotional, and yes, sometimes a little cheesy.
So, whether you’re a proud Fanalow or someone who secretly listens to Can’t Smile Without You on a loop, embrace the magic. After all, Barry Manilow himself once said, “I write the songs that make the whole world sing.” And sing, we do.
