The Manhattans, formed in the early 1960s, are a classic soul and R&B group known for their smooth harmonies and romantic ballads. Over the years, they have released numerous hits and become a staple of the genre. Their music has continued to resonate with fans, with their songs frequently covered by other artists and featured in various films and TV shows. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best The Manhattans songs of all time. From the iconic “Kiss and Say Goodbye” to the soulful “Shining Star,” these songs have stood the test of time and continue to evoke emotions in listeners.
The Manhattans’ distinct sound is characterized by their tight vocal harmonies and soulful arrangements, which have earned them a devoted fanbase. Their music is a fusion of R&B, doo-wop, and soul, with lyrics that often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and relationships. Many of their songs have become timeless classics, played at weddings and on romantic playlists for decades. With their smooth vocals and romantic lyrics, The Manhattans have earned their place in the pantheon of great soul and R&B groups.
1. Kiss and Say Goodbye
“Kiss and Say Goodbye” is a soulful ballad and one of the most popular songs by The Manhattans. Released in 1976, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts and is considered one of the group’s signature hits. The song is about a man who is torn between leaving his lover and staying with her. The lyrics are emotive, and the melody is beautiful, making it a classic love song that continues to resonate with fans to this day. The lead vocalist’s rich and powerful voice, along with the smooth harmonies of the group, add to the song’s emotional impact. Overall, “Kiss and Say Goodbye” is a timeless classic that showcases The Manhattans’ talent for delivering heartfelt ballads.
2. Shining Star
“Shining Star” by the Manhattans is a soulful, upbeat classic that captures the joy and excitement of falling in love. The song opens with a catchy bassline and a vibrant horn section, setting the stage for the Manhattans’ smooth vocals to take center stage. The lyrics describe the feeling of meeting someone special who makes everything else fade away, like a “shining star” in the night sky.
The chorus is incredibly catchy, with the repeated refrain of “you’re my shining star” sure to stick in your head long after the song ends. The Manhattans’ harmonies are tight and polished, lending a sense of sophistication to the song that is truly timeless. There’s a sense of optimism and hopefulness that pervades the track, making it a perfect pick-me-up for anyone feeling down.
Throughout the song, the Manhattans’ deliver soulful vocal performances that are full of heart and emotion. They sing about the excitement of new love, the joy of being with someone special, and the sense of belonging that comes with finding your perfect match. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it impossible not to tap your feet or sing along.
“Shining Star” is a quintessential love song that celebrates the magic of falling in love. It’s a feel-good track that’s perfect for dancing or just enjoying with someone special. Whether you’re a fan of classic soul or just looking for a catchy tune to brighten your day, “Shining Star” is a timeless classic that is sure to put a smile on your face.
3. Crazy
“Crazy” is a soulful ballad by The Manhattans that captures the intense emotions of a love that feels inexplicable and uncontainable. The song features the signature smooth vocals and tight harmonies of the group, layered over a lush instrumental arrangement that includes strings, horns, and keyboards. The lyrics express the deep longing and desire of the protagonist to be with the person they love, even though they know that the relationship may not be practical or socially acceptable. The chorus is particularly memorable, with its soaring melody and lyrics that declare the singer’s willingness to do whatever it takes to keep their love alive. Overall, “Crazy” is a beautiful and poignant love song that showcases The Manhattans’ talent for crafting soulful and romantic ballads that have stood the test of time.
4. You Send Me
“You Send Me” is a romantic soul ballad that was originally written and performed by Sam Cooke in 1957. The Manhattans, a popular R&B vocal group from New Jersey, covered the song in 1976 and their version became a hit. The song features smooth and soulful vocals from lead singer Gerald Alston, backed by lush harmonies from the rest of the group. The instrumental arrangement includes soft piano, gentle guitar strums, and a mellow rhythm section. The song’s lyrics express the overwhelming emotions of falling in love, with lines such as “At first, I thought it was infatuation, but, oh, it’s lasted so long” and “Darling, you send me, I know you send me, darling, you send me, honest, you do”. The Manhattans’ rendition of “You Send Me” perfectly captures the timeless essence of the original while adding their own unique touch to the classic love song.
5. Here Comes the Hurt Again
“Here Comes the Hurt Again” is a soulful ballad by The Manhattans that showcases their signature harmonies and emotional depth. The song starts with a gentle piano melody that sets the tone for the heart-wrenching lyrics to follow. The lead singer’s smooth and soulful voice carries the weight of the lyrics as he sings about the pain of lost love and the inevitability of heartbreak. The backing vocals add a haunting layer of depth to the song, intensifying the emotions conveyed in the lyrics. The chorus is particularly powerful as the singers belt out the painful truth that “here comes the hurt again.” The arrangement of the song is simple yet effective, letting the vocals and lyrics shine through. The Manhattans’ ability to capture raw emotions in their music is evident in this classic track, making it a standout in their impressive discography.
6. We Never Danced to a Love Song
“We Never Danced to a Love Song” is a classic R&B ballad from The Manhattans that showcases the group’s signature smooth harmonies and soulful sound. Released in 1978, the song features heartfelt lyrics about a failed relationship and the longing for a lost love. The lead vocalist’s emotional delivery is perfectly complemented by the background singers’ harmonies, creating a sense of yearning and nostalgia. The song’s slow tempo and gentle instrumentation, including a prominent saxophone solo, add to its romantic and melancholic tone. “We Never Danced to a Love Song” was a hit for The Manhattans, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and solidifying the group’s reputation as one of the premier soul groups of the 1970s. Even today, the song remains a beloved classic, cherished for its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody.
7. If Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad
“It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad” is a soulful ballad by The Manhattans that was released in 1977. The song features lead vocalist Gerald Alston, who delivers the emotional lyrics with his powerful voice. The smooth, romantic melody is accompanied by lush strings and a gentle piano, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
The lyrics speak about the bittersweet feeling of being in love with someone who doesn’t reciprocate the same level of affection. Despite the pain and heartache, the narrator finds comfort in the fact that they are loved, even if it’s not in the way they want. The chorus features the memorable line, “It feels so good to be loved so bad,” which perfectly captures the contradictory nature of the narrator’s feelings.
Overall, “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad” is a poignant and emotional song that showcases The Manhattans’ signature sound of smooth soul and R&B. It remains one of their most beloved songs and a classic of the genre.
8. Don’t Take Your Love
I believe you meant “Don’t Take Your Love Away” by The Manhattans. This classic R&B ballad, released in 1978, showcases the group’s smooth harmonies and romantic lyrics. The song is a plea from the lead singer to his lover not to leave him and to stay by his side. The emotional delivery of the lyrics is accentuated by the beautiful orchestration and instrumentation of the song, including strings, horns, and piano. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with the group repeating “Don’t take your love away” as they pour their hearts out. Overall, “Don’t Take Your Love Away” is a timeless love song that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.
9. There’s No Me Without You
“There’s No Me Without You” is a soulful ballad by The Manhattans that showcases the group’s smooth harmonies and emotional depth. Released in 1973, the song became a hit on both the R&B and pop charts, peaking at #19 and #45 respectively. The lyrics express a deep and abiding love for a partner, declaring that the singer’s life would be empty without them. The slow, steady beat and lush instrumentation support the heartfelt vocals, making this a timeless classic of the era. The song’s sentimentality and sincerity have made it a favorite for weddings and romantic occasions, and it remains a beloved song in the R&B canon.
10. Am I Losing You
“Am I Losing You” is a soulful ballad by The Manhattans that showcases their smooth harmonies and emotive vocals. The song starts with a delicate piano melody and builds up to a powerful chorus that conveys the emotional turmoil of a failing relationship. Lead singer Gerald Alston’s passionate delivery perfectly captures the desperation and heartbreak of the lyrics, while the group’s harmonies add a layer of depth and soul to the track. The song’s simple yet effective arrangement highlights the raw emotions of the lyrics and allows the vocal performances to shine. Overall, “Am I Losing You” is a standout track in The Manhattans’ catalog and a prime example of their ability to deliver soulful and heartfelt ballads.
Erica Henderson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
