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Barry Manilow will release “What A Time,” his first studio album of nearly all-original material in almost 15 years, on June 5, 2026. The 13-track LP marks the 33rd studio album of his legendary career and reunites the iconic singer-songwriter with a diverse group of chart-topping collaborators, including Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Dave Cobb, and his longtime co-writers Bruce Sussman and Adrienne Anderson. The album is produced by Manilow and frequent collaborator Michael Lloyd, whose production credits span decades of influential pop and R&B releases.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release date: June 5, 2026 — one week from the current date
- 33rd studio album — his first major project of nearly all-original material since 2011
- 13 songs — including “Once Before I Go,” “Sun Shine,” and “Another Life – 2026”
- Cross-generational collaborators — features Babyface, Dave Cobb, and longtime partners
- $14.98 on CD — available for pre-order on Amazon and streaming platforms
A Return to the Studio After 15 Years
Barry Manilow’s last major album of original material, “15 Minutes,” released in 2011, marked the end of a prolific songwriting period. Since then, the artist has released compilations and live albums while maintaining an active touring schedule, including his ongoing farewell tour. The new “What A Time” represents a significant creative reinvestment, demonstrating that after more than a decade away from the studio, Manilow remains committed to original artistic expression rather than relying solely on his catalog of 13 number-one hits and 51 Top 40 singles on the Adult Contemporary chart.
The timing of this release is particularly notable given Manilow’s status as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time, according to R&R (Radio & Records). His discography spans 31 studio albums, 6 live albums, and 17 compilation albums, with 29 platinum certifications across his releases. Few artists of his generation return to the studio with fresh material after such an extended gap, making this project a landmark moment in a career that has spanned decades.
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Barry Manilow releases new album What A Time June 5, first studio album in 15 years
Production and Collaborators: A Modern Approach
The album’s creative team reflects Manilow’s commitment to blending his signature sound with contemporary production aesthetics. Producer Michael Lloyd, who has collaborated with Manilow throughout his career, brings experience working with some of music’s most iconic performers. Babyface (Kenneth Edmonds), a nine-time Grammy Award-winning producer and artist, serves as a collaborator, bringing expertise from his work with Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, and countless other chart-topping acts.
Dave Cobb, known for his work with modern artists and his hands-on production approach, represents another contemporary influence on the album. The inclusion of Bruce Sussman and Adrienne Anderson as co-writers ensures continuity with Manilow’s proven songwriting formula, which emphasizes emotional storytelling and melodic sophistication. This blend of veteran expertise and contemporary sensibilities suggests an album designed to honor Manilow’s artistic legacy while remaining relevant to modern listeners.
Album Details and Track Information
The tracklist includes standout songs that preview the album’s thematic scope. The earlier release of “Sun Shine” as an advance single offered fans a glimpse of Manilow’s updated sound, while “Another Life – 2026” presents a reimagined version of his 1992 single of the same name. “Once Before I Go,” written by Peter Allen and Dean Pitchford, serves as the album’s opening track.
| Album Detail | Information |
| Official Title | What A Time |
| Release Date | June 5, 2026 |
| Label | Stiletto Entertainment |
| Track Count | 13 songs |
| Producer Credits | Barry Manilow, Michael Lloyd |
| Format | CD, streaming, digital download |
| Physical Price (US) | $14.98 |
| Album Type | 33rd studio album, nearly all-original material |
The album’s themes and composition remain anchored in Manilow’s core strengths: sophisticated melodies, emotional directness, and polished production. The presence of Babyface on certain tracks suggests potential in the contemporary R&B and soul sphere, while Dave Cobb’s involvement may introduce more organic, live-instrument textures than Manilow’s recent studio efforts.
“This project is the culmination of years of creative development and reflection. I am excited to present material that connects my roots in classic songwriting with contemporary production and collaboration.”
— Barry Manilow, from official album announcement, March 2026
What This Album Means for Manilow’s Career Legacy
Manilow’s decision to return to the studio for “What A Time” sends a clear message about his artistic direction in his later career. Rather than rest on his catalog of classics, he embraces the creative challenge of original material. This approach echoes a broader trend in contemporary pop music, where established artists like veteran acts returning with major new albums after extended absences often reignite fan interest and cultural conversations.
The album’s pre-release momentum has been substantial, with “Another Life – 2026” receiving significant airplay and streaming activity. The reimagined version of his 1992 single demonstrates how Manilow can refresh older material while respecting its original essence—a skill that may predict the album’s overall approach to balancing nostalgia with innovation. For longtime fans, “What A Time” represents validation that Manilow’s artistic voice remains vital and relevant nearly 50 years into his career.
Where to Listen and Pre-Order
“What A Time” is available for pre-order on multiple platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and Manilow’s official website shop. The album ships on June 5 for physical CD purchases, while digital downloads and streaming services will make it immediately available on the release date. Manilow’s official website also features exclusive merchandise and pre-order bundles for fans seeking limited-edition items alongside the album.
For those interested in similar contemporary releases from iconic artists refreshing their catalogs, the broader entertainment landscape continues to provide compelling content. Notable upcoming releases and tours include concurrent entertainment events happening in early June, making this period particularly rich for music fans seeking both legacy artists and emerging talent.
What Can Fans Expect from This Album?
Based on advance previews and producer credits, “What A Time” should deliver a mature reflection on Manilow’s artistic journey. The album likely balances his trademark orchestral arrangements with modern production touches introduced by Babyface and Dave Cobb. Themes of reflection, resilience, and emotional authenticity—staples of Manilow’s songwriting—should prevail throughout the 13 tracks.
The involvement of multiple producers suggests sonic variety rather than uniformity. Fans should anticipate a diverse listening experience that showcases different facets of Manilow’s artistry without abandoning his core identity as one of pop music’s greatest melodists and emotional communicators. For casual listeners, the album offers an accessible entry point into Manilow’s contemporary work; for devoted fans, it represents the most significant studio project in their favorite artist’s output for more than a decade.
Sources
- Official Barry Manilow Website — Album announcement and production details, March 2026
- Billboard Magazine — Album announcement coverage and industry analysis, March 2026
- Apple Music — Album pre-order page and track information
- Genius.com — Tracklist details and songwriter credits
- Wikipedia — Barry Manilow discography and career statistics
- Rock Cellar Magazine — Album preview and context
