Barry Manilow Could it Be Magic Reaction

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

1. There is an incredible amount of Chopin in this. I didn't realize it was going to be this much. Now that being said copying someone is the biggest compliment you can give to another person in music. 2. I like his clothes- Very flashy and really SCREAMS Confidence. 3. I love the buildup of the song. It starts off really soft and depressing but it builds and builds with a super nice flow.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

...

[@melodyszadkowski5256]

FINALLY someone who actually gets this song without coming out and saying it in a belittling way. Nice job.

[@gloriacolvard1486]

This song makes me cry.Its so beautiful

[@57andstillkicking]

Me too.

[@Triggerhippie70]

I grew up listening to Barry Manilow, but this is my absolute favorite Barry Manilow song. This is one of my favorite love songs of all time and I’m 53 years old. I’ve heard a lot of love songs! This song is absolute genius. By the way, thank you for reacting to this particular video and not the album cover or the lyrics this video makes it more impactful.

[@elcajon6313]

We love you Barry ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jondishmonmusicandstuff2753]

I was one of the lucky singers to backup sing for him when he did a stint in San -Franciso. I was in a choir and he did One Voice. My mom was seating people in the amphitheater and she was so proud of me.

[@elaine1413]

Whoa!!! That is truly awesome! Good job... 👍 👍 👍 👍

[@60sGirl123]

Harkens back to when people saved themselves for marriage, got married, stayed faithful, stayed married. That changed in the 60’s and 70’s. I watched this original presentation in the 1970’s as a young teen and was blown away and I still play this song on my piano.

[@robertasirgutz8397]

He got SWAG.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

Tons of swag

[@LauratheGreek]

I’m a lifelong Metalhead,& this one still gets me!

[@kimberlystankiewicz2529]

Barry Manilow is a master at song arranging. He is a master at everything.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

He seriously is. Since starting this youtube channel he's on my hot list of amazing musicians. His arrangements are amazing.

[@victoriajohnson5461]

A great dreamy song about Melissa.❤️

[@karensheline5183]

Barry started as Bette Midlers pianist, playing in bath houses in San Francisco’s gay district. He broke away….best decision EVER !!

[@suzy1843]

Great reaction and commentary. Beautiful beautiful song.

[@GS-xt8fu]

Live…long ago. Natural and no auto tune. Good job Mr Barry….singer, songwriter.

[@markforbus6794]

I could go to a concert just to hear him play.

[@Teeyah2]

Timeless....

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

see timeless for you but new for me.

[@Teeyah2]

​@@jaybrielakoi7747Absolutely!!😊

[@johnhisey3433]

This was such a powerful song. Barry Manilow is a great performer, Artist, and song writer. I thank him for all of the music that he gave us throughout the years. And Thank You Jaybriel for sharing your wonderful comments regarding this song!! Well Done!

[@danielmchale4383]

Barry manilow has a unique singing voice and this song explains it.

[@sandizee]

Yes, it was good that you watched the video performance because seeing him playing the piano, so brilliantly, really adds to the song. BUT, the studio version, at just over 6&1/2 minutes is really where you get the appreciation of the brilliance (and MAGIC) of the composition of this song. Plus in the studio version you get the real FORCE of the intended crescendo and it’s just fantastic. This is one of those rare songs that you really feel the raw electricity of emotions. An absolute fav of mine.

[@crystalthomashKC]

Barry Manilow still sounds as good today as he did back then. I saw him in concert in the 70s and again just a few years back. Fabulous.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

I think it's awesome that he's still at it.

[@crystalthomashKC]

@@jaybrielakoi7747 Totally agree.

[@angeladallimore8079]

Agree

[@jacquelineleubin5004]

FUN FACT: before Barry wrote this song, he was playing some Chopin, his favorite composer. Then he had a glass of wine and started writing and came up with that melody he thought sounded great until he noticed it was Chopin. He said maybe he had a bit too much wine, lol. But he kept it and it was a hit! That's the story to this song.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

Awesome story! Didn’t know that. Happy new year

[@amyk4413]

Another fun fact Barry was Bette Midler's pianist from 71 to 75

[@malcolmdrake6137]

It's just not a "true" story, but that's why we cover our asses with "funfact" nonsense.

[@gloriacolvard1486]

I loved your reaction

[@steve83333]

Really well done review of such a beautiful performance!

[@raymondrocha797]

If you've noticed, Barry sits high when he is playing the piano. Hey whatever works! He's still a badass!

[@scottyhotty1003]

Your best video beyond the shadow of a doubt.

[@christinerautenberg8463]

I always thought he sat up so high on the piano bench because he is tall. Very tall. Yes I love this vide and your reactions are great!

[@michellecasey5752]

Saw Barry Manilow in Denver about 5 years ago. He hadn’t been in the best of health. But, he is the consummate showman. He didn’t overreach what aging had done to his voice and body. He sang about 10 great tunes and kept in a safe register. Some older singers let their voices crack just fighting to get to that old place of glory. Barry carries about the craft over the style. I love him. And, his clothes.

[@carmodyrowing]

What a great live performance.....

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

I like his stage presence. Super confident and just in charge of the situation. He looks so comfortable and relaxed. I've never been to that point of confidence ever in my personal musical performances.

[@lclark6854]

@@jaybrielakoi7747 He is the most relaxed and confident performer I have ever seen live. He is still great at nearly 80.

[@jacquelineleubin5004]

What's great about Barry is that he gives credit to his friends who wrote the lyrics, even when he himself was involved with the lyrics. He co-wrote the lyrics with Adrienne , who was an ex-girlfriend of his, but they remained friends to this day. Barry is a very kind and loving soul. This song was also the first hit for a band called "Take That", from the UK. They did an up tempo out of it and Barry later took over the up tempo version of his song, because he loved it . If you watch him live from the early to mid 90's video, send the kids out of the room, lol. Barry is very naughty. I enjoy so much the fact how secure he became through the years. It helps me deal with my own insecurity and come out of my shell more. Yes, I am a Fanilow, and I am forever grateful to this man as he helped me through a lot and I love to share these stories about Barry just to let people know what a humble and kind man he is. Greetings from Switzerland and thank you for these reaction vids xx

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

Ya he seems like a legit nice guy. That’s why I like him

[@arielcalamity1106]

Copacobana by Barry Manillow

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

no reaction but that was my very first Barry Manilow song I listened to many moons ago.

[@davidnelson6874]

I hated this songs for a few weeks after first hearing it in 1975, but slowly fell madly in love with it. Still love it!

[@mercer402]

I can't believe you don't know Donna Summer!!! She is a music ICON, she is know as the Queen of Disco but has hits from the 70's to the 90's. Today there are so many younger people that have no knowledge of so many of the icons from the past! Knowing about the past helps you evolve for the future.

[@robertasirgutz8397]

He's a legend and a hitmaker!!! Was Bette Midler's accompiaist, when she was singing in gay bath houses in the 70s.

[@Perfect_Blend]

He said one day he was playing this Chopin piece and it just evolved into this song. Take That's version was more of a remix...awesome, upbeat version that Barry LOVED and put into his show.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

I bet that's how a lot of things evolve. They were just messing around with some classical and they realize it goes good with something. Love how he goes back to Chopin at the end.

[@williamforbes5985]

@@jaybrielakoi7747 Yes going back to Chopin at the end almost give me chills... love it

[@kenmaxson3216]

Very astute.

[@modder1975]

Listen the studio version also. Is definitely the best.

[@danielmchale4383]

The people playing the instruments and barry singing voice and back up singers are so extremely talented

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

They’re talented and Barry is def talented. I love his flair and flamboyance.

[@debshancock7793]

Wow. Never seen a live version of this. Very special. Thanks for reacting on this. Beautiful

[@johnhisey3433]

Excellent commentary about this powerfully fantastic song Jaybriel!

[@genewebb2837]

another song that samples classical music is eric carmen's NEVER GONNA FALL IN LOVE AGAIN. based on rachmaninoff's symphony no. 2 this song hit #11 on billboard top 100 singles chart june 1976

[@Julie-ev5js]

Just discovered you with this video--and subbed. The clothes comment had me laughing. I was 12 when this song came out, 1975. That was the fashion, building from the post-hippy look and moving toward disco fashion. And while a great performance, the album version was better. The crescendo built strongly and ended with a full climax in the album version. As for Chopin, Barry Manilow was a classically trained pianist and he included as much as he did on purpose, because he loved Chopin so much. And he got millions of people listening to it, too. This song was BIG.

[@scottyhotty1003]

Mixed review for you too. Liked that you really listened and seem knowledgeable however he didn't steal the song as there is no copyright for such an old song. He gives full inspirational credit for it on album and it was never a secret it was Chopin and not done on the sly. He added and built on the prelude and its music and wrote the lyrics which are so very moving. You should listen to the radio edit which is shorter but really clearer and better produced. Besides that you have a great personality and had me interested throughout. Best point again is you really observed, listened and did not interrupt the song. I personally think it's his best song. I will subscribe and check u out too see if you continue with good song picks and vids. Great job overall.

[@TheBlindTrucker]

If you liked this you should listen to more of Barry. He was one of the greatest artists of all time and wrote jingles that are used to this day including (Like a good neighbor statefarm is there)

[@michaelharrison8341]

Do you want to take a look sometimes it read them and weep from the album by Barry Manilow. It is a very good song as well. I do like the way you review songs and music. Keep up the good work.

[@patrickmurchison9145]

As good as this live performance is, I prefer the studio recording. He took the studio recording to even HIGHER HEIGHTS!!!

[@lamusiclover2264]

He wrote the song and built it around that Chopin Piece, which is the intro and the ending.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

Yeah, and is a good Chopin piece too.

[@rockabye274]

Very good reaction. You come across as a very genuine. I've been a BM fan my whole life.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

It kinda started werid for me. My first intro to him was copa cabana lol

[@martyemmons8692]

"Could It Be Magic", "Daybreak" and of course, "Copacabana" are three of my favorite Barry Manilow songs. Have made a reaction video for "Daybreak" yet?

[@melodymcdonald2140]

I'm really enjoying your reactions to this great older music & artists who are true musicians. Check out another version of this that's a mashup of Could it Be Magic/Mandy/Could it Be Magic (reprise) that has a huge ending. There a couple of good videos from concerts in the early 1980's. Also would like to see your reaction to If I Should Love Again. It's pure Big Barry Ballad with an amazing piano interlude.

[@genewebb2837]

this is not the first time barry has recorded this song. listen to featherbed's version which was done in 1971. this is indeed barry and the record was produced by tony orlando of tony orlando and dawn fame. since you know disco you have not heard of donna summer?? am sure you have heard her music but cant connect her as yet. biggest hits of hers is love to love you baby,. her version of could it be magic , i feel love, on the radio, bad girls, and dozens more. also barry manilows producer ron dante did a version of could it be magic under dante;s inferno. ron is the voice of the archies and produced barry's first 10 albums.

[@sarahfridge1121]

I want to collaborate with you HARMONY! It is brilliant!!!

[@Laura-rm6us]

I’ve said before, Barry gives no fucks about being anything but what he is. We all need Barry in our lives. 💗

[@starry2006]

I'm glad you liked the performance (I suggested it a while ago), only just found out you reviewed it. It's nice how he uses the classical work to bookend the song, it sets the mood and later brings it to some kind of close. A case of repeating words would also be ABBA's Money Money Money - there to suggest obsession.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

I don’t know why more musicians don’t use more classical themes. They’re great for a reason right.

[@starry2006]

@@jaybrielakoi7747 Maybe they don't know the themes, or aren't good enough to work them into whatever genre they do. Most musicians are largely influenced by whatever genre they compose in and aren't interested in or able to do mixing of styles.

[@deannebenkert6700]

Great reaction, you should react to his live performance of Mandy & Could it be Magic medley - it is awesome!,,

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

DRop the link and i"ll do it.

[@deannebenkert6700]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoKnhJ-LiKatorM here is the live for the live medley even though the link says Mandy live. By the way Manilow wrote the song , so others who sang Could it be Magic did covers. He transitions from one song to the other so seamlessly you may not even notice! His live performance better than the one you renacted too more emotion! He also performed this in Britain in Wembley stadium in front of 50,000 fans.

[@horstschafer1839]

Really like professional reactions. They are not that common nowadays.

[@Eowyn187]

Your editing is great. Specifically, the balance of your voice/volume and the vid's volume is perfect.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

I just make them both as loud as possible but thanks. lol

[@johnandrews3151]

Donna Summer was the undisputed Queen Of Disco in the late 70's and was the best selling female artist of that era. She had many #1 and top 10 hits. She made the transition to pop music after Disco became unpopular and continued to have top 10 hits but was not quite as successful as she was in the 70's. The only act that sold more Disco records than Donna in the 70's was the Bee Gees. No one else sold more records in that decade than the Bee Gees and no other female artist sold more records than Donna Summer in the 70's.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

I've heard of Donna Summers and that's about all I know about her. She's on the list of people I've heard of but know nothing about.

[@bsquared4604]

@@jaybrielakoi7747 oh, you must look into her work with Giorgio Moroder 75-81. That music is credited with influencing how synth and dance music sounded years ahead.

[@sarahfridge1121]

Somehow we have to make sure this is Jehovah's will!!!

[@robmorrison1043]

I'm just amazed that you don't know who Donna Summer is!

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

Ya know I get comments like this all the time. People can’t believe I don’t know so many people. But if you think about it….growing up in the 80/90s I didn’t really have a ton of access to music. Ya know I probably knows her most famous song if I heard it whatever it is. I usually know at least that Much.

[@randyjohnson8366]

Amazing song huh....

[@victor1978100]

There is another great song based on Chopin - Jane Birkin"s Jane B.

[@randyjohnson8366]

Powerful huh

[@natureslice3388]

Wow it's been a while since I listened to Barry manilow. Have you heard of Ben Howard?

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

I haven't heard of him but if he's famous enough I've heard his stuff and just don't know it.

[@sarahfridge1121]

No bad language allowed .

[@jasontaverner391]

I can see not knowing who "Take That" was, since they really never got much airplay in the US (they were a huge UK boy-band in the '90s), but to not know who *Donna Summers* is? Really?

[@abbeykroeter2352]

So strange to hear these reactions sometimes, and how disconnected some people can be. You went straight to “copying” thoughts after hearing just how much Chopin Barry “put in” to the song LOL…. just like when somebody actually COVERS somebody else’s song, or a radio station brings somebody’s song to you… that’s what Barry is doing here. He’s not “copying” because he’s expecting you to KNOW this is Chopin + him. Your comments sway things the wrong way for others to get It’s become so hip and trendy these days to look at anything slightly sad as “depressing” or “negative”, so gorgeous music that happens to have a sad feel is not given realistic recognition or understanding. Life has become so damned easy, so soft, that even the beautiful sounds of a sad song may be missed, or neglected enough so younger or less experienced people don’t learn some elements and ingredients to great music sometimes NEEDs all emotion possible. Maybe you know that but like many, use the same new age “no worries” expectations in today’s banter. Some won’t know what I’m talking about but it’s dangerous- expecting only positive things constantly…. when we know damned well that is not life. A huge part of how we became what we are is from the existence of things not always perfectly comfortable. “Yeah I know” you might say, but habit becomes expectations quite often, then followed by unrealistic behavior and misunderstanding. We already have too much misunderstanding in the world. The clothes- so what? If you noticed what year that took place, and how many, many entertainers dressed then, you’d realize that’s part of the show, not just reflecting the performer’s psychology.

[@KB1UIF]

How can you not have heard of Donna Summer? I understand. Take that !! Maybe you're biased towards Clasical music. Yes, you are younger. So I guess that's an excuse. But you should listen to some Donna Summer tracks. This song is a masterpiece, with a haunting melody and full of emotion. I never have enough of this song and listen to it often.

[@sarahfridge1121]

I think we could somehow witness to world but I don't know how ,do you??? Maybe gov. body knows

[@sarahfridge1121]

But we need permission of gov. Body I think.

[@michaelharrison8341]

Sorry that didn’t make much sense. Stupid Siri. Read them and weep is a good song by Barry Manilow.

[@thomasdematteo2281]

how many people have suggested Donna Summer ? "Last Dance" 4:56

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

mehh...not too much donna summers.

[@jhonpachecodonayre277]

please react to : Anthony white - Could it be magic . its awesome version !

[@THEPATRIOT1000]

Did you play the Donna Summer version of this?

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

No, should I do that one or is it super duper different?

[@THEPATRIOT1000]

Same melody...I just adore her

[@lamusiclover2264]

@@jaybrielakoi7747 It's different and great! Later, Barry did his own dance version years later. You should react to Donna Summer, she had the most beautiful and flexible voice of anyone. She could sing ANYTHING and did. Lost of live performances are online.

[@sarahfridge1121]

I know this is Jehovah's will somehow, do you???

[@sarahfridge1121]

One of Jehovah's Witnesses?

[@sarahfridge1121]

Do you think you are ready to be a true Christian?

[@melodyfair548]

We love you Barry❤❤❤

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

We do