| 15 Minutes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by Barry Manilow | ||||
| Released | 14 June 2011 | |||
| Recorded | 2011 | |||
| Genre | Easy Listening, Pop | |||
| Label | Stiletto Entertainment | |||
| Producer | Michael Lloyd | |||
| Barry Manilow chronology | ||||
|
||||
15 Minutes is the latest album by Barry Manilow which was released on June 14, 2011.
Contents |
The album debuted on the Billboard 200 album chart at #7. It also debuted on the English top 40 at #20. In Canada, the album charted at #36 on the Canadian Albums Chart.[1]
The album tells the story of a fictional singer/musician who dreams of fame (15 Minutes), works to achieve fame (Work the Room), and realizes his dream and shares the news of his success with his partner (Bring on Tomorrow). The main character then experiences the euphoria of realized dreams (Now it's For Real), and begins to enjoy a more indulgent lifestyle (Wine Song). The album goes on to explore fame from the outsider's viewpoint (He's a Star).
In the middle section of the album, the main character begins to experience the downside of fame. He first deals with his partner's withdrawal from his parties and celebrations (Written in Stone). He becomes demanding and delusional, while remembering a letter received from a young lady who is equally delusional (Letter from a Fan/So Heavy, So High). Strained emotionally to the breaking point, he laments his solitude (Everybody's Leaving), then lashes out at his aides (Who Needs You).
The point of view changes from internal to external, once again, as Manilow comments on the price of fame and the ferocity with which the press seems to latch on to a story of a star gone bad (Winner Go Down).
Toward the end of the album, the main character has been abandoned, and realizes that his career is ruined (Slept Through the End of the World). After some time to think (Reflection), he gives himself a pep talk (Trainwreck), and begins to put the pieces back together. He realizes he can continue to perform (15 Minutes -- Reprise). The album's final track is an anthem to optimism (Everything's Gonna Be Alright).