The 10 Best Manfred Mann Songs of All-Time
Manfred was a pioneering English rock band created in 1962. The name Manfred Mann was derived from the keyboardist Manfred Mann. He later went on and formed the Manfred Mann’s Earth Band which worked as a group. The crew had two distinct periods of activity: 1963–1969, when they were active in the UK and achieved eight Top 40 hit singles in the UK, and 1972–1979, when they were based in the United States and had several US Top 40 hits, including three that reached the Top 10. Here are the 10 best Manfred Mann songs of all time:
10. Blinded By The Light
This song was originally written and recorded by Bruce Springsteen, but it was Manfred Mann’s version that took the world by storm. It was released in 1973 and reached the top of the charts in both the US and UK. According to Returnofrock, the song is an ode to rock ‘n’ roll and features some of Manfred Mann’s best keyboard work. The awards it has won: Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically, Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
9. Do Wah Diddy Diddy
This 1964 song was originally recorded by The Exciters, but it was Manfred Mann’s cover version that became a worldwide hit. According to Societyofrock, the song is about a man who is head-over-heels in love with a woman who doesn’t seem to reciprocate his feelings. However, he is still drawn to her and can’t help but sing her praises. The song was a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in both the US and UK. It has been covered by many artists over the years, but Manfred Mann’s version remains the most well-known.
8. The Mighty Quinn
This 1968 song was originally written and recorded by Bob Dylan, but it was Manfred Mann’s cover that made it a hit. The tune has a catchy, infectious hook and is downright fun to listen to. It’s one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and you can’t help but sing along. Plus, the use of the sitar in the instrumental break is a nice touch. This is one of Manfred Mann’s best songs, and it’s certainly one of the best covers of a Dylan song ever recorded.
7. Ha Ha Said The Clown
This 1967 tune was one of Manfred Mann’s first big hits in the UK, reaching number six on the charts. The tune is built around a catchy hook and features some great wordplay from lead singer Paul Jones. The song is said to be about the then-current craze for LSD, with the title being a play on words on the common phrase used by people under the influence of the drug (“I’m tripping, man”). The song was used in the soundtrack for the 2004 film “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”.
6. Come Tomorrow
This 1970 tune was the first single released from Manfred Mann’s second album, “Messin'”. The song is a cover of a Bob Dylan composition and features a great lead vocal performance from Paul Jones. The rest of the band is in top form as well, with Manfred Mann’s distinctive organ work driving the song forward. The song was a big hit in the UK, reaching the Top 10.
5. My Name Is Jack
This 1969 tune was the second single released by Manfred Mann and the first to feature lead vocals by Mike d’Abo. The song is about a young man’s descent into madness, with Jack eventually becoming a mass murderer. It was banned by the BBC due to its graphic lyrical content, but that only helped to make it more popular with fans.
4. Pretty Flamingo
Manfred Mann’s “Pretty Flamingo” is a 1966 pop song that was written by Mark Barkan and originally recorded by The Exciters. The song became a hit when Manfred Mann’s cover version was released in the United Kingdom, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. The song is about a young man who is smitten with a girl he sees on the street. He compares her to a beautiful flamingo and vows to make her his own. The lyrics are simple but effective, and the catchy melody is impossible to forget. “Pretty Flamingo” is a pop classic that remains popular to this day.
3. Spirits In The Night
“Spirits in the Night” is a song written by Bruce Springsteen and released on his 1973 album, “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” The song was recorded by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band in 1975 and became a hit single, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977. The song is about a young couple’s encounter with supernatural beings in the woods on a summer night. The woman is frightened by the experience, but the man is exhilarated and excited by it. The Manfred Mann version of the song features a distinctive saxophone solo by Chris Thompson. The song has been covered by several other artists, including Bruce Springsteen himself, who recorded a live version for his “Live/1975-85” album.
2. Just Like A Woman
Manfred Mann’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “Just Like A Woman” is one of the best interpretations of the song ever recorded. The arrangement is perfect, and the performance by Mann and his band is stellar. This is a must-have for any Manfred Mann fan. The song was originally released on the album “The Five Faces of Manfred Mann” in 1966. It was re-released as a single in 1968 and reached #28 on the UK charts.
1. You Are -I am
“You Are – I am” is a beautiful and haunting song from Manfred Mann’s album, The Roaring Silence. The lyrics are simple but profound, and the music is both ethereal and catchy. This is one of Mann’s best songs, and it is worth a listen. This song has beautiful lyrics and a haunting melody that can’t let you down. If you’re a fan of Manfred Mann, or if you’re just looking for a great song to listen to, “You Are – I am” is worth checking out.
Conclusion
Manfred Mann’s 10 best songs of all time are a testament to his incredible songwriting ability. Their songs have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by fans all over the world. This was able to attract more fans and followers to the band.
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