Barry Manilow, Looks Like We Made It | Throwback Vibez

In the 24^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Looks Like We Made It” by legendary pop singer-songwriter Barry Manilow.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 24^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Looks Like We Made It” performed by Barry Manilow.

 

During his heyday, was it possible for Barry Manilow (b. 1943) to record a bad song – a true dud? It sure doesn’t seem like Manilow and the word dud can coexist.  One of the most successful pop artists EVER, Barry was a walking hit.  He scored another one with “Looks Like We Made It”. “Looks Like We Made It” is the eighth track from his 1976 album, This One’s For You. It marked his third and final number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  Furthermore, the single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Richard Kerr (1944 – 2023) and Will Jennings (1944 – 2024) composed it, while Manilow and Ron Dante (b. 1945) produced it.

“Looks Like We Made It” begins with warm piano and horns, which sets the tone.  Speaking of tone, Barry Manilow sure has a beautiful vocal tone! Expectedly, he delivers an authentic, expressive, and gorgeous performance. “There you are / Looking just the same as you did last time I touched you,” Manilow sings in the first verse, and continues, “And here I am / Close to getting tangled up inside the thought of you.” Ooh-la-la! Love remains the modus operandi in the second verse, where Barry asserts, “And we’re the fools / Standing close enough to touch those burning memories.” As the song progresses, the backdrop fills out, including guitar, strings, and other sophisticated orchestral touches. The chorus is the crowning achievement, where Barry gives his all.

“Looks like we made it
Left each other on the way to another love
Looks like we made it
Or I thought so ‘til today
Until you were there, everywhere
And all I could taste was love the way we made it.”

Closer to the end of the record, the accompaniment intensifies before a timely modulation. The lush strings soar during the final moments of the song.  It’s hard to top Manilow gems like “Mandy”, “I Write The Songs”, and later, “Copacabana (At the Copa)”, but “Looks Like We Made It” marks another unforgettable classic. Barry Manilow had the formula down pat, period – consistent to the nth degree.

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Barry Manilow » This One’s For You » Arista Records LLC » 1976

Barry Manilow, Looks Like We Made It: Throwback Vibez No. 24 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista Records LLC; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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