Barry Manilow – 2:00 AM Paradise Cafe
2:00 AM Paradise Cafe” is a jazz-influenced ballad recorded and released by American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow in 1984. The song appeared on Manilow’s album “2:00 AM Paradise Café.”
The song was written and produced by Barry Manilow himself, showcasing his skills as a versatile composer and arranger.
“2:00 AM Paradise Cafe” features a lush, jazz-inflected musical arrangement with Manilow’s emotive lead vocals accompanied by piano, strings, and other jazz combo instrumentation.
Lyrically, the song paints a melancholic portrait of a late-night cafe, using the setting as a metaphor for loneliness and longing.
The track has a somber, reflective tone, with Manilow delivering a heartfelt, expressive vocal performance.
“2:00 AM Paradise Cafe” was not released as a single, but it was well-received by critics who praised Manilow’s artistic ambition and maturity on the track.
The song has become one of the most acclaimed and beloved songs in Manilow’s vast catalog, demonstrating his ability to craft sophisticated, jazz-tinged ballads.
“2:00 AM Paradise Cafe” is considered a highlight of the “2:00 AM Paradise Café” album, which found Manilow experimenting with more jazz-oriented, late-night sounds.
The song’s atmosphere and lyrical themes have resonated with many listeners, cementing its status as a classic example of Manilow’s skills as a songwriter and vocal stylist.