And I Love Her by Barry Manilow is a gentle, reverent rendition of one of the Beatles’ most beloved love songs. Originally written by Paul McCartney and released in 1964, the song stands as a minimalist masterpiece of romantic devotion. In covering this iconic track, Barry Manilow brings his signature warmth and vocal elegance, creating a new emotional lens through which to experience the timeless lyrics.
From the first notes, Manilow approaches the song with great care and respect. Rather than dramatically reimagining the arrangement, he stays faithful to its intimate structure while infusing it with the lush textures and orchestration that have become hallmarks of his style. Soft strings, delicate piano, and subtle background harmonies accompany his voice, allowing the sincerity of the lyrics to shine through with clarity and grace.
Manilow’s vocal delivery is nuanced—never overstated, never trying to outshine the original. He allows the quiet beauty of the song to breathe. There’s a kind of hushed reverence in his tone, as if he knows he’s singing something sacred. “A love like ours / Will never die / As long as I / Have you near me” takes on a slightly more mature, reflective tone in Manilow’s voice, suggesting the perspective of someone who has lived through love’s seasons and come to cherish its constancy even more.
Where the Beatles’ version, led by McCartney’s acoustic guitar and youthful tenderness, speaks of love in its early bloom, Manilow’s interpretation feels seasoned and soulful—more a meditation than a declaration. It’s as if he’s not just singing about love, but singing from within it. That interpretive shift adds a layer of emotional depth to the song, allowing listeners to connect with it from a different stage in life.
What’s particularly moving is how Manilow makes space in the arrangement. Each note and pause feels deliberate, as if he’s inviting the listener not just to hear the song, but to feel it. There’s no rush, no urgency—just a quiet celebration of love’s enduring presence.
Although Barry Manilow is primarily known for original hits like “Looks Like We Made It” or “Can’t Smile Without You,” his gift for interpreting classic songs is often underappreciated. And I Love Her is a shining example of his ability to take something familiar and render it freshly heartfelt. He doesn’t try to outdo the Beatles—he honors them by letting the emotion lead the way.
In the end, Manilow’s And I Love Her stands as a respectful tribute and a deeply personal performance. It reminds us that great love songs don’t need grand statements—they just need truth, tenderness, and a voice willing to carry them. Barry Manilow gives the song exactly that, and in doing so, he offers listeners a beautiful new reason to fall in love with it all over again.
