Barry Manilow’s Good News, featured on his 1982 album Here Comes the Night, is an uplifting and somewhat underappreciated track in his discography. In contrast to his signature heartache ballads or sweeping love songs, Good News stands out as a jubilant anthem of positivity, hope, and resilience. With its cheerful melody and affirming lyrics, the song offers listeners a refreshing message: even in the midst of uncertainty, joy and goodness are still possible—and worth holding onto.
From the very first bars, Good News feels different. It opens with a bright and bouncy rhythm, full of major chords and upbeat instrumentation. The arrangement, infused with horns, piano, and rhythmic percussion, recalls the feel-good energy of classic pop and show tunes. This is no coincidence—Manilow’s roots in musical theater and jazz standards inform the song’s breezy yet confident tone.
Lyrically, the song is a celebration of turning points. The narrator has clearly come through a difficult time, and Good News captures that emotional release when things finally begin to look up. “I got good news,” Manilow declares with a smile in his voice. The lyrics don’t dwell on past pain—instead, they focus on the moment of joy and the optimism that follows. The message is simple but powerful: happiness can return, and when it does, it deserves to be shared.
Manilow’s vocal performance matches the song’s message perfectly. There’s an unguarded sincerity in his tone, as if he’s not just singing a song, but genuinely celebrating a personal victory. His phrasing is buoyant and clear, echoing the jubilance of someone who’s received long-awaited news—whether it’s about love, healing, or simply a newfound peace.
While Good News isn’t one of Manilow’s most commercially successful singles, it plays an important emotional role in the album Here Comes the Night. The album itself carries a mix of moods, from romantic yearning to reflective sadness, and Good News acts like a beacon—a musical exhale that reminds listeners not to lose faith. It’s the kind of song that lifts the spirit without being saccharine, thanks to its authentic emotion and carefully crafted sound.
Thematically, Good News fits into a long tradition of Barry Manilow songs that aim to comfort, encourage, and connect. He has always been a master of sentiment, and this song is no exception. But instead of the vulnerability found in tracks like Even Now or All the Time, Good News showcases joy as its own form of emotional honesty. It’s a declaration that after every storm, a moment of light is worth singing about.
In today’s world—often heavy with headlines and uncertainty—Good News feels more relevant than ever. It reminds us that even the smallest moments of hope and happiness matter. And in true Manilow fashion, it delivers that reminder wrapped in a catchy melody, warm vocals, and a heart full of gratitude.
