It Never Rains in Southern California - BARRY MANILOW

Among the few things one can count on in life: the taste of McDonald's cheeseburgers, "I Love Lucy" reruns are still funny—and Barry Manilow never wearing out his welcome at the top of the charts. His latest album, "The Hits of the Seventies," burst onto The Billboard 200 at No. 4: his 33rd charting album, 11th top 10 and 10th top 10 debut. While radio may be less indulgent than stalwart dedicated fans, launch single "It Never Rains in Southern California" (a No. 5 Billboard Hot 100 hit and No. 2 AC hit for Albert Hammond in 1972) is the ideal blend of Manilow's earnest signature meshed with a modicum of kitsch. The arrangement is true almost to the note, while the idol of millions adds his own touch with well-placed modulation at the peak, accompanied by a swirl of cotton candy strings. In all, exactly what one would expect: an elegant ride down familiar turf. —Chuck Taylor