About this album

Sound: "A sultry blend of orchestral soul and Barry White's unmistakable deep baritone creates a lush romantic atmosphere."

Where they were

Released in January 1989, 'The Man Is Back!' marked Barry White's return to the music scene after a brief hiatus. At this point, he was reestablishing himself following his commercial peak in the 1970s and early 80s, when hits like 'You're the First, The Last, My Everything' defined his career.

Why it matters

'The Man Is Back!' received positive critical reception and showcased White's enduring appeal as a soul artist, leading to chart success. It helped revive interest in his music during a period when new artists were emerging in R&B and hip-hop genres.

Essential tracks

  • "Responsible" — This track opens the album with a confident declaration of maturity, showcasing White's signature vocal style and lyrical themes of love and accountability.
  • "I Wanna Do It Good to Ya" — A quintessential Barry White ballad, this song highlights his romantic ethos and lush production, making it a perfect representation of the album's overall vibe.
  • "When Will I See You Again" — This poignant cover resonates deeply with listeners through its emotional delivery and orchestration, exemplifying White's ability to reinterpret classic songs with fresh passion.
  • "Don’t Let Go" — A standout track that combines smooth melodies with heartfelt lyrics about love's tenacity, demonstrating White's talent for creating timeless romantic anthems.

Release Date

January 1, 1989

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Responsible 4:41
  2. 2 Super Lover 4:53
  3. 3 L.A. My Kinda Place 4:51
  4. 4 Follow That and See (Where It Leads Y’all) 5:06
  5. 5 When Will I See You Again 5:52
  6. 6 I Wanna Do It Good to Ya 6:00
  7. 7 It’s Getting Harder All the Time 5:10
  8. 8 Don’t Let Go 9:10
  9. 9 Loves Interlude / Goodnight My Love 7:45