Today, Barry Manilow releases “Another Life – 2026,” a new version of a 1992 album track. It’s the final preview from his forthcoming album What a Time, his first collection of nearly all-original material in almost 15 years. The album is due June 5.
Co-written by Andrew Hill and Preston Sturges, “Another Life – 2026” explores the distance between former lovers, as one struggles to come to terms with the relationship’s end. Arranged by Manilow and longtime collaborator Michael Lloyd, the new 2026 recording retains the song’s wistful core while deepening its sense of nostalgia. Manilow was in his late 40s when he first recorded the song. He’s now in his 80s and has had to confront a serious health challenge. That gives the song added meaning.
Manilow first recorded the song for his 1992 box set The Complete Collection and Then Some… The song wasn’t officially released as a single, but as an album track, it reached No. 33 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.
The new single follows Manilow’s first public appearance since undergoing surgery for lung cancer. On April 23, Manilow appeared at the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Fame gala in New York City to accept the President’s Award, recognizing his iconic work in advertising before he launched his recording career.
What a Time is Manilow’s 33rd studio album and his first almost all-original LP since 2011’s 15 Minutes, which debuted and peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. “Once Before I Go,” the lead single from What a Time, reached No. 25 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart in February. This is the sixth consecutive decade that Manilow has had multiple top 30 hits on that chart, a streak that began in November 1974 with “Mandy.” That classic ballad hit No. 1 on both Easy Listening (as the AC chart was then called) and the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to land a Grammy nod for record of the year.
Fun fact: In early 1976, Arista Records president Clive Davis, seeking to spotlight Manilow’s Grammy nomination, came up with the idea of hosting a Grammy party. The annual gala is still going strong and has long since become legendary.
Manilow’s new album brings together an eclectic and cross-generational group of collaborators, including 12-time Grammy winner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb, as well as Manilow’s longtime go-to co-writers Bruce Sussman and Adrienne Anderson.
After his recovery is complete, Manilow plans to tour throughout 2026. For all upcoming dates, visit Manilow’s website.
