Released in 1983 as part of Barry Manilow’s album Here Comes the Night, “Some Kind of Friend” marked a bold shift in both tone and sound for the singer best known for his sweeping ballads and sentimental classics. This track dives headfirst into the world of synth-heavy pop-rock, laced with drama, edge, and a raw emotional punch. It’s a standout for fans who appreciate the edgier side of Manilow’s musical range — proof that he’s not just the balladeer of “Mandy” and “Even Now,” but also an artist willing to evolve and take risks.
“Some Kind of Friend” opens with a powerful keyboard hook and a driving beat that immediately sets a tone of urgency and tension. The production is distinctly ‘80s, with pulsing synthesizers, electronic drums, and a rock-tinged energy that sets it apart from his earlier catalog. From the very first line — “You left me crying in the dark…” — the listener is pulled into a story of betrayal and emotional whiplash.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of disillusionment. Manilow’s narrator is confronting someone who was supposed to be close — a friend, a confidant — but who instead became the source of pain. The chorus hits hard both lyrically and musically: “You call yourself my friend, well that must be some kind of friend.” There’s no sugar-coating here, just raw disappointment. It’s that sting of being blindsided by someone you trusted, and Manilow captures it with biting intensity.
Vocally, this is Manilow in full control, navigating between restraint and eruption. He doesn’t oversing, but there’s fire behind every line. As the song builds, his voice grows more powerful, matching the growing sense of emotional release. By the time he reaches the final chorus, there’s a cathartic sense of letting go — not just of the “friend,” but of the hurt they left behind.
What’s especially interesting about “Some Kind of Friend” is how it channels the pop-rock vibe of the early 1980s while staying true to Manilow’s gift for storytelling. There’s a narrative arc, a clear emotional progression, and a climax that hits hard. While it didn’t reach the same legendary status as some of his earlier ballads, the song did well on the Adult Contemporary charts and remains a favorite for fans who enjoy seeing Manilow step outside the expected.
In many ways, “Some Kind of Friend” is the ultimate breakup song — not about lovers, but about trust shattered between friends. It speaks to a different kind of heartbreak, one that’s just as painful and often more unexpected. And Manilow, with his signature theatrical flair, turns it into a gripping three-and-a-half-minute journey of revelation, confrontation, and emotional closure.
It’s bold. It’s sharp. It’s Barry Manilow, but with teeth.
