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Our Top 10 The Manhattan Transfer Songs list will look at an award-winning group that formed in the late 60s. They do a cappella, swing, jazz, r&b and pop music. Like most groups, they have gone through member changes throughout the years. The group has sold over millions of records worldwide. The Manhattan Transfer is one of the most successful vocal jazz groups in music. The group has made history in jazz and pop music. They have won several awards in their illustrious career. The group has been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Their music has been featured in movies and television.
There were two versions of The Manhattan Transfer. The first version consisted of members Tim Hauser, Erin Dickins, Marty Nelson, Pat Rosalia and Gene Pistilli. The group didn’t work out so there was a second version. This group consisted of members Tim Hauser, Alan Paul, Janis Siegel and Laurel Masse. Laurel Masse had to leave the group after she was involved in a car accident. She was replaced by Cheryl Bentyne. The second version of the group proved to be the recipe they needed for success. Trist Curless joined the group as a permanent member when Tim Hauser passed away in 2014.
The first version of The Manhattan Transfer released one album together called Jukin’ in 1971. It was a cover of jazz, rock and country music. When their record label didn’t pick them up again, the group ended up breaking up in 1973. Tim Hauser was driving a cab and met the next members of his group. Alan Paul, Janis Siegel and Laurel Masse were appearing in Grease on Broadway when they met Tim Hauser. They decided to work together and formed the second version of The Manhattan Transfer.
They released their self-titled album in April 1975. The album peaked at number 33 on Billboard 200. The album features the singles “Tuxedo Junction,” “Candy,” “Gloria,” “Operator,” “Blue Champagne” and “Java Jive.” “Operator” and “Tuxedo Junction” were Top 40 hit singles. The album sold over 500,000 copies. Coming Out was released in August 1976. The album peaked at number 48 on Billboard 200. The album features the singles “Don’t Let Go,” “Chanson D’Amour,” “Scotch and Soda” and “Poinciana (The Song of the Tree).”
Pastiche was released in January 1978. The album peaked at number 66 on Billboard 200. The album features the singles “Four Brothers, “ “Love for Sale,” “On a Little Street in Singapore,” “In a Mellow Tone” and “Where Did Our Love Go.” The album sold over 500,000 copies. This is the last album to feature Laurel Masse. The Manhattan Transfer Live was released in April 1978. It wasn’t released in the United States until 2005. This album features live versions of their songs. This is one of their most successful albums. The album went platinum worldwide.
Extensions was released in October 1979. This is the first album that features Cheryl Bentyne. The album peaked at number 55 on Billboard 200. The album features the singles “Birdland,” “Wacky Dust, “ “Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone,” “Body and Soul” and “Trickle, Trickle.” The album received a Grammy award. Mecca for Moderns was released in June 1981. The album peaked at number 22 on Billboard 200 and number six on the jazz charts. This is one of their highest peaking albums. The album features the singles “The Boy from New York City.” “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket),” “A Nightengale Sang in Berkley Square” and “Spies in the Night.” The group won Grammy awards for this album.
Bodies and Souls was released in September 1983. The album peaked at number 52 on Billboard 200 and number 10 on the jazz charts. The album features the singles “Spice of Life,” “Mystery,” “American Pop,” “Solider of Fortune” and “Good Guy Love.” The group won a Grammy award. Bop Doo-Wopp was released in 1984. The album peaked at number 127 on Billboard 200 and number 11 on the jazz charts. The album features the singles “Baby Come Back to Me (The Morse Code of Love),” “Route 66,” “That’s The Way It Goes,” “The Duke of Dubuque” and “Heart’s Desire.” Vocalese was released in 1985. The album peaked at number 74 and number two on the jazz charts. The album features the singles “Airegin,” “Oh Yes, I Remember Clifford,” “Sing Joy Spring,” “Move” and “To You.” The Offbeat of Avenues was released in August 1991. The album peaked at number 179 on Billboard 200 and number two on the jazz charts. The album features the singles “What Goes Around Comes Around,” “Sassy,” “Women in Love,” “Gentleman with a Family” and “The Offbeat of Avenues.” The group went on to record several more albums throughout their career.
The Manhattan Transfer has been in the music industry for a long time. Despite the group changes, they were able to stick together. They may not have mainstream success, but they are known in the jazz genre. Our Top 10 The Manhattan Transfer Songs list will give you a look at some of their best songs. Which song do you think made it to number one on our list?
# 10 – What Goes Around Comes Around
The first song on our Top 10 The Manhattan Transfer Songs list is “What Goes Around Comes Around.” “What Goes Around Comes Around” is from The Offbeat of Avenues album. The song was released in 1991. The upbeat song pays homage to jazz in the 50s. Jazz and swing music was popular in the 50s. The Manhattan Transfer wanted to convey that feeling in this song. They talked about how people enjoyed the music and how they reacted to it. The group wanted to bring attention to jazz music for listeners who may have moved on to hip-hop and New Jack Swing music. In the 90s, hip-hop music and New Jack Swing dominated the charts. This could have been rough for The Manhattan Transfer because they didn’t sing that type of music.
The song starts off slowly and then surprises you by turning into an upbeat and funky song. This song was proof that they were able to make the transition from 70s music to 90s music. The song sounds just as good as their earlier songs. The music will have you out of your seat and on the dance floor. The music has an old school vibe to it. It’s hard to believe it was recorded in the 90s. The group sounds soulful in this track. They are able to keep up with each other without missing a beat. Their harmonies are flawless. Their voices are stacked which makes them sound as if they are a larger group than they are.
# 9 – Operator
The next song on our Top 10 The Manhattan Transfer Songs list is “Operator.” “Operator” is from the self-titled album. The song was released in 1975. The touching song is about a person who wants to reach out to someone in heaven. They want to talk to Jesus on the phone. The person can’t get through and doesn’t understand why. The number worked when their mother used it so they wonder why it isn’t working now. They are desperate to get in touch with their friend. They are willing to pay any amount just to speak to their friend. They are speaking from the heart and want to be able to get in touch with their friend.
If you have lost someone you love, this song will mean a lot to you. You would do anything to be able to speak to your friend one more time. This is a soul stirring song that will touch your heart. The song will give you hope that you can still talk to your friend even if he or she is no longer with you. The theme of the song is universal because it can be about anyone you lost. This song is a mix of jazz and gospel music. Janis Siegel has an amazing range in this song. She sings the song with a lot of passion and soul. Her delivery is excellent. She takes everyone to church with her powerful vocals. The rest of the group sound great supporting her in the background. The music is excellent. The sax solo by Michael Brecker is worth checking out. His talent on the saxophone is impressive. This song will make you feel as if you are in church.
# 8 – Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone
The eighth song on our Top 10 The Manhattan Transfer Songs list is “Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone.” “Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone” is from the Extensions album. The unique song is a tribute to the Twilight Zone. The group liked the show and wanted to pay homage to it. The song tells a story about being in the twilight zone. Strange things happen to you without a reason. The narrator talks about a girl who sees the future through her third eye. No one believes her so they start teasing her about it. They test her until strange things start happening. The nonbelievers start hearing a melody in their heads. They see a sign that warns them that they are going into an unknown zone. The song also talks about a man named Mr. Miller who is taking a strange trip. He keeps hearing a sound in his head while he is traveling on a plane. He arrives at an unknown location and plays the trombone.
If you are a fan of odd stories, this is your cup of tea. The group describes two stories that will keep you hooked to the song. They created stories that would appear on the Twilight Zone. If you are familiar with the show, you know strange things happen to the characters. This song is on par with the show. The song starts off with the theme from the show before transitioning into a disco jam. This song gave the group a chance to do something different and fun. They record jazz songs, but this song gave them a chance to do a disco song. This is a song that you can hear in a dance club instead of a jazz club. The Manhattan Transfer turned an unusual song about the twilight zone into a catchy song. It’s not everyday people sing songs with this theme. The music is so catchy that you can forget about the theme. Janis Siegel does a great job with her vocals. She sounds as if she is having fun in the song. She doesn’t hold any big notes or do any vocal tricks, but she does a great job. The music is infectious and will have you on the dance floor.
# 7 – Route 66
The seventh song on our list is “Route 66.” “Route 66” is from the Bop Doo-Wopp album. The song is featured on the soundtrack to the movie Sharky’s Machine. “Route 66” was released in 1984. The groovy song is about a person traveling to different places. The group suggests where they should travel. The Manhattan Transfer wants you to enjoy the sights while you are traveling on Route 66. They give shout outs to different cities and states. You might hear your state or city in the song. This isn’t the type of song to take seriously. This is a song you can listen to while you are traveling on the road.
The song has a 50s style to it. The piano playing is brilliant. Yaron Gershovsky does a magnificent job tickling the ivories. You will be mesmerized by his talented playing. The music is relaxing and soothing. If you are having a stressful day while listening to this song, the music will calm you down. The Manhattan Transfer all sing lead on this track. They harmonize well with each other. Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne sing the high notes while Tim Hauser and Alan Paul sing the low notes. Their voices blend well together to make the perfect sound. They are all allowed to shine vocally. They didn’t need any other instruments in the song because their voices are the instruments.
# 6 – Sassy
“Sassy” is from the Offbeat of Avenues album. “Sassy” was released in 1991. The catchy song tells the story about a woman named Sassy. This is a tribute to jazz music. “Sassy” is assumed to be a tribute to Sarah Vaughan. Sassy is a singer who mesmerizes people with her voice. She is called “sassy” because of her attitude. You may love her or hate her, but you can understand everything she has gone through. She is a woman who is dealing with a lot of pain, but she won’t admit it. Sassy is considered a diva with an attitude. Even though she is considered evil, she sounds like an angel when she sings. She knows what she wants and what it would take to get it. When she becomes famous, she will give up the life she is living.
Most of us aren’t singers so we wouldn’t be able to relate to Sassy’s life as a singer. We can relate to her personal story and the struggles she has been through. Sassy is a strong woman who wants to be taken seriously. She has an attitude when she needs it and she knows when to be vulnerable. The music is a fusion of jazz, funk and r&b. You will find yourself bopping your head to the music. The group sounds like they are at the top of their game. Janis Siegel takes the lead in the song. She sounds “sassy” while she is singing it. She also scats in the song. The group does a great job supporting her in the background. Their harmonies are smoking hot. They have been together for years, but they proved that they still have vocal magic.
# 5 – Mystery
The next song on our Top 10 The Manhattan Transfer Songs list is “Mystery.” “Mystery” is from the Bodies and Soul album. The song was released in 1983. The mellow song is about having faith in love and believing you can reunite with the person you lost. The song tells the story of a woman who goes down memory lane. While she is thinking about the past, she wonders if there is a way to have a happy ending. She decides to reach out to him to see if they can have another chance at love. The narrator talks about the mystery of love. She is hopeful that they can reunite and have the love that they once shared. She refuses to give up when she doubts they can be together.
She wants him to think about their past so they can get back together. Rod Temperton wrote a poignant song about lost love and wanting it back. He was a genius when it came to writing love songs. His lyrics make you think. The Manhattan Transfer did a wonderful job with this song. Janis Siegel put her heart and soul into her vocals. She starts the song off softly and then vocally explodes. She nails the vocals with her amazing talent. This is one of the tracks on our list that doesn’t feature the rest of the group in lead vocals. She was able to handle singing the song on her own. This song gives Janis Siegel a chance to show what she can do. It sounds like something that could have easily gone on a solo album. The music is perfect for the bedroom.
# 4 – Birdland
“Birdland” is from the Extensions album. “Birdland” was released in 1979. This song is an homage to the jazz club Birdland. The song tells the story about the club being gone, but you can still feel the rhythm and spirit of the place. In the song, they talk about different artists who played at the club. Some of the people they mention are Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Art Blakley, Julian “Cannonball” Adderley and Count Basie. Their performances helped make the club what it was during its heyday. This song shows the group’s appreciation for the love they have for jazz music. They talk about the way the music moved them.
The Manhattan Transfer paid tribute to people who took their careers seriously. They made the music come alive at the Birdland. The Manhattan Transfer wanted to bring awareness to the artists who made the Birdland what it was during its heyday. You shouldn’t judge the song by its title. It is an interesting song about a different time period. The Manhattan Transfer gave these artists their flowers through song. They showed they could sing more than just love songs. This is a song that isn’t meant to be listened to for depth and meaning. It is their way of paying respect to the people who came before them. All the members of the group get a chance to sing lead on the song. They all sing in time with each other. No one misses a beat. The song was originally written without lyrics. The Manhattan Transfer added lyrics to the song.
# 3 – Until I Met You (Corner Pocket)
Coming in at number three on our list is “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket).” “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket)” is from the Mecca for Moderns album. The song was released in 1981. The adoring song is about the narrator remembering how life was before and after falling in love. The story is about a person who was lonely and didn’t think love would happen until one day something changed. The right person came along, and everything changed. Mr. and Miss Right appeared to the narrator and they couldn’t be happier. They did everything right for them and they never looked back. Their lives are better because they know what it feels like to be in love. They talk about how love took them by surprise because they never felt that way before. They go through different emotions now that they’ve found the ones for them. This song is told from both points of view. The female and male narrators talk about the people who made their lives better.
The lyrics for this song are hopeful and optimistic. The lyrics will give anyone hope that they will find love. If you are in doubt about whether you will find love, you should listen to this track. The narrators didn’t think it would happen and love appeared out of nowhere. The music for this song is amazing and is like food for your soul. The music will lift your spirits and put you in a calm place. The music isn’t too loud or too soft so you can enjoy it without any issues. The Manhattan Transfer sing this song together. The women sing together, and the guys sing together. They all get a chance to have solo parts in the song. They all do an amazing job with their vocals. They can teach lessons on how to sing this type of music.
# 2 – Spice of Life
“Spice of Life” is from the Bodies and Souls album. The song was released in 1983. The joyful song is about the excitement of experiencing a night of fun and romance. They want listeners to let go of the frustrations of the day and live life to the fullest. They want everyone to make memories instead of dealing with the stress of their daily lives. The point of the song is about having fun and taking risks in life. The group wants you to make memories and not live with regret. You should let passion lead the way and enjoy yourself. It is reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” single. It makes sense that the themes are similar because Rod Temperton wrote both songs.
The lyrics stress that you should have fun in life. Songs about romance aren’t the only ones that make you think. Rod Temperton wrote a track that will encourage you not to let your life pass you by. You should live your life to the fullest. This song is perfect for people who never get the chance to enjoy their lives for one reason or another. The song infuses r&b and jazz music. The melody sounds similar to Michael Jackson’s “Baby Be Mine.” The music will stay in your head. You can forget that you are listening to a jazz song. It sounds like something that could have been on r&b radio. Here is a fun fact. Stevie Wonder is playing the harmonica. Janis Siegel sings most of the song. Her lead vocals are spot on. She will have you wanting to sing along with her. This song gives her the chance to have fun and let loose.
# 1 – The Boy From New York City
The number one song on our Top 10 The Manhattan Transfer Songs list is “The Boy from New York City.” “The Boy from New York City” is from the Mecca for Moderns album. The song was released in 1981. The song tells the story of a girl who met a boy from New York City. She is attracted to him. She talks about his height, fashion sense, and money. She is excited to get to know him. The narrator loves the way he walks, talks and dances. She admires the way he looks at women and how he sweeps them off their feet. The song is about love at first sight. She adored him from afar and wants to get to know him better.
This song will encourage you to take a chance on love. It is not easy to approach people and tell them how you feel about them. The narrator enjoys adoring the man she loves from afar, but she wants to take a chance and make him her man. The music has a doo wop feel to it. It sounds like something from the 50s. You could easily forget that this song was done in the 80s. Janis Siegel takes the lead in this song. This song showcases the power in her voice. She sings the song in a higher key. She belts throughout the song. The group does a magnificent job supporting her in the background. Their harmonies are flawless. The group sounds energetic in the song. This song is one of their biggest hit singles and it is easy to see why. The song is enjoyable from beginning to end. You don’t have to be a fan of jazz music to appreciate the song.
Top 10 Songs From The Manhattan Transfer article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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