“Cloudburst” is an epic, cinematic ballad recorded and released by American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow in 1978. The track appeared on his album “Even Now”.

• “Cloudburst” was written and composed by Barry Manilow himself, along with collaborators Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman.
• The song features a sweeping, orchestral arrangement with lush strings, dramatic piano, and thunderous percussion, creating a grand, theatrical soundscape.
• Lyrically, “Cloudburst” tells a vivid, metaphorical story of a brewing storm and impending change, with the “cloudburst” serving as a symbol for the arrival of new challenges or opportunities.
• Manilow’s emotive, powerful vocals drive the song, as he conveys a sense of tension, anticipation, and resilience through his performance.
• The lyrics use evocative, poetic imagery to paint a cinematic picture, with references to lightning, thunder, and weathering the “storm” of life.
• The track builds in intensity, with the orchestral accompaniment swelling and the vocals becoming more impassioned as the song progresses.
• “Cloudburst” features a dramatic, climactic conclusion where Manilow’s vocals soar over the thunderous instrumentation, creating a cathartic, almost operatic effect.
• The song was released as a single and became a top 20 hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, showcasing Manilow’s ability to craft grand, theatrical ballads.
• “Cloudburst” is considered one of Manilow’s most ambitious and musically sophisticated compositions, demonstrating his skills as an arranger and producer as well as a songwriter.
• The track has become a concert staple for Manilow, where its sweeping, cinematic qualities make it a powerful, show-stopping moment in his live performances.
• Critics have praised “Cloudburst” as an example of Manilow’s talent for blending pop, Broadway, and classical influences into a dramatic, emotionally resonant song.
• The track is widely regarded as one of the highlights of Manilow’s catalog, a standout that exemplifies his gift for crafting epic, grandiose ballads.