Manfred Mann Greatest Hits

Back in the sixties, Manfred Mann had many hits in Britain although not many of them charted in America. Do wah diddy diddy (first recorded by the Exciters who only had a minor American hit with it) was a number one in both countries.

Their music was generally upbeat good-time music and could be described as a cross between R+B and mainstream pop. Given that, it may seem surprising that they covered several songs by folk-rocker Bob Dylan but the combination worked well and no doubt helped to build Dylan's reputation as a great songwriter. Manfred Mann took Mighty Quinn to the very top of the British charts and had other top ten UK hits with Dylan's songs, including If you gotta go go now and Just like a woman.

Of the other songs, Pretty flamingo was yet another British chart-topper and Oh no not my baby was originally an American hit for the under-appreciated Maxine Brown. Other songs that I particularly like include 54321, Come tomorrow, My name is Jack, Ha ha said the clown, Ragamuffin man and Fox on the run.

There are plenty of Manfred Mann compilations to choose from but this one has all the songs that matter from the sixties.


5-4-3-2-1   February 26, 2001
6 out of 8 found this review helpful

This CD starts off on the right foot with 54321, Pretty flamingo and Doo wah diddy diddy, probably the best MM songs. After that the occasional greats (IMHO)(Mighty Quinn, I put a spell on you, You gave me somebody to love) is injected attempting to make a classic album. Overall, a good album but definately not their best.