Manfred Mann Albums Ranked

Manfred Mann was an English rock band, formed in London and lasting from 1962 to 1969. The group was named after their keyboardist Manfred Mann, who later led the successful 1970s group Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. The band had two different lead vocalists, Paul Jones from 1962 to 1966, and Mike d’Abo from 1966 to 1969. The group was regularly in the UK charts in the 1960s. Three of the band’s most successful singles, “Do Wah Diddy Diddy”, “Pretty Flamingo” and “Mighty Quinn”, topped the UK Singles Chart. Their 1964 hit “5-4-3-2-1” was the theme tune for the ITV pop music show Ready Steady Go!. They were the first southern-England-based group to top the US Billboard Hot 100 during the British invasion. Here are all of Manfred Mann albums ranked.

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10. As Is (1966)

“If you are delving into Manfred’s 1960’s catalog, this album should not be overlooked. There were two covers for the album, but this one uses the cluttered photo of the band rather than the artistic “Gothic column” version. Unfortunately, the in-joke title of the album (EMI released a counter EP of older tracks called “As Was”!) probably turned many buyers away. “As Is” is as it is: another great album by Manfred Mann.”

9. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (1972)

“Released at a time when the hip thing was to sing about moving to the country (Elton John’s Honky Cat), this was a clearly satirical send-up of the hippie back to nature ethos like The Who’s “Going Mobile”. Air conditioned gypsies for sure, Manfred Mann never took themselves too seriously, but they did take their music seriously and if you want to hear quite possibly the best of British early 70’s progressive rock, and just a brilliantly conceived and executed rock album, this the Manfred Mann’s Earth Band album to start with. MMEB never repeated themselves so uniquely or brilliantly on any of their fine subsequent records, and this Cohesion digital remaster captures the sound of the recordings clearly and brilliantly. “

8. Mighty Garvey! (1968)

“”Mighty Garvey” is probably their most consistent with fine original material from Hugg and dÀbo, and apart from the “comedy” tracks “Happy Families” they stay away from their tendency to put in a couply of jazz-tunes. Though “Happy Families” hardly are meant to be taken seriously, the opener sets a fine free-and-easy mood for the album.”

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7. The Five Faces Of Manfred Mann (1964)

“This, the band’s debut album shows what they were originally about, and it stands as one of the early classic r&b albums by a British band. Their brand of blues was rather more measured than the Stones, Yardbirds, Animals, etc. They went more for finesse than frenzy. ‘Smokestack Lightning’ is a good example.”

6. Nightingales And Bombers (1975)

“The opening track of this album is a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s Spirits in the Night. Unfortunately (for me), I am not much of a Springsteen fan so even the progged up version did little for me although it is not bad. The other cover is Joan Armatrading’s Visionary Mountains. This piece on the other hand is excellent, with wonderfully spacey and moody textures.”

5. Chance (1980)

“”Stranded in Iowa”, what a great track. one you’ll never forget..” Lies through the 80’s”. just as poignant today as it was then. “For You” a true classic. I came for you., MM’s unbelievable key boards, great guitar riffs, and those great lyrics. So many great songs on this album. Another album with Chris Thompson leading the way with those compelling vocals. Just a great album from beginning to end.”

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4. Angel Station (1979)

“The other day, I experienced Manfred Mann’s Earth Band live and was swept away by the outstanding, timeless quality of this music. Angel Station with classics such as Don’t Kill It Carol and You Angel You are simply a must for any lover of English rock music. Easy to recommend.”

3. Watch (1978)

“This is a great album. ALL of the tracks are excellent. It is solid all the way through and has some great synth work. Furthermore, it was recorded back before you could just press a button to get a synth sound. The bass playing is excellent. This is a must own for any bass player. There are also harmony guitar passages and the overall musicianship is far above anything being produced now.”

2. Solar Fire (1973)

“Solar Fire is one fine rock album with bits of progressive rock elements to make the experience even better. The title song is about as catchy and exciting as anything you’ve heard from the 70’s, not to mention quite melodic and the kind of song that would be appropriate at dance parties or whatever. Dancin’ with the ladies! “Father of Day, Father of Night” is VERY interesting how I originally thought the verse melody was clumsily-written and completely awful, but suddenly, it grew on me a LOT just a couple hours later when I played it again! Funny how that happens.”

1. The Roaring Silence (1976)

” This album was the first album since Solar Fire that really put Manfred Mann’s Earthband on the radar and on the radio. Blinded By the Light, and subsequently Spirits In The Night both would literally consume the airwaves along with many other popular bands of the time. Rumors by Fleetwood Mac, Out Of The Blue by ELO all would hit the airwaves at pretty much the same time. While groups like Boston & Heart were all taking their score of hits as well. “