Manna

by Bread

Overview

Bread's third album, Manna, isn't so much a step forward as it is a consolidation of strengths, as the group sharpens their skills and carves out their own identities. It's clear that the rift between David Gates and Robb Royer and James Griffin is beginning to take shape, as the album is evenly divided between Gates tunes and Royer/Griffin compositions. This benefits the album, since it spurs each member to greater heights, and they even tend to sequence the record in ways that support that sentiment -- Gates' "Let Your Love Go," complete with its rockin' harpsichords, is followed by the hard-driving verses of "Take Comfort," which, admittedly, is tempered by a dreamy chorus. And while some of the rougher edges present on Bread or On the Waters are sanded down slightly, they're still there, providing good contrast to such soft pop landmarks as "If." Yet, this is a record that is laid-back and even tempered, which isn't a bad thing -- it results in a fine listen, especially since the group's songwriting remains at the high standard instituted on that first Bread album. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	11/12/2021
Label:	Wounded Bird
UPC:	0664140604223
Rank:	32685

Tracks

1. Let Your Love Go
2. Take Comfort
3. Too Much Love
4. If
5. Be Kind to Me
6. He's a Good Lad
7. She Was My Lady
8. Live in Your Love
9. What a Change
10. I Say Again
11. Come Again
12. Truckin'
13. Hooked on You
14. She's the Only One
15. Lost Without Your Love
16. Change of Heart
17. Belonging
18. Fly Away
19. Lay Your Money Down
20. The Chosen One
21. Today's the First Day
22. Hold Tight
23. Our Lady of Sorrow

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bread   Primary Artist
David Gates   Guitar,Violin,Vocals,Keyboards,Synthesizer,Guitar (Bass)
Robb Royer   Bass,Guitar,Keyboards
James Griffin   Piano,Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards
Mike Botts   Drums,Percussion

Technical Credits

Ken Perry   Remastering
Barry Alfonso   Liner Notes
David Gates   Arranger,Composer,Lyricist,Producer
Robb Royer   Composer,Producer,Group Member
Armin Steiner   Engineer
Robert L. Heimall   Cover Art Concept,Design,Photography,Art Direction
Bill Inglot   Remastering
Jac Holzman   Producer,Production Supervisor
James Griffin   Composer,Producer
Mike Botts   Group Member