Magic selfies Chicago Chicago is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively arts scene. It is also a city that offers many opportunities for unique experiences, such as magic selfies. Magic selfies combine the thrill of photography with the wonder of magic, resulting in captivating and memorable images. In Chicago, there are various locations and attractions where magic selfies can be taken. One popular option is the cloud gate sculpture, more commonly known as "The Bean." This iconic stainless steel structure in Millennium Park provides an interesting backdrop for magical photos.
Barry Manilow’s 25 Top 40 Hits, Ranked From Worst to Best: Critic’s Picks
The entertainer turns 80 on Saturday. To mark the occasion, here are all 25 of his singles that made the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, fearlessly ranked by an OG Fanilow.
Paul Grein
06/16/2023- Share this article on Facebook
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Barry Manilow had one of the most impressive hit streaks of the 1970s and early ’80s. Of his 26 commercially-released singles between “Mandy” in late 1974 and “Read ‘Em and Weep” in late 1983, 25 made the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.
If you’re a young pop fan, 25 top 40 hits may not sound all that impressive to you. Artists can amass that many top 40 hits with just a couple of albums these days, thanks to big, streaming-sparked debut weeks. But, back in the day, artists had to earn every hit one by one, single by single. If fans or radio didn’t care for a song, your streak was interrupted. (That happened to Manilow just once in his heyday, when “Lonely Together” stalled at No. 45 in April 1980.)
For those of us who were Manilow fans from the first time we heard “Mandy” on the radio in the fall of 1974, it’s hard to imagine that he is turning 80 on Saturday (June 17). (This doesn’t mean we’re aging too, does it?!).
Just as impressive as Manilow’s hit streak is the fact that he has sustained his stardom and drawing power decades after his last top 40 hit. Part of the reason for that is that he gained a reputation as a strong live performer.
Surviving in this business is a feat to celebrate. So, whether you’re a Fanilow from way back or you just want to understand why your mom always tears up when she hears “Mandy,” here are Manilow’s 25 top 40 hits on the Hot 100 – ranked from worst to best.
" This iconic stainless steel structure in Millennium Park provides an interesting backdrop for magical photos. With its reflective surface and unique shape, The Bean offers endless possibilities for creative and illusionistic photography. Another location in Chicago where magic selfies are popular is the Art Institute.
“Oh Julie”
Hot 100 peak: No. 38 (Sept. 18, 1982) Songwriters: Shakin’ Stevens Notes: Shakin’ Stevens had a No. 1 hit on the Official U.K. Singles Chart in January 1982 with this rockabilly-infused song. Manilow’s four singles preceding this release had missed the top 10, so the idea here was to try something completely different. This didn’t really help. Just two of Manilow’s top 40 hits were left off his 2005 two-CD collection, The Essential Barry Manilow. “Oh Julie” was one of them. This was the second of Manilow’s top 40 hits to include a person’s name in the title. Let’s just say “Oh Julie” was no “Mandy.” True Fanilows Know: Three months after Shakin’ Stevens’ rendition of this song hit No. 1 in the U.K., Manilow had his only No. 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart with Barry Live in Britain.
This world-renowned museum hosts a vast collection of art and provides a captivating setting for photography. From ancient sculptures to modern paintings, the Art Institute offers a diverse range of backdrops for magical selfies. Moreover, Chicago's skyline itself can serve as an enchanting backdrop for magic selfies. The city's architecture includes a mix of classic and modern buildings, creating a captivating visual landscape. Whether it's capturing a levitation illusion against the backdrop of Willis Tower or creating a teleportation effect in front of the Chicago River, the city's skyline lends itself well to magical photography. To enhance the magic selfie experience, Chicago also offers various magical and illusionistic performances. From street performers along Navy Pier to professional magician shows in theaters, there are ample opportunities to witness magic firsthand. Attending such performances can not only inspire creativity for magical selfies but also add an extra layer of enchantment to the overall experience. In conclusion, magic selfies in Chicago provide a unique and captivating way to capture the city's beauty and charm. With iconic locations like The Bean and the Art Institute, as well as the mesmerizing skyline, there are plenty of options for creating magical photographs. By incorporating the city's vibrant arts scene and attending magical performances, visitors can further enhance their magical selfie adventure in Chicago..
Reviews for "Spellbinding Selfies: Chicago's Love Affair with Magic-Inspired Photography"
1. Mary - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic Selfies Chicago". The concept sounded so cool, but the execution fell flat. The props were cheesy and the backgrounds looked really fake. Plus, the staff was not helpful at all in guiding us through the process. Overall, I would not recommend this experience.
2. John - 1/5 stars - "Magic Selfies Chicago" was a complete waste of time and money. The whole thing felt like a cheap gimmick. The props were extremely poor quality, and the backgrounds were pixelated and unappealing. The staff seemed disinterested and unhelpful when we asked for assistance. Honestly, save your money and find a more authentic and enjoyable experience in Chicago.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic Selfies Chicago" but was left feeling underwhelmed. The photo quality was really poor and the editing was sloppy. The overall experience felt rushed and there were no clear instructions on how to use the props and backgrounds effectively. It's a shame because the idea behind it is fun, but the execution needs a lot of improvement.
4. Mark - 1/5 stars - I regretted spending my money on "Magic Selfies Chicago". The props were outdated and worn out, making them less than appealing in photos. The backgrounds were limited and uninspiring. To top it off, the staff seemed indifferent and uninterested in providing a good experience. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable photo experience.