I Write the Songs

[5] The original version was recorded by Captain & Tennille, who worked with Johnston in the early 1970s with the Beach Boys.

The first release of "I Write the Songs" as a single was by teen idol David Cassidy from his 1975 solo album The Higher They Climb, produced by Johnston.

Cassidy's version reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart in August of that year.

Cash Box said of Manilow's version "Good work Barry" describing the song as "melodic, ballad-like beginning grows into an operatic crescendo, all done in clear production that all age groups will appreciate.

"[8] Record World called it "an uplifting production number" and "perhaps [Manilow's] strongest offering since 'Mandy.'"