If he finds the right vision and the right collaborators, something great can still happen. Here are some recent comebacks by other artists who were big in the '70s and then declined.
Barry Manilow: In 2006, Manilow released The Greatest Songs of the Fifties, covering several songs that were popular in his youth. It was his first #1 album since 1977. He went on to do subsequent albums of songs from the '60s (which hit #2), '70s (which hit #4), and '80s.
Jimmy Buffett: In 2004, a year after "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," his hit duet with Alan Jackson, Buffett released License to Chill. The album featured duets with several popular country artists. It became the first #1 album of his career. His next album was #4 (#1 country), and his latest was #17 (#1 independent). I saw him in concert last week, and he's just as good as ever.
Elton John: In 2010, Elton released The Union, a collaboration with Leon Russell. Personally I don't like that he departed from his regular collaborator Bernie Taupin and his regular band members, and I think the songs are poor. However, it was #3 on the charts, his highest-charting album since 1976. Also he just announced his new Vegas show "Million Dollar Piano."
Neil Diamond: In 2005, Diamond teamed up with Rick Rubin to create 12 Songs. He wrote all the songs and played guitar on all tracks, something he hadn't done in quite a while. The album hit #4 on the charts, and probably would have sold better if not for the Sony XCP controversy. His 2008 followup Home Before Dark, also produced by Rubin, became the first #1 album of his career.
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