"As Is" is the third British studio album by Manfred Mann, released on 21 October 1966 through Fontana Records. This album marked a significant change for the band, introducing new members Mike d'Abo and Klaus Voormann, making it their fourth release overall, including a greatest hits package.
The album features twelve tracks, including the group's first single with the new lineup—a shortened version of Bob Dylan's "Just Like a Woman," which reached the UK top ten. It also includes a cool jazz rendition of "Autumn Leaves," showcasing Mike Hugg's vibraphone and the double bass work of former bassist Dave Richmond, reminiscent of the Modern Jazz Quartet. The collection is balanced by several group compositions.
With d'Abo's arrival, Hugg was inspired to produce baroque pop pieces, contributing three songs to the album. D'Abo's tracks "Box Office Draw" and "Trouble and Tea" highlight well-crafted pop sensibilities, while "As Long as I Have Lovin'" leans towards a generic soul ballad. Hugg's "Morning After the Party," which also appeared as a B-side, evokes the rowdy rhythm and blues style of the band's earlier work. Additionally, two of Hugg's collaborations with Manfred Mann hint at the direction the group would take with Manfred Mann Chapter Three.
Guitarist Tom McGuinness adds various textures with his National Steel Guitar and provides gentle folk-ballad contributions. The band continued to experiment with studio multitracking, with keyboardist Mann layering Mellotrons and Voormann taking over flute duties from Mike Vickers.
