Greetings,
The Bee Gees happen to be one of my favorite groups of all time, though I know a stigma tends to be attached to them. As if I care. So, I have decided to do one of my Top Ten lists for you. Specifically, my Top Ten favorite Bee Gees albums. I know what some of you must be thinking and, to answer your question, yes, they did things other than Saturday Night Fever. Let me enlighten you all.
Before I officially begin, may I give honorable mention to Their Greatest Hits record from 2001. It might as well have been a new album since, in addition to their classics, they remade many of the songs they wrote for other artists. Amazing. Now let's get down to business.
#10. Odessa - This is one that is probably the most unknown to non-fans on this list. The music was pretty good, but I mostly like it because I like drama. The songs "Lamplight" and "First of May" remind us of the rivalry that erupted between Robin and Barry. Yes, they had a major falling out. What was all that drama about? What wasn't it about? Ego, women, money. All the usual stuff that makes groups fall apart. At least, they didn't stay apart. And by the way, I think "Lamplight" was a much better song than "First of May", so I guess . . . Team Robin?
#9. Children of the World - Here's where the disco thing began to creep in. I mean, they did have a song on here that included the word "Boogie". Nuff said. Plus, "You Should Be Dancing" was originally on this album. Hard to believe it wasn't written just for Saturday Night Fever. And don't even get me started on the song "Love So Right". It's so good I can't even get into it right now.
#8. Spirits Having Flown - This is what I call the last hurrah (so original!) This was the last successful album before everyone decided that, whether or not the Bee Gees actually sucked, they sucked. But with a song like "Too Much Heaven" on it, who cares what the fools of the world think. I am, however, still trying to figure out what "Love You Inside Out" means exactly. I have theories. And none of them are appropriate.
#7. Bee Gees 1st - There is always something special about the first album of a legendary group. No exception here. Even if it is actually their THIRD studio album. Must you toy with us, boys. Technically, though, it is the first of their albums to be released internationally, so, whatever. And we've got fantastic songs like "To Love Somebody", "Holiday", "New York Mining Disaster 1941", and one of my personal favorites, "In My Own Time". What else do we need?
#6. One - This was the first album they released after their younger brother Andy passed away. This is no more poignant than on the song "Wish You Were Here". It's a tearjerker. This album has some really strong songs, like "Bodyguard", "Ordinary Lives" and the title track. Also, on the edition I own, it also contains the song "You Win Again", which is another of my favorites. Still, aside from the technical aspect of the music, thinking of the emotions behind it has to make everyone give them a lot of credit. It is definitely one of the high points in their career.
#5. Idea - I include this one because it includes my favorite song "I Started a Joke". Not only my favorite Bee Gees' song, but my favorite song period. That one song is reason enough for me to put in on this list. Not the only reason, of course. I mean, I'm seriously digging that title track.
#4. This Is Where I Came In - As wonderful as this album is, it is now also bittersweet. This is the last album with Maurice, which ultimately makes it the last Bee Gees album ever. So, listen, enjoy, cry, but most of all, remember. I could go on and on about a lot of the songs here, like "Deja Vu", "Embrace", "Sacred Trust", but the one that really stands out is "Man In the Middle", which was sung by Maurice and has a title that describes what he has always been perfectly. Even he said so.
#3. Main Course - This is the album that changed everything. It was the first time we got the falsetto, which, of course, became their signature. Thanks, Arif Mardin. And I suppose thanks to Eric Clapton, too, since, rumor has it, he told them to do some work in Miami. They did, because if Eric Clapton tells you to do something you do it. Apparently. Anyway, the songs are memorable and wonderful and some of the best ever composed. I mean, come on. You get "Jive Talkin'", "Nights on Broadway", and another one of my favorites, "Country Lanes". It's fantastic.
#2. Size Isn't Everything - Often referred to as their strongest post-Saturday Night Fever work, this collection is beyond amazing. The vocals, the melodies, it all comes together so beautifully. Songs like "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Above and Beyond", and "Heart Like Mine" are my personal best on this album. But, as a whole, it's near perfect. I am literally stunned that this one is not considered as legendary as the Bee Gees themselves.
#1. Still Waters - This one is special to me. This is the one that hooked me in to this group and never let me go. The fact that it came out in 1997, though, proves that I was a late bloomer when it came to these guys. We all make mistakes. I don't even need to mention any particular songs here, because I love every single one of them. Some more than others, obviously, but everything here is stellar. There's no other way around it. This is my number one.
So there it is, kids, my list. Look it over, find the music, love the music. You won't regret it.
Love and Full Moons,
Becky the Writer
