Recommendations of the Editorial team
As a songwriter, singer and all-round talent, Barry Gibb has left his mark on almost every style of popular music. Is there another artist whose songs have been hits by Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Barbra Streisand and Beyoncé alike? Hardly. Here are 13 of his greatest musical moments.
The Early Years: Harmony and Heartbreak
Bee Gees – “New York Mining Disaster 1941” (1966)
The Bee Gees’ breakthrough hit defined their early style with over-the-top ballads in which Barry and Robin combine their voices in two-part sorrow. The song served as a template for “Space Oddity” by David Bowie. Clear evidence of his influence.
Bee Gees – “Born a Man” (1967)
You don’t normally think of blues when you think of Barry Gibb, but this oddity shows him in great rock mood. Like he just listened to the Stones for a weekend and decided to turn into Mick Jagger.
Psychedelic phase and soul emotions
Bee Gees – “World” (1968)
An underrated classic. Dark, psychedelic and with one of Barry’s scariest vocal performances. The lyrics sound like they come from a mental asylum and could also have appealed to Syd Barrett.
The Flying Burrito Brothers – “To Love Somebody” (1970)
Gram Parsons made the song a hippie-country-soul heartbreak. Originally intended for Otis Redding, Parsons’ version brought out the full scope of Gibbs’ songwriting.
Rise to superstardom
Bee Gees – “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” (1971)
After a two-year break, the Bee Gees delivered their first US number 1 hit here. A ballad so emotional that even Al Green covered it.
Bee Gees – “Nights on Broadway” (1975)
Their comeback – dark, driving, urban. Barry wanders through New York at night, between disco and despair. The “Taxi Driver” of the dance floor.