The Bee Gees and Prince are the only two artists that I collect everything they release. Being born in 1963, I grew up on the Bee Gees. Unlike so many of my generation, I didn't stop enjoying Bee Gees music just because it wasn't considered cool anymore. I'm certainly not one to let radio stations poor play lists stop me from enjoying outstanding music.

I've noticed over the years that if you ignore the fact that Prince plays so many instruments so well, there actually are a lot of parallels between Prince and Barry Gibb. Both are outstanding songwriters/producers/vocalists that not only cover a wide range of musical styles, but also mix them together in the same songs, creating unique sounds. I said vocalists instead of singers because they have two of the most versatile voices - each can get so many distinct sounds out of their voices that if you didn't know better, you would think they were half a dozen singers. Prince's vocal work often gets underrated because of his other talents, but how many singers could pull off The Most Beautiful Girl in the World. And who else could sing Stayin' Alive and give it justice.

As songwriters/producers, both have had great success, both writing their own music and writing music for others. Barry perhaps more successful, being (along with his bothers) the only songwritter/producer to have 5 songs in the US top 10 the same week. Also writing and producing what was just named the best country duet ever, Islands in the Stream. They have even shared the same engineer. Femi Jiya worked for Prince for a while, left to work on two Bee Gees albums, then went back to work for Prince and most recently worked on the new Stevie Wonder album. The Bee Gees even rehearsed for one of their tours at Paisley Park Studios.

I'm a bit surprised there aren't more people here that appreciate the Bee Gees music. I would think if anyone would be able to look past image issues and appreciate the substance, it would be Prince fans. Because of the death of Maurice Gibb there won't be any new Bee Gees music, but we did just get perhaps the next best thing - Barry Gibb writing and producing an album for another artist. This time, again working with Barbra Streisand. Their last collaboration sold 12 million copies and won multiple grammy awards, including best pop vocal by duo or group for the song Guilty.

The new album has gone largely unnoticed on here despite being certified gold this past week. As a Bee Gees fan, I didn't really know what to expect. This is the first thing Barry has really done since his brother's death, and the first time he wrote and produced an album without his brothers assisting with the writing (instead two of his sons worked on the writing with him). I learned long ago to give an album several weeks before trying to evaluate it - I learned that from listening to Prince. Songs that end up being your favorites don't always stand out on the first listen, or even the first week of listening. After having Guilty Pleasures for about a month now I have to say it's brilliant. All of the tracks are outstanding, here are some of the highlights

Come Tomorrow - duet with Barry - one of those songs that grows on you. Really grows on you. If you are expecting a clone of Guilty, this isn't it. But it is every bit as good of a song - grammy worthy.

Stranger in a Strange Land - tribute to the troops in Iraq that strangely isn't getting a lot of airplay, perhaps because it was portrayed as an anti-war song in the press.

It's Up to You - should be a huge AC hit. Great song writing, outstanding vocal work.

Night of My Life - the Bee Gees have shied away from dance music on recent albums, but not here. Pure Bee Gees dance music, complete with Barry's falsetto. The result - it jumped from #15 to #9 on the club dance charts this week. Who would have thought Barbra Streisand would have a top 10 club dance hit?

Above the Law - other official duet with Barry (he's all over most of the other tracks, I don't know how they draw the line). Barry has some nice acoustic guitar work on this song too.

All the Children - back on the dance floor - if this song had been written by Prince instead of Barry Gibb, people here would be calling it one of his best in years. I often hit repeat when this song is over - the guitar at the end is addictive.

(Our Love) Don't Throw it All Away - a remake of the Andy Gibb classic. There's also a version of this song where Barry does the lead. When I heard they were redoing this song, I didn't know what to think. The result is outstanding. This version does the original justice.

Letting Go - a remake of a rare Barry Gibb track from 15 years ago. I heard Barry called it then the best song he had ever written. Again, had Prince done this track, people here would be raving about it as one of his best in years - would not just fit in One Nite Alone - piano and voice, it would be a standout track there.

alandail said:

Have you been paying attention? The Bee Gees get discussed here often, and there have been a few threads on Guilty Pleasures.

I wouldn't say they get discussed often, I would say perhaps occasionally, and by the same handful of people.

And I know there was a thread on guilty pleasures before - I know because I started it before the album came out and the thread died a quick death. I waited a month before starting a new one because I wanted to give a fair evaluation of the album.

i went and bought Guilty to see if its of greater quality then Guilty Pleasures (which I like) and found them both to be of equal quality...both have great tracks..both have okay tracks..and both have filler.

what Guilty Pleasures is missing though is a kick arse guitar filled rock ballad...and its also missing Bab's old rocker vocals..some of these songs call for grit and she gives it her Broadway Album soar.

but i still enjoy the album. i think the two duets from Guilty Pleasures are of equal greatness to "guilty" and "what kind of fool". I FREAKIN LOVE ABOVE THE LAW!!

this is the first album of babs since The Broadway Album that i've enjoyed. And credit is due to Gibbs for approaching the album as an whole. I was shocked to hear babs explain she doesnt like making albums anymore but was pressured by her label. and that once she finishes an album she never listens to them anymore...nor even remember the song titles. she is officially, "content" with her legacy..she has it all..all the awards...all the money she needs..which is cool for her...but sad for her hardcore fans who have to make due with craptastic album after album..

so thanks to Gibbs for giving her fans one last great album...

Its funny I love some bolton, but striesand blows. Too broadway for me.

alandail said:

Night of My Life jumped from #9 to #6 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart this week. Could it be headed to #1?

Just found out that Without Your Love is Barry's tribute to Mo.

And I'm certain that All The Children is for Michael Jackson.

Alan, man. Let's talk about the Bee Gees.

Bee Gees First. I ain't ever seen that album discussed on here.

What's your verdict?