The 10 best Bee Gees songs of all time

The Bee Gees were a British-Australian pop group formed in 1958, originally consisting of brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. They rose to worldwide fame through their distinctive harmonies, catchy melodies and contributions to the disco era of the 1970s. Their most famous hits include “Stayin’ Alive”, “Night Fever”, “How Deep Is Your Love” and “More Than a Woman”.

The Bee Gees began in the 1960s with a Beatles-inspired sound and evolved to incorporate R&B and soul influences. They eventually became synonymous with the disco genre through their soundtrack contributions to the film Saturday Night Fever (1977). Their music not only defined an era, but also influenced popular music for decades to come.

The Bee Gees’ legacy includes numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a lasting influence on pop music with their innovative harmonies and genre-spanning repertoire.

1. Stay alive

“Stayin’ Alive” is a disco anthem by the Bee Gees, released in 1977 as part of the soundtrack to the film “Saturday Night Fever”. The song is synonymous with the disco era and became one of the Bee Gees’ most iconic hits.

Written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, “Stayin’ Alive” features a pulsating beat, a catchy groove and Barry Gibb’s falsetto vocals. The lyrics reflect resilience and survival, capturing the protagonist’s determination to persevere despite challenges. Lines like “Well now, I get low and I get high / And if I can’t get either, I really try” underscore the song’s theme of resilience and determination.

Musically, “Stayin’ Alive” is characterized by its distinctive bassline, driving rhythm and catchy melody. The song’s success was further enhanced by its inclusion on *Saturday Night Fever*, which helped it reach the top of the charts worldwide.

“Stayin’ Alive” became a cultural phenomenon, not only topping the charts but also influencing fashion and dance trends of the disco era. Its enduring popularity has cemented its place as a disco classic and a defining song in the Bee Gees’ illustrious career.

2. How deep is your love

“How Deep Is Your Love” is a soulful ballad by the Bee Gees, released in 1977. It was written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb and produced by the Bee Gees in collaboration with Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson. The song was part of the soundtrack to the film “Saturday Night Fever” and became one of their most popular and long-lasting hits.

The lyrics of “How Deep Is Your Love” cover themes of romantic devotion and emotional intimacy. The narrator expresses deep feelings of love and affection, asking his partner, “How deep is your love? / I really want to learn,” to understand the depth of their connection.

Musically, “How Deep Is Your Love” features a gentle melody, lush harmonies, and Barry Gibb’s distinctive lead vocals. The song is notable for its soft arrangement, including gentle guitar and keyboard lines that complement the soulful lyrics and evoke a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.

The song’s global appeal and emotional resonance contributed to its success: it topped the charts worldwide and earned the Bee Gees a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1978. “How Deep Is Your Love” remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its soulful melody, poignant lyrics and the Bee Gees’ impeccable harmonies.

3. Night fever

“Night Fever” is a disco song by the Bee Gees, released in 1977 as part of the soundtrack to the film *Saturday Night Fever*. Co-written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, the song features a pulsating beat, catchy melody and falsetto vocals characteristic of the Bee Gees’ disco era. “Night Fever” became one of their best known hits, topping the charts in several countries and contributing to the immense success of the *Saturday Night Fever* soundtrack. Its danceable rhythm and catchy chorus made it a staple in disco clubs and a symbol of the era’s musical and cultural phenomenon.

4. Jive Talkin’

“Jive Talkin'” is a funk and disco song by the Bee Gees, released as a single from their 1975 album *Main Course*. Written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, the song features a distinctive rhythm created by the sound of a rhythm guitar played through a tremolo effects pedal. The lyrics of “Jive Talkin'” express frustration and misunderstanding in communication, and use the metaphor of “jive talkin'” to describe misleading or unclear language. The song was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries, and marked a transition in the Bee Gees’ musical style towards disco. It remains one of their best known and most influential hits.

5. You should dance

“You Should Be Dancing” is a disco song by the Bee Gees, released as a single from their 1976 album *Children of the World*. Written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, the song features a funky rhythm, energetic vocals and a driving beat that epitomizes the disco era. “You Should Be Dancing” became a major hit for the Bee Gees, topping the charts in several countries, including the United States. Its infectious groove and catchy chorus made it a favorite on dance floors around the world and cemented the Bee Gees’ reputation as pioneers of disco music.

6. Tragedy

“Tragedy” is an energetic disco-rock song by the Bee Gees, released as a single from their 1979 album *Spirits Having Flown*. It became a major hit for the group, showcasing their ability to combine disco rhythms with rock influences.

The lyrics of “Tragedy” deal with themes of heartbreak and loss, with the narrator expressing his anguish over a relationship that ended in tragedy. The song’s powerful chorus, “Tragedy! When the feeling’s gone and you can’t move on, it’s a tragedy!” captures the emotional turmoil and devastation of a love gone wrong.

Musically, “Tragedy” features a driving beat, dramatic orchestration, and signature Bee Gees harmonies. The song’s dynamic arrangement includes pulsating bass lines, electric guitar riffs, and a dramatic build-up that culminates in an unforgettable climax.

“Tragedy” was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and cemented the Bee Gees’ status as icons of the disco era. Its energetic mix of disco and rock elements continues to make it a fan favorite and a highlight of the Bee Gees’ catalog.

7. Too much sky

“Too Much Heaven” is a soulful ballad by the Bee Gees, released as a single from their 1978 album *Spirits Having Flown*. Written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, the song features lush harmonies and soulful lyrics expressing deep love and longing. “Too Much Heaven” features the Bee Gees’ trademark falsetto vocals and intricate vocal arrangements, highlighting their ability to blend pop and soul influences. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on various charts around the world and becoming one of their best known ballads. Its emotional resonance and musical craftsmanship continue to resonate with listeners decades later.

8. More than a woman

“More Than a Woman” is a soulful and romantic song by the Bee Gees, originally written for the film “Saturday Night Fever” and released in 1977. It was later included on the film’s soundtrack album.

The lyrics of “More Than a Woman” express deep affection and admiration for a woman who is valued and loved beyond measure. Lines like “More than a woman to me / More than a woman, more than a woman to me” convey the narrator’s feelings of devotion and admiration.

Musically, “More Than a Woman” features a soft and melodic arrangement with Barry Gibb’s falsetto vocals floating over soft guitar and rhythmic percussion. The song is characterized by its soulful harmonies and heartfelt delivery, capturing the emotional depth of the lyrics.

“More Than a Woman” became a hit, topping the charts in several countries and becoming a staple of the Bee Gees’ live performances. Its inclusion on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack further contributed to its success and enduring popularity, cementing its status as a classic love song and showcasing the Bee Gees’ talent for creating soulful melodies with universal appeal.

9. I started a joke

“I Started a Joke” is a poignant ballad by the Bee Gees, released on their 1968 album *Idea*. Written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, the song features introspective lyrics and a melancholy melody. The song’s plot revolves around someone unintentionally causing pain and sadness through a joke or remark that was not meant seriously. The haunting quality of the music and Robin Gibb’s soulful vocals add to the song’s lasting impact. “I Started a Joke” became a hit for the Bee Gees and has been covered by various artists, testament to its enduring appeal and emotional depth.

10. Love someone

“To Love Somebody” is a classic soul ballad by the Bee Gees, originally released in 1967. Written by Barry and Robin Gibb, it has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Nina Simone, Janis Joplin and Michael Bolton.

The lyrics of “To Love Somebody” express unrequited love and longing. The narrator passionately pleads with someone, expressing his deep desire to love and be loved in return. Lines like “You don’t know what it’s like, baby / You don’t know what it’s like / To love somebody” convey the emotional intensity and vulnerability of the song.

Musically, “To Love Somebody” features a soulful melody with lush orchestration and Barry Gibb’s soulful vocals. The song’s arrangement includes sweeping strings, gentle guitar and signature Bee Gees harmonies, creating a poignant and evocative atmosphere.

Released as a single, “To Love Somebody” became a hit for the Bee Gees, reaching the top 10 in several countries. Its timeless appeal and universal theme of love have made it a beloved classic, celebrated for its emotional depth and the Bee Gees’ soulful interpretation.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.