"Alive"
Single by Bee Gees
from the album To Whom It May Concern
B-side"Paper Mache, Cabbages And Kings"
Released10 November 1972
Recorded21 October 1971
IBC Studios, London
GenreSoft rock, symphonic, pop
Length4:03
LabelPolydor, Philips (elsewhere)
Atco (US/CA)
Songwriter(s)Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb
Producer(s)Robert Stigwood, Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb
Bee Gees singles chronology
"Run To Me"
(1972) 		"Alive"
(1972) 		"Saw a New Morning"
(1973)
Audio sample

"Alive" is a ballad recorded by the Bee Gees for their album To Whom It May Concern. It was the second and last single from the album released on 10 November 1972 worldwide. The song was credited to Barry and Maurice Gibb and produced by the Gibbs and their manager Robert Stigwood.[1]

Composition and recording

It was another piano ballad (customary for Bee Gees singles during this period), which Barry has noted that he doesn't even remember writing. As mastered for the album, the inherent dynamic range in the vocal and piano has unfortunately been compressed almost out of existence, but it still comes across as an expressive ballad.

"Alive" was recorded on October 21, 1971, "My World" having also been recorded that previous week. Geoff Bridgford's drum work on this song, made his last appearance on any Bee Gees singles after he left in January 1972 (The previous single, "Run to Me" was recorded after Bridgford's departure).[2]

Releases

The remastered version found on Tales from the Brothers Gibb somewhat increases the range missing from the original album release. The single reached number 34 on the US charts in 1973 and debuted on #63 on that chart.[3] It was the group's last top 40 hit in either the US or UK until "Jive Talkin'" in 1975. "Alive" was the group's last release on the Atco label. In 1973, the Bee Gees' manager, Robert Stigwood formed his own label, RSO Records, where the Gibb brothers enjoyed their most success. On the promo video for the single, which was originally made for the Dutch TV programme TopPop and was broadcast on 23 December 1972,[4] Maurice first appears playing the piano, with Barry and Robin appearing only holding a microphone.

Reception

Billboard called the single a "dynamite, driving ballad."[5] Cash Box described it as a "fine selection in traditional Bee Gees fashion."[6] Record World called it a "romantic gem filled with those lush strings and velvet harmonies."[7]

Personnel

Charts

References

  1. ^ "Billboard: Radio Action and Pick Singles". Billboard. November 4, 1972. p. 85. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
  2. ^ Brennan, Joseph. "Gibb Songs: 1971". Columbia.edu. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  3. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart". November 18, 1972. Retrieved 2 February 2015. ((cite journal)): Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. ^ TopPop (20 August 2017). "The Bee Gees - Alive • TopPop". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  5. ^ "Radio Action and Pick Singles" (PDF). Billboard. November 4, 1972. p. 85. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  6. ^ "CashBox Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. November 4, 1972. p. 20. Retrieved 2021-12-11.
  7. ^ "Single Picks" (PDF). Record World. November 4, 1972. p. 16. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
  8. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. Australian Chart Book, St Ives, N.S.W. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  9. ^ "Canadian Chart". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 2014-11-09.
  10. ^ a b "Bee Gees - Alive". Dutchcharts.com. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  11. ^ a b "US Charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2014-11-09.
  12. ^ "Cashbox Top 100". Cashbox Magazine Archives. December 23, 1972. Archived from the original on 2 February 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  13. ^ "Songs Written by the Gibb Family on the International Charts - Part 2" (PDF). Brothersgibb.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 December 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
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