bee gees albums

 Album: Mr Natural  (1974)


This album happens to be one of my favourites from the pre "disco" segment of the bee gees career. and i put the word disco in air quotes because what we have from the late 70's can never be classified as such for it is blue eyed soul and R&B. but more to the point, there is no such thing as disco music as it has blends of different genres in it.  but now enough of this-- let us now turn our attention to the key album.

Mr natural,  has often been put into the not so important albums  category by the brothers, often being dismissed. and that is their right. but as a fan of their music (of over 30 years) i hold a very different opinion of this album. Let me make it clear: this album sits right at a crossroads of sorts-- it brings the prior style to a conclusion; and opens the brothers up to a new sound (one that they had always loved but never dared to explore until the coaxing of Arif Mardin) which would come more central over the next few albums. and therefore, it really should be seen as a wonderful transition  with many great songs.

Let us note what makes this a great album: 

A1. “Charade” 
A2. “Throw a Penny” 
A3. “Down the Road” 
A4. “Voices” 
A5. “Give a Hand, Take a Hand” 
B1. “Dogs” 
B2. “Mr. Natural” 
B3. “Lost in Your Love” 
B4. “I Can’t Let You Go” 
B5. “Heavy Breathing” 
B6. “Had a Lot of Love Last Night” 

While there are stand out tracks on the album; however, for the purpose that I have going in to this-- i do not feel singling out particular ones will do it any justice. But simply to say that each one needs to be listened to in order to get a feel for the whole atmosphere.  

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