Introduction:
The Bee Gees, a name synonymous with disco anthems and soaring falsettos, also possessed a strong foundation in pop music during the 1960s. “The Change Is Made”, released in 1968, exemplifies this earlier period of their career.
Composed by the Gibb brothers, Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, and Maurice Gibb, the core members of the Bee Gees, “The Change Is Made” showcases their songwriting prowess during a time of stylistic exploration for the band. While often recognized for their tight harmonies and later disco sound, “The Change Is Made” features a distinct pop melody with a touch of rock and roll influence.
Produced by Robert Stigwood, a longtime collaborator who also managed the Bee Gees, “The Change Is Made” was included on the Horizontal album, released in January 1968. Horizontal marked a turning point for the Bee Gees as they experimented with a more psychedelic sound while still retaining their signature pop sensibilities. This experimentation is evident in “The Change Is Made” through its use of phasing effects and a driving guitar riff.
“The Change Is Made” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of the Bee Gees’ other hits. It wasn’t released as a single and therefore didn’t receive significant radio play, a major factor in charting success at the time. Despite this, “The Change Is Made” has garnered a dedicated following among Bee Gees fans. It’s considered a strong track on the Horizontal album, appreciated for its upbeat tempo and catchy melody. The song also holds significance as it demonstrates the Bee Gees’ versatility as songwriters and their willingness to explore different musical styles during their early career.