Introduction:
The Bee Gees, a name synonymous with disco and soaring falsettos, released a song titled Turn of the Century in 1967. This was a far cry from the dancefloor anthems that would define their later career. Turn of the Century belongs to their early pop era, showcasing a sound heavily influenced by the British Invasion and bands like The Beatles.
The Gibb brothers, Barry, Robin, and Maurice, wrote and performed Turn of the Century. It was produced by Ossie Byrne and Robert Stigwood, who would become a longtime collaborator with the Bee Gees. While not a chart-topping hit, Turn of the Century is a noteworthy song in the Bee Gees’ vast discography, providing a glimpse into their early artistic development.
Released on their debut album Bee Gees’ 1st, Turn of the Century exemplifies the group’s youthful sound. The song features prominent harmony vocals, a characteristic that would become a staple throughout their career. However, unlike their later work, the vocals here are less dramatic and more reminiscent of bands like The Hollies or The Searchers.
Turn of the Century is a guitar-driven pop song with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics, while not explicitly mentioning the turn of the century, speak of new beginnings, change, and looking towards the future, themes that resonate with the aspirations of a young band just starting out in the music industry.
Despite not achieving major commercial success, Turn of the Century holds a certain charm for fans and music historians alike. It serves as a valuable time capsule, offering a look at the Bee Gees before they embraced the disco sound that propelled them to international superstardom. The song showcases their undeniable talent for songwriting and vocal harmonies, a talent that would later be refined and explode onto the global stage. Turn of the Century is a reminder of the Bee Gees’ early promise and the diverse range of music they created throughout their long and illustrious career.
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Lyrics:
Everything happeningAt the turn of the century.I’m gonna buy myself a time machineGo to the turn of the century.And all those people passing byAnd the town crier makes his cryAt the turn of the century,Turn of the century.
Big wide hats and men is spatsAt the turn of the century.With those horseless carriagesAt the turn of the century.And there are lots of things to doOn a bicycle built for twoAt the turn of the century,Turn of the century.
Everything happeningAt the turn of the century.I’m gonna buy myself a time machineGo to the turn of the century.And all those people passing byAnd the town crier makes his cryAt the turn of the century,Turn of the century.Turn of the century.