Spirits Having Flown

Got this for my 10th birthday back in 80 so revisiting on vinyl has been great. Mp3, while convenient, at least with this record just doesn't convey it the same for me. Nostalgia aside I feel it holds up as a great example of R&B from its era. The Bee Gees had their own way of doing it. If you like them you can't miss with this.

By the time of the release of this wonderful album in February of 1979, The Bee Gees were on a creative streak of historic proportions. Quite frankly, they were doing things as a band that hadn't been done before or since. They were already riding the waves of tremendous success brought on by the worldwide acceptance of the soundtrack to the film, "Saturday Night Fever", where they were the primary performers, writers and producers on what would become the biggest ever selling movie soundtrack with over 40 million copies sold. It was also, at one time, the biggest selling album of all time until 1982 when Michael Jackson's "Thriller" LP would surpass them.They were on a creative streak seen only a few times in history dating back to their "Mr. Natural" album in which legendary producer, Arif Mardin, had begun to help them shift their style of writing to the R&B, Soul and Funk that was then dominating the charts. The bands tight 3 part harmonies and incredible songwriting were a natural fit for this mode of expression and with "Spirits Having Flown" they would reach a creative peak few, if any, has achieved before or since. This album's first 3 singles were all #1 hits and continued a string of 6 straight #1 hits which was a record. They also dominated the charts worldwide from 1977 to 1979 like no other band before or since.How's this for chart dominance: During an eight-month period beginning in the Christmas season of 1977, six songs written by the brothers held the No. 1 position on the US charts for 25 of 32 consecutive weeks--three of their own releases, two for brother Andy Gibb, and the Yvonne Elliman single, "If I Can't Have You." In March 1978, The Bee Gees held the top 2 positions on the US Charts with "Night Fever" and "Stayin' Alive", the first time this had happened since The Beatles.On the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for 25 March 1978, five songs written by the Gibbs were in the US top ten at the same time: "Night Fever", "Stayin' Alive", "If I Can't Have You", "Emotion" and "Love is Thicker Than Water". Such chart dominance hadn't been seen since April 1964, when The Beatles had all five of the top five American singles. Barry Gibb became the only songwriter to have four consecutive number one hits in the US breaking the John Lennon and Paul McCartney 1964 record. These songs were "Stayin' Alive", "Love Is Thicker Than Water", "Night Fever", "If I Can't Have You".This was but a sample of the almost unprecedented streak these guys were on and in the midst of all this, they released this wonderful album! It would go on to sell 30 millions copies worldwide and help solidify The Bee Gees as band of mythic proportions. It is truly a wonderful display of their musical prowess, great songwriting, vocals, production and composition. This was the soundtrack of the late 1970's and early 1980's and music would truly never be the same again. This was the time this band, who had been through so much, would get their chance to shine and obtain the full praise for what they had been doing since the 1960's. No longer were they in anyone's shadow, although I felt they never should have been, they were now squarely at the center of the music world and deservedly so!This is truly a work of art and an album that has stood the test of time. It is one of the best of all time and should be treasured by fans for many more years to come. It seems that in the last several years, The Bee Gees are in the midst of being reevaluated by so called "critics" some of which are finally starting to give them their due. It's about time too! This band suffered such an incredible backlash in the 1980's and radio stations refused to play their songs on air. There's no telling how many more records they would have broken if not for such blatant hateful actions by the many in the music scene at that time. Here's to you Barry, Robin, Maurice, Vince, Colin, Geoff, Allen and Blue for all the wonderful songs and memories you shared with us all.

I'm glad this album is out on cd. I wore out my lp back in the day. I must have played it at least 3 times a day everyday all throughout the summer of 1979. Some folks criticized the Bee Gees particularly for putting Robin's vocals on the back burner for this album and for the Saturday Night Fever songs. But Barry's falsetto was just working for them at the time, and they did bring Robin's lead vocals back in a very big way with their next album, Living Eyes.This album of course has many songs that are danceable and that are R&B influenced, but it by no means is a "disco" album. There are beautiful ballads, like Stop (Think Again) which also features the horn section from the band Chicago, Reaching Out, Until, which highlights Barry's lower register, and of course the big ballad hit from this album, Too Much Heaven. I'm Satisfied is pretty much a full on reggae song. Just lots of really fun stuff on this album, flawless production, and great voices in perfect harmony.

I really don't have any complaints. I love the Bee Gees and everything that they had came out with.

I say this is the sequel to their "Saturday Night Fever" album. I can't get enough of their song "Spirits Having Flown" which is very spiritual and catchy. I envision angels dancing on stage to this song. Their big hit "Tragedy" which I heard many times on radio. You just have to listen to Barry's song "Until". They use just his voice and sounds like harps in the background. His high falsetto and sexy voice is beautiful in this song and leaves me with goose bumps it's a test of how powerful his voice is. "Inside and Out" another of their hits is a great song. Songs like "Search, find" a test to there strong harmonies and how good they sing together. You should buy this album you won't be dissappointed. It's the Bee Gees best ever. Happy listening.

The CD arrived in the time frame I was told & it is in very good condition. I knew it was used when I ordered it, so I wondered the condition it was in & the wear is only on the case. The CD itself looks brand new & sounds great!

The Beegees were always in our vinyl collections. Great musicianship and performers.

Everything is great the only problem was I received the cover art for The Bee Gees 1976 release Children of the World not The cover art for 1979's Spirits Having Flown..this CD was intended for enjoyment

A truly superb album, especially on their having to live up to the reputation they built up in the light of 'Saturday Night Fever'. Unashamedly commercial with instantly hummable tunes. Check out 'Too Much Heaven', 'Living Together' and 'Stop (Think Again). One of their very best releases.

I recently purchased this CD from Amazon hoping to get a remastered version of this album.I own also an older version - AAD edition manufactured by POLYDOR in Germany (Code: 827 335-2).It turned out that this new CD was manufactured by REPRISE, not by RHINO.It contains the same 2-page leaflet without lyrics and no information about remastering of theoriginal recording.Frankly, I cannot hear a noticeable sound improvement for the REPRISE's version compared to older POLYDOR's one, so will keep looking for a genuine new remaster.My score is:5 stars for Bee Gees for their music.1 star for Amazon for incorrect product information.

Love this cd great songs and music

This group of people are totally amazing and they are the best band of all time. There will never be a band like these again.Totally unbelievably talented people. There music will be around for as long as we play music.

What a FANTASTIC ALBUM!I have this in all formats and wanted an audio cassette for my car player.Fantastic sound quality despite the format.Arrived very swiftly at Christmas.Fabulous!