Introduction:
“End Of The Rainbow” is a deeply personal and poignant song by Barry Gibb, the legendary singer, songwriter, and surviving member of the iconic Bee Gees. The song holds significant emotional weight, particularly as it serves as a heartfelt tribute to his late brothers, Maurice and Robin Gibb.
- Year Released: 2016
- Album: In The Now
“End Of The Rainbow” is the closing track on Barry Gibb’s second solo studio album, In The Now, which was released on October 7, 2016, by Columbia Records. This album was a highly anticipated release, marking Gibb’s first album of all-new material since the Bee Gees’ final studio album, This Is Where I Came In, released in 2001. The creation of In The Now was a family affair, with Barry co-writing all the songs with his sons, Stephen and Ashley Gibb. This collaborative process allowed for a profound level of honesty and emotional depth in the songwriting, as Barry himself noted, “there was this huge personal thing going on between the three of us for the whole of this album.”
Genre:
“End Of The Rainbow” primarily falls within the pop and adult contemporary genres, characterized by its melodic structure, lush instrumentation, and Barry Gibb’s distinctive vocal delivery. However, it also incorporates elements of:
- Soft Rock: The song’s gentle, reflective tempo, and its emphasis on heartfelt lyrics and a smooth, accessible sound, align it with the soft rock tradition.
- Balladry: As a deeply emotional and often melancholic piece, it functions as a classic ballad, designed to evoke strong feelings in the listener.
While Barry Gibb initially considered recording a country album, In The Now evolved into what he described as “classic pop,” drawing inspiration from artists like Carole King and Bruce Springsteen. This stylistic choice allowed “End Of The Rainbow” to maintain a broad appeal while still conveying its intimate and profound message.
Achievements and Significance:
“End Of The Rainbow” did not achieve standalone chart success as a single, but its significance lies in its profound emotional impact and its role within the critically acclaimed In The Now album. Its achievements and importance are multifaceted:
- Personal Tribute: The most significant aspect of “End Of The Rainbow” is its dedication to Barry Gibb’s late brothers, Maurice (who passed away in 2003) and Robin (who passed away in 2012). Barry has openly shared that he sang a verse of the song to Robin while he was in a coma, just weeks before his passing, hoping his brother could hear it. This deeply personal connection imbues the song with immense emotional weight and makes it a powerful testament to brotherly love and loss.
- Critical Acclaim for In The Now: The album In The Now received widespread positive reviews from critics, many of whom highlighted the raw emotion and honesty present in the songwriting, particularly in tracks like “End Of The Rainbow.” Reviewers often praised Gibb for delivering a compelling and authentic solo work that could stand alongside the Bee Gees’ finest moments without merely imitating them. This critical success was a significant achievement for Gibb’s solo career, proving his continued relevance and artistic vitality decades into his career.
- Autobiographical Depth: Although not consciously intended as such, Gibb has stated that the album, including “End Of The Rainbow,” became subconsciously autobiographical. The lyrics, while sometimes abstract, reflect his life’s journey, his experiences, and his thoughts on loss and the passage of time. This introspective quality resonated with many listeners who have experienced similar life events.
- Enduring Legacy: “End Of The Rainbow” contributes to the enduring legacy of Barry Gibb as not just a pop icon but also a profound songwriter capable of expressing complex emotions through his music. It serves as a touching reminder of the Bee Gees’ incredible bond and the personal toll that the loss of his brothers took on Barry, while also offering a sense of hope and acceptance.
In conclusion, “End Of The Rainbow,” released in 2016 on Barry Gibb’s album In The Now, is a powerful and deeply moving pop/adult contemporary ballad. While it did not achieve chart success as a single, its profound emotional significance as a tribute to his late brothers and its role in the critical acclaim of In The Now make it a truly remarkable and important song in Barry Gibb’s illustrious career. It stands as a testament to his enduring talent for crafting heartfelt music that resonates on a deeply personal level.
