Introduction:
“Ordinary Lives” is a significant song in the Bee Gees’ extensive and evolving discography, representing a period of renewed creative energy and a poignant reflection on life following a personal tragedy. The song, written by all three Gibb brothers – Barry, Robin, and Maurice – showcases their enduring ability to craft melodic pop with meaningful lyrical depth.
- Year Released: 1989 (single released March 27, 1989)
- Album: One
“Ordinary Lives” served as the lead single from the Bee Gees’ eighteenth studio album (sixteenth worldwide), titled One, which was released in April 1989 (specifically April 17 in the UK, April 24 in Germany, and July in the US). This album was particularly significant for the group as it was their first release following the premature death of their younger brother, Andy Gibb, in 1988. The Bee Gees dedicated both the song and the entire One album to Andy, imbuing the project with a profound sense of introspection and tribute. The original working title for “Ordinary Lives” was “Cruel World,” a phrase that still appears in the song’s second verse, hinting at the initial, perhaps darker, emotional landscape from which the song emerged before its title was softened to reflect a broader, more philosophical outlook on life and existence.
Genre:
“Ordinary Lives” primarily falls within the pop and pop rock genres, showcasing the Bee Gees’ characteristic blend of strong melodies, intricate harmonies, and polished production. Elements of the song also touch upon:
- Adult Contemporary: The song’s smooth production, sophisticated arrangements, and mature lyrical themes align well with the adult contemporary radio format, appealing to a broad audience beyond just contemporary pop listeners.
- Soft Rock: While possessing a driving rhythm, the overall feel of the song is generally accessible and melodic, fitting within the soft rock spectrum that the Bee Gees had explored throughout their career.
The production of “Ordinary Lives” and the One album was a collaborative effort between the Gibb brothers and Brian Tench, who had also worked with them on their successful previous album, E.S.P. This partnership helped to refine their sound, blending their classic vocal strengths with contemporary production techniques of the late 1980s. The song’s rhythm has been noted to bear some similarity to their earlier hit “You Win Again,” suggesting a conscious effort to build on their recent successes while still introducing new lyrical and musical elements.
Achievements:
While “Ordinary Lives” may not have reached the stratospheric heights of their disco-era anthems, it achieved respectable commercial success, particularly in Europe, and holds significant artistic importance for the Bee Gees:
- Chart Performance: The single performed well across various European charts. It notably reached the top 10 in Switzerland (peaking at number 9) and West Germany (reaching number 8). It also charted within the top 40 in several other European countries, including Austria (number 19) and the Netherlands (number 23 on the Dutch Top 40). In their native UK, it peaked at number 54, and in France, it reached number 49. While its US chart performance was more modest, the song’s strong showing in key international markets demonstrated the Bee Gees’ continued global appeal.
- Album Success: As the lead single, “Ordinary Lives” played a crucial role in the success of the One album. The album itself performed well internationally, reaching number 4 in Germany, number 6 in Switzerland, and number 29 in the UK and Australia. It also allowed the Bee Gees to embark on their first international tour since 1979, the “One for All World Tour,” which further demonstrated their enduring popularity and ability to connect with live audiences.
- Emotional Significance and Dedication: The dedication of the song and album to Andy Gibb added a profound layer of emotional depth and personal resonance. This public acknowledgment of their loss resonated with fans and showcased the brothers’ vulnerability and resilience. Barry Gibb continued to perform “Ordinary Lives” on his later solo tours, such as the 2013 Mythology Tour, often accompanied by his son Stephen and Maurice’s daughter Samantha, further cementing its place as a meaningful tribute.
- Music Video and Airplay: The music video for “Ordinary Lives,” filmed in Los Angeles, received significant airplay from 1989 to 1990. The video featured the Bee Gees performing with their backing band, interspersed with scenes of everyday life and historical archival footage, including the 1929 Wall Street crash. This visual component helped to broaden the song’s message and reach.
In conclusion, “Ordinary Lives,” released in 1989 from the album One, is a poignant pop/pop rock song by the Bee Gees. Co-written by all three Gibb brothers and dedicated to their late brother Andy, it marked a significant moment in their post-disco career. While not their biggest global chart-topper, its strong European chart performance, its role in the success of the One album, and its deep emotional resonance as a tribute to family and a reflection on the human condition, solidify its place as an important and cherished part of the Bee Gees’ legendary musical legacy.
