Photo: Atco Records., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Bee Gees were a dramatically different band between the years 1963 and 1973 and the disco pop music group that became super famous in the mid 1970s. While some love the 1963 to 1973 period and do not care for the disco period from 1974 through the 80s, others feel the complete opposite. It’s hard to find music fans that like both periods unless they are simply die hard Bee Gees fans. While some music magazines have done just blanket top 10 Bee Gees songs lists, we felt that was just not the right way to go because the Bee Gees songs starting with their 1974 album Mr. Natural were dramatically different from what they released between the years 1963 and 1973. Furthermore, their huge success in the mid 1970s often has led many to overlook the brilliant music they released during the 1960s and early 1970s. Of course, real rock fans are familiar with the music, but over the years the general population really only associates the Bee Gees with their Saturday Night Fever success.
The Bee Gees released their first single in 1963 entitled “The Battle of the Blue and the Grey.” After a series of stand-alone singles, the Bee Gees would release their first studio album in 1965 entitled The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs. From 1965 until 1973, The Bee Gees would release eleven studio albums. All the material they released after that period will be addressed in separate articles. The following 10 Bee Gees songs are our choice for the most significant songs they released during their first period as one of pop culture’s most successful musical acts of all time.
# 10 – Timber!
We open up our top 10 Bee Gees 1960s songs list with the song “Timber.” It was the Bee Gees’ second single release. It was originally released in Australia in 1963. The song would later be included on the group’s first UK album entitled The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs. The album was released in 1965. The song only charted on the Australian music charts peaking at number seventy five. This is the sound of the early 1960s.
# 9 – Spicks and Specks
Continuing with our top 10 Bee Gees songs list we take a listen to the great song entitled “Spicks and Specks,” This is a spectacular early Bee Gees songs that starts out with just a dark studio upright piano accompanying those classic vocals of the Gibbs Brothers. The song was released on the album entitled Spicks and Specks. This is really the first Bee Gees hit single that charted outside of their home of Australia. The song charted in the countries of Germany, the Netherlands and New Zealand in which the song hit number one.
# 8 – If Only I Had My Mind On
In the number eight spot our top 10 Bee Gees songs list we present the song entitled “If Only I Had My Mind On,” The song was released on the album entitled Cucumber Castle. The album was released in 1970. It was the first of two singles released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number ninety one.
# 7 -New York Mining Disaster 1941
The Bee Gees song “New York Mining Disaster 1941” is the groups first big international hit single. The song appeared also on their first international album release entitled Bee Gees’ 1st. Even though in reality it was the group’s third album.”New York Mining Disaster 1941,” was written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb. The single was released in 1967. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number fourteen
# 6 – I Started a Joke
Landing in the number six spot on our top 10 Bee Gees songs list we present the song “I Started A Joke.” The song was released on the album entitled Idea. The album was released in 1968. It was the second single released from the album. “I Started A Joke.” would hit number one in the countries of Australia and New Zealand. The song was a also a big hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number six, and stands as the Bee Gees highest charting song in the United States during their 1960s period.
# 5 – I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You
At the halfway point on our top 10 Bee Gees songs list is one of the Bee Gees most heartfelt and extremely popular songs of their career. The song “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You,” was issued on the album entitled Idea. The album was released in 1968. The song would become the band’s biggest hit ever in the United Kingdom where it hit number one. The song was also a big time hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number eight.
# 4 – Lonely Days
It’s simply stunning how many great songs the Bee Gees released in the 1960s and early 1970s. Everyone loved this one. At the number four spot on our top 10 songs list we present the song “Lonely Days. The song was released on the album entitled 2 Years On. The album was released in 1970. It was the first single to go Gold for the Bee Gees in the United States. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number three.
# 3 – To Love Somebody
Moving along on our top 10 Bee Gee songs list we sit back and enjoy the classic Bee Gees song “To Love Somebody.” Just listen to those stunning strings at the start of this spectacular Bee Gees song. One of the truly great pop gems of the entire decade. The song was released on the album entitled Bee Gees’ 1st. The album was released in 1967. It was the second single released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number eighteen.
# 2 – Massachusetts
As we start to get to a close on our top 10 Bee Gees songs list we celebrate the song “(The Lights Went Out In) Massachusetts.” This legendary song would become the Bee Gees first number one single in the United Kingdom. The song was released on the album entitled Horizontal. The album was released in 1967. It was the first single released from the album. The song was also a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number eleven. The song was written by all three brothers. The musicians on the song included Robin Gibb on lead vocals Barry Gibb on rhythm guitar, harmony vocals Maurice Gibb on bass and harmony vocals Vince Melouney on rhythm guitar and Colin Petersen on drums.
# 1 – How Can You Mend a Broken Heart
We close out our top 10 songs list with one of the band’s most famous songs of their career entitled “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.” It’s also one of their most widely covered songs. The song was released on the album entitled Trafalgar The album was released in 1971. It was the first single released from the album. The song “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” was a milestone in the band’s career as it was their first number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Top 10 Bee Gees 1960s Songs (1963-1973) article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
