About this album
Where they were
Released on September 1, 1968, 'Idea' marked the Bee Gees' third studio album during a transitional phase, following their breakthrough with 'Horizontal.' This album showcased their evolving pop sound as they began to incorporate more elaborate arrangements and thoughtful lyrics, setting the stage for their later successes in the 1970s.
Why it matters
'Idea' was notable for its critical reception, particularly for tracks like 'I've Gotta Get a Message to You,' which achieved chart success as a single. The album further solidified the Bee Gees' position in the pop music landscape before they transitioned into their iconic disco era.
Essential tracks
- "I've Gotta Get a Message to You" — This track exemplifies the Bee Gees' knack for storytelling, blending heartfelt lyrics with their signature harmonies, making it one of their standout hits.
- "I Started a Joke" — With its melancholic melody and introspective lyrics, this song showcases the band's ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet effective songwriting.
- "Indian Gin and Whisky Dry" — This track highlights the Bee Gees' exploration of diverse musical styles, featuring clever wordplay and an engaging rhythm that reflects their unique artistic voice.
- "Let There Be Love" — The song's lush arrangement and romantic theme represent the band's softer side while reinforcing their vocal prowess and harmonic sophistication.
Release Date
September 1, 1968
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Let There Be Love 3:36
- 2 Kitty Can 2:43
- 3 In the Summer of His Years 3:14
- 4 Indian Gin and Whisky Dry 2:05
- 5 Down to Earth 2:36
- 6 Such a Shame 2:29
- 7 I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You 3:01
- 8 Idea 2:57
- 9 When the Swallows Fly 2:36
- 10 I Have Decided to Join the Airforce 2:17
- 11 I Started a Joke 3:12
- 12 Kilburn Towers 2:22
- 13 Swan Song 3:03
- 14 Let There Be Love (mono) 3:32
- 15 Kitty Can (mono) 2:37
- 16 In the Summer of His Years (mono) 3:09
- 17 Indian Gin and Whisky Dry (mono) 2:00
- 18 Down to Earth (mono) 2:33
- 19 Such a Shame (mono) 2:31
- 20 I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You (mono) 2:56
- 21 Idea (mono) 2:57
- 22 When the Swallows Fly (mono) 2:28
- 23 I Have Decided to Join the Airforce (mono) 2:13
- 24 I Started a Joke (mono) 3:09
- 25 Kilburn Towers (mono) 2:20
- 26 Swan Song (mono) 2:55
Disc 2
- 1 Chocolate Symphony 2:46
- 2 I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You (mono single version) 3:04
- 3 Jumbo 2:11
- 4 Singer Sang His Song 3:21
- 5 Bridges Crossing Rivers 2:10
- 6 Idea (alternate mix) 2:50
- 7 Completely Unoriginal 3:37
- 8 Kitty Can (alternate mix) 2:40
- 9 Come Some Christmas Eve or Halloween 3:32
- 10 Let There Be Love (alternate mix) 3:36
- 11 Gena’s Theme 3:33
- 12 Another Cold and Windy Day (Coke spot #1) 0:57
- 13 Sitting in the Meadow (Coke spot #2) 1:00