Released 10 November 1972 Length 4:03 | Format 7" | |
B-side "Paper Mache, Cabbages And Kings" Recorded 21 October 1971
IBC Studios, London Genre Soft rock, symphonic, pop | ||
"Alive" is a ballad recorded by the Bee Gees for their album To Whom It May Concern. It was the second and last single from the album released on 10 November 1972 worldwide. The song was credited to Barry and Maurice Gibb and produced by the Gibbs and their manager Robert Stigwood.
Contents
Composition and recording
It was another piano ballad (customary for Bee Gees singles during this period), which Barry has noted that he doesn't even remember writing. As mastered for the album, the inherent dynamic range in the vocal and piano has unfortunately been compressed almost out of existence, but it still comes across as an expressive ballad.
"Alive" was recorded on 21 October 1971, with "My World" was already recorded that previous week. Geoff Bridgford's drum work on this song, made his last appearance on any Bee Gees singles after he left in January 1972 (The previous single, "Run to Me" was recorded after Bridgford's departure).
Releases
The remastered version found on Tales from the Brothers Gibb, has increases the range somewhat lost on the album version. This single reached number 34 on the US charts in 1973 and debuted on #63 on that chart. It was the group's last top 40 hit in either the US or UK until "Jive Talkin'" in 1975. "Alive" was the group's last release on the Atco label. In 1973, the Bee Gees' manager, Robert Stigwood formed his own label, RSO Records, where the Gibb brothers enjoyed their most success. On the promo video for the single, Maurice first appears playing the piano, with Barry and Robin appearing only holding a microphone.