Introduction:
The year is 1970. Rock and roll, still reeling from the seismic shifts of the psychedelic 60s, finds itself at a crossroads. Bands like the Beatles have begun to splinter, and a new sound – heavier, guitar-driven – is rising from the ashes. It’s against this backdrop that the Bee Gees, a band known for their tight harmonies and pop sensibilities, release a song that would unknowingly mark a turning point in their career and the trajectory of popular music: “My Thing”.
Composed by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, “My Thing” stands as a fascinating anomaly in the Bee Gees‘ discography. Emerging from the recording sessions for their concept album Cucumber Castle, the song finds the band experimenting with a sound quite different from their earlier hits. Gone are the lush orchestrations and ballads that defined their work in the mid-60s. “My Thing” embraces a rawer, more percussive groove, propelled by a driving drumbeat and a prominent bassline.
While the Bee Gees are typically associated with the disco phenomenon of the late 70s, “My Thing” offers a glimpse into the sonic evolution that would propel them towards that era. The song’s rhythmic foundation, coupled with the Gibb brothers’ signature falsetto harmonies, lays the groundwork for the dance-floor oriented sound that would soon define their music.
“My Thing” wasn’t a major commercial success upon its release. It failed to crack the Billboard Top 40 in the United States, peaking at a modest number 65. However, the song’s influence transcends chart positions. “My Thing” is a testament to the Bee Gees‘ willingness to experiment and their ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape. It’s a bridge between the band’s earlier pop roots and the disco juggernaut they would soon become.
In the years following “My Thing”, the Bee Gees would fully embrace the disco sound, collaborating with producer Arif Mardin to craft a string of chart-topping hits that dominated the late 70s. However, without “My Thing”‘s subtle yet significant shift in sound, it’s difficult to imagine the Bee Gees‘ meteoric rise to disco royalty. The song serves as a fascinating footnote in their musical history, a testament to their artistic evolution and a signpost pointing towards the dance revolution that was just on the horizon.