Introduction:
High Civilization, released in 1991, marked a distinct shift in the musical direction for the legendary band, the Bee Gees. The disco-pop pioneers were venturing into a new decade, one characterized by the burgeoning influence of electronic music and dance music. High Civilization, the Bee Gees’ nineteenth studio album, embodied this change.
Throughout the 1970s, the Bee Gees had become synonymous with disco. Their signature falsetto vocals, tight harmonies, and infectious rhythms had propelled them to international superstardom. High Civilization reflected a band seeking to adapt and remain relevant in a new musical landscape.
The album’s production was helmed by the Gibb brothers themselves: Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, and Maurice Gibb. This trio had been the creative force behind the Bee Gees since their formation in the 1960s. For High Civilization, they embraced electronic effects and drum programming, sonically departing from the band’s earlier disco-focused sound. This modern dance-pop aesthetic permeated the album, particularly evident in the title track, High Civilization.
High Civilization was not a commercial juggernaut compared to some of the Bee Gees’ earlier disco triumphs. However, the album garnered positive critical reception. Critics acknowledged the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve their sound. High Civilization served as a bridge between the Bee Gees’ disco heyday and their later work in the 1990s.
While High Civilization itself may not be one of the Bee Gees’ most widely recognized songs, it holds significance within their broader career trajectory. The song represents a conscious decision by the band to adapt to the changing musical tastes of the 1990s. High Civilization demonstrated the Bee Gees’ desire to remain musically relevant, a quality that had been a cornerstone of their success for decades.
Video:
Lyrics:
Cryin’ in the streets
They run for their lives How can you lead them to heaven They don’t realize Children of the night How far can we fall That which we say is forever Ain’t no time at allFather and the son
Not too young to be old Reach out for each other when The world goes cold Feel so good to be home Are you ready forMy high civilization
Are you ready for My high civilization Are you ready for My high civilization CivilizationEverything for us to see
The ultimate societyKeeper of the sword
You fight for your rights How can you live for the hour When there’s no yesterday Dyin’ in the streets Your number your name All that which keeps us together Is bringing us the painThunder of the guns
Comes the criminal mind Working for the power of The evil eye We are never alone UncivilizedMy high civilization
Are you ready for My high civilization Are you ready for My high civilization CivilizationNew York, Paris, Tokyo
Vienna to Berlin Baby don’t know you L.A., Rome, Afghanistan Cairo to Iran No city can hold you There’s no one in Avalon to show you Minutes into seconds are you ready For the endMy high civilization
Are you ready for My high civilization Are you ready for My high civilization Civilization