Introduction:
The Bee Gees, a name synonymous with the golden age of disco, released a surprising track titled “Second Hand People” in 1966. While the brothers Gibb would go on to dominate the disco scene in the mid-to-late 1970s with hits like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever,” “Second Hand People” predates that era by nearly a decade. This song offers a fascinating glimpse into the band’s musical evolution, showcasing their early experimentation with themes and sounds that would define their later disco period.
Composed by the Gibb brothers – Barry, Robin, and Maurice – “Second Hand People” falls under the genre of beat. Beat music, a precursor to disco, emerged in Britain in the mid-1960s and was characterized by its prominent drumbeat, often featuring a four-on-the-floor pattern. “Second Hand People” certainly embodies this characteristic beat sound, propelling the song forward with a driving rhythm section.
Although not a producer in the traditional sense, Robert Stigwood played a significant role in shaping the Bee Gees’ sound during this early era. Stigwood, who co-founded the N º 1 label – the Bee Gees’ record company at the time – is often credited with identifying the brothers’ potential and overseeing their musical direction.
“Second Hand People” wasn’t a major commercial success compared to the Bee Gees’ later disco hits. However, the song holds a certain weight in the band’s musical trajectory. The lyrics, though not overtly disco-themed, hint at a growing disillusionment and yearning for something more, a sentiment that would become a recurring subject in their disco era songs. Lines like “See the cracks upon the wall. We do not know the meaning of it all” foreshadow the introspective lyrics that would grace songs like “How Deep Is Your Love” and “Nights on Broadway.”
Furthermore, “Second Hand People” showcases the early development of the Bee Gees’ signature falsetto vocals, a sound that would become a cornerstone of their disco music. While not as prominent as in their later works, one can hear glimpses of the high-pitched harmonies that would define their disco sound in “Second Hand People.”
Overall, “Second Hand People” serves as a bridge between the Bee Gees’ early beat era and their disco dominance. The song demonstrates their experimentation with musical elements that would later propel them to international stardom. While it may not have been a chart-topping hit, “Second Hand People” holds a significant place in the Bee Gees’ musical history, offering a valuable glimpse into the band’s evolution as they embraced the sounds and themes that would define disco in the decade to come.