Introduction:
The year is 1969. Rock and roll is undergoing a seismic shift. Psychedelic experimentation is yielding to the grittier sounds of hard rock and the burgeoning blues-rock movement. Yet, amidst this sonic revolution, the Bee Gees, a band synonymous with pop perfection in the early sixties, released a single that stands as a fascinating anomaly: “Tomorrow Tomorrow”.
Composed by brothers Barry and Maurice Gibb, “Tomorrow Tomorrow” marked a turning point for the band. Robin Gibb, the group’s youngest and sometimes lead vocalist, had temporarily left the fold, transforming the Bee Gees into a trio featuring Barry, Maurice, and drummer Colin Petersen. Produced by the ever-present Robert Stigwood, the song served as the first single released after this internal shakeup.
While the Bee Gees were known for their sugary sweet harmonies and polished production in their early hits like “To Love Somebody” and “Massachusetts”, “Tomorrow Tomorrow” hinted at a newfound maturity. Though commercially not their biggest success, peaking at a modest No. 54 on the Billboard charts, the song holds a significant place in the band’s history.
“Tomorrow Tomorrow” bridges the gap between the sunshine pop of the Bee Gees’ early years and the more introspective and melodic rock sound they would embrace in the following decade. The track showcases Barry Gibb’s unmistakable vocals, still youthful but tinged with a newfound urgency. The instrumentation, while still retaining a pop sensibility, leans towards a more organic rock sound with prominent guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section.
This sonic shift, coupled with the introspective lyrics that grapple with themes of uncertainty and longing for a brighter future, make “Tomorrow Tomorrow” a fascinating listen. It’s a song that reflects the changing musical landscape of 1969 while offering a glimpse into the musical direction the Bee Gees would pursue in the years to come.