Introduction:
The year is 1968. The Bee Gees, a band of three brothers – Maurice, Robin, and Barry Gibb – were already a force to be reckoned with. Having taken the world by storm in the mid-1 960s with their pop hits like “To Love Somebody” and “Massachusetts,” they were poised for their next evolution. “With the Sun in My Eyes”, a track from their album Horizontal, marked a shift in their sound, incorporating elements of rock and roll with their signature close harmonies.
Horizontal, released in January 1968, was a critical and commercial success. It reached No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and topped the charts in Australia. While the album contained a diverse range of tracks, “With the Sun in My Eyes” stood out for its bright and optimistic melody. The song itself wasn’t a major hit on the scale of some of their earlier songs, but it has become a fan favorite over the years, showcasing the band’s versatility and their ability to craft catchy and enduring tunes.
The mastermind behind the production of “With the Sun in My Eyes” was Robert Stigwood, a collaborator who had worked with the Bee Gees since their early days. Stigwood, who also managed the band, is known for his work with other successful artists like Cream and Eric Clapton. His influence can be heard in the polished production of the song, which features upbeat drumming, jangly guitars, and the Bee Gees’ characteristic vocal layering.
While the specifics of the songwriting credits for “With the Sun in My Eyes” vary across sources, it is most often attributed to all three Gibb brothers. This collaborative approach was typical for the Bee Gees throughout their career, and their shared creative vision is a key ingredient in the song’s enduring appeal.
“With the Sun in My Eyes” captures a carefree and optimistic mood. The melody is bright and cheerful, and the lyrics speak of a sense of hope and new beginnings. The song’s title itself evokes a feeling of looking towards the future with a positive outlook. Although not their biggest hit, “With the Sun in My Eyes” remains a treasure for fans of the Bee Gees and a charming example of their pop-rock sound.