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2 Years On
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| 2 Years On | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by the Bee Gees | ||||
| Released | November 1970 | |||
| Recorded | 13 June – 5 October 1970 | |||
| Studio | IBC (London) | |||
| Genre | Pop rock | |||
| Length | 35:57 | |||
| Label | Polydor (United Kingdom) Atco (United States) Spin (Australia, New Zealand) | |||
| Producer | Robert Stigwood, Bee Gees | |||
| The Bee Gees chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Australasian cover | ||||
2 Years On album released on Spin Records only in Australia and New Zealand. | ||||
| Singles from 2 Years On | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Christgau's Record Guide | C−[2] |
| The Rolling Stone Album Guide | |
2 Years On is the eighth studio album by the Bee Gees, released in 1970. The album saw the return of Robin Gibb to the group after an earlier disagreement and subsequent split following Odessa. 2 Years On was the first album with drummer Geoff Bridgford, who remained a full-time member of the group until 1972 although he was not pictured on the sleeve. The best-known track is "Lonely Days" which was released as the album's first single. It charted high in the US (No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the rival chart Cashbox), but only reached No. 33 in the United Kingdom. The album reached No. 32 on the US charts.
Background
[edit]In March 1969, Robin announced that he was leaving the band. In June, he released his debut solo single "Saved by the Bell", which reached No. 2 on the UK charts. In August, drummer Colin Petersen was fired and was replaced by Terry Cox to complete the album Cucumber Castle. Before the album was released, Barry and Maurice announced that the Bee Gees had split in December 1969. The pair released singles, "Railroad" by Maurice and "I'll Kiss Your Memory" by Barry, but their respective albums The Loner and The Kid's No Good remain unreleased to this day. During the temporary break-up of the group, Maurice appeared in London musical theatre production Sing a Rude Song. Maurice recalls: "We got fed up with all the lawyers fighting over our assets, so we walked out of this big summit meeting and started the group again".[4]
Recording
[edit]Robin and Maurice reunited in June 1970, supported by new drummer Geoff Bridgford. They recorded four songs, including "Sincere Relation" and "Lay It on Me". "We Can Lift a Mountain" was also re-recorded, a song from 1968. After that, Maurice joined the supergroup The Bloomfields with Billy Lawrie, and worked with Tin Tin. In August, Maurice and Robin announced that the Bee Gees were back, with or without Barry's participation, and fourteen songs were recorded, including "Back Home" and "I'm Weeping". On 21 August, the three Bee Gees came together to continue recording as Barry announced, "The Bee Gees are there and they will never, ever part again". He continues, "If a solo record comes out, it will be with enthusiasm and great support of each of us. We are a musical establishment". Maurice, on the other hand, recalled: "We just discussed it and re-formed".[5]
Release
[edit]Around the same time, Barry's "One Bad Thing" / "The Day Your Eyes Meet Mine" was withdrawn at the last minute in the US for single release, while Polydor planned to release "One Bad Thing" as a single by 2 October (probably in Europe and Asia). Despite Barry's longing to prove himself as a solo artist, it was decided instead that the next single should be performed by the Bee Gees as they reunited around the same time.[5]
Despite the album marking the musical reunion of the Bee Gees, only three songs credited all three Gibb brothers as composers: the single "Lonely Days", its flip side "Man For All Seasons", and "Back Home". Maurice sings on all songs, but Barry and Robin are only on the ones they wrote or co-wrote.[6] In the August sessions, they also recorded "You Got to Lose It in the End", "Little Red Train", "Sweet Summer Rain", "Melody Fair" (originally released on Odessa) and "Maybe Tomorrow". None of these were released.
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Lead vocal(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "2 Years On" | Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb | Robin | 3:57 |
| 2. | "Portrait of Louise" | Barry Gibb | Barry | 2:35 |
| 3. | "Man For All Seasons" | Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb | Barry, Robin & Maurice | 2:59 |
| 4. | "Sincere Relation" | Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb | Robin | 2:46 |
| 5. | "Back Home" | Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb | Barry, Robin & Maurice | 1:52 |
| 6. | "The 1st Mistake I Made" | Barry Gibb | Barry | 4:03 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Lead vocal(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Lonely Days" | Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb | Barry, Robin & Maurice | 3:45 |
| 2. | "Alone Again" | Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb | Robin | 3:00 |
| 3. | "Tell Me Why" | Barry Gibb | Barry | 3:13 |
| 4. | "Lay It on Me" | Maurice Gibb | Maurice | 2:07 |
| 5. | "Every Second, Every Minute" | Barry Gibb | Barry | 3:01 |
| 6. | "I'm Weeping" | Robin Gibb | Robin | 2:45 |
Alternate track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "2 Years On" | 3:57 |
| 2. | "Lonely Days" | 3:45 |
| 3. | "Lay It on Me" | 2:07 |
| 4. | "Portrait of Louise" | 2:35 |
| 5. | "Man For All Seasons" | 2:59 |
| 6. | "The First Mistake I Made" | 4:03 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "I'm Weeping" | 2:45 |
| 2. | "Every Second, Every Minute" | 3:01 |
| 3. | "Sincere Relation" | 2:46 |
| 4. | "Back Home" | 1:52 |
| 5. | "Alone Again" | 3:00 |
| 6. | "Tell Me Why" | 3:13 |
Personnel
[edit]Credits from Joseph Brennan.[7]
- Bee Gees
- Barry Gibb – lead, harmony, and backing vocals; rhythm guitar
- Robin Gibb – lead, harmony, and backing vocals; organ on "I'm Weeping"
- Maurice Gibb – harmony and backing vocals, bass guitar, lead and rhythm guitars, piano, lead vocals on "Lay It On Me"
- Additional musicians and production staff
- Geoff Bridgford – drums
- Bill Shepherd, Gerry Shury – orchestral arrangement
- John Stewart – engineer
- Robert Stigwood – producer
- Bee Gees – producers
Charts
[edit]| Chart | Position |
|---|---|
| Australia Kent Music Report Albums Chart[8] | 22 |
| Canadian RPM Albums Chart[9] | 22 |
| US Billboard 200[10] | 32 |
| US Cashbox[11] | 14 |
References
[edit]- ^ Bruce Eder. "2 Years On – Bee Gees | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
- ^ Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: B". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 089919026X. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
- ^ Cross, Charles R. (2004). "The Bee Gees". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (eds.). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Simon & Schuster. pp. 58. ISBN 0-7432-0169-8.
- ^ "Bee Gees Aim for Peak Stellar Performance in All Areas". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 25 August 1973. p. 18.
- ^ a b Andrew Môn Hughes (2009). The Bee Gees: Tales Of The Brothers Gibb. Omnibus Press. p. 611. ISBN 978-0-85712-004-5.
- ^ Brennan, Joseph. "Gibb Songs: 1970". Retrieved 6 June 2013.
- ^ "Gibb Songs : 1970".
- ^ "Australian Albums". australian-charts.com Hung Medien. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
- ^ "Canadian Albums". RPM Canada. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
- ^ "US Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
- ^ "US Albums" (PDF). Cashbox. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
2 Years On
View on GrokipediaBackground
Group's situation
Following the release of their ambitious double album Odessa in early 1969, the Bee Gees entered a period of internal discord that culminated in Robin Gibb's departure from the group on March 31, 1969. The split stemmed from escalating tensions during the Odessa sessions, particularly over the choice of lead single—"First of May," favored by Barry Gibb and manager Robert Stigwood, over Robin's preferred "Lamplight"—leaving Robin feeling marginalized after years of collaborative work with his brothers.[6] During his brief solo stint, Robin recorded and released the single "Saved by the Bell" in June 1969, followed by his debut solo album Robin's Reign in early 1970, though legal disputes over contracts temporarily halted his progress until September 1969.[6] The band's post-Odessa phase marked a transitional low point, as Odessa—despite critical acclaim for its orchestral complexity—failed to achieve the commercial heights of prior releases like Horizontal, peaking at No. 20 on the Billboard 200 and exacerbating financial strains under Stigwood's management.[6] Robert Stigwood, founder of the Robert Stigwood Organisation, played a pivotal role in pushing for reconciliation through business meetings in June 1970 aimed at taking the organization public and reinstating the Bee Gees' contract, which had lapsed amid the split; these discussions effectively pressured the brothers to reunite and commit to producing a hit album to stabilize their careers.[7] Barry, Maurice, and Robin formally reconciled during these sessions, abandoning individual solo projects—including Robin's unfinished second album and Maurice's early recordings—to focus on group material, with the reunion publicly announced on August 21, 1970.[7] This reunited lineup saw further evolution with the introduction of Australian drummer Geoff Bridgford in June 1970, who replaced prior session percussionists and became the band's first permanent drummer, contributing to 2 Years On as their inaugural full album together—though he was notably absent from the cover artwork.[1] Bridgford's addition brought a fresh rhythmic stability during the spring-to-summer 1970 sessions, aligning with the group's renewed push under Stigwood's guidance to reclaim commercial momentum.[7]Recording sessions
The recording sessions for 2 Years On began on June 13, 1970, and continued through October 5, 1970, at IBC Studios in London.[7] Initial work in June, led by Maurice and Robin Gibb as producers, captured early tracks such as "Sincere Relation," "Lay It On Me," and several others including "Come To The Mission" and "Belinda."[7] These sessions occurred prior to the full band's reunion, with activity pausing until August following the announcement of Robin Gibb's return on August 21, 1970.[7] From August onward, production shifted to Robert Stigwood alongside the Bee Gees, emphasizing a return to their core pop sound after the ambitious orchestral elements of their previous album, Odessa.[7] Key recording dates included August 18 for "Back Home," late August for tracks like "Lonely Days" and "Man For All Seasons," and early October for final pieces such as "Portrait Of Louise" and "Alone Again."[7] The album incorporated orchestral arrangements by Bill Shepherd, adding depth while maintaining a streamlined approach.[7] Technical aspects featured 8-track recording, which facilitated the band's signature layered vocal harmonies through multi-tracking.[7] New drummer Geoff Bridgford provided prominent contributions on percussion, helping to infuse a more driving, rock-oriented rhythm section across the sessions.[8] Overdubs and mixing wrapped up by early October, completing the 12-track album in time for its release later that year.[7]Musical content
Composition and style
"2 Years On" represents a blend of pop rock, ballads, and soft rock, incorporating elements of psychedelic rock in its arrangements.[8] This album marks a shift from the orchestral complexity and conceptual structure of the Bee Gees' previous release, Odessa (1969), toward more straightforward songwriting and production focused on emotional delivery and vocal interplay.[9] The record features prominent guitar riffs that drive tracks like "Back Home" and "I Started Something," complemented by the band's signature layered harmonies from brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb.[10] New drummer Geoff Bridgford's contributions add rhythmic drive, particularly in uptempo numbers, enhancing the album's dynamic flow.[11] Key tracks exemplify the album's stylistic range. "Lonely Days," the lead single, is a soulful ballad built around sweeping orchestral elements and a building crescendo that transitions from introspective verses to a powerful, rock-infused chorus.[12] Similarly, "I Started Something" emphasizes punchy guitar work and richer vocal layering.[13] These elements contribute to the album's cohesive yet varied sound, balancing melodic introspection with occasional bursts of energy. The album comprises 12 tracks, totaling approximately 36 minutes in length.[4] On its original vinyl release, the LP is divided into two sides, with Side A leaning toward more upbeat and mid-tempo pop rock selections like "Man for All Seasons" and "Sincere Relation," while Side B shifts to introspective ballads such as "Alone Again" and "Tell Me Why," creating a narrative arc from outward-facing energy to inward reflection.[3] This structure underscores the production's emphasis on accessibility and emotional progression, hallmarks of the Bee Gees' evolving style during this period.Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of 2 Years On predominantly explore themes of loneliness, the passage of time, and strained relationships, reflecting the Bee Gees' personal experiences following their 1969 breakup and subsequent reunion.[7] The title track, "2 Years On," written by Robin and Maurice Gibb, contemplates the enduring emotional aftermath of a romantic separation, with verses depicting the routine passage of days marked by persistent longing: "Two years on, what can I say? / Two years on, I'm on my way."[14] Similarly, "Lonely Days," co-written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, addresses isolation in the wake of heartbreak, capturing the desolation of solitude through its chorus: "Lonely days without you / Lonely nights without you." This song was composed on the day of the band's reunion, channeling the brothers' real feelings of separation into a poignant expression of relational loss. Songwriting credits for the album are primarily attributed to Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, either individually or collaboratively, underscoring their central role in crafting the material during this transitional period.[7] For instance, Robin Gibb penned "Alone Again," which delves into profound solitude and echoes the personal tensions within the band, portraying a narrator adrift in emotional emptiness.[7] Other tracks, such as Barry Gibb's "Portrait of Louise" and the collaborative "Sincere Relation," further emphasize relational dynamics, blending introspection with subtle pleas for connection.[7] The collaborative songwriting process on 2 Years On highlights the Gibbs' signature use of falsetto vocals and layered harmonies to convey emotional depth, transforming personal vulnerabilities into universally resonant narratives.[7] These elements are particularly evident in the harmonious interplay of the brothers' voices, which amplifies the album's melancholic tone and fosters a sense of shared catharsis.[7] Overall, the album functions as a "reunion statement," with its lyrics weaving the band's internal reconciliations into broader explorations of loss and renewal, as seen in songs like "Alone Again" that mirror the group's own relational strains.[7]Release and promotion
Singles
The lead single from 2 Years On, "Lonely Days", was released on November 6, 1970, in the United States by Atco Records, with "Man for All Seasons" as the B-side.[15] The track, a ballad co-written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, marked the Bee Gees' return as a trio following Robin's brief departure.[16] "Lonely Days" achieved significant commercial success, peaking at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it spent 14 weeks, and topping the Cash Box and Record World charts.[15] In the United Kingdom, it reached No. 33 on the Official Singles Chart, charting for nine weeks.[17] This performance marked the band's first top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100, their highest charting single since "I Started a Joke", which peaked at number six in 1969.[18] Promotion for the single included several high-profile US television appearances to capitalize on the group's reunion and evolving sound. The Bee Gees performed "Lonely Days" on shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Johnny Cash Show, The Dick Cavett Show, and The Ed Sullivan Show.[16] The choice of "Man for All Seasons" as the B-side was intended to showcase additional material from the album, emphasizing its thematic depth beyond the lead track.[19] No major follow-up singles were released from 2 Years On in most markets, with the album relying primarily on "Lonely Days" for initial momentum. Although tracks like "I Can Bring Love" were later recorded by the group, they appeared on subsequent releases and were not issued as singles from this album.[20]Album release and marketing
The album 2 Years On was released on October 23, 1970, in the United States by Atco Records, in November 1970 in the United Kingdom by Polydor Records, and in Australia and New Zealand by Spin Records. This staggered rollout aligned with the group's international distribution strategy following their reunion, allowing for coordinated promotion across major markets. The release marked a significant milestone as the Bee Gees' first full album since Robin Gibb's return, positioning it as a fresh start after the commercial underperformance of prior efforts.[21][22] The cover artwork consisted of a black-and-white photograph depicting the three Gibb brothers—Barry, Robin, and Maurice—walking arm in arm down a street, viewed from behind, with drummer Geoff Bridgford notably absent from the image. This composition was intentionally crafted to symbolize familial unity and the brothers' reconciliation, reinforcing the album's thematic emphasis on reunion and continuity. The minimalist design contributed to a somber yet cohesive visual identity that complemented the album's introspective sound.[21] Marketing efforts centered on leveraging the lead single "Lonely Days," which was pushed heavily through radio airplay to capitalize on its ballad style and emotional appeal. Advertisements appeared in prominent music publications like Rolling Stone, highlighting the Bee Gees' reformation and portraying the album as a triumphant return to form. The album was supported by the 2 Years On Tour in 1971, with promotional activities prioritizing broadcast media and print media to build momentum amid the group's transitional phase. The album was initially issued in standard formats including vinyl LP, cassette, and 8-track cartridge, targeting both home stereo and car audio consumers in key territories.[1][23][24]Track listing
Standard edition
The standard edition of 2 Years On, released in November 1970 by Polydor Records (internationally) and Atco Records (in the US), contains 12 tracks across two sides of the vinyl LP, featuring the original stereo mixes with no bonus tracks or alternate versions included.[21] The track listing is as follows: Side one- "2 Years On" – 3:56
- "Portrait of Louise" – 2:34
- "Man for All Seasons" – 2:57
- "Sincere Relation" – 2:45
- "Back Home" – 2:40
- "The 1st Mistake I Made" – 4:04
7. "Lonely Days" – 3:46
8. "Alone Again" – 3:00
9. "Tell Me Why" – 3:15
10. "Lay It on Me" – 3:11
11. "Every Second, Every Minute" – 2:51
12. "I'm Weeping" – 2:45[21]
