Bee Gees – Too Much Heaven (1979)

Ah, Too Much Heaven by the Bee Gees. Now that’s a song that evokes a very specific era, doesn’t it? Released in 1979, it sits right at the crossroads of the iconic brothers Gibb’s career.

We all know the Bee Gees. From their early pop ballads in the 60s to their disco domination in the late 70s, they’ve carved a unique path through music history. But Too Much Heaven is a fascinating anomaly.

Let’s rewind a bit. By 1978, the Bee Gees were fresh off the phenomenal success of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Their falsetto vocals and disco beats had taken the world by storm. Night Fever was a cultural phenomenon, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. It would be easy for the brothers Gibb – Maurice, Robin, and Barry – to simply ride that wave.

But the Bee Gees were more than just a disco fad. They were talented songwriters with a deep well of musicality. So, for their next project, they took a surprising turn. Too Much Heaven wasn’t a pulsating dance track. It was a grand, soaring ballad. It retained some of the signature Bee Gees elements – the unmistakable falsettos, the lush harmonies – but wrapped them in a more traditional pop melody.

The song’s origins are interesting too. Too Much Heaven wasn’t written for commercial gain. It was the Bee Gees’ contribution to the Music for UNICEF concert, a star-studded event held in January 1979. The brothers Gibb wanted to give back and Too Much Heaven became a powerful anthem for the cause. The song’s lyrics, penned by Barry Gibb, speak of a love so intense it feels almost overwhelming – a sentiment that resonates with the act of giving and the desire to make a difference.

Interestingly, the ballad format proved to be a winning formula. Too Much Heaven was released as a single in late 1978 and slowly climbed the charts. By the time of the UNICEF concert, it had reached number one in both the US and Canada. The song became a massive hit, proving that the Bee Gees weren’t confined to the disco box. They could deliver heartfelt ballads with just as much power and emotion.

Too Much Heaven is a bridge between eras for the Bee Gees. It showcased their musical versatility and cemented their status as pop music royalty. The song remains a beloved classic, a testament to the enduring talent of the brothers Gibb.

Video

Lyrics

“Too Much Heaven”