Odessa

Well. Not just a Bee Gees album, but a Bee Gees concept album. Not just a Bee Gees concept album, but one where significant creative differences resulted in not just one but two Bee Gees concept albums. About a Ukranian port. The first song alone lasts 1 day, 7 hours and 34 minutes.

Expectation: Some funky Bee Gees beats to energise my day Reality: What the hell is this

The Bee Gees were a lot more successfull at ripping off black artists than they were at ripping off white artists

This album showcases two things, neither of them good. Firstly, it highlights the problems that arise when an artist takes themselves too seriously; secondly, it illustrates how concept albums, although sometimes excellent and often make the lists of the best albums of all time, can also be hugely overrated and misguided. This album, to me, takes all of the fun out of a band that have created a lot of good, danceable tunes, without providing anything with any genuine further substance. At over an hour long, this thing rambles along with ideas that aren't nearly as interesting or profound, or even just as epic-sounding, as the Bee Gees must have thought it was at the time of recording. Suddenly and Whisper Whisper were the highlights on this for me, being two good tracks that didn't go on forever and were enjoyable to listen to. The rest of it went down like the Odessa

Thank Jeebus disco happened.

I like the Bee Gees pre disco albums. This is sort of their magnum opus - a big sprawling concept album in the wake of Sgt Pepper's, with hints of Beach Boys/Pet Sounds, Dylan's more country inflected sound here and there, and maybe a bit of Nilsson? I'm a sucker for this sort of ambition. One thing that I think holds this album back is the lead singing style, which often comes across so melodramatically when they lean in on that vibrato. I can see how it can be a big turn off to some but to me it is just sort of funny - which I'm sure is not the intended reaction. This sounds like the soundtrack to a musical and I find it quite enjoyable. Drags on a bit towards the end though.

This evening I found a cold wet washcloth behind the toilet in my kids' bathroom and found it more interesting than this album. I was actually looking forward to this, but the Bee Gees Odessa is terrible, has zero personality and was a huge disappointment.

What a shocking album. I struggled to make it beyond the first track. It's billed as a concept album. That concept must be themed around crap. Lyrics such as "You know the neighbours that live next door, they haven't got their dog anymore..." don't help. I wish zero stars was an option.

Well, I don't know what I was expecting but it sure wasn't a store-brand Beatles album. If it weren't for Gibb's ridiculous vibrato and the blatant rip-off nature of the album, it'd almost be good. But it's not.

The group members may disagree for personal reasons, but Odessa is easily the best and most enduring of the Bee Gees' albums of the 1960s. It was also their most improbable success, owing to the conflicts behind its making. The project started out as a concept album to be called "Masterpeace" and then "The American Opera," but musical differences between Barry and Robin Gibb that would split the trio in two also forced the abandonment of the underlying concept. Instead, it became a double LP -- largely at the behest of their manager and the record labels; oddly enough, given that the group didn't plan on doing something that ambitious, Odessa is one of perhaps three double albums of the entire decade (the others being Blonde on Blonde and The Beatles) that don't seem stretched, and it also served as the group's most densely orchestrated album. Yet amid the progressive rock sounds of the title track and ethereal ballads such as "Melody Fair" and "Lamplight" were country-flavored tunes like "Marlery Purt Drive" and the vaguely Dylanesque bluegrass number "Give Your Best," delicate pop ballads like "First of May" (which became the single off the album), and strange, offbeat rock numbers like "Edison" (whose introduction sounds like the Bee Gees parodying Cream's "White Room"), and "Whisper Whisper" (the latter featuring a drum break, no less), interspersed with three heavily orchestrated instrumentals. Even the seeming "lesser" numbers such as "Suddenly" had catchy hooks and engaging acoustic guitar parts to carry them, all reminiscent of the Moody Blues' album cuts of the same era. Moreover, the title track, with its mix of acoustic guitar, solo cello, and full orchestra, was worthy of the Moody Blues at their boldest. The myriad sounds and textures made Odessa the most complex and challenging album in the group's history, and if one accepts the notion of the Bee Gees as successors to the Beatles, then Odessa was arguably their Sgt. Pepper's. The album was originally packaged in a red felt cover with gold lettering on front and back and an elaborate background painting for the gatefold interior, which made it a conversation piece.

Only *nine* reviewers in here gave a 5/5 grade to this. Including a 80-year old lady who stopped giving reviews in 2021 after a few of them. I hope she's doing fine and just got bored with the app. It was lovely reading her impressions. Nice call adding the dates to the reviews, by the way. About *Odessa* now... Knowing this double album's "reputation", I expected to hate its guts. Turns out that out of those four sides, I really enjoyed side two. Everything from "Marley Put Drive" to "Whisper Whisper" was nicely done, with Beatles-like undertones (in the latter's mock-novelty-cuts guise) and/or catchy melodic moments (see "Marley Put Drive" and "Edison"'s choruses). Unfortunately, everything else is just schmaltzy drivel plagued with saccharine layers of nothingness. Those added strings sound as if you're stuck in a mental institution--I can imagine the album being played through speakers in a scene right out of *One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest*. Such music is so ridiculous it sounds like a perverted parody of itself. The songs have no build-up, no sense of direction and no focus (and this concerns the lyrics as well, by the way). Questionable production choices make some moments incredibly awkward. And don't get me started on the Gibbs brothers' leaning to overindulge in those horrid vibrato-laden vocal parts. So grating. Disco would later save the Bee Gees' asses. Who didn't shake a leg on *Saturday's Night Fever*'s soundtrack? But when it comes to *Odessa*, c'mon guys, let's be a little serious for one second. An essential listen this album is *not*. Number of albums left to review: 760 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 120 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 58 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 63 (including this one)

Very weird coincidence to get this album on the day Russia invades Ukraine. Anyway, utter crap.

Wow, didn't expect this at all, I quite liked it. I wonder when they changed their style drastically, might investigate..

oof... a Bee Gees concept album from when they were a 60s folk band? Nahh. Didn't make it through.

not my Bee Gees

Wow, this is incredible. Some songs sound like early Beatles which is a good thing and makes sense, because this is also from the 60.

This was definitely not what I expected. When you think of The Bee Gees, you think disco obviously. But this album could not be farther from that. This is a double album filled with some really beautiful pop songs, some orchestral elements, and just overall the complete opposite of what I thought this would be going into it. The album starts off at an incredible point, if the album had stuck at that level I might be willing to give it a five, but it does eventually slip. Only one or two songs are truly weak but overall the album sorta begins to drag. It's a double album, clocking in at over an hour, and it would be much better if it was just 20-25 minutes shorter. Still some really great songs in here, though.

Wasn't sure what to expect from pre-disco Bee Gees. What I got was a very pleasant baroque pop album.

There is just too much greatness here to leave it at a 3. The run time is too long and the country tunes throw off the album, but the sound, harmonies, orchestration are so perfect.

Ambitious.

This is an absolutely bizarre project, in a way that I am extremely partial for. Not entirely, perhaps due to being primed by Trafalgar first. In chronological order, that album comes across as a less interesting and slimmer version of Odessa. However, the songs here ride the edge of too cute for their own good, and there are maximal arrangements galore stretched out over a double album. Essential? Not on first listen, but this could be a favorite once the palette is cleaner.

Beatles ripoff (complimentary)

No disrespect to Redcliffe but this was average at best. Their harmonies sometimes sounds like Free Willy calling out for his mum when he was stuck in the fish tank. Suddenly and Whisper Whisper were good though.

Get these guys a statue. 2nd best band from the Isle of Man... Sexy Breakfast if you're wondering...

better than expected but my bar was pretty low.

I never knew there was a pre-disco version of the Bee Gees. Turns out I didn't really need to know either. I'm not a disco fan. But I accept the iconic role the Bee Gees had in shaping that era in music and culture. However, "Odessa" feels like an also-ran in a late-60s era of much better, similar music.

I was saving this album for a glittery night of disco fun and was a bit sad to realize Bee Gees weren’t always the boogie they’re best known for bringing. I’m sure this album had more merit than my confusion allowed me to see, but ionno, not for me, man

Shit Beatles, shit Beach Boys, shit Donovan, shit Kinks. So much variety. So shit.

For me, it seems the inclusion if this album on this list works as possible form of enlightenment? I don't think I realized this band had been putting music out this early, nor did I know they sounded anything like this during this period. What I determined pretty quickly is I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either. The baroque pop elements are good with interesting flourishes here and there, but it just doesn't quite get into areas that feel very deep. I also didn't care much for the vocals in places which is a big part of their sound. As an album, this feels like a dirge and lacks direction sort of leaving scraps behind. Also, Edison was not a good person, even though this song about him is pretty weird, and I kind of dig it.

While I may have gained a little appreciation for the Bee Gees beyond the “unbuttoned satin shirt and greasy chest hair” image we’ve come to know them for, this album and Trafalgar were both absolutely tedious to listen to. Odessa is the sound of a band ruminating in their own wind.

Sounded like a cover band except all they played were song I never heard. Thank god they found their sound later because it was painful to listen to them trying to sound like other bands. Sad.

OMG, there are so many low points in the first few songs my head was spinning trying to decide the lowest. Was it the pompous and schmaltzy Odessa, inspired by Robin Gibb seeing a travel brochure? Or trying to sound backwoods West Virginia on “Marley Purt drive” (with a “gotcha” at the end, letting us know the 15 kids are actually from an orphanage) or the choir in a song detailing Thomas Edison’s accomplishments? Or possibly the three symphonic pieces on the second disc that sound like they were written for “Lassi Come home”? Wikipedia tells us “The album was not well received by the public or the music press on release, and led to a decline in the band's fortunes.” No kidding.

How bout that opening track? The album really gets off to a good start - LOL. I find it hard to like anything on Side 1. The start of Side 2 is hopeful as the banjo comes out and they venture to the country on Marley Put Drive,  but there is way too much fussing over the vocals for the country sound to work. In the next track, Edison, they decide to repeat the phrase "Edison Came to stay" 100 times. I don't get it. Whisper Whisper ends the side. The keyboards, percussion  and guitar in that song are fun. Is this the turning point for the album? Nope. Side 3 starts with Lampshade which is hideous.The fiddle comes out for Give Your Best as they return to country. The fiddle is fine, but the Bee Jees ruin it. This would have been a hard listen if it were a single album. As a double, it's painful.

Store-brand Beach Boys mixed with portentous orchestral arrangements with pseudo concept album nonsense sprinkled on top. Features some light-hearted, whimsical lyrics that don't match the instrumentation at all, which makes it worse. I hate this. Side note: It's hilarious to me that Robin Gibb left the band because his song Lamplight wasn't chosen as a single. Buddy, that song sucks. Pick your battles. Best track: You'll Never See My Face Again

Bee Gees.

I like them have many of their songs on my play list.

This was an amazing album. I was well pleased.

This was beautiful, and sooooo different from what the Bee Gees are known. I mean, there was even some Country in there! Very pleasant listening experience.

Listened twice in a row

Oh! It's their Melody Fair!!

nice

Definitely influenced by The Beatles and the Beach Boys this album is great musically and can be put in the same category as some of the top albums of the 60s and 70s. Enjoyed this one a lot more than any other Bee Gees album I've heard.

This aint disco. Reminds me of the beatles. Very cool stuff

Some fabulous Baroque pop that tickles my fancy greatly. Not what I expected from the Bee Gees though!

I’m a big fan of The Bee Gees, but up until this project had not really looked into their 60s catalog of albums. It’s something I’ve meant to do, so I’m glad this project has finally jump-started this long overdue endeavor. The versatility and craftsmanship of The Bee Gees is quite evident when you consider the many decades and styles of music they have created. Now that I have listened to two of their 60s albums, I’m further impressed at their work. This album is fascinating, beautiful and ambitious and after a few listens I can now say I’m a fan of every decade of The Bee Gees. I loved the orchestral grandeur, the concept and backstory, and the songs. While they may not have the fierce hooks of some of their later hits, the songs on Odessa still have great melodies and complex arrangements and the songs opened up more with every listen. I only wish I was listening to the original flocked album!

Well this just smacks of quality. This isn't the Bee Gees I grew up with but it is top-notch!

It was really well done, and their original sounds with this album is fantastic. It’s either a hit or miss but don’t sleep on this, deserves a listen

This was not what I expected. As soon as I saw Bee Gees I almost didn’t even want to listen to it because I’m not a fan of disco at all. WOW. A genre-bending magical journey is the only way to describe this album.

The Bee Gees are one of those bands where I can only name five or so songs off the top of my head, but I’d bet that there are loads more that have fallen out of the confines of my petite brain. Let’s listen to an album in full today and see what we thing! Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Odessa, Melody Fair, First Of May There were times listening to this today when I had to check that I was still listening to the correct album. I had incorrectly assumed that the Bee Gees were entirely a disco band, but this album is far from it. It’s comparable to The Beatles at times, and has grandiose symphonies at others. First Of May leading into The British Opera gave me full body goosebumps and was something I’d never have thought would be the Bee Gees. If you’ve heard any Bee Gees disco music, regardless of whether you liked it or not, you should still give this a listen and see what you think.

А что, а как... это точно Bee Gees? Вообще полный шок. Поскольку ожидания от имени группы были совсем другие. Но музыка здесь оказалась настолько затягивающе разнообразной, что прям ах... Где-то это просто кантри-поп песни, где-то это перерастает в Пре-симфонические произведения, от которых даже мурашки по коже идут. Кода в финальном треке The British Opera, например: видимо, детство, проведённое за прослушиванием классики, даёт о себе знать приятными флэшбэками. Опять же, если вы ждали диско - надо ещё лет 8-10 подождать, потом кааак жахнут. Интересно, что их спровоцировало так резко сменить курс. Ну и забавно, что название альбома к Одессе имеет столько же отношения, сколько Великобритания к Чёрному морю.

поразительно нежный и искренний альбом с отличными текстами и нежной мелодикой

_this_ is the Bee Gees? the same stayin alive bee gees. Mind blown, so good.

I was really only familiar with their work on Saturday Night Fever. The Bee Gees were talented! I love the variety.

Nice a bit Experimental

love these guys

I LOVED this album. I need more Bee Gees in my life. Previously I though the Bee Gees were like a boy band from the 60s – bubble gum pop. But this album felt more like a Pink Floyd album: connected, thoughtful, and diverse.

Such different from other Bee Gees albums and it is great

One of the best albums I've heard. It sort of invokes a certain feeling of evening tunes to listen to after a rough day . Loved the instrumentation and the vocals were top notch. Favourites have to be marley put drive and Edison

Got some nice Beatles vibes, and tons of great orchestral stuff.

This sounded nothing like I was expecting it to.

Really diverse music, very enjoyable

4.5 Que sorpresa de álbum, es algo que movió totalmente mi percepción sobre los BG's. Siempre creí que solo habían hecho música disco. Comienza muuuy lento para la mayoría de la gente pero como a mi me gusta mucho el progresivo, solo me tomó por sorpresa que no fuera disco, ya para "Marley purt drive" se pone mas movida la cosa y después de "Whisper,whisper" va bajando el ritmo tal como si fuera una opera con el gran finale de "the british opera". muy bien ganado el lugar como una de las primeras bandas en hacer opera rock/rock sinfónico (sinceramente pensé que eso había nacido con KISS y Metallica). Sigo impresionado con toda la mezcla musical del álbum, que sea el sexto y que no es música disco. Sin duda alguna se va a colar entre mis discos favoritos. Me gusta mas sin el falsete de Barry, le voy a dar una vuelta a los demás discos

I thought the The Bee Gees were Disco, but this sounds like the poor man's Beatles and I swear I don't mean that as an insult.

Interesting. I only knew bee gees because of their disco dance music. This album is kind of a mishmash of other styles.

aint no b without the g's broooooo

Zobaczylem nazwe bee gees i obawialem sie, ze czeka mnie kolejne diskowe sluchowisko, bo wlasnie z synthowego disko i teledyskow wpaczajacych w kamere kojarze te bande, ale poza tym nic wiecej o niej nie wiedzialem, a dostalem cos nieoczekiwanie dobrego podwojny albumik, ponad godzina muzyki ktora okreslilbym jako pomost miedzy beatelsami a beach boyami, glownie przez to ze jest to albumers konceptowy, wiec odniesienia do sierzanta peppera, czy pet sounda wydaja mi sie jak najbardziej na miejscu, zwlaszcza biorac pod uwage podobny styl wokalny jakim operuja bee geesy, takze banda braterska, wiec harmonijne wokale tworza ciekawe kompozycje, jestem calkowicie zbaflowany jak roznorodne jest to 60 minut, klasyczne rokowe traki jak you will never see my face again, influencje muzyka country w give your best czy marley purt drive, a tutaj kolejny zwrot akcje psychodelika beatelsowa sie wylewa z suddenly, whisper whisper czy i laugh in your face, koniec no nie zupelnie, sa rowniez traki calkowicie instrumentalne mini symfonie british opera czy seven seas symphony, cala trojka braciowa ma swoje traki na ktorych wokaluje, ale reszta jest wtedy wsparciem, dodatkowi dwa czlonkowie niebraterscy ogarniaja gitarke prowadzaca i drumersy, instrumentalnie bez zbednych ekscesow i nawet traki kontrowe w ktorych naprawde duzo sie dzieje, przez dodatek studyjnych banjosow czy smyczkow nie sa zbyt chaotyczne, kawalki sa tak prosto pisane, a jednoczesnie bardzo sluchalne przez gwalcenie kaczowych refreniorow i ich chorowanie, od strony technicznej nie mam sie do czego przyczepic, produkcja zrobila robote, bo spotifajowa skarbnica zawiera ultra deluxowa wersje prawie 2 i pol godziny, na ktorej znajduja sie early mixy i alternatywne tejki, wiec mozna uslyszec jaka roznice zrobili w koncowym produkcie, wiec kolejny raz jestem milo zaskoczony, ze poznaje na nowo zespol ktory juz znalem, zwlaszcza dostaja w rece taki konceptowy gem, no i redemption ark brytowej muzyki popularnej

I only knew the disco Bee Gees, but this is surprisingly good.

I love it. This feels like a warm hug. A little bit dated (you can so tell it’s from the late 60s / early 70s) but one I will definitely be revisiting. Turns out these boys can do much more than Stayin Alive

Decent songs, each sound a little too similar to one another though.

Catchy!

Ambitious in scope, trippy, complex, engaging, and psychedelic. In which the Bee Gees get their Sgt. Peppers on. It’s probably too long and it doesn’t make a lot off narrative sense as a concept album, but I still really enjoyed this.

Huh. I didn't expect Bee Gees to be so versatile. Or a 1969 album to be so long :D But yeah, listenable ^^

Pretty good. Too many songs on this album and a few were instrumental

An interesting concept album, different than I was expecting from Bee Gees (who I mostly enjoy for their greatest disco hits). Almost Beatles-esque, I can see why it's compared to Sgt Pepper's. The touches of country and psychedelic vibes were interesting too. The whole album really took me by surprise for the style and tone. Great choice! My top pick is 'Marley Purt Drive' - feels more like CCR than Bee Gees!

Entretenido, pero siempre en mi poco conocimiento, si no me dicen que son los Bee Gees y lo hubiera escuchado, habría jurado que eran los Beatles o algo así. 8/10

That was not what I was expecting. A bit of prog, a bit of country, a bit of folk-rock and no disco in sight. Surprisingly enjoyable.

This was pretty gloriously unexpected! Took a second listen to get my head around what I was hearing. Only really knowing the Bee Gees' disco output, a sweeping melodramatic concept album about the close of the 19th century rather took me by surprise! Fave track - "Edison", maybe? Or "Whisper Whisper". More listens are probably required...

12/02/2021 Today's Album: "Odessa" by Bee Gees - Usually when I think of the Bee Gees, I think of the high-pitched singing in tracks like, "stayin alive", but this album really shows their musical range. Slow ballads, strange psychedelic sound scapes, somewhat cloudy or rustic production, catchy hooks, soft melodies, smooth psychedelic pop, Beatles worship, and more make this album what it is. I like how much this album makes me want to sway and there really isn't too much to complain about in the instrumentals. If anything, I would say the record drags on in the middle few songs, but it makes sense as they are seemingly experimenting with a ton of different ideas. Piano ballads, upbeat country tracks, and general bangers come out of the second half. This album is really good and I think it took me a few listens to really understand it, but now that I gave it the time it deserves I like it a decent bit. Score: 8/10 Fun, creative, and enjoyable Highlights: You'll Never See My Face Again, Marley Purt Drive, Edison, Melody Fair, Lamplight, I Laugh In Your Face, First Of May

Cool!! Orchestral and christmasy

Lots of interesting stuff here! Parts were very charmingly folksy, some parts felt a touch country, some parts sounded like the Beatles. There were songs made me feel warm inside, like Lamplight and First of May. I loved the opening track, full of drama. Really liked the tracks without words too, especially the album closer. Lots of magic here; sometimes I even got Christmas vibes somehow. A lot of the tracks blended together for me. I think I'd need more time with this album to properly appreciate it, but there's a lot here to love.

Det här var hur bra som helst??? Inte alls beredd på soundet, trodde det skulle va disco. Riktigt nära att dela ut en femma men håller mig i tyglarna! Goa Supertrampvibes! Bäst hittills av det jag inte redan har hört

Toppen, visste att den skulle vara bra men blev ändå glatt överraskad. Kanske saknar några 'klassiker' och skulle behöva tightas till på ställen för att verkligen bli ett 5/5 album dock.

Man ba va händer. Sexigt av dem att göra det här albumet

Not the Bee Gees I expected but still pretty good

I was surprised by this album. I have always associated the Bee Gees with disco, and this wasn't that. Quite a range and depth here.

Интересный альбом, есть красивые композиции. Ближе к концу хуже запомнился, чем в начале прослушивания.

I think this is the first time I have listened to a full record of theirs. Very good.

Never thought they were not into dance music from the start. A very interesting piece.

Fun vibey rock album. Reminds me a bit of the beatles in the quirky songs

I didn't think I'd be able to make it past the seven minute plus title track. But the more I listened, the more it grew. By the end, you forget that it's a double. I'll take two more, please.

Its an interesting concept album, you can see they tried to replicate the magic that The Beatles and Beach Boys were doing in the late 60's. 7/10 Favorite Tracks: Odessa, Lamplight

Had expected this to be on the list, given the album's reputation as the best Bee Gees album of the sixties/early 70s. Not sure why: most of those albums seem to consist of >>5* singles and some lesser material. And in my memory this album is quite uneven as well (apart from being a bit more orchestral). Listened to it again a few times todays and it started to grow on me: 4 stars.

4 star

Oh wow. So like most people, I only really know the Bee Gees from their disco hits, although I did see their documentary and was aware that they started off in white R&B. I didn't realize that they went full Pet Sounds at some point, though! Honestly, I like this a lot more than their falsetto-heavy hits, and I can see this be a real grower. C+, maybe B-?

A little long but sooo listenable

Overall, I enjoyed it. It was different from what you'd normally think of when you hear the Bee Gees. Not sure how often I'd relisten to it, but it's got a worthwhile place in the 1001 albums.

Surprisingly great. I hadn't ever listened to a Bee Gees album before and had no idea they had music that sounded like this. Love the mix of orchestral, baroque pop, country, folk, and other styles. Very rich sound and well-produced.

Very enjoyable

This is a very sprawling album that is not what you think of when you think of the Bee Gees. A lot of it was cringy and pretentious which is the big risk when you do a concept album like this. Enjoyed it overall even though there I had some undeniable second hand embarrassment during some of the more corny parts. 3.75 stars.

Surpreendente, pop com qualidade em que a pretensão de apresentar ao épico se justifica.