Shadow Dancing

Album review

As the youngest brother of the massively popular Gibb siblings, otherwise known as the Bee Gees, it's no wonder that Andy Gibb was a superstar in his own right. An accomplished vocalist and writer, Gibb shot to the top of the charts with his 1977 debut Flowing Rivers. Shadow Dancing, released just one year later, effortlessly confirmed his ascension to the top of the pop pedestal. Working with his brothers again, Gibb wowed audiences with his easy-on-the-ears passionate pop. He was well-suited to the era. The title track, which kicked off that year's string of hits, was nothing short of pure, smoldering disco. Written by all three of the Bee Gees (who also added backing vocals to the song), it hit the top of the charts, giving Gibb his third number one single and even more maximum exposure. "An Everlasting Love" and "(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away" quickly peeled off the LP and landed on the charts. And while many may argue that Gibb's success was received on the backs of the Bee Gees' own stellar reputation, it must be acknowledged that he was certainly not without talent. It's also true that the charting songs on Shadow Dancing all bear the mark of one or more of his brothers; however, Gibb's own material shows great, if as yet unrealized, promise. "Fool for a Night" is a bittersweet, up-tempo piece of pop, and "Melody" works as a wistful love song, while "I Go for You," smarmy as it may be in hindsight, was still better than many of its contemporaries. Laugh if you must, dismiss if you're so inclined, but no matter what anyone may argue, it cannot be disputed that Andy Gibb realized many of his aspirations across this LP and, in so doing, became a vital part of the late '70s music scene.

© Amy Hanson /TiVo