Search - Robin Gibb :: How Old Are You

Obscure Solo album a must listen!

kristin724 | New Jersey USA | 08/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Imo it is the best of the Robin solo albums. Made in 1982, then released in 83, this was Robin's second solo effort. The first, Robin's Reign, came when the brothers split in 1969. In 82, Robin was in a new relationship, a new father, and he was making this album while on good terms with his brothers. All the songs on HOAY (I love sounding that out!) are composed by Robin and Maurice, and you can even hear Maurice backing on some of the songs. Robin was clearly happy at this time, or at least happier than he was while making Robin's Reign. This jubilance is evident in the first song, Juliet. It is a very happy go lucky bubbly song one would never expect from Robin Gibb. He sounds different, and sings quite high through the song and album. Sometimes you can't understand what he's saying. The album is very 80s sounding, but that doesn't make it less enjoyable today. In fact, Juliet will really get stuck in your head. Next is the title song How Old Are You. This is one of the ones it seems you can also hear Maurice. It continues the upbeat style of Juliet. Actually there is no slow song on the album, or any of Robin's 80s solo albums for that matter! The lyrics on the album are superb. Each song has a hook that will stuck in your head. The arrangements are also interesting. It is mosty just Robin in dubs and overdubs, with Maurice backing on some. However, Robin variates his voice within the songs and it sounds like three or four people at times. Very effective. In and Out of Love is slower than the first two songs, but still very smooth. It has a bit more of an 80s sound to it, but I like the lyrics, and its one of the few where you can understand what Robin is saying. Even my mother likes this one. She kept asking me who it was, since she refused to believe it was Mr. Quiver Robin. Its interesting that before the 80s solo work, Robin always sang the really sad or sappy Bee Gees songs, but when the group comes together again for ESP, Robin is different. Stronger, more confident in himself and his voice. Danger is somewhat unique sounding in comparision with the rest of the album. The music is different, and Robin sings in a different voice. It's a nice break from the higher singing. He Can't Love You continues the `hook will get stuck in your head' trend. This is the one song that perhaps sounds like the Robin people were expecting, probably because it is the one that sounds like a Bee Gees song. Great story song with a perfectly arranged chorus."

The One of the Best

Trombonist | hong kong | 09/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How Old Are You? is the second solo album of Robin Gibb. The first one was Robin's Reign. The next few ones are Secret Agents, Wall Have Eyes, and Magnet. This album is very strong and includes hits such as Juliet, Another Lonely Night In New York, and Heart on Fire. Robin was surely trying to do his best. Great job, robin."

Excellent solo album.

duke14 | NE Philly, PA | 11/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I did not expect this cd tho be all that great. The Bee Gees are the greatest ever in history but after i heard Cucumber Castle, i thought they could never be all that great without being whole. In and Out Of Love is a great song. I think it should be a single, but oh well. Juliet and Another... are pretty good singles, and in the One For All concert, Juliet sounds 20 times better when sung by the group. The other songs that I like on this cd are Kathy's Gone and I Believe In Miracles. I still need to get his other 3 solo albums, before Magnet, which is a horrible cd. But overall, a must have solol album for BeeGees fans."