Introduction:
“More Than a Woman” is a quintessential disco ballad performed by the Bee Gees, forever etched into the cultural landscape by its prominent inclusion in the 1977 film “Saturday Night Fever.” This iconic song, penned by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, stands as a testament to the Bee Gees’ unparalleled ability to craft emotionally resonant and danceable music.
Here’s a deeper dive into the song’s history:
- “Saturday Night Fever” and its Soundtrack:
- The song’s genesis is inextricably linked to the “Saturday Night Fever” phenomenon. The film, starring John Travolta, captured the spirit of the disco era, and its soundtrack became a cultural touchstone.
- The “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, released in November 1977, is where “More Than a Woman” found its home. This double album became one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time, solidifying the Bee Gees’ position as disco royalty.
- The soundtrack itself earned the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1979, a significant achievement that highlighted the album’s widespread critical and commercial success.
- In 2013 the soundtrack was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry.
- The Song’s Creation:
- The Bee Gees played a pivotal role in shaping the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, contributing numerous hit songs.
- The song was recorded in sessions spanning from February to September 1977, in studios including Le Chateau (Hérouville, France), Criteria Studios (Miami), and Cherokee Studios (Los Angeles).
- “More Than a Woman” is a beautiful ballad that showcases the Bee Gees’ signature harmonies and falsetto vocals, set against a backdrop of a smooth disco rhythm.
- Genre and Impact:
- The song falls firmly within the disco genre, but it also possesses a timeless quality that transcends its era. Its romantic lyrics and melodic structure have resonated with audiences across generations.
- While not released as a single in the United States or the United Kingdom, “More Than a Woman” achieved significant airplay and became a staple of the Bee Gees’ live performances. It was released as a single in other countries such as Italy.
- It also was recorded by Tavares, that version charted on the Billboard hot 100, and the UK singles chart.
- In 1998, the British boy band 911 released a cover version of “More Than a Woman,” which reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating the song’s enduring popularity.
- Legacy:
- “More Than a Woman” remains a beloved classic, frequently featured in films, television shows, and other media.
- The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to the Bee Gees’ songwriting prowess and their ability to create music that captures the essence of human emotion.
In essence, “More Than a Woman” is more than just a disco song; it’s a timeless love ballad that has left an indelible mark on popular music history.