Introduction:
“In the Now” is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant song from the legendary Barry Gibb, released as the title track and an “instant grat” single on August 12, 2016, ahead of its parent album. The full album, also titled In the Now, was subsequently released on October 7, 2016, by Columbia Records. This album holds particular significance as it is Gibb’s second solo studio album (following 1984’s Now Voyager) but, crucially, his first of all new material since the Bee Gees’ final studio album, This Is Where I Came In (2001). “In the Now” showcases Gibb’s enduring songwriting prowess and distinctive vocal style, characterized by his emotive baritone and signature falsetto. It marks a poignant chapter in his remarkable career, a reflective work that touches upon themes of life, loss, and living in the present, while still carrying the unmistakable melodic and harmonic sensibilities that defined the Bee Gees’ global success.
- Year Released: 2016 (August 12, as single; October 7, on album)
- Album: In the Now
- Genre: Pop Rock / Adult Contemporary / Singer-Songwriter
The creation of “In the Now” and its accompanying album was a deeply personal and cathartic process for Barry Gibb. Having lost his brothers Maurice (2003) and Robin (2012), who were his lifelong musical collaborators in the Bee Gees, Gibb found himself navigating a new artistic path as a sole surviving brother. He had previously hinted at stepping away from music altogether, making this album a triumphant return and a testament to his resilience and passion for songwriting. Gibb himself stated, “This is a dream come true for me. It’s a new chapter in my life. I always hoped one day that the Bee Gees would be with Columbia or indeed Sony so, it’s a great joy for me to start again this way with such great people.” The album’s creation involved a close collaboration with his sons, Stephen Gibb and Ashley Gibb, who co-wrote the entire album with their father. This familial collaboration brought a fresh dynamic while retaining the core songwriting elements characteristic of the Gibb family.
The recording of In the Now took place at Hit Factory Criteria in Miami, Florida, and Megawatt Recording in Los Angeles, California. Barry Gibb served as a co-producer on the album alongside John Merchant, who also engineered the recordings. This production team meticulously crafted a sound that felt both contemporary and timeless, blending lush instrumentation with a clean, modern mix. The title track, “In the Now,” exemplifies this approach. It features a solid pop-rock foundation with a driving rhythm, melodic guitar work (with Stephen Gibb on guitar), and subtle keyboard textures. Barry’s vocals are front and center, moving seamlessly between his lower register and his iconic falsetto, a vocal range that has been a hallmark of his career. The lyrics are deeply reflective, contemplating the passage of time, the importance of cherishing moments, and embracing the present. Lines like “Every moment that you’re given, is what you’re gonna live in” convey a powerful message of living fully and appreciating each day, a sentiment undoubtedly influenced by the profound losses Gibb had experienced. This lyrical depth, combined with the evocative melody, gives the song a universal appeal that resonates with listeners of all ages.
Genre of Music:
“In the Now” falls primarily within the Pop Rock genre, with strong elements of Adult Contemporary and Singer-Songwriter.
- Pop Rock: The song features a blend of melodic accessibility, strong vocal hooks, and traditional rock instrumentation (guitars, drums, bass, keyboards). It combines the melodic strength of pop with the energy of rock, a style Gibb has mastered throughout his career.
- Adult Contemporary: The polished production, mature lyrical themes, and radio-friendly arrangements position it squarely within the adult contemporary genre, appealing to a broad demographic that appreciates well-crafted, emotionally intelligent music.
- Singer-Songwriter: As a composition predominantly written by Gibb and his sons, “In the Now” also carries the intimate and personal storytelling characteristic of the singer-songwriter genre, where the artist’s unique voice and perspective are central to the music.
Achievements:
While “In the Now” did not produce a global chart-topping single on the scale of the Bee Gees’ biggest hits, the album achieved significant critical and commercial success for a solo artist in his seventh decade, especially considering the long hiatus from new material:
- Chart Success for the Album: The In the Now album performed remarkably well internationally, signifying Barry Gibb’s enduring appeal. It reached the Top 10 in multiple countries, including No. 2 in the UK (his highest solo chart position in his home country), No. 4 in Australia, No. 6 in Austria, No. 9 in Canada, No. 11 on the US Billboard 200, No. 11 in New Zealand, and No. 14 in Switzerland. It also charted strongly in Germany (No. 12), Italy (No. 15), and the Netherlands (No. 15). This widespread international success showcased the continued global fanbase for Barry Gibb and his music.
- Critical Acclaim: In the Now received generally positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised its reflective lyrics, strong melodies, and Gibb’s undiminished vocal abilities. The Guardian lauded it as a “fine continuation of the Bee Gee legacy,” while Billboard highlighted Gibb’s candid reflections on life and loss. Reviewers often pointed to the album’s emotional honesty and its timeless quality, which transcended contemporary musical trends.
- “Instant Grat” Single Release Strategy: The decision to release the title track as an “instant grat” (instant gratification) with album pre-orders generated significant buzz and allowed fans to immediately connect with the new material, building anticipation for the full album release.
- Return to Original Material: The album’s primary achievement was marking Barry Gibb’s return to composing and recording entirely new songs after a 15-year gap. This was a pivotal moment for him, signifying a renewed creative energy and a willingness to share his personal journey through music after the profound losses he experienced.
- Family Collaboration: The involvement of his sons, Stephen and Ashley Gibb, as co-writers on every track of the album, was a significant aspect of its creation. This collaboration not only provided a new dynamic to the songwriting process but also honored the Gibb family’s musical legacy, demonstrating that the talent continued through generations.
- Reinforcing Legacy: “In the Now” reinforced Barry Gibb’s status as one of music history’s most prolific and influential songwriters and performers. It reminded the public of his unique ability to craft memorable melodies and heartfelt lyrics, whether as part of the Bee Gees or as a solo artist. The album’s success paved the way for further artistic endeavors, including his critically acclaimed 2021 country collaboration album, Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers’ Songbook, Vol. 1.