Introduction:
“Someone Belonging to Someone” is a poignant ballad by the Bee Gees, released in 1983 as part of the “Staying Alive” soundtrack. The song was recorded between November and December 1982, following the sessions for Robin Gibb’s solo album “How Old Are You?” It was released as a single in July 1983 in the United States and in August 1983 in the United Kingdom. The track is characterized by its soft rock and blue-eyed soul elements, running for a duration of 4 minutes and 24 seconds. The song was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, and produced by the Bee Gees in collaboration with Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson.
In terms of chart performance, “Someone Belonging to Someone” reached number 49 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. It also charted in Belgium, peaking at number 23, and in Germany at number 55.
The song was featured in the film “Staying Alive,” a sequel to the 1977 hit “Saturday Night Fever.” Despite the high expectations set by its predecessor, “Staying Alive” did not achieve the same level of critical or commercial success. The Bee Gees themselves described “Someone Belonging to Someone” as a “fair ballad from a silly film” in the liner notes of their 1990 box set, “Tales from the Brothers Gibb.”
Musically, the track is noted for its quiet, introspective tone, with Barry Gibb providing the lead vocals. The song’s arrangement includes a saxophone solo by David Sanborn, adding a soulful touch to its soft rock foundation. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and introspection, themes that resonate with the film’s narrative of personal struggle and ambition.
“Someone Belonging to Someone” holds a unique place in the Bee Gees’ discography, representing their work during a transitional period in the early 1980s. While it may not have achieved the same acclaim as some of their earlier hits, the song remains a testament to the group’s versatility and enduring talent.