Introduction:
“Hold Her In Your Hand” is a song that holds a unique place within the Bee Gees’ and Maurice Gibb’s musical history. While often associated with the Bee Gees, it’s particularly significant as a solo release by Maurice Gibb. Here’s a deeper look into its history:
- Origins and Composition:
- The song was written by Barry and Maurice Gibb during the sessions for the Bee Gees’ 1981 album, “Living Eyes.” However, it was not included on that album.
- It leans towards a country ballad style, which is a departure from the Bee Gees’ more prominent disco and pop sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- Release and Context:
- “Hold Her In Your Hand” was eventually released as a single in 1984.
- It appeared on the soundtrack for the film “A Breed Apart.” This connection to the film is crucial to its release.
- Maurice Gibb notably recorded this song in 1983, and played many of the instruments on the track.
- It was released as a single in September of 1984.
- Musical Style and Significance:
- The song showcases Maurice Gibb’s musical versatility, demonstrating his ability to work outside the Bee Gees’ typical sound.
- Its country ballad style, combined with Maurice’s instrumentation, gives it a distinct character.
- The B-side of the single was an instrumental version of the same song.
- Later Inclusion:
- “Hold Her In Your Hand” gained renewed attention when it was included on the 2010 Bee Gees compilation album, “Mythology.” This inclusion helped to bring the song to a wider audience.
- This inclusion on the “Mythology” album, is where many Bee Gees fans have become familiar with this song.
- Achievements and Legacy:
- While the single did not achieve significant chart success at the time of its release, it remains a cherished piece of Maurice Gibb’s solo work.
- It is important to note that this was Maurice’s second and last solo single.
- It serves as a reminder of the Gibb brothers’ diverse musical talents and their ability to explore different genres.
- The song has also been reinterpreted by Maurice’s daughter, Samantha Gibb, which has kept the song alive for new generations of fans.
In essence, “Hold Her In Your Hand” is a song with a complex history, moving from unreleased track to film soundtrack single, and ultimately finding a place in the Bee Gees’ broader legacy.