Introduction:
In November 1981, the Bee Gees released their album Living Eyes, a record that represented both continuity and change for the trio of brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. Among the album’s tracks lies a subtle, moving ballad: “I Still Love You”. Though far from the chart-topping heights of the group’s 1970s peak, this song offers one of the more understated and emotionally rich moments in the Bee Gees catalog.
Background & Context
By early 1981, the Bee Gees were facing a shifting musical landscape. The disco-driven dominance of the late-’70s was fading, and the group themselves found their role evolving both as performers and songwriters. Their album Living Eyes was recorded between February and June of 1981 and released later that year.
The song “I Still Love You” was written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb and appears on Living Eyes, and is listed as the B-side (or double A-side) to the single “Living Eyes”.
In the album’s context, many critics regard Living Eyes as a “lost” or overlooked chapter in the Bee Gees story — commercially underperforming, yet artistically interesting.
The Song: Composition & Performance
“I Still Love You” is notable for its lead vocal by Robin Gibb, with Maurice and Barry providing harmony and instrumental support. According to available sources, Robin sings lead and harmony, while Maurice contributes upper and lower register harmonies during the chorus and second verse.
Musically, the track features orchestral backing, a Rhodes organ and even sitar instrumentation among its textures — contributing to a lush, somewhat introspective soundscape.
Critically, the song has been described as “Robin Gibb in Bee Gees form with lush arrangements and production”.
One reviewer of Living Eyes calls “I Still Love You” “an outtake from Spirits Having Flown, with a gorgeous lead from Robin, with its desire to restart a relationship that has been broken or troubled.”
Fan commentary echoes this appreciation. On Reddit, one fan wrote:
“I Still Love You is great, I can never get enough of Robin’s voice.”
Another:
“I Still Love You from Living Eyes is SO underrated.”
Themes & Mood
Lyrically and emotionally, “I Still Love You” delivers a message of enduring attachment and emotional perseverance. The title itself declares a steadfast commitment — even in the face of challenges. Coupled with the gentle, melancholic musical tone, the song evokes the idea of a relationship that has been tested but not surrendered.
The vocal delivery by Robin Gibb – with its characteristic quaver and emotional edge – adds to the impression of vulnerability and humility, rather than triumph. In this sense, the song stands in contrast to the more bombastic hits of the Bee Gees’ earlier era.
The overall mood: reflective, sincere, and perhaps slightly melancholic — signalling not defeat but a mature acknowledgment of love’s continuity beyond its youthful exuberance.
Place in the Bee Gees Catalog & Legacy
While “I Still Love You” was never a major hit single in the vein of the Bee Gees’ apex period, its artistic value has been increasingly recognized by fans and critics who delve beyond the band’s mainstream catalogue.
The album Living Eyes marked a turning point: the brothers pulled back from the dominant falsetto-led disco aesthetic, gave Robin and Maurice more lead vocal space, and experimented with a softer rock/adult-contemporary sound.
One commentary states:
“Arguably the greatest underdog in the entire Bee Gees catalogue … Since the commercial return to form … Living Eyes has long been a fan favourite.”
Within that, “I Still Love You” stands out as one of the “hidden gems” – a track praised for its vocal warmth and emotional directness despite its lack of major commercial impact.
For listeners today, the song offers a quieter, more personal side of the Bee Gees — one that reveals the brothers’ songwriting and vocal strengths outside the glare of their disco-era stardom.
Why It Matters & Why Listen Now
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Emotional Authenticity: Unlike some high-gloss pop productions, this song feels grounded and heartfelt. Its statement of sustained love resonates in a timeless way.
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Vocal Showcase: For fans of Robin Gibb’s voice, this track is a strong example of how his emotive tone can carry a song with nuance rather than sheer power.
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Historical Context: Listening to “I Still Love You” gives insight into how an established pop act responded creatively to changing tides in music, emerging with a more introspective palette.
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Underrated Treasure: As many fans have noted, the song (and the album it comes from) remains under-explored — giving it the appeal of discovery for those willing to dive deeper.
Final Thoughts
In the grand arc of the Bee Gees’ career, “I Still Love You” may not shine the brightest in terms of chart success — but it glows with something arguably more enduring: sincerity, craftsmanship and quiet beauty. It stands as a testament to the songwriting talents of Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, and to the emotional capacities of their voices beyond the spectacle of stardom.
For anyone seeking to explore not just the hits but the depth of the Bee Gees’ catalogue, “I Still Love You” offers a rewarding listen — a reminder that love songs need not always shout to resonate.