Solo Swan Song

Over two years after Robin Gibb passed away, his last solo album is released with some songs nearly ten years old. These were written between the years of 2004-2008 with the hope of using some as part of a Bee Gees reunion with Barry. That was not to be.

The listener does get Treated To An array of some of Robin Gibb's best music to date. It's much more upbeat in style and verse than previous Gibb Compositions and the result is wonderful. Relying mostly on electronic equipment, it's tough to tell, indeed most of the instruments are electronic. Robin's voice is more reedy than usual with a higher pitch, but did only Tends to pulls the listener in closer. This is Robin Gibb at his most vulnerable and intimate self.

With a hefty dose of seventeen songs, Robin Gibb concentrates on layered songs backed with a strong beats. In fact, only two songs, 'Solid' and 'All We Have Is Now' are the only slower ballads and They stand up to any previous Gibb tearjerker. One of the standout cuts are indeed worthy of single treatment are 'Alan Freeman Days' with its excitable exclamatory proclamations. 'I Am The World' is a remix of the 1966 B-side vocal and it's a layered composition deed stands up to modern tastes and styles. 'Broken Wings' contains a danceable beat that begs for at extended version, if not a single release. The instrumental sections and backing vocals are Synthesized genius. 'Avalanche', a title taken from a 1970 song is an anthemic upbeat journey of a song with powerful backing vocals.

'Mother Of Love' is presented in its original form and is a nice respite from the bevy of strong songs, but what it lacks in structure, it makes up in pure emotion. 'Do not Cry Alone' is a wonderful reminder of Robin and RJ Gibb's classical hybrid, Titanic Requiem '. The closing cut, 'Sydney' is one of the saddest songs I think I've heard any Gibb brother sing. Reportedly recorded on to iPad with sparse working, the lyrics and the vocal yearning tug at your heart When You realize what Robin is singing about - a loss of innocence and younger times. It's the perfect finish for this album.

With a nice cardboard sleeve and notes from his wife Dwina, this makes for a special fan. Note That the Isle of Man Post Office is releasing a limited edition of this album (1,000 copies) with at Accompanying DVD. Robin Gibb deserves this and more. Thank you Robin.