How Can You Mend a Broken Heart

When brothers Barry and Robin Gibb reunited in August 1970 after a period of estrangement, a song was born that would mark a before and after for them: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart. The idea arose one afternoon, and according to Barry, it was a bridge to reconnect. With the basic structure of this melody and an idea for Lonely Days, they entered the studio and recorded both pieces that same night. Originally, they offered it to Andy Williams, but they ended up recording it themselves. Curiously, Maurice Gibb, although not appearing in the initial credits, was later recognized as a co-author on releases such as Ultimate Bee Gees. The recording of the version we all know took place on January 28, 1971, in London, sharing the session with other tracks.

This single, released on May 28, 1971, as part of the album Trafalgar, became the Bee Gees' first number one on the US charts, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and also the Cashbox. Despite not having entered the British charts, it was a resounding success in the United States, being cataloged by Billboard as the fifth song of the year 1971. Cash Box magazine described it as an almost country ballad performance, with an intricate melody that combined with more powerful moments. The song has had a presence in popular culture, appearing on the soundtrack of the 2013 film American Hustle and giving its title to the 2020 documentary directed by Frank Marshall.