Spirits (Having Flown)

The song *Spirits (Having Flown)* by the Bee Gees, released in December 1979, brings us an atmosphere that evokes the coasts of the Caribbean. Barry Gibb's vocal performance in the verses, with his natural register, contrasts with the chorus, where Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb join in a distinctive falsetto. This track, which was not a lead single from the 1979 self-titled album, served to promote the compilation album *Greatest*, released in late October of the same year. The version we hear on the album includes an initial four-beat count, which was omitted from the single edition and *Bee Gees Greatest*. On the recording, the flute was handled by Herbie Mann.

Recorded in 1978 at Criteria in Miami, *Spirits (Having Flown)* is a pop and R&B genre piece. The musical and lyrical composition is the work of Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. The production was handled by the Bee Gees themselves along with Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson, with sound engineering by John Blanche, Dennis Hetzendorfer, and Karl Richardson. The single had its run on the charts, reaching number 16 in the United Kingdom in January 1980. This track became the group's last Top 40 British hit until 1987. As the B-side, "Wind of Change", a 1975 song from the album *Main Course*, was included.