Black Diamond (Bee Gees song)

"Black Diamond" is a song by the Bee Gees released on the album Odessa in 1969.[1] The song was written by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb and featured lead vocals by Robin Gibb. It was included on the compilation Marley Purt Drive released in 1970.[2]

"Black Diamond"
Song by Bee Gees
from the album Odessa
ReleasedMarch 1969 (1969-03) (UK)
January 1969 (1969-01) (US)
RecordedOctober 1968 at IBC Studios, London
GenreBaroque pop
Length3:27 4:00 (demo version)
LabelPolydor Records (UK)
Atco Records (US)
Songwriter(s)Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb
Producer(s)Robert Stigwood, Bee Gees
Odessa track listing
17 tracks
Side one
  1. "Odessa (City on the Black Sea)"
  2. "You'll Never See My Face Again"
  3. "Black Diamond"
Side two
  1. "Marley Purt Drive"
  2. "Edison"
  3. "Melody Fair"
  4. "Suddenly"
  5. "Whisper Whisper"
Side three
  1. "Lamplight"
  2. "Sound of Love"
  3. "Give Your Best"
  4. "Seven Seas Symphony"
  5. "With All Nations (International Anthem)"
Side four
  1. "I Laugh in Your Face"
  2. "Never Say Never Again"
  3. "First of May"
  4. "The British Opera"

Recording

This track was the first song recorded when the Bee Gees returned to England after initial sessions for the album in New York City, and was the first song not to feature lead guitarist Vince Melouney who had left after the New York sessions for the album. It was recorded twice, the first version ended to 4:00 was released on Sketches for Odessa in 2006.[3] and the second version was released on the album. The intro features a guitar part played by Maurice, and the orchestral arrangement by Bill Shepherd. Barry Gibb did not feature on the demo version.[4] The beginning of the song is similar but there are some vastly different lyrics in the verses.[5]

Robin Gibb would return to the same lyrical theme for the song Diamonds on his 1984 album Secret Agent.

Personnel

References
  1. Discogs.com. "Bee Gees – Odessa".
  2. Discogs.com. "Bee Gees – Marley Purt Drive".
  3. Joseph Brennan. "Gibb Songs: 2006".
  4. Joseph Brennan. "Gibb Songs: 1968".
  5. Bennett, Kevin. "Bee Gees Demos – Part 3: Bee Gees – Odessa". Retrieved April 10, 2013.
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