Customer Reviews

Size Isn't Everything

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To me, this album is the best that the Bee Gees have done. "Paying the Price of Love", "Haunted House", "Omega Man" and "Fallen Angel" all have great energy to them, and show how well the Bee Gees can "rock and roll"! You can feel the energy in these songs and you will not stop dancing! Also, the songs "For Whom the Bell Tolls", and "Blue Island" are "heart-breakers" that illustrate the Bee Gees' beautiful melodies and "soul-grabbing" lyrics. Consequently, I especially enjoy how this group has combined the fast-paced songs with the ballads, and this makes "Size Isn't Everything" a must-have! I think that if you enjoyed "Still Waters" and "One" you will most definately want this CD. Bee Gees forever!!

This CD contains four hit singles, although the only one to chart in the USA was "Paying The Price Of Love", a fair, but unsuccessful attempt at 'hip-hop'. No matter. The rest of the album is wonderful. "Kiss Of Life" has an upbeat tempo with a killer chorus, while "How To Fall In Love, Part I" contains some of Barry's most soulful singing. Robin matches this soulfulness with his own on "Heart Like Mine". "Blue Island", a beautifully harmonized ballad dedicated to the children of Bosnia, has an amazing harmonica solo; unusual for the Gibbs. The remaining songs are all high tempo, especially "Above And Beyond" and "Fallen Angel", the latter being one of the Gibbs most danceable songs to date. The big sleeper here is, "For Whom The Bell Tolls", a romantic power ballad that should have been a big hit.

If you buy the IMPORT, you'll receive "Decadance", a high-tech remix of "You Should Be Dancing". It's worth the search. If you are very lucky, you may be one of the few to find a 'hidden track' - another version of "Decadance" not listed on the cover notes!

I've been on a long search for this album and when I finally got it, I can't stop listening. I almost listen two to three times a day to this album, almost more than I listen to my "Still Waters" or "One" or "E.S.P" albums. "Paying The Price Of Love", "Kiss Of Life", "Haunted House", "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and "Fallen Angel" are the best. Maurice takes an great lead on "Omega Man" and "Above And Beyond" and they both rock hard.

I would advise any big fan of the Brothers Gibb, to buy this album if you haven't got it yet, because it's really great. Some people say that this is the best album the Bee Gees ever released, that is so true, but "Still Waters" I guess are the best.

I have been a huge fan of the Bee Gees since the 70's. At the time, they were experiencing their greatest commercial success. When the 80's came, they were pretty much mocked and ridiculed for being a disco act. Although they did ride on the success of the disco craze, they were obviously much more than just a disco act.

While their music was ignored for much of the 80's, they nonetheless provided Top 10 hits for other artists such as Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. They finally reclaimed some chart glory in 1989 when they scored a Top 10 hit for themselves with "One". 1989 was a watershed year for a lot of chart veterans who had not had hits in years to stage comebacks. Besides the Bee Gees, other acts to return to the Top 10 that year included Donny Osmond, Bette Midler, and Donna Summer. Instead of capitalizing on the success of "One", the Brothers Gibb took a few years to release their next album, 1993's "Size Isn't Everything". By that time, the nostalgia of 1989 had passed and they were once again no longer considered cool.

The brothers had signed with Left Bank Management, who had helped Duran Duran return to the top of the charts in early 1993. It was hoped that this management team would be able to work the same magic with the Bee Gees. However, the first single from this CD, "Paying the Price of Love", faltered and stalled at #74 on Billboard's Hot 100. The song is a masterpiece, and certainly deserves to have performed better. But even at the time, when I first heard it, I knew it would have a hard time finding an audience at radio. The second single, "For Whom the Bell Tolls", was a beautiful ballad, but it performed even worse. It failed to make the Hot 100, reaching 109 on the Bubbling Under chart.

The Bee Gees did finally get one last comeback in 1997 with the CD "Still Waters" and the single "Alone". Subsequent releases have had mixed results and now with the passing of Maurice Gibb, it seems the future of the Bee Gees is uncertain.

This CD includes some of the Bee Gees most beautiful ballads as well as lively uptempo numbers. Besides the songs that were released as singles, some of my favorites include "Kiss of Life", "Omega Man", "Heart Like Mine", and "Fallen Angel". Bee Gees fans who have not had the chance to pick this CD up, I suggest you do so. It is truly an overlooked gem.

Paying For The Price Of Love leads off this 1993 album and was a solid hit for The Brothers outside of America. It's beat driven tone is akin to the previous album, High Civilization, but it doesn't seem as dark. Paying for the Price of Love raises the bar and sets the tone for the album. It rocks and has a sense of fun about itself. Kiss of Life continues this trend. Robin leads on the somewhat perverse lyrics and Barry expertly handles the chorus. The styles of the boys singing may seem at odds at times, but there is such a vocal hook that this song will get stuck in your head.
How To Fall In Love Part One is another staple in the Barry love song category. To me this song should be the backtrack to every love scene in a movie. The song starts of slow, with almost no music but a beat, then by the end the three part harmony is bringing down the house. The six minute ballad only brings up one question. Where's Part Two?! I
want my Part Two!!

Omega Man is the first Maurice lead of the album. Mo was sober and very happy at the time, and Omega Man showcases his humor, and a bit of his nasty side. This album has an air of bravado. Just look at the title! It's quite ambitious for these old timers to say they are going to do a pop album in the teen driven market. But they are brash enough and
talented enough to do it.
After the joy of Omega Man, the very dark Haunted House will have you reeling in your seat. A great arrangement in lyrics and vocals by Barry and Robin. It is effectively creepy, but in a good way 80)
Heart Like Mine has developed a strong love hate/relationship with Robinites. Some swear by its quavering and heart tugging delivery. Others find it one of the most annoying post disco songs. I think it depends on the mood your in. Along with Haunted House, Heart Like Mine almost brings you down from the high built up during the first four songs. When you want to cry, program the cd player for repeat, when you want to have fun skip it. Now that may seem harsh, but the versatility of The Bee Gees is one of my favorite things. With their impeccable catalogue, you can almost pick and choose which Bee Gees are your favorite. What other artist can you say that about?

Anything For You returns to the fun. It's almost short on words, but the refrains are so skillfully done by the brothers you can't help but sing along. Some dislike the modern emphasis on production, but Blue Island's simplistic guitar arrangement is ingenious. The lyrics are impeccable, and they very much mean something. The underlying spirituality in this song is so subtle but so inspiring I redid my room in a Blue Island theme!
Above and Beyond is the second Maurice track on Size. Again a very fun piece with underlying lyrics that are so personal, yet touch everyone, and without making it obvious. Masterful. Second to last on Size is its monster hit, For Whom The Bell Tolls. Hit everywhere but the U.S. again. One of The Bee Gees power ballad staples. The arrangement
of the broken hearted lyrics, combined with the modern crescendo is tops. Barry's breathy delivery and Robin's powerhouse chorus will knock your socks off. Tolls and the last track, Fallen Angel, are completely opposite styles with one thing in common; Robin sings them both. This alone amazed me for weeks. Angel is very fast and rocking and led very
strongly by Robin, who has somehow tripled the power of the voice coming out of that little body.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Size began the modern system of putting B sides on singles but not putting them on an album. My Destiny and 855-7019 are two of this cream de la rare. Fortunately, I've heard and recommend My Destiny. Unfortunately I haven't heard 855-7019. Despite this inconvience, Size Isn't Everything is regarded by fans as one of the best Gibb albums post Fever. This album strengthens the debate that The Brothers seem to be better since the Fever craze. Size Isn't Everything proves it is time to set aside your disco stigmas and give The Bee Gees another listen. A Must.

I stumbled on this CD less than a month ago and it's now in my CD player almost constantly. Some songs I loved from the first listen (Fallen Angel, Paying the Price of Love, Kiss of Life) and some took a bit longer to grow on me (especially Heart Like Mine) for some reason, but I now love every single one of them. The entire collection is so beautiful, I'm almost afraid to listen to other Bee Gee albums for fear that they won't measure up. Especially wonderful are the two songs with Maurice singing lead (Omega Man & Above and Beyond), as he is sometimes lost in the mix of Barry and Robin's leads. Just enough of their incredible, unmatched harmonies and this album is a perfect example of why this trio has stood the test of time. Highly recommended to any lover of great music.

After the low sales of "High Civilization", the Bee Gees decided that they needed to get much better. Clearly they did. Although it did poorly in the charts and sales, 'Size" was an awesome album with some hits that should have made the top ten.

1- "Paying the Price of Love" To kick things off is an upbeat dance song. Barry takes the lead, and sings great (except for when he starts screaming at one point). The music is good, and is sure to make you want to get up and dance. A music video is available at beegeesonline.com Also, on the single are two remixes (KC and Ocean Drive). I do not like Ocean Drive at all, but KC is pretty good.

2- "Kiss of Life" Robin takes the next lead with a rock song! Robin's vocals are the best on this album and "This Is Where I Came In". The chorus is great, the music rocks, the whole song is awesome.

3- "How to Fall in Love Pt. 1" This is the irst slow song. It is very sweet and Barry's vocals are wonderful. I love the chorus..." Experience Is Not Enough... I'll show you how to fall in love". The only wrong thing- where's Part 2?

4- "Omega Man" This is the first song Maurice leads on. He sounds great. Too bad he never got more of a role singing. I do not undserstand the lyrics, or why it is called Omega Man, but oh well. It is on the short side, but is one of the best songs on the CD. The instruments are cool, especially for the intro.

5- "Haunted House" Going back to along the lines of "Ghost Train", the three brothers manage to put in a spooky song. It reminds me of Halloween. Scary intro. Barry leads, with Robin doing some of the backing.

6- "Heart Like Mine" The next real slow song, led by Robin. It sounds kind of depressing, but gives hope that someone out there is perfect for you. This is the worst song on this CD.

7- "Anything for You" This is a fun song, like "Carzy For Your Love". Barry does a great falsetto lead. The chorus is repeated too many times, though.

8- "Blue Island" This was written for the children of Yugoslavia. It is great, with Barry doing no falsetto. Robin helps out on the chorus, and it rocks! Also there's a great harmonica solo.

9- "Above and Beyond" The other Moaurice lead. This one is great, but not as memorable as "Omega MAn". It is upbeat and fast.

10- "For Whom the Bell Tolls" Barry AND Robin take the lead. This is my favorite power ballad ever. Robin and Barry are perfectly harmonized. There is no fault with this song. IT'S PERFECT!

11- "Fallen Angel" Wrapping it up is a dance song led by Robin. It is extremely good. If "Paying the Price of Love" doesn't get you dancing, this sure will. A remix was offered on the "How to Fall in Love Pt. 1" single. It is not as glood.

*- "My Destiny" Only available on "Paying the Price of Love" singles, this is one of the few sonngs where all three brothers sing and can all be heard.While being short, it is worth every penny you spend. It is fast paced and a rock song.

*- "855 7019" Even rarer than "My Destiny", this was only found on the "How to Fall in Love Pt. 1" singles. It is slow, but it is awesome. It has kind of a Latino taste to it. This is my favorite of all 14 songs.

As you can see, this CD is full of awesome tracks and should have done MUCH better. Oh well. This CD is definitely worth getting.

Consistent quality music from the world's greatest group! "For Whom The Bell Tolls" is defintely one of my favourite-ever songs, and combined with "Paying the Price of Love" this album surely is destined to become a classic. Every song here has a deep, smooth meaning, and this CD is in my player more than any other. Buy it - you won't be disappointed!

At first I didn't like "Size"' very well, but after a few listens it started to grow on me . The best cuts are as follows: "How to fall in Love"-- really catchy tune and different than most Bee Gees songs, despite relying on those famous harmonies. Ditto for "Anything for you."
"Blue Island" is really gorgeous. "Above and Beyond" is a toe tapper,and "Fallen Angel" is impossible to listen to and sit still at the same time. This song more than any caused me to give a listen to "Size"'enough times to fully appreciate the rest.
As already mentioned,the harmonies on this CD are classic Gibb, yet are used in a different way than usual, as are the musical arrangements.Perhaps,"Kiss Of Life" demonstrates these qualities better than any other cut, and has come to be my favorite. What is different about their sound on "Size"' is really hard to put into words, so I'll stop trying. Suffice it to say,"Size Isn't Everything" will not disappoint and deserves a listen----or two.

In Bee Gees history, the post-1980 period seems to be regarded as little more than a footnote (check out their last "Greatest Hits" package for evidence of this). That's a shame, because, in my opinion, it is their richest period artistically. This album stands as a testament to that.

Released in 1993, SIZE ISN'T EVERYTHING showcases the Brothers at their best. While other acts that have been around as long as they have are content to rest on their laurels or coast along, the Bee Gees continue to grow and develop as musicians, producers, and, most prominently, as songwriters.

The singles from this album,"Paying the Price of Love" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls", are wonderful, with the latter being a moving epic ballad. However, for me, the real treasure here is "Kiss of Life". The melodic turns and clever hooks show a musical sophistication that is impressive indeed. Add to that the fact that I have never heard better harmony from the Bee Gees (and that is certainly no small statement) and you have pop music of the highest order.

As for the rest of the album, be prepared for a variety of musical styles that never disappoint ("Blue Island" is especially beautiful). This may be the best album the group ever recorded. Take a listen.