Introduction:
“Our Love (Don’t Throw It All Away)” is a poignant ballad primarily associated with Andy Gibb, though it holds a significant place in the Bee Gees’ history as well. Penned by Barry Gibb and Blue Weaver, the song first emerged during the prolific recording sessions for the Bee Gees’ iconic “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack in 1977. However, it was not included in that groundbreaking album. Instead, this heartfelt track found its initial release in September 1978 as the third single from Andy Gibb’s second studio album, “Shadow Dancing”.
While the Bee Gees’ own rendition of “Our Love (Don’t Throw It All Away)” remained unreleased at the time, it eventually saw the light of day on their compilation album “Bee Gees Greatest”, which was released in October 1979. This later release cemented the song’s connection to the Bee Gees themselves, showcasing their original take on the composition.
Musically, “Our Love (Don’t Throw It All Away)” falls firmly within the realm of soft rock and soul-influenced pop. Andy Gibb’s version, produced by the Gibb-Galuten-Richardson team, features a tender and dreamy arrangement characterized by gentle keyboards, lush strings, and an easy, melodic beat. His smooth and emotive vocals perfectly complement the song’s melancholic yet hopeful lyrics, which plead for the preservation of a precious love. The Bee Gees’ version, while sharing the same core melody and lyrical content, carries their signature harmonies and production style of the era.
For Andy Gibb, “Our Love (Don’t Throw It All Away)” proved to be another significant achievement in his burgeoning solo career. Released at the height of his popularity, riding the wave of his previous successes like “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” and “(Love Is) Thicker Than Water,” the single became a Top 10 hit in the United States, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the fall of 1978. This accomplishment further solidified his status as a teen idol and a prominent figure in the late 1970s pop landscape. The song also performed well internationally, contributing to the overall success of the “Shadow Dancing” album. AllMusic’s Amy Hanson aptly described Andy’s version as a “wonderfully dreamy, tender ballad that was well suited to Andy’s voice,” appealing to a wide audience. Cash Box magazine noted its “gentle keyboards, strings, an easy beat and harmonies,” highlighting its broad appeal across different demographics. The song’s enduring quality is evident in its inclusion on multiple of Andy Gibb’s greatest hits compilations.
The Bee Gees’ decision to give the song to their younger brother underscores the familial bond and collaborative spirit within the Gibb family. Barry Gibb’s reworking of the original demo, including the addition of a new middle eight specifically for Andy’s recording, highlights the care and attention they invested in his solo work. Years later, the Bee Gees paid a poignant tribute to their late brother Andy by performing “Our Love (Don’t Throw It All Away)” during their “One Night Only” concert in Las Vegas in 1997, with Barry Gibb dedicating the performance to him. This act further cemented the song’s emotional resonance and its connection to the memory of Andy Gibb. “Our Love (Don’t Throw It All Away)” stands as a testament to the songwriting prowess of the Bee Gees and the captivating vocal talent of Andy Gibb, a cherished ballad from the late 1970s that continues to evoke feelings of love and tenderness.