Saved by the Bell

"Saved by the Bell" is a 1969 single written and recorded by Robin Gibb. It was released in June 1969, and has been certified gold. It was the lead single on Gibb's debut album Robin's Reign, released in early 1970. According to Vinyl Records, the song was co-produced by Kenny Clayton. Gibb also made a promotional video for this song. The song gained commercial success in Europe, but was a commercial failure in the US. Music critic Nicholas James says: "'Saved by the Bell' falls into this category, being heavily influenced by the Bee Gees track 'I Started a Joke'. It has a powerful Robin Gibb lead vocal and an infectious melody, although the lyrics are somewhat simplistic (possibly even banal)." David Furgess described "Saved by the Bell" as a "killer song". Background Gibb announced his solo plans on 19 March 1969, on the same day the Bee Gees recorded "Tomorrow Tomorrow" and two other songs. "Saved by the Bell" was recorded around March 1969 at De Lane Lea Studios, along with three other songs: "Mother and Jack", "Alexandria Good Time", and "Janice". As Gibb said: "I made that record back at the end of March, immediately following my split from the Bee Gees". Fellow Bee Gee Maurice Gibb worked on "Saved by the Bell", playing piano, adding vocals, and recording organ and guitar, accompanied by a drum machine. The demo was then sent to Kenny Clayton, who arranged the song with a big singalong chorus. The orchestra section of the song was arranged by John Fiddy.