"Life in a Tin Can" is the eleventh studio album by the Bee Gees, released in January 1973. The album marked a change in style for the Bee Gees as they had moved to Los Angeles to record the album. As per the title, it is a reflection on their feelings of living in a "pressure-cooker" of mass attention and fame.
There are a total of eight songs on the album, including the single "Saw a New Morning", which failed to reach the top 10 on the charts. Despite the lack of a strong hit single, the album itself reached No.10 on the Billboard 200 and was fairly well received by critics.
"Life in a Tin Can" explored more toward country and acoustic music compared to their previous works, with significant influences of country singers like Hank Williams permeating the record. The collaborative work of the Brothers Gibb (Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb) along with the intricate guitar work by Alan Kendall adds a unique flavor to the entire album.
Despite the very different stylistic approach, the album was not commercially successful. Following its lackluster performance, RSO Records encouraged the group to work with producer Arif Mardin who had successfully guided their albums "Main Course", "Children of the World", and "Spirits Having Flown" to the top of the charts. Nonetheless, "Life in a Tin Can" remains a significant chapter in the Bee Gees discography, showing their versatility and continual evolution as artists.
