Mr. Natural is the 12th studio album by the Bee Gees, an internationally renowned band consisting of the brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. The album was released in July 1974. It marked a turning point for the Bee Gees as it was their first album to include soul and R&B influences, a departure from their previous pop-oriented albums. The album veered towards a more adult-oriented sound that was key to their later works, especially their notable contributions to the disco genre.
Mr. Natural was also notable as the first collaboration between the Bee Gees and producer Arif Mardin, which influenced their subsequent musical style and approach. While the album did not fare well in terms of commercial success, only reaching No. 178 on the Billboard 200, it's well-regarded for the matured vocal style of the Gibb brothers, and its divergence from the traditional Bee Gees sound. This musical experimentation eventually led to their huge success in the late 1970s.
Despite the underwhelming commercial response, critics were warm towards the change in style. The title track "Mr. Natural" gave the Bee Gees their first US chart entry since 1972, and other tracks, including "Throw a Penny" and "Charade," showcased the more soulful, harmony-laden sound that would become their signature in future years. "Heavy Breathing," another track from the album, was also acknowledged for its beautiful arrangement. Overall, Mr. Natural represents a significant evolution in the Bee Gees' stylistic approach, paving the way for their later disco dominance.
