Following a six-year studio hiatus, the Bee Gees released “E.S.P.” as the follow-up to their blockbuster comeback single “You Win Again”. Issued on 30 November 1987, “E.S.P.” served as both its own title track and the second single from the album E.S.P.
The song opens with a dramatic a cappella harmony before dissolving into synth-laden verse sections and a soaring chorus. Co-written and performed by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, it explores the idea of extrasensory emotional connection—communication beyond words. Barry handles the lead vocals, while Robin edges into falsetto during the choruses. On radio edits, the a cappella intro was removed for timing purposes
Bee Gees performs E.S.P.
Originally called “Ecstasy” or “XTC”—the brothers renamed it “E.S.P.” because they felt the original title sounded too drug‑related
The a cappella intro on the album version is absent in most radio versions; however, a brief reprise of this vocal opening closes out the album as “E.S.P. (Vocal Reprise)”
Strong European reception: While not as commercially successful as “You Win Again”, “E.S.P.” still hit No. 8 in Switzerland, reached #13 in Germany, and landed at #21 in Austria. It peaked at #51 in the UK and missed the top 50 in the U.S. entirely
Tech-forward production: The track features programmed drums and synthesizers programmed by Barry and Maurice, utilizing the Fairlight CMI. Producers Arif Mardin, Brian Tench, and the Gibb brothers helped shape its layered sonic texture
Album impact: E.S.P., released on 21 September 1987, was the Bee Gees’ first studio album in six years, and their first to be recorded digitally. It marked a renewed partnership with producer Arif Mardin and sold over two to three million copies worldwide, including chart-topping success in Germany and Switzerland
