Ever heard a song that just haunts you, in a good way? “If I Can’t Have You” is one of those. Written by the Bee Gees but owned mainly by Yvonne Elliman’s killer version, it smashed the charts back in the day. It’s disco, full of emotion, and even after decades, it still hits differently.
Yvonne Elliman’s take on “If I Can’t Have You” isn’t just your average disco jam. It’s the Bee Gees’ song, but her voice makes it feel longing and real, not just dancey fun. Her version came out on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, and the Bee Gees themselves only had theirs as the B-side to “Stayin’ Alive.”
Yvonne Elliman — If I Can´t Have You [[ Official Video ]] HD
People absolutely loved her version, which shot to No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, right after “Night Fever” ruled for eight weeks. It also hit the top 5 in the UK. Her voice was praised by critics for its strength and unique sound, which set it apart from the Bee Gees.
There is more, though, if you thought that was all. Next, you must listen to the Bee Gees’ rendition. Their falsetto vibes really come through, and it’s smooth and polished. It was also the opposite of “Stayin’ Alive,” so it’s like a hidden gem that came to life on its own.
Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive (Official Music Video)
“Stayin’ Alive” blew up big; it’s one of their signature songs. In the US Billboard Hot 100, it sat at No. 1 for four weeks straight. Everybody knows it, used it as the intro to Saturday Night Fever, and it became way more than just a song, it’s a cultural icon that’s still spinning today.
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