It was the first Bee Gees release produced by Arif Mardin, who was partially responsible for launching the group's later major success with the follow-up album Main Course.

[2] The cover photograph was taken at 334 West 4th Street, Greenwich Village, New York City by Frank Moscati, which is today known as The Corner Bistro tavern.

The decision to work with Mardin came after the RSO label rejected the brothers' post-Life in a Tin Can album, which had been provisionally entitled A Kick in the Head Is Worth Eight in the Pants.

Mardin brought the band's attention to the dance scene unfolding at the time and the brothers Gibb in turn adapted their songwriting and arrangements to a more upbeat style.

With Mardin at the helm, the Bee Gees returned to IBC Studios in London where they had recorded much of their pre-Life in a Tin Can output.

There were also two new backing musicians: Dennis Bryon on drums and Geoff Westley on keyboards who were in the tour band now made their debut with the Bee Gees on disc.

[6] Maurice said in an interview with Lynn Redgrave that his alcoholism didn't affect his recording sessions and concerts until around the time of Spirits Having Flown.

[9] The gospel tinged song "Give a Hand, Take a Hand" was written in 1969 (hence Robin's lack of writing credit since he wasn't working with his brothers at the time) and originally recorded for their 1970 album Cucumber Castle, but was not released and was used by P. P. Arnold; her version was released in September 1969 as a single, which was produced by Barry Gibb.