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Goodbye Stranger
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Wikipedia article
"'Goodbye Stranger'" is a song by the English rock band Supertramp; it was written by Rick Davies.'Breakfast in America' (1979). Inner sleeve credits. A&M Records. The song first appeared on their sixth studio album, 'Breakfast in America' (1979).
Reception
'Billboard' described "Goodbye Stranger" as "a fluid midtempo number highlighted by the band's near falsetto vocals, dominant keyboards and a strong melody line." 'Cash Box' said it has "intriguing, well-paced vocals" from Rick Davies, and the "high backup singing" from Roger Hodgson and "blithe, spirited instrumentation." 'Ultimate Classic Rock' critic Nick DeRiso rated it as Supertramp's 4th best song, calling it a "snarky kiss-off from Davies" that "showcases the band's predilection for the Wurlitzer." Brett Milano of UDiscover Music rated Roger Hodgson's guitar solo at the end of the song as one of the 100 all-time greatest. Gary Graff of 'Billboard' rated "Goodbye Stranger" as Supertramp's 9th best song, saying it's "one of the best executed trade-offs between Davies and Hodgson vocals" and has one of Supertramp's "hottest guitar solos."
Personnel
* Rick Davies Wurlitzer electronic piano, Hammond organ, lead and backing vocals
* Roger Hodgson electric guitar, backing vocals, lead vocal on chorus
* John Helliwell backing vocals, whistling
* Bob Siebenberg drums
* Dougie Thomson bass guitar
Charts and certifications
Charts
Despite being met with only limited success in the UK, it was a major hit elsewhere, even a Top 20 hit in the United States and Canada, reaching number 15 and 6 respectively.Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
In popular culture
The song plays in the movies 'Magnolia' and 'I, Tonya'. It also plays on episodes of TV series 'Supernatural', 'Red Band Society', 'Life in Pieces', Hacks, the trailer for 'The Morning Show', and the pilot for British comedy 'The Other One'. In the episode "Goodbye, Toby" of 'The Office', Michael Scott sings a parody of "Goodbye Stranger" entitled "Goodbye, Toby". It also plays prominently during the second episode of Outer Ranges first season.
References
Category:Supertramp songs
Category:1978 songs
Category:1979 singles
Category:Songs written by Rick Davies
Category:Music videos directed by Bruce Gowers
Category:A&M Records singles
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