Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – What’s So Good About Goodbye: A Soulful Ballad of Love’s End
In the realm of soul music, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles stand as iconic figures, their harmonies and heartfelt lyrics etching indelible marks on the genre’s landscape. Among their vast repertoire, “What’s So Good About Goodbye” holds a special place, a poignant ballad that captures the complexities of a love reaching its end.
Background
Released in 1961, “What’s So Good About Goodbye” marked a turning point in The Miracles’ career, showcasing their ability to deliver soulful ballads that resonated with a wide audience. The song peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 16 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, becoming a staple of their live performances.
The song’s narrative follows a man grappling with the impending end of his relationship, his emotions laid bare in Smokey Robinson’s anguished vocals. The lyrics, penned by Robinson himself, capture the confusion, hurt, and lingering hope that often accompany a love’s demise.
The song’s opening lines set the stage for the emotional journey to come:
“What’s so good about goodbye?
The chorus serves as a poignant refrain, echoing the protagonist’s struggle to understand and accept the end of his love. Robinson’s voice soars with emotion as he sings these lines, capturing the universality of heartbreak.
The song’s bridge offers a glimmer of hope, as the protagonist acknowledges the possibility of reconciliation. However, this hope is quickly tempered by the realization that the relationship may be beyond repair.
The song’s ending leaves the listener with a sense of lingering sadness, as the protagonist grapples with the uncertainty of his future. The final lines, “What’s so good about goodbye?,” echo through the listener’s mind, underscoring the song’s enduring message about the complexities of love and loss.
“What’s So Good About Goodbye” has become a timeless classic, covered by numerous artists and earning a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ original rendition remains the definitive version, a testament to their songwriting prowess and their ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
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Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Smokey Robinson.
- It was released in 1961 as the lead single from the album I’ll Try Something New.
- The song reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 16 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.
- “What’s So Good About Goodbye” has been covered by numerous artists, including Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder.