Today is the 27th anniversary of the release of the Dubstar album: “Goodbye”.
Released on 22nd September 1997, this was Dubstar’s second studio album. It would be three years until their next studio album would be released: “Make It Better”, in 2000.
Goodbye
I mentioned in my post Dubstar: A Voyage of Rediscovery that I had a little “summer break” from Dubstar since I first heard “Not So Manic Now” in 1996. A summer break that lasted longer than this album had been released, but nevertheless, I’m here now. And I’m here for it in spades.
This was actually the third Dubstar album that I bought. If you’ve read the post above, you’ll see that I bought the first three almost at the same time – “Goodbye” was the last one to arrive in the post.
“Goodbye” takes a slightly different turn from “Disgraceful”. It sounded to me that there’s a wider range of musical styles wrapped up in “Goodbye”, ranging from the dub reggae of “It’s Over”, to “I Will Be Your Girlfriend” to “Cathedral Park”‘s catchy pop tunes, to the sadness of “Ghost” and “No More Talk”. It’s still that “just-right” blend of melancholic pop with electronic influences, but this album feels more mature and polished than “Disgraceful”.
Sarah Blackwood’s vocals remain a central pillar throughout. Her voice is both angelic and sorrowful, perfectly suited to the bittersweet and often introspective lyrics that run through the album.
“Goodbye” is a solid album that showcases Dubstar at their most reflective and mature. It’s a subtle, understated gem that may take a few listens to fully appreciate, but once it clicks, it becomes a deeply rewarding experience.
Favourites on this album
“When You Say Goodbye” – a jaunty little sing-along number that you would happily sing-along to in a beer Keller. The lyrics appear to be taken from the point of view of presumably a girlfriend, who wants to take revenge on her lovers other girlfriend by spiking her drink and laughing whilst the other woman is tripping with fear. The phrase “tripping with fear” is even worked in as a chorus for a bit. It’s glorious stuff.
“I Will Be Your Girlfriend” – again, a jaunty little number, and again from the point of view of a lover. This time singing about spilling the beans on an illicit affair to the wife in question. Outstanding lyrics from Steve Hillier, delivered perfectly of course, by Sarah.
“Ghost” – for it’s inherent sadness and Sarah’s outstanding vocal. Nothing more to say about this track, it speaks volumes for itself.
More info…
There’s a lot more information about this album in the rather wonderful Dubstar Archive, maintained by the equally as wonderful Steve Hillier.
Happy Anniversary “Goodbye”