Customer Reviews

Goodbye Girl

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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The "Goodbye Girl" LP from David Gates came out in June of 1978 (after Bread's second breakup), and I want to point out right off the bat that the majority of this album is a retrospective release, recycling tracks from Gates' previous two solo albums (1973's "First"; and 1975's "Never Let Her Go" aka "Second"). I'd have to imagine that many hardcore Gates/ Bread fans were a bit dismayed with this move at the time. The title track was used as the title song for the Neil Simon-scripted 1977 movie "The Goodbye Girl"; it was also released as a single in November of '77, hitting the US top 20, and it seems likely that this album was released in attempt to cash in on that success despite Gates being a little short on new material. Plus, maybe Gates was trying to give some tracks from his first 2 albums a new 'lease on life' since the albums were commercial disappointments.

The first four tracks on "Goodbye Girl" are all among the ones which hadn't yet appeared on a David Gates LP, and they're pretty much all terrific. The title track, though a tiny bit rote, is still a lovely melodic ballad in Gates' patented dreamy soft rock style. The next track is even better--the top 30 hit "Took The Last Train", co-written by Larry Knechtel, was released as a single basically in conjunction with the album, and it's a superb track that's ultra-catchy with an infectious bass riff, jazzy piano, a great groove, and the lyrics are a lot of fun as are Gates' spirited vocals. The haunting, incisive story-song "Overnight Sensation" is a brilliant epic ballad, and "California Lady" is a super catchy revved-up rocker. Following this is the first 'repeat' track with "Ann", and then comes the last two of the new songs--the fiddle-laced "Drifter" is catchy and nicely bittersweet; and the Creedence Clearwater Revival-styled "He Don't Know How To Love You" is respectable.

The album's running time is over 48 minutes, so if you see this on CD for $10 or so and don't have any of the 'repeated' tracks in your collection already, it's a great deal simply taken on its own terms--you'll be supplied with other terrific songs such as "Clouds", "Lorilee", "Part-Time Love", & "Never Let Her Go".

Don't make the mistake of overlooking David Gates' solo career. His "Never Let Her Go" album, although never released on CD to my knowledge, is a must for any self-respecting Gates fan. Also, although 1979's "Falling In Love Again" and 1981's "Take Me Now" both failed to reach the US top 200, each of them are for the most part irresistible albums that blow away almost every Bread album in terms of consistent excellence.

Just in case anyone is interested, this contains tracks from Gates' first two solo albums, and 6 brand new tracks. It is an excellent batch of material. The new stuff is good for the most part. 'Goodbye Girl' is a beautiful piano ballad with one of the best melodies of all time. 'Overnight sensation' has an achingly gorgeous verse melody and is also a piano ballad. There is the poppy and melodic 'took the last train', then the rocky 'california girl'. 'Drifter' shows more of Gates' country influence, while 'He don't know how to love you' is a rock throwaway. I think what is missing from the 6 new songs, is a stripped down gorgeous guitar ballad with an orchestra, in the style of 'Ann', 'Aubrey' or 'Diary'. They could have easily replaced the last new track.
All the 'old' tracks are excellent, with loads of nice ballads and the best track Gates ever wrote period, 'Clouds, Rain'. Only one proper clunker is on the album 'Sunday riders' a poor attempt to rock out, but it is still listenable.
I highly recommend this album, if you are a fan of the soft rock style Bread have done so well.

I loved David gates when I was a teenager, and I still do. I am really glad they reprinted this album in CD. The quality might not be the best, but the memories are great!

Great to see this one back in print. Nice overview of Gates solo career - minus his third Electra album and the Arista album, which came out later. great service by the seller.

Estamated date was only late by one day (not bad). My wife was very happy with the low price on this product. Good Job!, and thank you for your service. Sam Strait

The lead singer of Bread slices off to go solo. This album is basically a singles compliation. The plus in this album is this includes the hit singles with the complete "Clouds Suite". To complete your sandwich, get this slice of Bread. (Sorry I couldn't resist :P) Enjoy and Stay 2nd :-)

I was looking for "Took The Last Train" and found it in this album.
Other songs are also good.

I had this one as an LP years ago. So glad I found it on disc. Some of the stuff came off previous albums, but the new stuff on it is fast paced and up tempo. A really fun album to listen to. Enjoy!