This is one of my many reviews I have posted over the years on various websites. I hope you will enjoy reading it.

To those of you who are unaware or have forgotten who they are, well, here is a quick recap. This was a 5 girl band which took the world by storm with the release of their first single Wannabe in 1996. It was an immediate hit and became no 1 in lots of countries. A no 1 album was soon to follow with further releases of hit singles such as 2 Become 1, Say you’ll Be There, Mama and Who Do You Think You Are?. I hope it is enough to recall your memory.

Back to the CD review. The single Goodbye was shortly released after the departure of one of the Fab 5 which was Geri Halliwell or better known as Ginger Spice by the fans. Many thought that this single was wishing Goodbye to the fans as it was rumored that the girls will break up. However, the girls said this single was a tribute to Geri and the band was actually saying Goodbye to her and wishing her well on her future undertakings.

There are many versions of this CD released throughout the world and with different features. Some has videos, different cover and includes 4 free plain postcards. There are two CDs release in the UK. CD 1 being the regular single and CD 2 being the Limited Edition.

Release Details:

Format: 2 CD Singles & 1 Cassette Date: 14 December 1998

Label: Virgin

The Cover
There was two CDs that are released here for this single. CD 1 (See Attached Picture Below) has the picture of the 4 girls up to their shoulders with a white background. CD 2 features an artwork of a fan as the cover. It shows the 4 girls at the back of the car waving with snow falling down.

Listen To Samples
This samples are provided by Amazon and are working when this review is being posted. I am sorry if they are no longer working. You will need Real Player to pay the sample track. Visit http://www.real.com to download the free version. Each sample track lasts about 30 seconds. If you have problems streaming the tracks, visit http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/subst/help/real-audio.html/202-5666377-2340651 for audio help.

CD 1 (Includes 4 Free Non Christmas Related Postcards)

Track 1 – Goodbye (Radio Edit) This is the original version of the song that is being played on the airwaves. It does have a deep meaning and is the perfect track to play on a farewell party. It rates 5/5. Audio Sample:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/clipserve/B00000I2NN001001/202-5666377-2340651

Track 2 – Christmas Wrapping A fun Christmas track that really gets you in the Christmas mood. It rates 5/5 and plus, Christmas is just a month++ away! Audio Sample:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/clipserve/B00000I2NN001002/202-5666377-2340651

Track 3 – Goodbye (Orchestral Mix) A classier version than track 1. More instrumental background music. It rates 3/5. Audio Sample:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/clipserve/B00000I2NN001003/202-5666377-2340651

CD 2

Track 1 – Goodbye (Mixes) Not much of a remix than the Radio Edit version. It rates 1/5 for lack of creativity and is clearly a rip off. Audio Sample:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/clipserve/B00000I2NO001001/202-5666377-2340651

Track 2 – We Are Family (Live) A cover song that is recorded live from their concert which to me is not worthy to be released with a limited edition single. It rates 1/5 for ripping off fans. Audio Sample:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/clipserve/B00000I2NO001002/202-5666377-2340651

Track 3 – Christmas Wrapping This track has been released in CD 1 and should not be in CD 2 unless it is the title track. It rates 1/5 for yet again ripping off fans. Audio Sample:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/clipserve/B00000I2NN001002/202-5666377-2340651

Track 4 – Sister’s Are Doin It For Themselves (Live) Another cover track from the girls recorded live from their concert. To me, as I have mentioned earlier, a rip off. They should have included a proper version one if they want to call this a limited edition release. It rates 1/5 for customer rip off. Audio Sample:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/clipserve/B00000I2NO001004/202-5666377-2340651

The Lyrics
I have decided to include the lyrics of the song in this review. You will be able to read or even sing it if you like. I believe that this will reveal the in depth meaning of the track. This lyric is courtesy of http://www.lyricsdomain.com/19/spice_girls/goodbye.html.

No no no no, no no no no, no no no no

Listen little child there will come a day when you will be able, able to say, nevermind the pain, all the aggrevation, you know there’s a better way for you and me to be Look for the rainbow in every storm, Fly like an angel heaven sent to me Goodbye my friend, (I know your going searching although I can still feel ya here) It’s not the end, (You gotta keep it strong before the pains turn into fears) So glad we made it, time will never change it no no no no no no no Just a little love, Big imagination, Never let no one take it away, Went into the world (into the world) What a revelation, She found there’s a better way for you and me to be Look for the rainbow in every storm, Find out for certain love is gonna be there for you, You’ll always be someone’s baby Goodbye my friend, (I know your going searching although I can still feel ya here) It’s not the end, (You gotta keep it strong before the pain turns into fears) So glad we made it, time will never change it no no no No no no no You know its time to say goodbye No no no no The times when we would play about, The way we used to scream and shout, We never dreamt you’d go your own sweet way Look for the rainbow in every storm, Find out for certain love is gonna be there for you, You’ll always be someone’s baby Goodbye my friend, (I know your going searching although I can still feel ya here) It’s not the end, (You gotta keep it strong before the pain turns into fears) So glad we made it, time will never never ever change it No no no no You know it’s time to say goodbye No no no no And don’t forget you can rely No no no no You know it’s to say goodbye, And don’t forget on me you can rely No no no no I will help you help you on your way No no no no I will help you everyday

No no no no

[Repeat to fade]

The Video

Like many singles, this song has a video to it. It starts with the girls arriving in a limousine to a mansion where everything in it is frozen (even the residents, however, the girls still manage to be at Body Temperature). Each girl will be singing out their parts of the songs in separate rooms. If you pay attention, you will get to see that Mel B was pregnant while shooting the video. The video rates 4 out of 5 for its artistic value and creative idea.

Conclusions

This single debut at no 11 in the Billboard Charts, the highest since the girls top charting days with their debut album, Spice.

The single was perhaps the best release before their last album ironically entitled “Forever? which wasn’t a reality for the girls. They all have released their own albums with Melanie C ranking the most successful out sales from the band.

Just stick to CD 1 and skip the so called limited edition one which to me is a clear rip off of the fans. Give this single a miss if you are not a big Pop music fan.

If you would like to get your hands on this single, try visiting auction sites like ebay.co.uk or ebid.co.uk. You can also try the Marketplace at Amazon.co.uk which do list used CDs for sale. You will always manage to grab a deal for used CDs. People do sell them out for as low 1pence + postage = less than 50p per CD single.

Well, I hope this review has helped and brought you some good memories of the 90’s pop music scene.

Take care and Have a Nice Day!

I look forward in receiving your feedback and comments on my reviews. If you have any questions, leave them on my guestbook and I will reply it as soon as possible.

Benny Ong