"Goodbye Stranger" is a song by the English rock band

Supertramp Supertramp were an English rock band that formed in London in 1969. Marked by the individual songwriting of founders Roger Hodgson (vocals, keyboards, and guitars) and Rick Davies (vocals and keyboards), they are distinguished for blending ...

; it was written by Rick Davies. 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 Charles Roger Pomfret Hodgson (born 21 March 1950) is an English musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the former co- frontman and founding member of progressive rock band Supertramp. Hodgson composed and sang the majority of the band� ...

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 The Hammond organ is an electric organ invented by Laurens Hammond and John M. Hanert and first manufactured in 1935. Multiple models have been produced, most of which use sliding #Drawbars, drawbars to vary sounds. Until 1975, Hammond organs ...

, lead and backing vocals *

– electric guitar, backing vocals, lead vocal on chorus * John Helliwell – backing vocals, whistling *

Bob Siebenberg Robert Layne Siebenberg (born October 31, 1949) also known as Bob C. Benberg, is an American musician, best known as a member of British progressive rock band Supertramp, playing drums and percussion. He was the sole American in Supertramp's ...

– drums *

Dougie Thomson Douglas 'Doogie' Campbell Thomson (born 24 March 1951) is a Scottish musician, born in Glasgow and raised in the Rutherglen area of the city. He was the bass guitarist of progressive rock band Supertramp during much of the seventies and ...

– 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 many films and television programs. In the episode " Goodbye, Toby" of ''The Office'', Michael Scott sings a parody of "Goodbye Stranger" entitled "Goodbye, Toby".

References

{{authority control Supertramp songs 1978 songs 1979 singles Songs written by Rick Davies Music videos directed by Bruce Gowers A&M Records singles