"Say Goodbye to Little Joe" by Steve Forbert

Song#:  0125
Date:  04/12/1980
Debut:  89
Peak:  85
Weeks:  3
Genre:  Contemporary Folk, Pop



Pop Bits:  It's one thing to be compared to a legendary artist, but it is a whole other ball of shizzle to be called "the next" so-and-so. It is practically a curse. In fact, whenever you have heard a new artist called "the next," how did that end up panning out? Most likely not great. Steve Forbert was one of unfortunate artists to experience this when he was initially hailed as the next Bob Dylan. With his similar vocal sound and writing style, Forbert was a quick fave of critics who placed the burden of the comparison on him. Initially it paid off as his second album produced the #11 hit "Romeo's Tune" and it was followed up with this minor chart entry. But his follow-up albums failed to produce any hits and just as quickly as he was placed on the pedestal, it was knocked out from under him. Making matters worse, a disagreement with his label also hindered his recording career and he was unable to release anything for six years. But Forbert continued on and has been steadily recording and touring since. His most recent album, "Over with You," was release in 2012.

ReduxReview:  I had never heard "Romeo's Tune," which is quite a fine song with a memorable piano lick that I'm sure sounded great on the radio. He actually reminds me more of Rod Stewart on this track than Dylan. This follow-up single is good, but nowhere near as catchy as "Romeo." I think he has more in common with John Prine or John Hiatt than Dylan, which is good because I'm not a Dylan fan.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Forbert has a brief cameo appearance playing Cyndi Lauper's boyfriend in her video for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." He appears near the end of the song arriving at the party in a tux and carrying flowers.

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