"I Can't Say Goodbye to You" by Helen Reddy

Song#:  0606
Date:  05/23/1981
Debut:  90
Peak:  88
Weeks:  3
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Australian Reddy had a great chart run in the 70s getting six Top 10's including three #1's. The chart streak began to slow as the 70s closed and the lack of support from her home label Capitol seemed to be a contributing factor to the decline. She ended the ten-year association and took a chance on MCA who issued her LP "Play Me Out." This first single got her back on the chart after a two-year drought, but the song only hung on for a few short weeks. It did, however, become a surprise hit in Ireland reaching #16. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to keep her chart fortunes going and this single would be her last to make an appearance.

ReduxReview:  I always liked Helen Reddy and thought she was one of those "nice" stars - you know, the ones that probably seem as nice in person as they do on TV. Her #1 song "Angie Baby" is a favorite of mine and if you've never seen it, there was an accompanying animated film of the song done that is still on YouTube. It's worth a look. As for this song, it's in Reddy's wheelhouse, but it's just not as interesting or single-worthy as some of her earlier sentimental works. With Air Supply and Manilow still revvin' up the AC at this time, a song like this just can't compete and it's not in the same league.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) In 1978, Reddy provided background vocals for the track "True Confessions" included on Gene Simmons' (Kiss) self-titled debut solo album.  2) Reddy is the first native Australian to top the US chart and win a Grammy award, both for her mega-hit "I Am Woman" (#1, 1972).

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