"What's So Good About Goodbye" | ||||
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Single by The Miracles | ||||
from the album I'll Try Something New | ||||
B-side | "I've Been Good To You" | |||
Released | December 14, 1961 | |||
Format | 7" single | |||
Recorded | RCA Victor Studios, Chicago, Illinois October 14, 1961 | |||
Genre | Soul/pop | |||
Length | 2:23 | |||
Label |
Tamla T 54053 |
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Writer(s) | Smokey Robinson | |||
Producer(s) | Berry Gordy, Jr. | |||
The Miracles singles chronology | ||||
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"What's So Good About Goodbye" was a 1961 hit single recorded by R&B group The Miracles for Motown Records' Tamla label, later included on their 1962 album I'll Try Something New. The single was a Top 40 Pop hit, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States during the winter of 1962, and a Top 20 R&B hit as well, peaking at number 16 on Billboard's R&B singles chart.
Written by Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson, "What's So Good About Goodbye" explores a relationship on the verge of breakup. This song, particularly Miracles member Marv Tarplin's guitar licks, proved a major influence on The Beatles, and inspired their song "Ask Me Why". Its B-side, "I've Been Good To You", was also a hit, charting at number 103 in the U.S. It too was an influence on The Beatles. Both songs were performed on the group's first live album, The Miracles Recorded Live on Stage. "What's So Good About Goodbye" was later covered by The Temptations (and included on their 1965 album The Temptations Sing Smokey), rock band Quix*o*tic, and Canadian group Giant Sunflower.