"Goodbye Stranger" is a song by the English rock band Supertramp; it was written by Rick Davies.[3] The song first appeared on their sixth studio album, Breakfast in America (1979).

"Goodbye Stranger"
Single by Supertramp
from the album Breakfast in America
B-side	"Even in the Quietest Moments"
Released	July 1979 (US) 12 October 1979 (UK)[1]
Recorded	1978
Studio	The Village Recorder, Los Angeles
Genre	Pop[2]
Length	5:50
Label	A&M
Songwriter(s)	Rick Davies
Producer(s)	Peter Henderson, Supertramp
Supertramp singles chronology
"Breakfast in America" (1979) "Goodbye Stranger" (1979) "Take the Long Way Home" (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."[4] Cash Box said it has "intriguing, well-paced vocals" from Rick Davies, and the "high backup singing" from Roger Hodgson and "blithe, spirited instrumentation."[5] 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."[6] 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.[7] 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."[8]

Personnel

• Rick Davies – Wurlitzer electronic piano, Hammond organ, lead and backing vocals
• Roger Hodgson – electric guitar, backing vocals, lead vocal on chorus
• John Helliwell – backing vocals, whistling
• Bob Siebenberg – drums
• Dougie Thomson – 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.

Certifications

In popular culture

The song plays in the movies Magnolia and I, Tonya. It also plays on episodes of TV series Supernatural, Red Band Society, Life in Pieces, Hacks, the trailer for The Morning Show, and the pilot for British comedy The Other One. In the episode "Goodbye, Toby" of The Office, Michael Scott sings a parody of "Goodbye Stranger" entitled "Goodbye, Toby".[21] It also plays prominently during the second episode of Outer Range’s first season.

References