The Power of Goodbye ● (1998) ● 'Ray of Light'

 

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To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Madonna's seventh studio album Ray of Light, Song of the Week brings you the five official singles from that era...

 

Background

One of three songs on Ray of Light co-written by Rick Nowels, The Power of Good-bye was released as the third single in the US and fourth worldwide (in the UK, it was also released as a double A-side with Little Star which also appears on the album). It's a trip-hop inspired ballad - a change to the more drum 'n' bass demo - and talks about a break-up.

 

The Power of Goodbye was praised for its more serious sound than previous ballads and received great chart success, reaching the Top 10 in Spain, Sweden, Austria, Germany, Canada, UK and Italy (just missing out in the US where it peaked at #11). In the UK, it has sold 180,000 - double that of previous single Drowned World/Substitute for Love.

 

Despite never being performed on tour, The Power of Goodbye is one of very few songs Madonna has performed on Top of the Pops, as well as performing it at the MTV Europe Music Awards where she was nominated for 3 awards (including a win for Best Album).

 

The video was yet another which sparked controversy as the ending showed Madonna walking towards the sea which suggested she was about to commit suicide. However, it has been interpreted as a re-birth by some, since Madonna is show on the beach again after these scenes.

 

Opinion

My second favourite single and in my Top 3 overall from Ray of Light, The Power of Goodbye is yet another stunning example that Madonna can sing beautifully - fantastic vocals in the TF1 performance, definitely one I'd recommend to new Madonna fans. She looks equally as great in the video - black hair really suits her well - and in the single cover artwork. The intro always reminds me of Jennifer Lopez'

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Versions

Album Version [4:10]

Dallas' Low End Mix [4:34]

Fabien's Good God Mix [8:22]

Luke Slater's Super Luper [8:45]

Luke Slater's Filtered Mix [6:07]

 

Videos

Official Music Video:

 

TF1 performance:

 

If you have any requests for Song of the Week, feel free to PM me or SweetCandy! Also, I've added links to previous Songs of the Weeks below, so if you missed one, please do comment in them.

 

Songs of the Week

Week 1: I Know It

Week 2: Bad Girl

Week 3: Jump

Week 4: Sky Fits Heaven

Week 5: Causing a Commotion

Week 6: Die Another Day

Week 7: Dress You Up

Week 8: Frozen

Week 9: Ray of Light

Week 10: Drowned World/Substitute of Love

Week 11: The Power of Goodbye

Love this track and video !!! It is gorgeous !

 

I can remember hearing / reading that she was a right bitch to the director or co star in this video ! I can also remember her saying in an interview that William orbit was not a fan of this track ! I'm sure this cooment helped it become a single!

I was quite surprised that she left it out of the drowned world tour set list!

 

Although it was quite slow tempo / ballad heavy

Ahh love TPOG :heart: great choice.

Love this track and video !!! It is gorgeous !

 

I can remember hearing / reading that she was a right bitch to the director or co star in this video ! I can also remember her saying in an interview that William orbit was not a fan of this track ! I'm sure this cooment helped it become a single!

 

I didn't know about the orbit comment. It's good to know.

 

Liam she's lip syncing that performance surely?.

 

Here's her performance from the MTV European Awards in 1998

Just listened back to it, yeah I think she is - her lips appear to be a split second out of sync with the music and there's bits too similar to studio version which she wouldn't be able to re-create. Not overly keen on the MTV performance as she seems too 'whiny' in places, but on the upside, at least it is live. :P

On TOTP she did too but who didn't on there. I know when she sings live in general she always isn't the perfect singer but I LOVE that, for me it makes the performance more real and believable if that makes sense.

 

As for the song it's a shame it made #11 in the US but the wait between Ray of Light to that was what probably killed it. The song is beautiful and the video too. I used to play this loads, sadly I really don't anymore I'm not sure why but I don't.

 

It's a shame it wasn't on the Drowned World tour maybe she could have sung it instead of Gone or something.