“Kiss and Say Goodbye” is a popular soul and R&B ballad recorded by The Manhattans, an American vocal group known for their harmonious sound and romantic songs. The song was released in 1976 and became one of the group’s biggest hits.
“Kiss and Say Goodbye” is a poignant and heartfelt breakup song that explores the emotions surrounding the end of a relationship. The lyrics depict a bittersweet farewell, with the narrator urging his love interest to kiss him and say goodbye rather than prolonging the pain and uncertainty. The Manhattans’ smooth harmonies and lead vocalist Gerald Alston’s soulful delivery added depth and emotion to the song, resonating with listeners.
The song achieved significant success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming The Manhattans’ first and only chart-topping hit. Its popularity extended beyond the R&B charts, making it a crossover success and solidifying the group’s status as one of the premier vocal groups of their era.
“Kiss and Say Goodbye” showcased The Manhattans’ ability to deliver heartfelt and soulful performances. Their smooth harmonies, combined with the emotional depth of their songs, captivated audiences and established them as one of the leading acts in the soul and R&B genre.
Some of The Manhattans’ other notable songs include “Shining Star,” “There’s No Me Without You,” “Hurt,” and “Am I Losing You.” These songs further showcased the group’s vocal prowess, romantic balladry, and ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
The Manhattans’ impact on soul and R&B music is significant. Their smooth harmonies, romantic ballads, and ability to convey complex emotions through their music made them a beloved and influential group. “Kiss and Say Goodbye” remains a timeless classic and a testament to The Manhattans’ enduring talent.
The Manhattans had a successful career spanning several decades, during which they released numerous songs across various albums. Here are some other notable songs by The Manhattans:
“Shining Star” (1980) – This upbeat R&B track became one of The Manhattans’ most recognizable hits. It showcases their signature harmonies and positive energy.
“There’s No Me Without You” (1973) – This soulful ballad became a chart success for the group, highlighting their ability to deliver heartfelt and emotionally resonant performances.
“Hurt” (1976) – A cover of the classic song originally recorded by Timi Yuro, The Manhattans’ rendition became a major hit for the group, showcasing their soulful and emotive style.
“We Never Danced to a Love Song” (1977) – This romantic ballad captures the essence of The Manhattans’ smooth sound and became another popular song in their discography.
“It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad” (1977) – This R&B track showcases the group’s ability to blend smooth harmonies with a catchy melody.
“Let’s Just Kiss and Say Goodbye” (1978) – While similar in title to their hit song “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” this track has its own distinct melody and showcases The Manhattans’ ability to deliver heartfelt ballads.
“I Kinda Miss You” (1978) – This mid-tempo R&B track became a fan favorite, displaying The Manhattans’ versatility in delivering different styles of songs.
“Forever by Your Side” (1983) – This romantic ballad became a hit in the 1980s and showcased The Manhattans’ enduring appeal.
These songs represent just a selection of The Manhattans’ extensive discography. Their smooth harmonies, soulful performances, and romantic ballads made them one of the prominent vocal groups in soul and R&B music.
