Better than the 90's.
On first listen, the Imogen Heap single 'Say Goodnight And Go' brings back some painful memories. Initial impressions bring to mind mid 1990's chancers such as Dubstar and Sneaker Pimps and any other act that half-read an NME article about trip-hop and believed they were the next big thing by adding a lazy female vocal over stuttering mechanical beats. It is amazing how the boom of Britpop came and went so quickly and was replaced by wave after wave of new and uninspiring acts.
And yet, for some reason, this track becomes highly likeable. Perhaps it's because it has been a while since it's been done this well or maybe because you can believe that Imogen Heap has a soul. In fairness, it is a better track than first thought with the vocals being far removed from those dour and listless readings and instead whisper softly and come to life in the chorus, to beautifully sum up the tales of woe in love.
For everyone who has ever had the lover who they have to say goodnight to and watch them leave will quickly empathise with the story told in this song and the stark simplicity of the emotions may border on the edge of cliché but just about remain on the side of romance.
Over the aforementioned electronic spits and stabs, xylophone like fills pepper the instrumental breaks and sweeping string sounds fill out the rest of the track.
If the person for whom this song was written about gets to hear it, it is likely they'll soon fall for the charms and will hang around for longer. At the very least, there should be increased interest and some more record sales for Imogen Heap.