"Too Late for Goodbyes" is the first single (second in the US) from Julian Lennon's debut studio album Valotte (1984). It featured the harmonica of Jean "Toots" Thielemans, and it was a top-10 hit, reaching No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart in November 1984,Julian Lennon's UK chart positions Chart Stats. Retrieved 9 July 2010. and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in late March 1985."[ Billboard chart history for Too Late for Goodbyes]" Billboard.com. Retrieved 9 July 2010. B-side "Big Mama" has been described by Lennon as "semi-hard rock".
Cash Box said that "a galloping reggae backbeat and some exquisite Muscle Shoals guitar work back up Lennon's spare lyric phrasing and lend the song a strong ride."
"Too Late for Goodbyes" peaked at #1 on 16 March 1985 at the US Adult Contemporary chart, spending two weeks at the top of this chart. The music video for the song was directed by Sam Peckinpah, and produced by Martin Lewis. To date, it is the most successful song of Lennon's career.
Track listing UK 7" single (Charisma JL1) "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30 "Well I Don't Know" – 4:35
US 7" single (Atlantic 7-89589) "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30 "Let Me Be" – 2:12
UK 12" single (Charisma JL112) "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30 "Big Mama" – 3:16 "Well I Don't Know" – 4:35
US 12" single (Atlantic 0-86899) "Too Late for Goodbyes (Extended Special Mix)" – 5:55 "Too Late for Goodbyes" – 3:30 "Let Me Be" – 2:12
Musicians Julian Lennon – lead vocals and backing vocals, synthesizers, electronic drums and drum machine Barry Beckett – synthesizer Justin Clayton – rhythm guitar Martin Briley – lead guitar Marcus Miller – bass Toots Thielemans – harmonica
Video The video clip was directed by Sam Peckinpah. The choreography and dance were by Moses Pendleton.
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1984–1985)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)13South Africa (Springbok)18US Cash Box Top 1007
Year-end charts Chart (1984)RankUK Singles (Gallup)77
Chart (1985)RankCanada Top Singles (RPM)67US Billboard Hot 100Musicoutfitters.com77US Cash Box Top 10070
Certifications
See also List of Hot Adult Contemporary number ones of 1985
References
External links