Today’s video of the day is The Communards – "Never Can Say Goodbye" released in 1987.
“Never Can Say Goodbye” captures The Communards at their most energetic and theatrical. Released on October 5, 1987, the track became a major hit from their second album, Red. Jimmy Somerville delivers his famous soaring falsetto over a driving Hi-NRG beat. Meanwhile, Richard Coles adds dramatic classical arrangements to the electronic production. The duo based their version on Gloria Gaynor’s 1974 disco interpretation. However, they pushed the song into a faster and harder club sound. Clifton Davis originally wrote “Never Can Say Goodbye” for The Jackson 5 in 1971. Later, Gaynor turned it into a major disco anthem. The Communards then gave the song a distinctly 1980s identity.
Formed in London in 1985, The Communards brought together Somerville and classically trained musician Coles. Somerville had already gained attention with Bronski Beat. He left the group and soon formed The Communards with Coles. Their self-titled debut album arrived in 1986 and established their blend of synth-pop, disco, and dance music. Then Red expanded that sound with bigger arrangements and stronger club rhythms. “Never Can Say Goodbye” became one of its defining singles. The song reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and became a worldwide dance-floor favorite. Stephen Hague also contributed to the production. He later became known for his work with Pet Shop Boys, New Order, and Erasure. Therefore, the track connected The Communards to the wider British synth-pop movement.
The music video matches the song’s bold energy with a stylish visual approach. Director Andy Morahan brings a polished, high-fashion look to the performance. Morahan had already directed memorable videos for Wham! and George Michael. Here, he emphasizes movement, glamour, and the duo’s charismatic presence. Moreover, the visuals complement the song’s blend of electronic rhythms and orchestral drama. After Red, The Communards released their final album, The Communards, in 1988. That record continued their dance-pop direction before the duo split later that year. In retrospect, “Never Can Say Goodbye” stands as one of their signature recordings. It also shows how effectively The Communards could transform classic disco into exhilarating 1980s Hi-NRG pop.
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