What makes Song to Say Goodbye by Placebo notable?

The album's title track achieved significant chart success across Europe, peaking within the top ten in several countries. The remixed versions included here also highlight Placebo's embrace of club culture, expanding their reach into dance music while maintaining their alternative rock roots. Released in 2006, 'Song to Say Goodbye' marked a pivotal moment for Placebo, being their first major release after a lineup change that saw drummer Steve Hewitt depart. This period found the band experimenting more with electronic sounds, reflecting their artistic evolution following the commercial success of their earlier albums.

How many songs are on Song to Say Goodbye?

Song to Say Goodbye has 4 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Song to Say Goodbye

Placebo · 2006

20 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of melancholic melodies and electronic textures that captures the essence of longing and farewell.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Song to Say Goodbye (album version) — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of loss and reflection, featuring introspective lyrics paired with an emotionally charged melody that resonates deeply.
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Because I Want You (remixed by Russell Lissack of Bloc Party) — This remix infuses the original with a fresh, energetic pulse, showcasing Placebo's ability to adapt their sound for different contexts while retaining emotional depth.
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36 Degrees 2005 — This track reimagines an earlier song with a more sophisticated arrangement, demonstrating the band's growth and willingness to revisit past themes in a new light.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The single showcases Placebo's shift towards electronic sounds while retaining their signature melancholic style.

What we noticed

The title track features a slow build with layered synths and a prominent guitar riff that creates an atmospheric soundscape.
The second track, '36 Degrees 2005', maintains a steady tempo but introduces a more upbeat rhythm compared to the opener.
The remixes of 'Because I Want You' incorporate electronic beats and textures, significantly altering the original's rock feel.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The single marked a significant moment post-lineup change and gained notable chart success.
Themes: emotional farewells· haunted memories· electronic melancholy
Career context: Released in 2006, 'Song to Say Goodbye' marked a pivotal moment for Placebo, being their first major release after a lineup change that saw drummer Steve Hewitt depart. This period found the band experimenting more with electronic sounds, reflecting their artistic evolution following the commercial success of their earlier albums.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Interpol· My Chemical Romance