"Goodbye" is the fourth and final studio album by Cream, a British rock band comprising Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. It was released in 1969 following the group's announcement of their disbandment the previous year. The album features six tracks, including live performances from their farewell tour and three new studio recordings. Notably, it is the only Cream album to include original songs by all three members.
The live performances were recorded at The Forum in Los Angeles, California, accentuating the band's reputation as a powerful live act. The studio recordings were completed in late 1968 and early 1969, with all three members contributing distinctive vocals and instrumentals.
Despite its concise nature, "Goodbye" showcases the band's unique fusion of rock, blues, and psychedelic influences, capturing the energy, creativity, and talent that marked their brief but impactful career. The album received mixed reviews but was commercially successful, hitting number two on the UK Chart and number one on the US Billboard 200.
"Goodbye" often resonates with fans and historians for its closing song, a poignant Clapton composition titled "Badge." Co-written with George Harrison of The Beatles, "Badge" became one of Cream's most enduring and popular tracks, marking a fitting close to the band's influential discography.
