80's Hit Song Review: "Goin' Down" by Greg Guidry (1982)

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position No. 17

Backstory: This singer-songwriter was born in 1954 in St. Louis and wrote songs for artists such as the Climax Blues Band, Robbie Dupree, and even Reba McEntire. In 1982, he released this single which became his biggest hit single. It got inside the Top 20 on the Hot 100 and got to No. 11 on the Adult Contemporary Charts. Greg would only have one other really minor hit song which was a duet with his sister, Sandy, "Into My Love" (No. 92 on the Hot 100.) Though he continued to work as a songwriter thru the late 80's, he wouldn't release a follow-up album until 2000. Sadly, in 2003, he died in a fire in his car in his own garage. His death was ruled out as a suicide. Greg was just 49.

The review: I've always loved this slightly darker and mysterious sounding "mature" soft rock and pop song with great vocals and a nice and relaxing melody. Even just the way that the song starts off with a mysterious vibe is just awesome! I also love the, "Goin' down, for the last time" chorus and just the production and instrumentation in general, especially the guitars, bass, and drums. Overall, just a damn good song. May Greg Rest in Peace.

Final rating: 10/10