Released in 1987, “Never Can Say Goodbye” became one of The Communards’ most successful and enduring singles. A vibrant reworking of the classic song written by Clifton Davis, it transformed the original soul ballad into an energetic hi-NRG dance anthem. Featuring the unmistakable vocals of Jimmy Somerville alongside Richard Coles’ sophisticated arrangements, the recording perfectly captured the duo’s ability to combine emotional depth with infectious club-ready production.

Originally made famous by The Jackson 5 and later reinterpreted by Gloria Gaynor, the song tells the story of someone unable to walk away from a relationship despite repeated heartache. The Communards retained the song’s emotional core while adding pulsing synthesisers, driving rhythms and an uplifting energy that made it equally at home on the dancefloor and on radio playlists. Somerville’s soaring falsetto brought a fresh sense of urgency and vulnerability to the familiar lyrics.

The success of “Never Can Say Goodbye” cemented The Communards’ reputation as one of Britain’s leading pop acts of the late 1980s. It followed their breakthrough with “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and demonstrated their talent for reinventing classic material for a new generation. Today, the song remains one of the finest pop covers of the decade, celebrated for its polished production, irresistible dance groove and Jimmy Somerville’s outstanding vocal performance. It continues to be a favourite on 1980s compilations and dance music playlists.

The song peaked at No. 04 in the UK charts on 21st November 1987.