Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Every Time You Say Goodbye

Every Time You Say Goodbye is the second studio by the band , released on February 14, 1992, by . The album consists of 14 tracks, blending traditional instrumentals with original songs that highlight Krauss's soaring vocals and work, as well as contributions from band members including on guitar and harmony vocals, and on bass. Produced by the band themselves, it marked a significant step in their evolution, incorporating pop sensibilities into while staying rooted in acoustic traditions. At the in 1993, Every Time You Say Goodbye won the award for Best Bluegrass Album, earning their first Grammy as a group and Krauss's second overall. The , a poignant original written by John Pennell, became a standout, exemplifying the album's themes of love, loss, and resilience, with its delicate arrangement featuring Krauss's emotive delivery. Other notable songs include the instrumental "Cluck Old Hen," a lively standard, and "Shield of Faith," which showcases the band's tight harmonies and instrumental interplay. The album's release propelled into wider recognition within the and scenes, solidifying their reputation for innovative yet authentic interpretations of the genre. Clocking in at 42 minutes, it features a balance of uptempo tracks like "Another Night" and more introspective pieces such as "Cloudy Days," reflecting the band's versatility. Following their 1989 debut Two Highways, this sophomore effort demonstrated growth in songwriting and production, setting the stage for future successes.

Background

Album conception

Following the success of Union Station's debut album Two Highways in 1989, which established the band's foundation, Alison Krauss decided to produce a second album with the group, seeking to blend traditional elements with more personal song choices that reflected her evolving artistic voice. This decision was influenced by the momentum from their initial recordings and Krauss's growing role as a and , allowing for a deeper exploration of emotional narratives within the genre. Krauss drew specific inspirations from her early career, including her participation in fiddle competitions—beginning violin lessons at age five and winning her first contest at age twelve—which honed her technical skills and connected her to traditions. , her label since her solo debut Too Late to Cry in 1987, encouraged this trajectory by supporting her to incorporate original material alongside covers, fostering a balance between preservation and innovation in her work with . Amid brief lineup adjustments leading into the project, such as the addition of player in 1991, Krauss chose the title track, "Every Time You Say Goodbye," written by John Pennell, as the centerpiece.

Band context

Alison Krauss, born on July 23, 1971, in , demonstrated exceptional musical talent from a young age, beginning lessons at five and competing in contests by eight. In 1983, at , she won the Illinois State Fiddle Championship and was honored as the Most Promising Fiddler in by the Society for the Preservation of of America (SPBGMA), marking her rapid ascent as a in circles. By 1985, Krauss had signed with at age 14, leading to her recording debut on the album Different Strokes by Jim Hoiles & , where she contributed tracks alongside her brother Viktor on . This early exposure paved the way for her first solo release, Too Late to Cry (), which featured Krauss on and lead vocals supported by an initial backing ensemble that would evolve into . Union Station coalesced in 1987 around Krauss as the central figure, initially comprising guitarist and vocalist Jeff White, along with other collaborators like Tim Stafford on guitar and , emphasizing a blend of traditional instrumentation with Krauss's ethereal vocal style. The group's formal debut , Two Highways (1989), featured Krauss on and vocals, Jeff White on guitar and vocals, John Pennell on , Mike Harman on , and on , achieving strong reception within the genre for its progressive arrangements and Krauss's interpretive depth. In the years leading to 1992, stabilized through intensive touring from 1990 to 1991, which honed their ensemble dynamic and expanded their audience beyond regional festivals. joined around 1990 as permanent bassist, replacing John Pennell, while banjoist joined in late 1991, enhancing the band's rhythmic drive; by early 1992, guitarist and vocalist replaced Stafford, finalizing a core lineup that underscored Krauss's growing prominence in Nashville's Americana scene, where her fusion of purity with broader influences garnered acclaim from industry tastemakers.

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording sessions for Every Time You Say Goodbye were held at multiple studios in the Nashville area, including Homeplace Studios in , Champagne Studios, Suite 2000, The Sound Shop, and Treasure Isle Recorders in , selected for their environments accommodating the acoustic setup of . The sessions occurred ca. January 1992, allowing the band to capture a focused creative period shortly before the album's release. Tracking spanned 10-12 days, prioritizing live band performances to maintain acoustic purity, with minimal overdubs to retain the raw energy of the performances. Krauss and , serving as producers, oversaw the sessions to ensure alignment with the band's vision.

Production approach

Alison Krauss and served as producers for Every Time You Say Goodbye, adopting a hands-on approach that prioritized the natural acoustics of the band's instruments over heavy effects, echoing Bill Monroe's traditional ethos while incorporating subtle reverb to add emotional depth. The arrangements emphasized instrumental breaks, such as the fiddle-mandolin interplay in the traditional track "Cluck Old Hen," alongside layered vocal harmonies, with limited multi-tracking employed to preserve an authentic live-band feel. Post-production involved mixing at Suite 2000 in Nashville by Rich Adler, followed by mastering at Nashville Record Productions, which maintained a wide to ensure the clarity of the sound; the album's total runtime was finalized at 42:08. A notable aspect of the production included banjo contributions from band member Ron Block throughout the album, blending the established artists with voices in the genre.

Musical content

Genre and style

Every Time You Say Goodbye exemplifies progressive bluegrass, blending traditional elements with broader Americana and folk influences, as evidenced by its Grammy win for Best Bluegrass Album. The album features the high-lonesome vocal style characteristic of bluegrass, delivered through tight harmonies and an acoustic string band configuration consisting of fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, and bass. A key stylistic innovation lies in Alison Krauss's crystalline vocals, which offer a pure, resonant contrast to the genre's conventional nasal twang, enhancing the emotional depth of both original songs and covers like the cover "Lose Again." This approach fuses covers with originals, subtly integrating balladry to broaden the framework while preserving its acoustic essence. The instrumentation emphasizes Krauss's prominent leads, which drive melodic lines, alongside Barry Bales's steady rhythms providing foundational drive, Tim Stafford's guitar adding rhythmic texture, Ron Block's rolls for traditional flair, and Adam Steffey's for harmonic fills; notably, the production eschews and electric instruments to uphold the genre's acoustic purity. Rooted in the foundational influences of and Flatt & Scruggs, whose pioneering work defined 's high-energy sound, the album modernizes these traditions through Krauss's crossover appeal, echoing the genre-blending accessibility seen in early Dolly Parton recordings.

Themes and songwriting

The exemplifies the album's emotional tone with its poignant of goodbyes triggering that fall like , underscoring the pain of separation while hinting at enduring emotional strength. Instrumentals such as "Cluck Old Hen" draw from traditional . Songwriting on the album includes several originals penned by members, including three by banjoist ("Who Can Blame You," "Shield of Faith," and "Jesus Help Me to Stand") and one by guitarist ("Another Day, Another Dollar"), alongside approximately eight covers and traditional tunes reinterpreted through the band's intimate, personal lens. These pieces generally employ straightforward verse-chorus structures punctuated by extended instrumental solos, allowing space for lyrical reflection and collective typical of composition. Tracks like "Lose Again," a cover of Karla Bonoff's infused with gospel-like yearning, function as anthems of romantic dissolution, while the collection traces a loose from raw longing in songs such as "Last Love Letter" to tentative acceptance in reflective pieces like "In Your Eyes," mirroring Alison Krauss's introspective vocal style. This progression aligns briefly with traditions of storytelling through hardship and .

Release and promotion

Marketing strategies

Rounder Records, an independent label specializing in , adopted a budget-conscious for Every Time You Say Goodbye, capitalizing on Alison Krauss's rising prominence after her 1991 Grammy win for Best Album with the prior release I've Got That Old Feeling. The approach targeted core audiences through outreach to bluegrass festivals and Nashville radio stations, positioning the within the growing Americana scene while avoiding high-cost . The album's packaging reinforced its roots-oriented branding, with showcasing pastoral imagery of posed in a wildflower field under a clear sky, evoking traditional heritage and natural simplicity. underscored the project's acoustic authenticity, crediting the musicians' live-in-the-studio sessions and highlighting the blend of original and cover material to appeal to purists and newcomers alike. Pre-release promotion included advance listening parties at the 1991 International Association (IBMA) World of event in Nashville, where industry attendees and fans previewed tracks to generate word-of-mouth excitement. These efforts tied into Krauss's solo public radio appearances, such as on NPR's , to extend reach within folk and listening communities. The release date of February 14, 1992, was strategically aligned with to emphasize the 's themes of heartbreak and farewell, enhancing emotional resonance for gift purchases. Distribution began limited to specialty stores and outlets before expanding to broader Americana retailers, reflecting Rounder's phased rollout typical for niche genres.

Singles and media

The title track from Every Time You Say Goodbye was released as the lead single. Promotion for the album included live performances by Alison Krauss & Union Station on the 1992 episode of Austin City Limits, sharing the bill with Vince Gill. The band also appeared in CMT specials highlighting their bluegrass sound, and a music video for the title track, consisting of live band footage, aired on the Nashville Network to reach country audiences. Promotional tie-ins featured the album's tracks in compilations, such as Now That I've Found You: A Collection, which helped extend its visibility. Lacking a major label push, the album relied on grassroots efforts through fan clubs and networks.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"Every Time You Say Goodbye" achieved modest success on various music charts, reflecting its strong appeal within the and genres while highlighting the challenges of mainstream crossover for niche artists in 1992. The album marked Alison Krauss & Union Station's first entry on the , underscoring the band's emerging status in the industry. In the United States, the album peaked at number 75 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. It also reached number 34 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, a ranking for developing artists that further emphasized Krauss's rising profile outside traditional bluegrass circles. Internationally, the album saw limited impact due to restricted distribution, failing to chart in major markets such as the UK or broader European countries. Compared to Krauss & Union Station's debut album "Two Highways" (1989), which did not appear on any major charts, "Every Time You Say Goodbye" showed improved visibility on the charts despite a relatively low mainstream peak, illustrating the enduring but specialized draw of bluegrass music.

Sales and certifications

Every Time You Say Goodbye did not receive any RIAA certifications , consistent with its release by the independent label , which limited access to major certification programs. The album contributed to the band's growing commercial presence in the genre, with steady catalog sales over the years bolstered by reissues and the rise of streaming platforms.

Reception and legacy

Critical reviews

Upon its 1992 release, Every Time You Say Goodbye received generally positive reviews from critics, who commended Alison Krauss's vocal prowess and the album's blend of traditional with contemporary sensibilities, though some noted a reliance on conventional arrangements. AllMusic's Thom Owens awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, praising Krauss's "lovely" vocals and the record's "graceful performances" while critiquing the "straightforward" and "formulaic" arrangements that made it less distinctive than her debut. The highlighted the album's "rare sweetness and grace," particularly in Krauss's handling of downcast contemporary material like covers of and songs, supported by Union Station's "strong lead vocals" and "standout playing." Common praises centered on Krauss's interpretive skills, especially her emotive delivery of covers like "Another Night" and "Last Love Letter," which brought fresh emotional depth to the ballads. Criticisms, however, pointed to a lack of bold experimentation relative to contemporaries like , whose innovative fusions were pushing boundaries more aggressively at the time. Overall, the album was viewed as a solid sophomore effort for Krauss and , solidifying her distinctive voice within the genre; it reflected its reliable craftsmanship and growing influence.

Awards and influence

Every Time You Say Goodbye won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album at the in February 1993. The album also received the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Album of the Year award in 1993. In retrospective evaluations, awarded the album a 4-out-of-5-star rating, highlighting the enduring quality of Krauss's vocal performances and the band's instrumental precision. Pitchfork's reassessment of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack in 2020 credited Krauss's early work, including contributions from this era, with priming a generation for the modern folk revival. The album contributed to Krauss's crossover success, laying groundwork for her prominent role in the 2000 O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, which sold over 8 million copies and revitalized interest in Americana music. It also influenced subsequent female-led bluegrass acts, with Krauss serving as a role model in the genre during the 1980s and 1990s. Culturally, the album's title track has amassed over 4.5 million streams on as of 2025, reflecting sustained popularity. It was performed during the 2000 documentary concert film Down from the Mountain, which showcased performers from the O Brother soundtrack and bridged to broader audiences. In 2025, released their latest Arcadia, continuing the innovative style pioneered in works like Every Time You Say Goodbye.

Credits

Musicians

The musicians on Every Time You Say Goodbye consisted of the core lineup of : on and lead vocals; on guitar and backing vocals; on ; on ; and on upright bass. All vocals and harmonies were performed by the band members, with no guest vocalists.

Production personnel

Alison Krauss & Union Station served as producers for Every Time You Say Goodbye. The album was mixed at Suite 2000 and mastered at Nashville Record Productions. Artwork credits included cover photography by Peter Nash and design by Nancy Given for . Songwriting credits were attributed per track, with examples including John Pennell for the title track "Every Time You Say Goodbye"; no executive producers were involved in the project.

References

  1. [1]
    Every Time You Say Goodbye - Album by Alison Krauss & Union ...
    Listen to Every Time You Say Goodbye by Alison Krauss & Union Station on Apple Music. 1992. 14 Songs. Duration: 42 minutes.<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    Alison Krauss And Union Station - Every Time You Say Goodbye
    Over the course of her first albums, including her fourth, 1992's Every Time You Say Goodbye, Alison Krauss probably did more than any of her contemporaries ...
  3. [3]
    https://www.amazon.com/Every-Time-You-Say-Goodbye/dp/B0000002KB
  4. [4]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station – Every Time You Say Goodbye Lyrics
    Every Time You Say Goodbye Lyrics [Verse 1] Look at the sky, baby What do you see? Looks like the tears that I cry Fallin' down like rain on the ground Every ...
  5. [5]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station Every Time You Say Goodbye CD
    ### Summary of Every Time You Say Goodbye CD by Alison Krauss & Union Station
  6. [6]
    Live - Alison Krauss & Union Station, Alison K... - AllMusic
    Rating 8.2/10 (311) Two Highways (1989) ; Every Time You Say Goodbye (1992) ; So Long So Wrong (1997) ; New Favorite (2001) ; Live (2002).
  7. [7]
    Alison Krauss: Reinventing Bluegrass, Reanimating Country
    ### Summary of Alison Krauss's Album *Every Time You Say Goodbye*
  8. [8]
    Alison Krauss | Encyclopedia.com
    The first wave of national fame came for bluegrass fiddler Alison Krauss in 1990 ... Every Time You Say Goodbye; International Bluegrass Music Association ...
  9. [9]
    1983 National Fiddler's Championship Results - SPBGMA
    ALISON KRAUSS. Champaign IL. 4537. 10th. JACK WEEKS. Dalton, GA. 4474. (SENIOR DIVISION - 62 AND OVER). 1st. KEN SLOAN. Mena, AR. N/A. 2nd. FAYE GREEN. Newark, ...
  10. [10]
    About Alison Krauss & Union Station
    Barry Bales has been a member of Alison Krauss & Union Station since 1990. He is also a successful songwriter, session musician and producer.Missing: formation | Show results with:formation
  11. [11]
    https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-popular-and-jazz-biographies/alison-krauss
  12. [12]
    https://www.spbgma.com/1983-national-fiddler-s-championship-results--spbgma.html
  13. [13]
    Alison Kruass and Union Station - Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine
    Aug 4, 2021 · These are Alison Brown (banjo), Tim Stafford (guitar), Adam Steffey (mandolin) and Barry Bales (bass). By the standards of earlier generations, ...
  14. [14]
    HISTORY - Ron Block
    1991 October – Ron joins Alison Krauss and Union Station – Alison, Barry Bales, Tim Stafford, and Adam Steffey. 1992 Records Everytime You Say Goodbye with ...Missing: formation | Show results with:formation
  15. [15]
    Release “Every Time You Say Goodbye” by Alison Krauss & Union ...
    Every Time You Say Goodbye. ~ Release by Alison ... The Homeplace Studios ... in Nashville , Tennessee , United States. recording of: Every Time You Say Goodbye.
  16. [16]
    Alison Krauss - Praguefrank's Country Discography
    Aug 16, 2016 · January 1992 Homeplace Studios Suite 2000, Nashville, TN – Alison Krauss ... Rounder CD-0285 Every Time You Say Goodbye: Every Time You Say ...
  17. [17]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station - Every Time You Say Goodbye
    ### Summary of Recording Details for *Every Time You Say Goodbye* by Alison Krauss & Union Station
  18. [18]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station - Every Time You Say Goodbye
    ### Summary of https://www.discogs.com/master/746441-Alison-Krauss-Union-Station-Every-Time-You-Say-Goodbye
  19. [19]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station - Every Time You Say Goodbye
    ### Production Credits
  20. [20]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station - Every Time You Say Goodbye
    ### Credits Section
  21. [21]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station | Artist - GRAMMY.com
    35. Alison Krauss & Union Station earned their first GRAMMY for 1992 for Every Time You Say Goodbye, which took home Best Bluegrass Album honors. The band ...
  22. [22]
    Alison Krauss' Multiplatinum 1995 Compilation Now That I've Found ...
    Apr 16, 2025 · Those years are chronicled in 1995's Now That I've Found You: A Collection, which arrived a decade into Krauss' career via Rounder Records.
  23. [23]
    Every Time You Say Goodbye - Alison Krauss & U... - AllMusic
    Rating 7.6/10 (62) Every Time You Say Goodbye by Alison Krauss & Union Station released in 1992. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
  24. [24]
    MUSIC CREDITS - Ron Block
    1992 "Every Time You Say Goodbye" / Alison Krauss & Union Station / Banjo, Composer, Vocals; 1988 "By Heart" / Weary Hearts / Banjo, Composer, Guitar, Vocal ( ...
  25. [25]
    30 Years of Alison Krauss' Country Music Breakthrough - PopMatters
    Jan 29, 2025 · Krauss' music felt more polished than the early records of Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Flatt and Scruggs. However, in the history ...
  26. [26]
    100 Greatest Women, #9: Alison Krauss - Country Universe
    Sep 19, 2018 · She also continued to win Grammy awards, as she was honored for her next Union Station release Every Time You Say Goodbye and her 1994 ...
  27. [27]
    Alison Krauss and Union Station "Every Time You Say Goodbye" <i ...
    Oct 15, 1992 · Just as her vocal and instrumental talents developed early, so has Krauss' understanding of the virtues of understatement; and rather than ...
  28. [28]
    The 100 Greatest Country Albums of All Time - Rolling Stone
    Aug 30, 2022 · alison krauss and union station. 79. Alison Krauss & Union Station. 'Every Time You Say Goodbye'. 1992. Alison Krauss was just 20 and already a ...
  29. [29]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station Arcadia Review - Mojo Magazine
    Mar 25, 2025 · Bluegrass at its most refined, yet existential: Alison Krauss' old firm stick and twist on seventh studio outing, Arcadia ... crystalline soprano ...
  30. [30]
    Oh, Didn't They Ramble - UNC Press
    Oct 17, 2023 · Oh, Didn't They Ramble. Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music. by David Menconi. Foreword by Robert Plant. Published by ...Missing: URL | Show results with:URL
  31. [31]
    Vince Gill/Alison Krauss and Union Station - IMDb
    Vince Gill/Alison Krauss and Union Station. Episode aired Feb 14, 1992. YOUR RATING. Rate. Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson in Austin City Limits (1975).
  32. [32]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station - Every Time You Say Goodbye (Live)
    Apr 15, 2011 · Music video by Alison Krauss and Union Station performing Every Time You Say Goodbye. (C) 2003 Rounder Records. Manufactured and distributed ...
  33. [33]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/2151606-Alison-Krauss-Now-That-Ive-Found-You-A-Collection
  34. [34]
    Alison Krauss and Union Station - Bluegrass Unlimited
    May 1, 2025 · Alison came in fourth for the “12-years-and-under” category. It was also the first fiddle contest for another young Illinois fiddler named ...
  35. [35]
    The "Everytime You Say Goodbye" 2nd album by Alison Krauss ...
    Aug 24, 2024 · She signed to Rounder Records, and in 1987, at 16, she released her debut album Too Late to Cry with Union Station as her backup band. Krauss' ...Missing: label | Show results with:label
  36. [36]
    Alison Krauss Biografie auf CountryMusicNews.de
    Heatseekers. 2. 1995, Now That I Found You, Top Country Albums. 14. 1992, Every Time You Say Goodbye, Heatseekers. 34. 1992, Every Time You Say Goodbye, Top ...
  37. [37]
    https://ibma.org/awards-by-year/
  38. [38]
    Alison Krauss & The Union Station - Every Time You Say Goodbye ...
    ''Every Time You Say Goodbye'' is an album by American violinist/singer Alison Krauss and her band, Union Station, released in 1992. It reached number 75 on ...
  39. [39]
    Two Highways - Wikipedia
    Two Highways is the first album by American band Alison Krauss & Union Station, released in 1989. [1] [2] It was nominated for a Grammy Award.
  40. [40]
    https://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/in-the-80s-and-90s-these-10-women-made-bluegrass-music-better/
  41. [41]
    Alison Krauss' 10 Best Songs: Critic's Picks - Billboard
    Aug 30, 2017 · Once BNA got involved, the song became a career-defining performance, hitting the top five on the Country Singles charts, netting the singer a ...
  42. [42]
    Alison Krauss - Every Time You Say Goodbye - Reviews - Album of ...
    Every Time You Say Goodbye. Alison Krauss - Every Time You Say Goodbye. Critic Score. 60. Based on 1 review. User Score.
  43. [43]
    Grammy, Hall of Fame, IBMA Awards | BluegrassBios.com
    1993 Alison Krauss and Union Station “Every Time You Say Goodbye” (Rounder); 1994 Nashville Bluegrass Band “Waiting for the Hard Times to Go” (Sugar Hill) ...<|separator|>
  44. [44]
    Awards by Year - IBMA
    1993. Album of the Year. Every Time You Say Goodbye. Alison Krauss & Union Station (artists), Rounder Records (label). Banjo Player of the Year. Tom Adams. Bass ...
  45. [45]
    Various Artists: O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Original Soundtrack)
    Nov 8, 2020 · We revisit the original soundtrack to the Coen brothers' 2000 film, one that primed a generation for a modern folk revival.
  46. [46]
    'O Brother, Where Art Thou?': How It Reinforced a Roots Music Myth
    Dec 4, 2020 · The soundtrack to the 2000 film 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' reinforced myths and misconceptions about the authenticity of roots music.
  47. [47]
    In the '80s and '90s, These 10 Women Made Bluegrass Better
    Sep 23, 2020 · With a crystalline soprano, Claire Lynch first gained notice as a ... A gifted vocalist, bandleader, and fiddler, Alison Krauss kept ...
  48. [48]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station - Spotify Top Songs - Kworb.net
    Oct 15, 2025 · Every Time You Say Goodbye. 4,604,653, 1,738 ; Restless - Remastered. 4,218,418, 2,139 ; I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow - Live From The Louisville ...
  49. [49]
    Triple Grammy Glory For 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' Soundtrack
    One of the best soundtracks ever, 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?', won three Grammys and introduced a whole new audience to bluegrass music.
  50. [50]
    Alison Krauss & Union Station - Every Time You Say Goodbye
    ### Musicians and Roles for *Every Time You Say Goodbye* by Alison Krauss & Union Station