Your Smiling Face

James Taylor

About Your Smiling Face

"Your Smiling Face" is a hit single by singer James Taylor. First available on the album JT, and released as the album's sophomore single in September 1977, "Your Smiling Face" peaked at number 11 in Cash Box magazine and at 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 near year's end. It reached number 11 on the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada. On Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, it reached number 6. Lines like "Isn't it amazing a man like me can feel this way?" reflect Taylor's surprise at his newfound happiness in his relationship with Carly Simon. Rolling Stone critic Peter Herbst described it as being "unabashedly happy". However, according to Taylor biographer Timothy White, the song was written for Taylor's and Simon's then three-year-old daughter Sally. White described the song as a "pop sonnet". Taylor described it as a "good, light-hearted pop love song". Herbst praises Taylor's vocal for being "a pretty convincing rock singer" on the song."Your Smiling Face" was a fixture in Taylor's live shows, but he had to abandon it for a while because he went through a period where he had difficulty reaching the falsetto notes. more »

Year:: 1994
: 2:55
: 36 Views
Playlists:: #1

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James Taylor

James Vernon Taylor (born March 12, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. more »

11 fans

Genre »

Rock

Style »

Pop Rock

11 facts about this song

Song Production "Your Smiling Face" was produced by veteran music producer Peter Asher, who also worked with artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Cher.
Album Information This song is track #2 on James Taylor's album "JT", which was released in 1977.
Personal Inspiration Though it's often thought to be about his love for a woman, Taylor actually wrote "Your Smiling Face" for his daughter, Sally.
Chart Performance "Your Smiling Face" became a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching #20. On the adult contemporary chart, the song climbed to #6.
Award Recognition The success of "Your Smiling Face" contributed to "JT" album getting nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1978.
Music Video A music video was made for the song - a rarity for the time period it was released - showcasing Taylor in a live performance setting.
Notable Covers Several artists have covered "Your Smiling Face", including fellow singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin.
Cultural Impact The song is often used in movies and TV shows, most notably "Knocked Up" and an episode of "The Office".
Musical Style "Your Smiling Face" is a pop song, with several critics noting its cheerful melody and upbeat rhythm as a departure from Taylor's usual laid-back, folk rock style.
Live Performances "Your Smiling Face" has remained a staple of Taylor's live performances over the years and often played as an encore song.
Song Reception Many music critics have cited "Your Smiling Face" as one of James Taylor's best songs, praising its catchy melody and hopeful lyrics.

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