“If you're going through difficult times, it's hilarious how you turn on the radio and even the most cliché things perfectly capture how you're feeling. And then you realize why people wrote those songs.” »read more
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“If you're going through difficult times, it's hilarious how you turn on the radio and even the most cliché things perfectly capture how you're feeling. And then you realize why people wrote those songs.” »read more
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This was originally recorded by The Temptations on their Sky's The Limit LP. The Temptations wanted it released as the follow-up to their #1 "Just My Imagination," but Undisputed Truth's version (from their debut LP) was selected instead. (thanks, Brad Wind - Miami, FL)
Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote this.
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This song has an uncanny resemblance to "Back Stabbers" by the O'jays.
- Neal, Hooterville, MI
The Temptations' version of this song was supposed to be the followup single to the group's #1 hit "Just My Imagination". However, Eddie Kendricks, the lead singer for this version, left the group right after recording it and Motown decided to scrap those plans.
- John, Nashville, TN
I think its ironic - The Temptations first recorded this song before the Undisputed Truth did and it never was a hit, THEN the Undisputed Truth recorded "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" before the Temptations did and THEIR version wasnt a hit.
- Kristin, Bessemer, AL
This song came to mind today as I read an email from someone who enlightened me to facts of someone whom we thought as a family friend..
As Richard Soto said, It could not be better said about a smile!
- Marie, South, LA
Just like "My Ding-A-Ling" by Chuck Berry has a Christmas sound to it, so "Smiling Faces Sometimes" has its own share of holiday-type sound - a Halloween sound. Is it intended to sound dark and mysterious? It doesn't seem to be about mistaking frowns for smiles (emo disguise). It seems to be about mellow faces as soothing disguises for villains, or even evil spirits.
- andrew, birmingham, United States
There are about 3000 versions of this song, but i think that, by far, the best one is 1973's by rare earth. Brilliant.
- JoaquÃ?n, Chaguito City, Chile
No wonder it sounds like a Temptations song - it IS a Temptations song. A similar occurrence was obvious with "I Wanna Get Next To You" from the movie "Car Wash," which the Temps were scheduled to record, but it went to newcomers Rose Royce instead.
- Clarke, Pittsburgh, PA
"A smile is just a frown turned upside down." It could not be better said. Richard Soto, SATX.
- Ben, San Antonio, TX