About the song
“The Shadow of Your Smile” is the eighteenth studio album by Andy Williams, released in April 1966 under Columbia Records. This album marked a departure from Williams’ traditional pop style, embracing a more contemporary approach influenced by the changing landscape of popular music at the time. It featured notable covers including “Michelle” and “Yesterday” by The Beatles, which reflected Williams’ willingness to explore new musical directions beyond his usual repertoire.
**Album Reception and Chart Performance**
Upon its release, “The Shadow of Your Smile” quickly gained traction on Billboard magazine’s Top LP’s chart, debuting on May 14, 1966, and maintaining a presence for 54 weeks, peaking at number six. In the United Kingdom, the album entered the charts in July, spending a respectable four weeks and reaching number 27. Its popularity was further affirmed when it received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America on September 27, 1966, underscoring its commercial success and enduring appeal.
**Musical Content and Style**
Critics and fans alike noted the album’s distinctive sound characterized by a slower, more contemplative tempo compared to Williams’ earlier works. William Ruhlmann of AllMusic highlighted the album’s “languorous feel” and praised Williams for taking vocal risks that showcased his versatility and adaptability to evolving musical trends. The inclusion of bossa nova songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim alongside iconic Beatles tracks signaled Williams’ embrace of contemporary influences and his commitment to refreshing his artistic repertoire.
**Singles and Notable Tracks**
The album’s lead single, “Bye Bye Blues,” made a modest impact on Billboard’s charts, peaking at number 127 on the Hot 100 and reaching number 18 on the Easy Listening (Adult Contemporary) chart. This track, along with Williams’ interpretation of “Michelle” and “Yesterday,” further solidified the album’s appeal to both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
**Legacy and Reissues**
Over the years, “The Shadow of Your Smile” has continued to be celebrated as a pivotal moment in Andy Williams’ career, marking a transition towards a more contemporary sound while retaining his signature vocal charm. The album’s reissues on compact disc, notably as part of various collections by Collectables Records and Sony Music Distribution, have ensured its accessibility to new generations of listeners, reaffirming its status as a classic in Williams’ discography.
**Critical Acclaim**
Billboard magazine lauded the album as “well produced and well performed,” acknowledging Williams’ ability to deliver compelling interpretations of both classic standards and modern hits with equal finesse. This recognition underscored Williams’ enduring relevance and influence in shaping the landscape of popular music during the 1960s and beyond.
“The Shadow of Your Smile” stands as a testament to Andy Williams’ artistic evolution and his ability to resonate with audiences through timeless melodies and heartfelt performances.
Video
Lyrics
The shadow of your smile
When you are gone
Will color all my dreams
And light the dawn
Look into my eyes
My love and see
All the lovely things
You are to me
Our wistful little star
Was far too high
A teardrop kissed your lips
And so did I
Now when I remember spring
All the joy that love can bring
I will be remembering
The shadow of your smile
Now when I remember spring
All the joy that love can bring
I will be remembering
The shadow of your smile