15 Songs About Smiling And Smiles

There’s something magical about a genuine smile. As someone who can’t help but grin when I see others beaming with joy, I’ve always been drawn to songs that capture the warmth and power of a smile. Whether it’s the way a loved one’s face lights up or the boost of happiness from flashing your own pearly whites, smiles have an almost supernatural ability to brighten any day.

That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 15 fantastic songs all about smiling and smiles. From classic crooners to modern pop hits, these tunes celebrate the simple act that can turn a frown upside down. So get ready to curl up those lips and let your eyes crinkle with delight as we explore music’s ode to one of life’s greatest pleasures – the smile.

1. “Crooked Smile” by J. Cole

“Crooked Smile” is a song from J. Cole’s 2013 album “Born Sinner”. The track features guest vocals from TLC and addresses themes of self-acceptance and inner beauty. J. Cole uses his own imperfect smile as a metaphor for embracing one’s flaws and insecurities. The song has an empowering message, particularly aimed at women, encouraging them to love themselves regardless of societal beauty standards.

The music video for “Crooked Smile” tells a powerful story, depicting J. Cole as a marijuana dealer whose sister is tragically killed in a DEA raid. This narrative was intended as a tribute to Aiyana Mo’Nay Stanley-Jones, a young girl killed in a 2010 police raid.

2. “Smile” by Uncle Kracker

Released in 2009, “Smile” is a feel-good pop rock and country pop song from Uncle Kracker’s album “Happy Hour”. The song’s upbeat melody and positive lyrics made it a multi-format hit, charting on country, adult contemporary, and mainstream pop charts.

The song’s message is simple yet uplifting, focusing on how someone special can bring joy and make you smile. It became Uncle Kracker’s first solo top-10 country hit and achieved significant success in Australia, peaking at number three on the ARIA Singles Chart.

3. “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin

This iconic song comes from the Broadway musical “Annie”. Written by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, it emphasizes the importance of a positive attitude and a smile. The song suggests that no matter how well-dressed you are, you’re not complete without a smile.

The song has been covered multiple times, including a version by Sia for the 2014 film adaptation of “Annie”. Sia’s cover became particularly popular in Poland, reaching high positions on various charts.

4. “Unbreakable Smile” by Tori Kelly

“Unbreakable Smile” is the title track from Tori Kelly’s debut album. The song addresses the pressures of the music industry and Kelly’s determination to stay true to herself. It pushes back against industry expectations and criticisms, with Kelly asserting her identity and values.

The lyrics express Kelly’s resolve to maintain her integrity and positive attitude despite external pressures. She refuses to compromise her beliefs or change her image to fit industry standards. The song promotes self-confidence and staying true to oneself in the face of criticism or expectations.

5. “Smile” by Nat King Cole

“Smile” is a timeless classic originally composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film “Modern Times”. The lyrics were added in 1954, and Nat King Cole’s rendition became one of the most iconic versions of the song.

Cole’s velvety voice brings a profound emotional depth to the lyrics, which encourage listeners to smile through their pain and sorrow. The song’s message of resilience and hope is encapsulated in lines like “Smile though your heart is aching / Smile even though it’s breaking”.

The musical arrangement is gentle and evocative, with delicate orchestration that perfectly frames Cole’s vocals. The interplay between piano and strings creates a captivating backdrop, allowing Cole’s voice to take center stage.

“Smile” has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring countless covers and remaining a cherished piece in Nat King Cole’s repertoire. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to offer solace and uplift spirits during challenging times.

6. “Smile” by Avril Lavigne

Released in 2011 as part of her album “Goodbye Lullaby”, Avril Lavigne’s “Smile” is a pop-punk tribute to someone special who brings joy to her life. The song was co-written by Lavigne with Max Martin and Shellback, renowned pop producers.

Unlike traditional love songs, “Smile” maintains Lavigne’s edgy style. The lyrics begin with “You know that I’m a crazy bitch,” setting a tone that’s far from sappy. The song is driven by punchy drum rhythms and electric guitars, creating an energetic backdrop for Lavigne’s vocals.

The chorus celebrates the positive impact of this special person: “That’s why I smile / It’s been a while / Since everyday and everything has felt this right”. The song showcases Lavigne’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with her punk-influenced roots.

“Smile” received positive reviews from critics, who praised its catchy melody and Lavigne’s vocal performance. It was released as the second single from “Goodbye Lullaby” and achieved moderate chart success.

7. “Smile” by McFly

British pop rock band McFly released “Smile” as a single from their second studio album “Wonderland.” The song has an upbeat, guitar-driven sound typical of McFly’s early work.

While not as well-known as the other two “Smile” songs, it fits with McFly’s style of writing optimistic, feel-good pop music. The song touches on themes of positivity and finding reasons to smile, in keeping with the band’s generally uplifting lyrical approach.

8. “Your Smiling Face” by James Taylor

Released in 1977 as part of James Taylor’s album “JT”, “Your Smiling Face” is an upbeat, feel-good pop song about the joy of seeing a loved one’s smile.

The song is notable for its unconventional structure, lacking a traditional chorus. Instead, it’s built on verses and bridges, with a catchy ascending riff of five or six notes serving as a recurring motif.

Lyrically, the song expresses the happiness and love Taylor feels when seeing his partner’s smile: “Whenever I see your smiling face / I have to smile myself / Because I love you”. The song is believed to have been inspired by Taylor’s relationship with Carly Simon, though some sources suggest it was written for their daughter Sally.

Musically, “Your Smiling Face” features stellar performances from Taylor’s band, including Danny Kortchmar on guitar, Russ Kunkel on drums, and Leland Sklar on bass. Sklar’s inventive bass lines, in particular, add depth and interest to the track.

The song was a commercial success, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple of Taylor’s live performances. Its enduring popularity stems from its infectious melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the genuine warmth in Taylor’s delivery.

9. “Smile” by Lily Allen

“Smile” is Lily Allen’s debut single, released in 2006. The song’s upbeat melody contrasts with its darker lyrical content, which is typical of Allen’s style. The lyrics describe Allen’s satisfaction at seeing her ex-boyfriend suffer after their breakup.

The song’s narrative is reflected in its music video, where Allen hires a gang to harass and rob her ex-boyfriend. The video portrays Allen as both vulnerable and vengeful, showing her initially sad and eating junk food, then laughing as she watches her ex’s misfortunes.

Musically, “Smile” combines elements of pop and ska, featuring a catchy chorus and Allen’s distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics have both positive and negative connotations, with the chorus expressing happiness, but the verses revealing the less wholesome reasons behind that happiness.

“Smile” was a commercial success, helping to launch Allen’s career. It showcases her ability to blend seemingly cheerful music with more complex, sometimes cynical lyrics.

10. “My Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face” by Craig Wayne Boyd

This song was Craig Wayne Boyd’s coronation single after winning the seventh season of “The Voice” in 2014. It was originally given to Boyd by his coach on the show, Blake Shelton, who had initially planned to record it himself.

The song is a country ballad that celebrates the joy of seeing a loved one smile. It made history on the Billboard charts by debuting at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart, only the second song ever to do so at that time.

Interestingly, despite its strong debut, the song had an unusually short chart run. It fell off both the Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts the week after its debut, making it the shortest-charting number one in the history of the Billboard country charts.

11. “Just To See You Smile” by Tim McGraw

Released in 1997 as part of McGraw’s album “Everywhere,” this song became one of his biggest hits. It’s a country ballad that tells the story of a man who puts his own feelings aside to ensure the happiness of the woman he loves, even if it means letting her go.

The song set a record at the time for the longest-running single on the Billboard country chart since the inception of Nielsen SoundScan in 1990, spending 42 weeks on the chart. It was also McGraw’s seventh number one hit and was declared by Billboard as the Number One country single of the year in 1998.

Critics praised McGraw’s nuanced performance, noting how he conveyed the complex emotions of the lyrics. The song’s longevity on the charts and its year-end ranking demonstrate its strong appeal to country music audiences.

12. “Absolutely (Story Of A Girl)” by Nine Days

This power pop song was Nine Days’ breakout hit, released in 2000 from their album “The Madding Crowd.” The song was written by the band’s vocalist and guitarist John Hampson for his then-girlfriend (now wife), inspired by a moment when he saw her smile after an argument.

The lyrics tell the story of a girl who “cried a river and drowned the whole world,” but whose smile can brighten the narrator’s day. The song’s upbeat melody and catchy chorus helped it reach number six on the US Billboard Hot 100.

“Absolutely (Story Of A Girl)” became Nine Days’ only major hit, giving them one-hit wonder status. Despite this, the song has remained popular and is often seen as emblematic of the power pop sound of the early 2000s.

The song received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its catchy hooks and charm. It’s been described as “effortlessly catchy” and “adorable,” though some critics also noted its somewhat clichéd nature.

13. “I Smile” by Kirk Franklin

“I Smile” is an uplifting gospel song released by Kirk Franklin in 2011 as part of his album “Hello Fear.” The song combines elements of gospel, R&B, and pop to create an infectious, feel-good tune that encourages listeners to stay positive in the face of adversity.

The lyrics of “I Smile” focus on maintaining a positive attitude despite life’s challenges. Franklin sings about various difficulties, including financial struggles and relationship problems, but emphasizes the importance of smiling through these hardships. The chorus, “I smile, even though I’m hurt see I smile, I know God is working so I smile,” encapsulates the song’s central message of faith and resilience.

Musically, the song features a lively beat, energetic choir backing, and Franklin’s signature blend of spoken word and singing. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody contribute to the song’s motivational impact, making it a popular choice for both religious and secular settings.

“I Smile” achieved significant success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and crossing over to mainstream audiences. It’s often used in motivational contexts and has become one of Franklin’s most recognizable hits, embodying his ability to create music that is both spiritually uplifting and broadly appealing.

14. “When I See You Smile” by Bad English

“When I See You Smile” is a power ballad released in 1989 by the supergroup Bad English. The song was written by Diane Warren, a prolific songwriter known for her emotional ballads. It became the band’s biggest hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1989.

The song features John Waite’s powerful vocals, backed by a classic late-80s rock arrangement with soaring guitar solos and dramatic key changes. Lyrically, it’s a love song about finding strength and hope in a partner’s smile. The chorus, “When I see you smile, I can face the world,” emphasizes the transformative power of love and support.

“When I See You Smile” exemplifies the power ballad genre that was hugely popular in the late 1980s. Its success helped establish Bad English in the music scene, though ironically, it also contributed to tensions within the band. Some members felt that their rock credentials were being compromised by the focus on ballads.

The song’s music video, featuring the band performing interspersed with romantic scenes, received heavy rotation on MTV, further boosting its popularity. Despite being their biggest hit, “When I See You Smile” was also somewhat of a double-edged sword for Bad English. While it brought them commercial success, it also pigeonholed them as a ballad band, which wasn’t the rock image some members had envisioned.

15. “I See Your Smile” by Gloria Estefan

“I See Your Smile” is a song by Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan, released in 1989 as part of her album “Cuts Both Ways.” This song showcases Estefan’s ability to blend pop with Latin influences, creating a sound that’s both radio-friendly and distinctively her own.

The song is a romantic ballad that celebrates the joy of seeing a loved one’s smile. Estefan’s warm, emotive vocals convey the song’s tender sentiment, with lyrics like “I see your smile, and my world is filled with light” expressing how a simple gesture can brighten one’s entire world.

Musically, “I See Your Smile” features a gentle, swaying rhythm, with subtle Latin percussion elements adding texture to the pop arrangement. The production is polished but not overpowering, allowing Estefan’s voice to take center stage.

While not as big a hit as some of Estefan’s other songs from this period, “I See Your Smile” showcases her versatility as an artist. It demonstrates her ability to deliver heartfelt ballads alongside her more uptempo, dance-oriented tracks. The song also reflects the broader theme of “Cuts Both Ways,” an album that saw Estefan taking more control over her artistic direction and songwriting.

“I See Your Smile” contributes to Estefan’s reputation as a multifaceted artist capable of delivering both high-energy dance tracks and touching ballads. It’s a testament to her ability to connect with listeners through relatable, emotional lyrics and memorable melodies.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.