Just the other day, I was jammin’ to “Smile (I’m Living My Best Life)” by Lil Duval, one of my go to joints when I need to get fueled with good energy. After grooving to that, I was taken back to the original smile joints that I’d fallen in love with: “Your Smile” and “I Love Your Smile” by René & Angela and Shanice, respectively. As many may know, I have an obsession for R&B songs of the same title but different sound. Or has the same meaning, but different grooves. Though these songs don’t have the exact same title, they have the same common denominator, which I think is great for conversation.
Between the two, René & Angela’s “Your Smile” dropped in 1986. It was their third single from their debut, Street Called Desire. Though the duo, then a couple, shared leads on many of their songs, Angela took the reigns on this romantic slow jam.
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“In your touch there’s tenderness,” Angela sings. “A sweet caress that soothes all pain. When I’m lost and feelin’ low, to you I go to rise again. But nothing means as much as your smile.”
The single atop Billboard’s R&B chart. It did fair on the Billboard Hot 100 as well, peaking at the 62 spot.
Shanice’s released her version five years later from her Inner Child album. Though it was the same theme, “I Love Your Smile” was more upbeat.
“Sitting in my class,” Shanice sings. “Just drifting away, staring into the windows of the world, yeah. I can’t hear the teacher, his books don’t call me at all. I don’t see the bad boys tryin to catch some play.”
The single atop the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks and peaked at the number 2 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Both songs are a compliment to the beautiful human asset. However, the scenarios are different. René & Angela’s song was more of a mature setting for the established love affair. Whereas, Shanice gives you a teenage love vibe. Either way, both are beautiful songs.
René and Angela’s “Your Smile” or Shanice’s “I Love Your Smile?”
[Polls Are Closed!]
René and Angela – “Your Smile” – 57%
Shanice – “I Love Your Smile?” – 43%