The Album: The Platters (1958)
“Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” was featured on The Platters’ eponymous album released in 1958. This album represents one of the group’s most commercially successful periods, capturing their signature blend of pop, R&B, and doo-wop influences. It includes some of their biggest hits, such as “The Great Pretender” and “My Prayer.” The Platters were known for their ability to fuse pop music with soulful harmonies, and this album is no exception. Their rendition of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” stands out as one of the crowning achievements of this LP, and the song itself became synonymous with their sound. The album as a whole exemplifies the smooth vocal stylings that would make The Platters one of the most influential vocal groups of their time.
The original version of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” written by Jerome Kern is considered a classic of the Great American Songbook, and its adaptation by The Platters retains all the melancholic beauty of the original while infusing it with a modern sensibility. The song’s orchestration on this particular recording is lush and full, with sweeping strings and a gentle rhythm section that provide the perfect backdrop for the group’s rich vocal harmonies. It is a classic piece of music that combines elements of jazz, pop, and traditional standards.
Instrumentation and Sounds
One of the most striking elements of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is the way the instrumentation and arrangements work together to create an emotive, cinematic atmosphere. The song begins with a soft and melancholy piano intro, setting a reflective tone. The piano gently plays a simple but deeply expressive chord progression, establishing the song’s wistful mood. The elegance of the piano paired with the lush string section brings an air of sophistication to the song that elevates it beyond typical pop fare.
The arrangement features a string section that plays sweeping, elegant melodies throughout, building in intensity and adding to the emotional gravity of the lyrics. The strings, accompanied by a smooth, steady bass line, create a feeling of fullness and depth that enhances the vocal performance. The Platters’ vocal harmonies are front and center, supported by the soft, understated rhythm section, which allows the singers to convey the song’s sorrowful yet romantic themes. Each of the voices within The Platters’ lineup contributes to the overall texture, with tenor and baritone voices offering warmth and depth, while the lead voice (often Tony Williams) carries the melody with perfect pitch and emotion.
The guitar, though subtle, plays an important role in providing a delicate but rhythmic undertone. The guitar’s clean, crisp strumming fits into the background arrangement, supporting the song’s emotional progression without overwhelming the vocals. It’s a perfect example of how an instrument can serve the larger piece of music, elevating its overall impact without taking center stage. In combination with the piano and strings, the guitar creates a harmonious balance of sounds that enhances the song’s lyrical themes of longing and heartbreak.
The drums are soft, maintaining a slow and steady beat throughout the song. Their subtle presence helps to drive the rhythm without distracting from the smooth, flowing nature of the track. The percussion is understated but effective, providing the necessary backbone to the orchestration. All of the instruments are impeccably arranged and contribute to the song’s haunting atmosphere, with every note carefully placed to elicit an emotional response.
Lyrical Themes and Interpretation
The lyrics of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” are among the most poignantly romantic in the history of popular music. Written by Otto Harbach, they tell the story of someone who is in love but is heartbroken by the realization that their feelings are unrequited. The metaphor of “smoke getting in your eyes” captures the blurring of clarity and the emotional haze that love can cause. The lyrics describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by love, but also the painful awareness of love’s fleeting nature.
In The Platters’ version, the delivery of the lyrics is key to the song’s success. The vocal performance, particularly Tony Williams’ lead vocals, conveys the vulnerability and depth of the lyrics. Williams’ voice has a haunting quality, especially as he sings the iconic line, “Smoke gets in your eyes,” which is delivered with a sense of wistfulness and sorrow. The way the singers harmonize together in the chorus reinforces the song’s theme of shared emotional pain. The Platters, as a vocal group, excel at weaving together their voices to create a harmonious sound that conveys both the sorrow and the beauty of the song’s narrative.
This ability to convey emotion through vocal harmony was one of the key elements that made The Platters such a beloved group. The combination of their smooth, rich voices with the lush instrumental arrangement makes this song a quintessential example of the emotional depth that music can convey. It’s a piece of music that speaks to the universal experience of love and loss, and its timelessness is part of why it has endured for decades.
Similar Songs for Further Listening
If you enjoy “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” by The Platters, you might also appreciate several other songs from the same era that share a similar romantic and emotional sensibility. Here are a few suggestions:
- “The Great Pretender” by The Platters – This is another of The Platters’ most famous songs, and like “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” it captures the melancholy and longing of unrequited love. It features similar lush orchestrations and impeccable vocal harmonies.
- “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers – This ballad, with its soaring vocals and orchestral arrangement, is a quintessential love song. It has a similar emotional weight and is known for its powerful vocal delivery.
- “In the Still of the Nite” by The Five Satins – This doo-wop classic is another timeless love song that captures the vulnerability and longing of youth. It features harmonies that are reminiscent of The Platters’ style.
- “Only You (And You Alone)” by The Platters – Another hit by The Platters, this song shares the group’s signature smooth vocal harmonies and romantic lyrics. Its lush orchestration complements the emotional tone of the song, much like “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.”
- “My Prayer” by The Platters – This is another emotional ballad by The Platters, with a soft, orchestral arrangement and heartfelt vocals. The lyrical themes of devotion and yearning are similar to those found in “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.”
Conclusion
“Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” by The Platters is a masterpiece of vocal pop music, showcasing the group’s ability to blend rich harmonies with a sophisticated orchestral arrangement. It is a timeless piece of music that speaks to the universal experience of love and heartbreak. The song’s lush instrumentation, including the piano, guitar, and strings, supports the heartfelt vocals, creating a hauntingly beautiful listening experience. Whether you are a long-time fan of The Platters or discovering this classic for the first time, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” remains an unforgettable song that continues to resonate with listeners today. It is a perfect example of the power of music to evoke deep emotions, and its place in the annals of pop music history is firmly cemented.
If you are looking for more songs that carry the same emotional weight and musical style, be sure to check out some of the recommendations above, all of which will offer similar delights in terms of vocal harmonies, orchestral arrangements, and poignant lyrical themes. The Platters’ influence on the pop and doo-wop genres is undeniable, and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” remains a testament to their exceptional talent and artistry.
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Lyrics: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
They asked me how I knew
My true love was true
I of course replied
Something here inside
Can not be deniedThey, said some day you’ll find
All who love are blind
When your heart’s on fire
You must realize
Smoke gets in your eyesSo I chaffed them, and I gaily laughed
To think they could doubt my love
And yet today, my love has flown away
I am without my loveNow laughing friends deride
Tears I cannot hide
So I smile and say
When a lovely flame dies
Smoke gets in your eyesSmoke gets in your eyes