About the song
*The Shadow of Your Smile* is a notable album by American pop singer Andy Williams, released in April 1966 by Columbia Records. This eighteenth studio album marked a significant shift in Williams’ musical direction, moving away from his traditional pop style to embrace more contemporary sounds. Among the tracks featured are covers of “Michelle” and “Yesterday,” two Beatles ballads that were also recorded by fellow Columbia artist Johnny Mathis for his 1966 album.
The album debuted on Billboard’s Top LPs chart on May 14, 1966, where it spent an impressive 54 weeks and peaked at number six. It also entered the UK charts in July 1966, reaching number 27 and staying there for four weeks. The success of the album was recognized with Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America on September 27, 1966.
The A-side single from the album, “Bye Bye Blues,” reached number 127 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and number 18 on the magazine’s Easy Listening chart. This track, along with the album’s overall success, showcased Williams’ willingness to experiment with his sound.
*The Shadow of Your Smile* was first released on compact disc in 1999, paired with Williams’ earlier album *Dear Heart* by Collectables Records. It was later reissued by Sony Music Distribution on a CD alongside *Warm and Willing*. The Collectables release was also included in a box set titled *Classic Album Collection, Vol. 1*, which featured 17 of Williams’ studio albums and three compilations.
Critics have noted that this album represents a departure from Williams’ earlier work. William Ruhlmann of AllMusic praised the album for its slower, more relaxed feel and for showcasing Williams’ vocal risk-taking. He highlighted the inclusion of Beatles tracks and bossa nova songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim as evidence of Williams’ engagement with evolving musical trends.
Overall, *The Shadow of Your Smile* is remembered for its artistic evolution and its role in expanding Andy Williams’ musical repertoire.
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