Hall & Oates, Sara Smile | Throwback Vibez

In the 35^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Sara Smile” by iconic duo, Hall & Oates.   

“When I feel cold, you warm me / And when I feel I can’t go on / You come and hold me / It’s you and me forever.” Aww ! The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 35^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Sara Smile”, performed by iconic duo, Hall & Oates. 

“Sara, smile / Oh, won’t you smile awhile for me, Sara.” Songs about a significant other make you feel some type of way! Daryl Hall & John Oates – aka Hall & Oates – struck gold with “Sara Smile”.  “Sara Smile” was written for Daryl Hall’s longtime girlfriend, Sara Allen. Though no longer a couple, this R&B-influenced soft-rock/pop record still speaks about the beauty of the relationship.  Hall sounds fantastic, singing within a beautiful tone and incredible authenticity.  “Baby hair, with a woman’s eyes,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “I can feel you watching in the night / All alone with me and we’re waiting for the sunlight.”

Beyond the dedication and love-themed lyrics, the music is stunning too.  There is a warmth conveyed by this record that remains potent as the hit from Daryl Hall & John Oates (1975) approaches 50 years old.  Beyond the keys, guitars, and strings, one of the best instrumental aspects is the bass line, which represents a key instance of the soul influence on this number.  The bass line is big and rich, truly anchoring things down. Also, beyond the lead vocals by Hall – recorded live with the band, by the way – the background vocals sound incredibly smooth. Listening to “Sara Smile” in the 2020s, it is easy to hear why it reached no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Simple yet telling, songs like this gem by the iconic duo only come once in a lifetime.  “Thank you for making me feel like a man.”

Hall & Oates • Daryl Hall & John Oates • RCA • 1975

Daryl Hall & John Oates, “Sara Smile”: Throwback Vibez No. 35 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner, John Alan Sperry, PIRO, The Musical Hype, Pixabay]