The Flamingos, I Only Have Eyes for You | Throwback Vibez

In the 208^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos.

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 they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 208^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “I Only Have Eyes for You” performed by The Flamingo.

“My love must be a kind of blind love; / I can’t see anyone but you.” Chicago Doo-wop group The Flamingos is best known for “I Only Have Eyes for You”, among the greatest songs ever.  The song is also distinct and unusual in a positive way. “Eyes” is the opener from the legendary group’s 1959 album, Flamingo Serenade.  Fun fact: it is a cover of a song from the 1934 musical Dames – not a Flamingos original .  The music was originally composed by Harry Warren. Al Dubin penned the lyrics.  “I Only Have Eyes for Me” just missed the top 10 on the pop charts, peaking at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“I don’t know if we’re in a garden / Or on a crowded avenue.” Word.  “I Only Have Eyes for You” commences with a signature chordal guitar riff.  Beyond the guitar, the piano ostinato is a key feature.  From a vocal perspective, the lead vocals are buttery smooth.  Glorious harmonies from The Flamingos support, fully imploring the doo-wop style. Can you say, “Sha bop sha bop?”  This is early, vintage R&B at its best.  The melodies are tuneful in the verses and chorus.  The harmonic progression marks a stellar and crucial element of “Eyes.” Specifically, during the titular lyric, “I only have eyes for you, dear,” the song modulates (if temporarily) from C to F.  Despite the key change and wandering progression, “I Only Have Eyes for You” returns to the home key, triggered by the “Sha bop sha bop(s).”  Yes, “I Only Have Eyes For You” sounds like a 1950s song regarding recording technology/sound, approaching 70 years after The Flamingos’ version was released, it remains fascinating and ‘ahead of its time.’

The Flamingos // Flamingo Serenade // Parlophone // 1959

The Flamingos, I Only Have Eyes for You: Throwback Vibez No. 208 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Parlophone; OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]