The Undisputed Truth ~ Smiling Faces Sometimes 1971 Soul Purrfection Version

The Motown music machine ruled the airwaves in the 60's with light but substantial pop music that set the trend for the music that followed. Berry Gordy avoided any kind of controversy in the songs that were released until 1968 when social issues began to influence the message songs like "Love Child" from the Supremes, "Cloud Nine" by the Temptations and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye proved that it was possible to broach difficult topics without compromising the popularity of the song. It did involve changes to the classic Motown formula that actually raised the bar for pop and soul music. Norman Whitfield was not afraid to tinker with the formula and after The Temptations recorded "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" and it hit big, replacing Smokey Robinson as producer from 1966 to 1974. His experiments brought even more critical and commercial success to the label. Working with established groups was confining to him as his vision for each song was diluted to incorporate input from the band members. In 1971, he put together a band he named The Undisputed Truth with Joe Harris, Billie Rae Calvin and Brenda Joyce Evans and immediately put them to work. Since they were new, Whitfield could do whatever he felt was necessary to get his vision out there and the band would have to go along for the ride. Billie and Brenda met as members of The Delicates in the early 60's and brought to Motown by Bobby Taylor. That band broke up in 1970, and the women did back up vocals for other Motown artists. Joe Harris was in an early incarnation of the Ohio Players and left that band to join Brenda and Billie to be produced by Whitfield. He created a new genre called "psychedelic soul" which he perfected on the Temptations, and had them record the first version of "Smiling Faces Sometimes", but that version got passed over in favor of the Undisputed Truth. After they recorded it, the song was released and the ominous tale of distrust complete with a "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" Marvin Gaye vibe and it peaked at #3 pop. At the time, the smiley face icon was plastered all over the place and Whitfield used this trope to get his message out there and it was easy to see that it reflected the mood at the time and made a statement about the Nixon era. It was a massive hit, and the band was unable to find another smash, so Brenda left and was replaced by Diane Evans. Then Diane and Billie left and a flurry of replacements did nothing to solidify the direction the band was taking. In 1976 the disco influenced "You + Me = Love" became a club hit, peaking at #5 disco and #48 pop. Then the band faded away, but Joe got the band back together with Brenda Evans and recruited Belita Woods (Brainstorm) in the early 90's. Billie Calvin passed away on June 23, 2007 from heart disease. They will always be remembered for "Smiling Faces Sometimes", a song that seems to fit the mood for the world today..that is the power and legacy of Motown and Norman Whitfield.

[jamesmonroe]

A true classic from one of Motown’s more obscure acts-a message song that still stands the test of time-now given the D-Cat treatment it truly deserves-BIG thumbs up, my friend!👍

[josephel]

My mother used to always say, " Everybody that smiles in your face is not your friend "

[divadee]

My FAVORITE childhood song that I still listen to today! "Beware of the pat on the back, it just might hold you back." I work in Corporate America. That line is one of the REALEST!

[depaola]

I am now 56 and this classic got my vote for one of the TRUTH and BADDEST tunes of all~time !!

[joegongora]

The message of this song still holds truth. This song perhaps came out in 1971 because it's early 70's Soul. I'm 66 Yrs old and, "Who's still listening to this song on Feb 7, 2022? Classic songs will always remain popular, especially if the message stood the test of time.

[sandrahuntington]

I was doing chores one Saturday and pulled this song our of my memory of hearing this song on the radio! I remembered every word w/out really understanding the meaning of them. I really, really wishrd I had listened more closely back then. I would have saved myself alot of grief over the years. Hurts when you realize you've trusted the wrong person or set of people----and they take advantage of you.

[kahakookina]

OMG, I haven't heard this since back in the day: 1971! CLASSIC. The lyrics are POWERFUL and can be applied to people today, all the more.

[earvetta]

I was 15 years old when Smiling Faces Sometimes was released. Music told a story that most people could relate to from their experience

[ericwashington]

This song has still stands till the test of times because people hasn't changed!!!

[joylannetter]

Smiling faces sometimes
Pretend to be your friend
Smiling faces show no traces
Of the evil that lurks within (can you dig it?)
Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes
They don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof
Oh, oh, yeah

Let me tell you
The truth is in the eyes 'cause the eyes don't lie, amen
Remember, a smile is just a frown turned upside down my friend
So, hear me when I'm saying
Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes, yeah
They don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof
(Beware) beware of the handshake
That hides the snake (can you dig it, can you dig it?)

I'm a-tellin' you beware of the pat on the back
It just might hold you back
Jealousy, (jealousy) misery (misery) envy (envy)
I tell you you can't see behind
Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes
Hey, they don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof
Hey, your enemy won't do you no harm
(Rap on) 'cause you'll know where he's comin' from
Don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya
Take my advice, I'm only tryin' to school ya
Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes
They don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes

[rontaylor]

This is a classic...the thumbs down are the smiling faces and I got proof

[hd]

I was ten years old. Wow. This song is still very prevalent.

[seanspencer]

The rhythm, the melody, the three-voice harmony, the instruments and the message!!! A smile is just a smile but the heart behind it says a lot whether for good or for bad!

[johnmcgloson]

Ima start playing this song to my children and grandchildren because those that pretend that they're for you and like you trust me the devil is a lier this song tells the story

[kevinpayton]

I love songs that send a message like this song. Those messages are relevant today as they were in yesteryear.

[microminiskirt]

LOVE THIS SONG 1971 SONGS HAD GREAT LYRICS AND STORIES.

[nickyegiardino]

I love this song. This August 2024. I'am 75 It tells the truth about people

[ericwashington]

This song has a lot of meaning a smile is nothing but a frown turned upside down from jealousy and hate, and envy!!!!

[ladyb]

Raised listening to the best!!! Still listening in 2024🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[soniacabrera]

I was 10 years old living in Chicago Heights Illinois when this song came out I'm 61 years old now and still love it