What makes Smile by The Jayhawks notable?

Smile received positive reviews, with publications like Rolling Stone praising its intricate harmonies and emotional depth. It solidified the Jayhawks' influence in the alt-country genre during the early 2000s and showcased their ability to evolve while remaining true to their roots. Released in 2000, Smile was the Jayhawks' fifth studio album and marked their first release after reuniting following a hiatus. At this point in their career, they were seeking to regain their footing in the music scene while exploring new sonic territories, moving from the more polished sound of their previous efforts to a more organic approach.

Smile works well if you're into wistful reflections on life, melodic storytelling with warmth and gentle pacing for contemplation.

How many songs are on Smile?

Smile has 13 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Smile

The Jayhawks · 2000

53 min · 13 tracks · alternative country

A melodic blend of alternative country and folk rock that captures both introspection and a sense of yearning.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Smile — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of hope and resilience, pairing buoyant melodies with poignant lyrics that reflect on personal struggles.
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What Led Me to This Town — This track stands out for its narrative-driven lyrics, detailing a reflective journey that resonates with listeners through vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion.
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Better Days — With its uplifting chorus and anthemic feel, this song serves as a perfect representation of the album’s overarching theme of optimism amidst adversity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends melodic elements with varied instrumentation but lacks strong cohesion in its flow.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered vocal harmonies, establishing a melodic foundation that recurs throughout.
The sequencing includes a notable shift in tone around the midpoint, where the tempo slows significantly with 'A Break in the Clouds', altering the album's momentum.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wistful reflections on life
melodic storytelling with warmth
gentle pacing for contemplation
for afternoon drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced energy
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2000, Smile was the Jayhawks' fifth studio album and marked their first release after reuniting following a hiatus. At this point in their career, they were seeking to regain their footing in the music scene while exploring new sonic territories, moving from the more polished sound of their previous efforts to a more organic approach.
Stylistic neighbors: Uncle Tupelo· Wilco· Son Volt

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Smile 3:49
2 I'm Gonna Make You Love Me 3:40
3 What Led Me to This Town 4:09
4 Somewhere in Ohio 3:39
5 A Break in the Clouds 3:59
6 Queen of the World 2:35
7 Life Floats By 4:42
8 Broken Harpoon 3:31
9 Pretty Thing 4:18
10 Mr. Wilson 4:26
11 (In My) Wildest Dreams 4:30
12 Better Days 4:36
13 Baby, Baby, Baby 5:19

What to play next

Listen next

Rainy Day Music

2003

Go back to

Sound of Lies

1997

Full The Jayhawks discography Artists like The Jayhawks

alternative country

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata