Let this power ballad take you back to a time when big hair and even bigger choruses ruled the airwaves.
The Song
"When I See You Smile" is a power ballad recorded by the supergroup Bad English. Released in 1989, it quickly became their signature hit and remains a quintessential song of the late 80s rock era. The track was written by Diane Warren, a prolific songwriter known for crafting numerous chart-topping ballads for various artists. Its soaring melody, heartfelt lyrics, and John Waite's passionate vocals perfectly encapsulate the romantic rock sound that dominated the airwaves at the time.
The Artist
Bad English was a supergroup formed in 1987, bringing together an impressive lineup of musicians from successful 1970s and 1980s rock bands. The band consisted of vocalist John Waite (formerly of The Babys and a successful solo artist), keyboardist Jonathan Cain (Journey, The Babys), guitarist Neal Schon (Journey, Santana), bassist Ricky Phillips (The Babys, Styx), and drummer Deen Castronovo (Journey, Ozzy Osbourne). Their formation created high expectations, and they delivered with their self-titled debut album.
Chart Performance
"When I See You Smile" was a massive commercial success, becoming Bad English's biggest hit. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States on November 11, 1989, holding the top spot for two weeks. It also performed well internationally, peaking at number 14 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart and reaching the top 10 in Australia. Its strong chart performance solidified Bad English's place in late 80s rock.
Cultural Impact
The video for "When I See You Smile" perfectly embodied the aesthetic of late 1980s power ballads, featuring the band performing with intense emotion, often in smoky, dramatic settings. It frequently appeared on music television channels like MTV, contributing significantly to the song's widespread appeal and helping to define the visual style of the era's rock music. The song itself became a staple for romantic moments and slow dances, enduring as a classic example of its genre. Its widespread airplay on radio and inclusion on numerous "greatest hits of the 80s" compilations attest to its lasting cultural footprint.
Fun Facts
- Diane Warren initially wrote the song for Bad English, and it became one of her many number-one hits.
- The music video features the band performing on a stage, often bathed in dramatic lighting, emphasizing the raw emotion of the song.
- "When I See You Smile" was the only single from Bad English to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The song is featured on their self-titled debut album, "Bad English," which was released in 1989.