This is the greatest version of "Smoke." Washington's soft yet unrestrained voice is like honey with a touch of lemon juice mixed in. All in all, this is a most soothing song with a superior arrangement.
Still prefer The Platters (Tony Williams) version from '58, but I'm probably influenced by the fact it was the version I've heard 99% of times till few months ago.
The first time I heard this song was in 1994 in the old tower records clearance outlet in the East Village; thanks to them playing it I actually purchased one of what ended up being mini of her CDs! I wish I still had them now; By the way, that time in tower records was the first time I’ve ever heard Dinah Washington!
They asked me how I knew My true love was true Oh, I of course replied Something here inside cannot be denied They said someday you'll find All who love are blind Oh, when your heart's on fire You must realize Smoke gets in your eyes So I chaffed them and I gaily laughed To think they could doubt my love Yet today my love has flown away I am without my love Now laughing friends deride Tears I can not hide So I smile and say When a lovely flame dies Smoke gets in your eyes Smoke gets in your eyes
Beautiful singing genius of Dinah Washington and music .God Bless.from Rowena Suarez of Manchester Township High School - Lakehurst , New Jersey and Grossmont College - El Cajon \ Santee , California
I agree with "lacouefairy" that the slightly more up tempo version is better than the slower ones. What a terrific voice and, equally so, a terrific song.
I don’t go in for the common place desire on you tube to profess that a certain recording or performance is the definitive, as I believe that choice is wonderful, but this is one song where when I think of it, it’s interlinked with this performance ...
Makes me cry but I still think it's a bit too much, a bit too proto-Aretha. It's not the speed or the lack of dynamics in the beginning, but it lacks a bit of desperation and sadness.
