Morgan Wallen Marvel Drops Introspective Ballad ‘Smile’: Concentrate

Morgan Wallen ended 2024 on a reasonably somber word with the marvel unlock of the contemplative ballad “Smile” on Monday (Dec. 30). The tune — written by way of Wallen together with Rocky Block, John Byron, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak and Luis Witkiewitz — is described in a press unlock as being a continuation of issues established within the singer’s earlier lovelorn singles, “Lies Lies Lies” and “Love Anyone.”

Within the accompanying video directed by way of Justin Clough, Wallen performs himself gearing as much as carry out on a New Yr’s Eve-style broadcast. Sitting nervously in his inexperienced room because the announcer teases his set, Wallen stares anxiously at a girl sitting silently throughout the best way prior to getting his name. Glumly marching to the degree, Wallen seems to music out the fearful manufacturer’s notes about taking a look on the digicam and remembering to grin. “Other people will love that,” he says as Wallen turns out to forget about him utterly.

Presented as one of the vital “greatest pop stars on this planet,” the host tells audience that Wallen is gearing as much as carry out “Love Anyone,” the Billboard Sizzling 100 No. 1 unmarried he launched in October this is slated for his upcoming fourth studio album. Wallen pulls an Elvis Costello, regardless that, snapping on his Box & Movement baseball hat and staring on the tune’s lyrics within the Teleprompter prior to going rogue and taking part in “Smile” as an alternative.

“I will be able to’t take into account the remaining time/ You appeared as satisfied as you probably did this night/ Your tipsy good friend grabbed that bartender/ Gave him her telephone and pulled us over there along with her,” he sings over delicate acoustic guitar because the TV display’s staff freaks out in regards to the bait-and-switch whilst the prompter reads “[OFF SCRIPT].”

Wallen is unbothered, regardless that, crooning the tune’s delicate, pleading refrain, “It was once just right to look you smile/ Lady you comprehend it’s been some time/ It was once just right to look you smile/ Despite the fact that it was once only for the image,” lamenting that in spite of everything the nice instances what’s left is simplest satisfied reminiscences stuck in footage.

Regardless that it was once an unplanned detour, Wallen’s sincerity seems to click on, with the community brass turning from exasperated to elated as they watch the viewing numbers spike all the way through the efficiency. As he sings about taking pictures a treasured second in time, Wallen’s love comes out to observe the efficiency, with the 2 sharing a final, longing glance prior to she walks away.

“Smile” is the 3rd unmarried Wallen has unlock this 12 months from his as-yet-untitled fourth album, the follow-up to 2023’s Billboard 200 No. 1 double LP One Factor at a Time.

Take a look at the “Smile” video underneath.