Sad Eyes (Robert John song)

"Sad Eyes" is a song written and recorded by Robert John, and released in April 1979. It debuted May 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching the top of the chart the week of October 6.[2] It was produced by George Tobin in association with Mike Piccirillo.

"Sad Eyes"
Side A of US single
Single by Robert John
from the album Robert John
B-side"Am I Ever Gonna Hold You Again"
ReleasedApril 1979
Recorded1979
Genre
Length4:12 (Album Version)
3:30 (Single Edit)
LabelEMI America
Songwriter(s)Robert John
Producer(s)George Tobin in association with Mike Piccirillo
Robert John singles chronology
"Hushabye"
(1972)		 "Sad Eyes"
(1979)		 "Only Time"
(1979)

Reminiscent of the doo-wop ballads of the 1950s, "Sad Eyes" became one of several non-disco, or disco-influenced, tunes to top the 1979 pop chart. It was released in April 1979, when many music fans were primarily listening to disco. In August 1979 there was a cultural anti-disco backlash that encouraged many to turn from disco to pop music instead. "Sad Eyes" is notable as the song that ended the six-week reign of the biggest smash hit of the year, The Knack's "My Sharona". The lyrics of this song describe the sadness experienced by a woman with whom the lyricist had a fling while his normal significant other was away when he has to leave her behind to return home to his normal life with his primary partner.

Chart performance

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[7] Gold 75,000^
United States (RIAA)[8] Gold 1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Personnel

Album credits list these musicians involved during the sessions from which "Sad Eyes" was recorded.[9]

Cover versions

A cover by American country music group Trader-Price peaked at number 55 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1989.[10] Kyle Vincent also recorded the song, released on Absolutely The Best of the 70s, credited to Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods, and produced by Ron Dante. Another rendition appeared on Robin Lee's album, Black Velvet, released in 1990.

References
  1. Breihan, Tom (February 19, 2020). "The Number Ones: Robert John's "Sad Eyes"". Stereogum. Retrieved July 12, 2023. The song essentially sounds like a doo-wop ballad, filtered through early-'70s soft-rock...
  2. Billboard Hot 100, week of October 6, 1979 – Billboard.com. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  3. "Kent Music Report No 288 – 31 December 1979 > National Top 100 Singles for 1979". Kent Music Report. Retrieved January 10, 2023 – via Imgur.com.
  4. Nanda Lwin (1999). Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide. Music Data Canada. ISBN 1-896594-13-1.
  5. "Image: RPM Weekly". Bac-lac.gc.ca. July 17, 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  6. Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
  7. "Canadian single certifications – Robert John – Sad Eyes". Music Canada. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  8. "American single certifications – Robert John – Sad Eyes". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  9. "Robert John - Robert John, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved October 10, 2013.
  10. Whitburn, Joel (2013). Hot Country Songs 1944–2012. Record Research, Inc. p. 339. ISBN 978-0-89820-203-8.


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