This song was written by Steve Harley, and recorded by his band, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel in 1974 and relesaed the next year. In a television interview recorded in 2002, Steve Harley described how the lyrics are vindictively directed at the former band members, whom he felt had abandoned him. The single was the only number 1 for the band and their most successful, selling over a million copies globally.
The song was used for many high-profile film soundtracks, such as The Full Monty and Velvet Goldmine.
Although over 120 covers of the song have been made, the most notable were from Duran Duran and Erasure.
Duran Duran released make Me Smile as a B side to their number one single, The Reflex in 1984.The song featured in their concerts through the 80's before being droppped from their set list. Howver, over 20 years later they used the song again at their concert in the Birmingham City Football club ground in 2005.
Erasure's version of the song charted only at 14, but was deemed a success by the duo. It was released in 2003 and was used in the first episode of TV sitcom, My Name Is Earl.
Another notable cover comes from Robbie Williams, who used the song as part of a medley with 'You Can Leave Your hat On' and 'Land of 1000 Dances' as a B side to 'Let Me Entertain You' in 1998.
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