Ted Poley and I have along history. From way back in '89 hearing Naughty Naughty from Danger Danger's debut album to being in the right place at the right time for that band's debut UK show at the Astoria and then seeing them support Kiss. Initially I was blown away with this album and thought that if D2 had ever recorded an album that took the best bits from the debut album and it's follow up Screw It then this would likely be the outcome. However after a few more listens the CD lost it's initial appeal and appeared more like a one trick pony, a bit like a cheap stripper revealing everything at first look.

Luckily I put the album away fro a week or so and on coming back to it the true depth of Smile became apparent. What we have here is a collection of pop rock songs with hooks so big that they could land whales.The standout song is the title track Smile with a catchy intro and some great keyboard work courtesy of Eric Ragno and a chorus that just gets into head and won’t get out. Elsewhere other highlights include What If She Knew which is just pure AOR heaven. If You Can't Change Your Heart is the best D2 they've never written complete with a stunning solo form JK Northrup.

Ted's strong point has always been with ballads and Smile contains two great ballads namely More Than Goodbye and Where It Ends, which is the son of Missing You from his Bone Machine days. In reality what we have with Smile is simply a good album, one that I may have dismissed after a couple of listens but was wrong to do so. It’s a collection of good up-tempo fun songs. 

Although Smile goes out as a solo album under the name Ted Poley, it is far more than that. With the bulk of the songs co-written with the Martin brothers (who were responsible for the last Khymera album), two tracks from Vic Rivera and with guitars and production from Northrup, Smile is very much a team effort. Sure Ted may be the name on the cover, and has put in a great vocal performance, but the credit needs to be equally shared amongst all involved. Smile is a true taste of summer, released just in time to keep you warm during those long winter nights.

Let us know your views on Smile

 Track Listing

Waiting Line
Going Blind
Smile
What If She Knew
More Than Goodbye
Luv On Me
If You Can't Change Your Heart
Why Can't We Pretend That It's Over?
Life Keeps Me Spinning Round
Where It Ends
Will Ya
Reprise (If You Can't Change Your Heart)

Line Up

Ted Poley - Vocals
JK Northrup - Guitars/Bass
Eric Ragno - Keyboards
Dan Zoid - Drums