Smile

Jake Adler

A pop tune that reflects on growing up in a broken home.

Jake Adler is a pop artist who hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Initially, Adler gained recognition for his musical talents under the moniker Adler XCVI. With this name, he released well-received singles like “Tired Eyes,” “Something I Said,” “Effortlessly,” and “Believe in Love.” Afterward, he changed his name, but the eyes on him have not changed. Throughout the entirety of his career, Adler’s music has earned more than three million streams across all platforms, including Spotify, YouTube, and SoundCloud. More recently, Jake Adler dropped his debut album, 26, which features the song “Smile.”

Similar to “Effortlessly,” “Smile” sets an uplifting tone with sweet acoustics (Specifically the guitar). At the same time, the message is vastly different. No longer writing about love, now Adler focuses on a rough childhood. Lyrics like “Sitting by the door waiting for my dad to come / My brother and I never had a say” and “Son, pack your things and bring all your clothes / I know things are tough now but you’ll be happier with two homes” emotionally examine the experience and impact of growing up in a broken household. Still, despite its tough topic, the artist’s warm vocals and relatable exploration give the track a comforting sensation to those who have been through the same. This song is meant to remind us that we are never alone in our struggles. So, press play and let the words of Jake Adler’s latest creation make you “Smile.”

Shari Hirsch

Chicago based writer and creative. Fan of 80’s horror, fancy coffee drinks, and late night drives.