In 1989, The Smithereens took the radio by storm with their hit song “A Girl Like You,” written by Pat DiNizio. The track, featured on the band’s third album, peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Billboard even named it one of the greatest mainstream rock songs of all time.
For their album “11,” The Smithereens enlisted the expertise of producer Ed Stasium to achieve a heavier guitar sound, like in their hit single “A Girl Like You.” Seeking to balance integrity with radio appeal, the band maneuvered to find their sound.
At first, “A Girl Like You” was intended to serve as a movie theme, specifically for the film “Say Anything.” However, the Smithereens decided not to offer the song due to suggested lyric changes. The track was ultimately replaced by Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” in the memorable boombox scene.
Cameron Crowe, the director of “Say Anything,” originally considered using Billy Idol’s “To Be a Lover” for the iconic scene before briefly toying with the idea of incorporating a Fishbone track. However, in the end, “A Girl Like You” by The Smithereens did not make the final soundtrack cut.
Years later, “A Girl Like You” found its way onto an expanded reissue of the movie soundtrack. An official demo version of the song was included on the reissued vinyl edition released in 2021. The Smithereens acknowledged the inclusion with excitement on their Facebook page, celebrating the enduring legacy of the film.
The story of “A Girl Like You” and its journey from potential movie theme to radio hit exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the music industry. With its blend of cinematic history and rock stardom, the song continues to capture hearts and minds across generations.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.