About the song
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” a timeless classic from 1967, stands as a pinnacle of Frankie Valli’s solo career, marking a significant departure from his falsetto-driven hits with The Four Seasons. Written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, the song was initially deemed a sleeper until the influential CKLW radio station in Windsor, Ontario, catapulted it into fame. This pivotal moment not only elevated the song to gold record status but also secured its place in music history.
The genesis of the song’s success can be traced to a live performance at the Roostertail, where Valli, amidst a weeklong engagement with The Four Seasons, showcased the song for Paul Drew, CKLW’s program director. Initially hesitant, Drew was won over by Valli’s heartfelt rendition, prompting him to add it to the station’s rotation. The response was immediate and overwhelming, igniting a groundswell of listener requests and catapulting “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” to the upper echelons of the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No. 2.
For Valli, the song represented more than just a chart-topper; it symbolized a new artistic direction, moving away from the high-pitched vocal style that defined his earlier career. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” allowed him to explore a broader range, setting the stage for subsequent solo endeavors like “My Eyes Adored You” and “Swearin’ to God.”
The song’s enduring appeal is also reflected in its diverse interpretations over the years, each adding a unique flavor to its melodic essence. From orchestral arrangements to contemporary covers, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” has resonated across generations and cultures, cementing its status as a global musical phenomenon.
Recorded at A & R Studio 2 in New York City under the meticulous guidance of Crewe and Gaudio, the song’s production was lauded for its seamless blend of Valli’s emotive vocals with Artie Schroeck’s dynamic arrangement. Billboard praised its “strong rhythm ballad material,” while Cash Box hailed its “smooth, gentle, softly spoken” allure, underscoring its universal appeal and timeless charm.
In essence, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” remains a testament to Valli’s enduring legacy and the collaborative genius of Crewe and Gaudio. Its journey from obscurity to icon status mirrors the unpredictable trajectory of music history itself—a testament to the power of a compelling melody and the indelible impact of a captivating voice.
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Lyrics
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
You’d be like Heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last, love has arrived
And I thank God I’m alive
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
Pardon the way that I stare
There’s nothin’ else to compare
The sight of you leaves me weak
There are no words left to speak
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it’s real
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
I love you, baby
And if it’s quite alright
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely night
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don’t bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I’ve found you, stay
And let me love you, baby
Let me love you
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
You’d be like Heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last, love has arrived
And I thank God I’m alive
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off you
I love you, baby
And if it’s quite alright
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely night
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don’t bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I’ve found you, stay
Oh, pretty baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby