Smile for Them

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2022}} {{Infobox album | name = Smile for Them | type = Album | artist = Armor for Sleep | cover = Armorforsleepsmileforthem.jpg | alt = A child playing with an airplane while film cameras document the proceedings | released = October 30, 2007 | recorded = April – June 2007 | studio = * The Machine Shop, Weehawken, New Jersey * Loho, New York City | genre = * Emo * post-hardcore | length = 46:04 | label = Sire | producer = Machine | prev_title = What to Do When You Are Dead | prev_year = 2005 | next_title = The Way Out Is Broken | next_year = 2008 | misc = {{Singles | name = Smile for Them | type = studio | single1 = Williamsburg | single1date = September 18, 2007 | single2 = Hold the Door | single2date = February 12, 2008 }} }} '''''Smile for Them''''' is the third studio album by American rock band Armor for Sleep, released on October 30, 2007, through Sire Records. Shortly after the release of their second studio album ''What to Do When You Are Dead'' (2005), the band were writing material for its follow-up. In early 2006, the band announced they had signed to Sire Records, recording demos not long after. At the end of the year, they started recording with Ben Grosse in California, but after a few months, the songs were scrapped. Recording restarted with Machine as producer, with sessions taking place at The Machine Shop in Weehawken, New Jersey and Loho Studios in New York City. ''Smile for Them'' is an emo and post-hardcore album, recalling the works of Foo Fighters, the Smashing Pumpkins and Quicksand, that deals with celebrity culture.

''Smile for Them'' received mixed reviews from critics, some of whom praised the production from Machine, while others found the songwriting to be uninspired. The album peaked at number 93 on the US ''Billboard'' 200, after selling 9,400 copies in its first week. "Williamsburg" was released as the lead single from ''Smile for Them'' in September 2007. Prior to the album's release, the band supported the Academy Is... on their tour, before playing a few headlining shows towards the end of the year. At the start of 2007, the band went on a co-headlining US tour with Saosin, which was followed by the release of the album's second single, "Hold the Door", in February 2008. They then went on the Bamboozle Roadshow tour for the next three months, appeared at the Bamboozle Left festival, and then trekked across the country as part of the Projekt Revolution in July and August 2008.

==Background and production== Armor for Sleep released their second studio album ''What to Do When You Are Dead'' through Equal Vision Records in February 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/what-to-do-when-you-are-dead-mr0000849400 |title=What to Do When You Are Dead - Armor for Sleep {{!}} Release Info |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=September 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013223220/http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/what-to-do-when-you-are-dead-mr0000849400 |archive-date=October 13, 2016 }}</ref> It was promoted with two tours of the United States, leading up to an appearance on the 2005 Warped Tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2005/03/31/armor-for-sleep-continues-tour |title=Armor For Sleep Continues Tour |work=The Fader|author=Adams, Chip |date=March 31, 2005 |access-date=September 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305002441/http://www.thefader.com/2005/03/31/armor-for-sleep-continues-tour |archive-date=March 5, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/12118/midtown-cancels-most-warped-tour-appearances-recording-this-summer|title=Midtown cancels most Warped Tour appearances, recording this summer|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=April 2, 2005|access-date=October 31, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424121809/https://www.punknews.org/article/12118/midtown-cancels-most-warped-tour-appearances-recording-this-summer|url-status=live}}</ref> They recorded some material on their bus using Pro Tools while on the latter tour.<ref name=UGAreal/> Shortly after this, the band performed a new song, titled "The Way Out Is Broken". On January 12, 2006, the group released a demo of the song. The band had been reportedly working on the track for their third album, which was planned for release later in 2006.<ref name=AltPdemo>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_339|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816132208/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_339|title=Armor For Sleep post new demo online|work=Alternative Press|date=January 12, 2006|archivedate=August 16, 2016|accessdate=June 26, 2016}}</ref> The following month, frontman Ben Jorgensen revealed that the band had their next album fully written and was planning to record it after current touring engagements had ended.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drivenfaroff.com/2006/02/03/armor-for-sleep-interview-february-2nd-2006/|title=Armor For Sleep Interview February 2nd 2006|publisher=Driven Far Off|author=Bivens, Trevor|date=February 3, 2006|accessdate=July 9, 2022|archive-date=November 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121051644/http://www.drivenfaroff.com/2006/02/03/armor-for-sleep-interview-february-2nd-2006/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 10, it was announced that the band had signed to Sire Records. In the same announcement, it was revealed that the group would not release an album until the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_639|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009213324/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_639|title=Armor For Sleep sign to Sire Records|work=Alternative Press|date=April 10, 2006|archivedate=October 9, 2016|accessdate=July 27, 2016}}</ref> The band then recorded demos at a studio in New Jersey, before performing on the 2006 Warped Tour.<ref name=UGAreal>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/armor_for_sleep_guitarist_new_record_to_be_a_little_more_real_world.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614192739/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/armor_for_sleep_guitarist_new_record_to_be_a_little_more_real_world.html|title=Armor For Sleep Guitarist: New Record To Be 'A Little More Real World'|publisher=Ultimate Guitar|author=Rosen, Steven |date=June 28, 2006|archive-date=June 14, 2017|access-date=April 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_523 |title=Warped Tour confirms tour routing, venues, more bands |work=Alternative Press |date=March 2, 2006 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821115033/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_523 |archive-date=August 21, 2016 }}</ref>

In December 2006, it was announced that the band were recording at Mix Room in Burbank, California with producer Ben Grosse.<ref name=AltPrecording>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_1603|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009213432/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_1603|title=Armor For Sleep begin work on new album|work=Alternative Press|date=December 14, 2006|archivedate=October 9, 2016|accessdate=August 8, 2016}}</ref> These sessions were arranged by Sire; the band were not content with the proceedings.<ref name=AP.netreview/> They had done seven-to-eight songs over three months, before touring with Taking Back Sunday and Underoath in February and March 2007.<ref name=SCAFS/><ref name=GWinterview/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2006/12/taking-back-sunday-announce-north-american-headline-tour/|title=Taking Back Sunday Announce North American Headline Tour|work=Spin|date=December 6, 2006|accessdate=July 15, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806005513/http://www.spin.com/2006/12/taking-back-sunday-announce-north-american-headline-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref> Towards the end of the trek, Armor for Sleep opted to scrap what they had made up to that point and being again.<ref name=SCAFS>{{cite web|url=http://soundcloud.com/armorforsleep/whos-gonna-lie-to-you|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519094627/http://soundcloud.com:80/armorforsleep/whos-gonna-lie-to-you|title=Who's Gonna Lie To You|publisher=SoundCloud|author=Armor for Sleep|date=May 16, 2012|archivedate=May 19, 2012|accessdate=July 9, 2022}}</ref><ref name=GWinterview>{{cite web|url=https://unothegateway.com/armor-for-sleeps-ben-jorgensen-on-new-album/|title=Armor for Sleep's Ben Jorgensen on new album|work=The Gateway|author=Barbe, Andrea|date=October 30, 2007|accessdate=July 9, 2022|archive-date=July 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709131930/https://unothegateway.com/armor-for-sleeps-ben-jorgensen-on-new-album/|url-status=live}}</ref> More demos were recorded with Ryan Sellick at Northshore Studio in Ridgefield, Connecticut, with engineer Dan Scarzella.<ref name=SFTbooklet/> ''Smile for Them'' was recorded at The Machine Shop in Weehawken, New Jersey with producer Machine between April and June 2007. Drums were recorded at Loho Studios in New York City. Machine, Will Putney and Dan McLoughlin served as engineers throughout the sessions, while Putney and Sellick also handled additional tracking and drum editing. Machine mixed seven of the recordings; Neal Avron mixed the remaining songs. Ted Jensen then mastered the album at Sterling Sound in New York City.<ref name=SFTbooklet/>

==Composition== Musically, the sound of ''Smile for Them'' has been described as emo and post-hardcore, reminiscent of the works of the Foo Fighters, the Smashing Pumpkins and Quicksand.<ref name=AP.netreview/><ref name=AMreview/><ref name=Punknewsreview/> ''AbsolutePunk'' staff writer Drew Beringer said Jorgensen wrote "lyrics about a culture that’s dependant and obsessed with celebrity news and reality television, among other social commentaries".<ref name=AP.netreview/> Punknews.org staff writer Tyler Barrett added to this, stating that while "[i]mmersed in a sterile, fictional reality, the young protagonist rejects the plastic, planned world of hallow celebrity and Hollywood safety".<ref name=Punknewsreview/> Jorgensen saw it as an observation on culture, in contrast to the introspective style of ''What to Do When You Are Dead''.<ref name=NYTleave/> He treated the release as two mini-albums, with the break occurring between "Snow Globe" and "End of the World", the latter of which was originally planned to the open the album. Jorgensen would typically come up with a part and show it to the rest of the band, who add their own ideas to it. They collectively wrote 40 songs in total for potential inclusion on the album.<ref name=TAWsecond2/>

The majority of the tracks on ''Smile for Them'' were written by the band, with the exception of "Hold the Door" and "Stand in the Spotlight". These two were co-written between the band, Machine and Jon Deley.<ref name=SFTbooklet/> It opens with the emo song "Smile for the Camera"; Jorgensen said since the last album the band attracted the attention of a lot of people, "and it’s just kind of making commentary on people who kind of have the impression that they are trapped in their own reality tv show".<ref name=Punknewsreview/><ref name=TAWsecond/> "Williamsburg" sees Jorgensen callout hipsters in Brooklyn, New York City.<ref name=Punknewsreview/><ref name=NYTleave/> Jorgensen explained: "It's weird because part of what gets you into the cool club is being condescending", which he found annoying.<ref name=NYTleave/> "Hold the Door" recalled the material on ''What to Do When You Are Dead'' due to its use of electronic sounds.<ref name=AP.netreview/> "Run Right Back In" is an My Chemical Romance-esque track, while "Snow Globe" incorporates subtle strings.<ref name=PMreview/> "End of the World" deals with the apocalypse and the effects of global warming.<ref name=AP.netreview/><ref name=Ink19review>{{cite web|url=https://ink19.com/2007/10/magazine/music-reviews/armor-for-sleep|title=Armor for Sleep|work=Ink 19|author=Cray, Jen|date=October 30, 2007|accessdate=July 9, 2022|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301190053/https://ink19.com/2007/10/magazine/music-reviews/armor-for-sleep|url-status=live}}</ref> "Lullaby" includes acoustic guitarwork; Jorgensen said it tackled the four-year relationship he was in that ended during the making of the album.<ref name=Punknewsreview/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://v13.net/2007/10/armor-for-sleep/|title=Interview with Armor For Sleep lead singer Ben Jorgensen|publisher=V13|author=Willschick, Aaron|date=October 1, 2007|accessdate=July 9, 2022|archive-date=July 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709074956/https://v13.net/2007/10/armor-for-sleep/|url-status=live}}</ref> "Chemicals" features a Moog synthesizer, while "My Saving Grace" features similar electronic beats.<ref name=AP.netreview/><ref name=Punknewsreview/>

==Release and promotion== In the midst of recording, they appeared at The Bamboozle festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/21293/bamboozle-adds-blood-brothers-catch-22-bayside-scary-kids-starting-line|title=Bamboozle adds Blood Brothers, Catch 22, Bayside, Scary Kids, Starting Line|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=December 13, 2006|access-date=February 7, 2022|archive-date=February 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207120432/https://www.punknews.org/article/21293/bamboozle-adds-blood-brothers-catch-22-bayside-scary-kids-starting-line|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 18, 2007, the band's next album was announced for release in a few months' time. In addition to this, "End of the World" was posted on the band's Myspace profile.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=8400|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927003856/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=8400|title=New tune and album from Armor For Sleep; prod by Ben Grosse|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan |date=July 18, 2007|archivedate=September 27, 2016|accessdate=September 25, 2016}}</ref> Between September and November 2007, the group supported The Academy Is... on their Sleeping with Giants tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_2160|title=The Academy Is… to tour with Armor For Sleep this fall|work=Alternative Press|date=June 13, 2007|accessdate=August 24, 2016|archive-date=August 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828210857/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_2160|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 18, 2007, ''Smile for Them'' was announced for release in three weeks' time.<ref name=PNannounce>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/25622/media-armor-for-sleep-plans-to-smile-for-them-in-october|title=Armor for Sleep plans to 'Smile For Them' in October|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=September 18, 2007|access-date=May 31, 2022|archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531210031/https://www.punknews.org/article/25622/media-armor-for-sleep-plans-to-smile-for-them-in-october|url-status=live}}</ref> Alongside this, "Williamsburg" was released as the album's lead single and "Smile for the Camera" was posted online.<ref name=PNannounce/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/williamsburg-single/263501419|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514210023/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/williamsburg-single/id263501419|title=Williamsburg - Single by Armor For Sleep|publisher=iTunes Store|archive-date=May 14, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=September 14, 2016}}</ref> After originally planned for release in mid-2007,<ref name=AltPrecording/> ''Smile for Them'' was made available for streaming on October 25, 2007, before being released through Sire Records five days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/26207/media-armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them|title=Armor For Sleep: 'Smile for Them'|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=October 26, 2007|access-date=June 5, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605083402/https://www.punknews.org/article/26207/media-armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them|url-status=live}}</ref> The album's artwork shows a child surrounded by photographers; Jorgensen eaplied: "[Y]ou have the innocence of this little kid who’s just trying to mind his own business on one side. And then on the other, it’s this oppressive camera crew that’s getting in his face".<ref name=TAWsecond2>{{cite web|url=https://www.theaquarian.com/2007/12/19/armor-for-sleep-the-second-time-around/2/|title=Interview with Armor For Sleep: The Second Time Around (page 2)|work=The Aquarian Weekly|author=Kopki, Alison|date=December 19, 2007|accessdate=July 9, 2022|archive-date=July 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709131932/https://www.theaquarian.com/2007/12/19/armor-for-sleep-the-second-time-around/2/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The day after the album's release, a music video was released for "Williamsburg".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/26286/videos-armor-for-sleep-williamsburg|title=Armor for Sleep: 'Williamsburg'|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=October 31, 2007|access-date=June 5, 2022|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605092030/https://www.punknews.org/article/26286/videos-armor-for-sleep-williamsburg|url-status=live}}</ref> It premiered on ''Total Request Live''; it acts as a tutorial on dressing like a hipster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2291496/dont-expect-to-see-armor-for-sleep-in-williamsburg-anytime-soon/|title=Don't Expect To See Armor For Sleep In 'Williamsburg' Anytime Soon|publisher=MTV|date=October 29, 2007|access-date=July 9, 2022|archive-date=July 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709131930/http://www.mtv.com/news/2291496/dont-expect-to-see-armor-for-sleep-in-williamsburg-anytime-soon/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=TAWsecond>{{cite web|url=https://www.theaquarian.com/2007/12/19/armor-for-sleep-the-second-time-around/|title=Interview with Armor For Sleep: The Second Time Around|work=The Aquarian Weekly|author=Kopki, Alison|date=December 19, 2007|accessdate=July 9, 2022|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508125520/http://www.theaquarian.com/2007/12/19/armor-for-sleep-the-second-time-around/|url-status=live}}</ref> They ended the year with a handful of headlining shows.<ref name=NYTleave>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/09peoplenj.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702014910/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/09peoplenj.html|title=Who Says You Can't Leave Home? Armor for Sleep|work=The New York Times|author=Gorce, Tammy La|date=December 9, 2007|archivedate=July 2, 2022|accessdate=July 9, 2022}}</ref> In January and February 2008, the band went on a co-headlining US tour with Saosin. They were supported by the Bled and Meriwether.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_3123|title=Saosin/Armor For Sleep co-headlining tour dates revealed|work=Alternative Press|date=December 5, 2007|accessdate=July 8, 2017}}</ref> "Hold the Door" was released to radio on February 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/mail/archive/eweekly/alternative/2008-2-5.html|title=AllAccess.com Alternative eWeekly|publisher=AllAccess|date=February 5, 2008|accessdate=July 2, 2016|archive-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821235940/http://www.allaccess.com/mail/archive/eweekly/alternative/2008-2-5.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Between late March and early May, the group performed on the Bamboozle Roadshow with Saves the Day, Set Your Goals and Metro Station.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/27380/tours-saves-the-day-armor-for-sleep-set-your-goals-metro-station-on-bamboozle-roadshow|title=Saves the Day / Armor for Sleep / Set Your Goals / Metro Station on Bamboozle Roadshow|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=January 21, 2008|access-date=June 7, 2022|archive-date=September 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927163918/https://www.punknews.org/article/27380/tours-saves-the-day-armor-for-sleep-set-your-goals-metro-station-on-bamboozle-roadshow|url-status=live}}</ref> The stint included an appearance at the Bamboozle Left festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_3511|title=Blaqk Audio, Hot Water Music, H2O added to Bamboozle Left|work=Alternative Press|date=February 15, 2008|accessdate=July 9, 2017|archive-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728175351/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_3511|url-status=live}}</ref> In July and August 2008, the band participated in the 2008 edition of the Projekt Revolution tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/16/linkin-park-prepare-to-party|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709132954/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/16/linkin-park-prepare-to-party|title=Linkin Park Prepare To Party|work=IGN|date=April 16, 2008|archivedate=July 9, 2022|accessdate=July 9, 2022}}</ref> The music videos for "Williamsburg" and "Hold the Door" were later posted to YouTube in October 2009.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhVMjJMczu8|title=Armor For Sleep - Williamsburg (Video)|via=YouTube|author=Armorforsleep|date=October 27, 2009|accessdate=July 9, 2022|archive-date=July 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709132023/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhVMjJMczu8|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5Pn8wF2RnQ|title=Armor For Sleep - Hold The Door (Video)|via=YouTube|author=Armorforsleep|date=October 27, 2009|accessdate=July 9, 2022|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214211412/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=h5Pn8wF2RnQ|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception== {{Music ratings | rev1 = ''AbsolutePunk'' | rev1Score = 66%<ref name=AP.netreview>{{cite web|url=http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=276028 |title=Armor for Sleep - Smile for Them - Album Review|work=AbsolutePunk|author=Beringer, Drew|date=10 February 2012 |accessdate=October 1, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130221035124/http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=276028 |archivedate=21 February 2013 }}</ref> | rev4 = ''Melodic'' | rev4Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=Melodicreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/album/armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20220709085451/http://www.melodic.net/album/armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them|title=Armor for Sleep - Smile for Them|work=Melodic|author=Roth, Kaj|date=October 21, 2007|archivedate=July 9, 2022|accessdate=July 9, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev5 = ''Ox-Fanzine'' | rev5score = 6/10<ref name=Oxreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.ox-fanzine.de/review/armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them-60351|title=Reviews: Armor for Sleep / Smile for Them|work=Ox-Fanzine|author=Schumann, David|date=April–May 2008|accessdate=May 22, 2019|language=DE|archive-date=July 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709131935/https://www.ox-fanzine.de/review/armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them-60351|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev6 = ''The Phoenix'' | rev6Score = {{Rating|2.5|4}}<ref name=Phoenixreview>{{cite web|url=https://thephoenix.com/article_ektid53565.aspx|title=Armor for Sleep|work=The Phoenix|author=Wood, Mikael|date=December 26, 2007|accessdate=July 9, 2022|archive-date=March 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313172952/http://thephoenix.com/article_ektid53565.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev7 = ''PopMatters'' | rev7Score = 3/10<ref name=PMreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them-2496197578.html|title=Armor for Sleep: Smile for Them|work=PopMatters|author=Baynes, Chris|date=November 29, 2007|accessdate=February 20, 2018|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221100105/https://www.popmatters.com/armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them-2496197578.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev8 = Punknews.org | rev8Score = {{rating|2.5|5}}<ref name=Punknewsreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/review/6860/armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them|title=Armor for Sleep - Smile for Them|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Barrett, Tyler|date=November 30, 2007|accessdate=October 1, 2016|archive-date=December 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226154326/https://www.punknews.org/review/6860/armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev9 = ''Rock Hard'' | rev9score = 7/10<ref name=RHreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockhard.de/reviews/armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them_301953.html|title=Armor for Sleep - Smile for Them|work=Rock Hard|author=Pfeifle, Katharina|date=March 19, 2003|accessdate=July 20, 2020|language=de|archive-date=July 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720085239/https://www.rockhard.de/reviews/armor-for-sleep-smile-for-them_301953.html|url-status=live}}</ref> }} ''Smile for Them'' was met with mixed reviews from music critics. The staff at AllMusic said the band had their "rock moves down to a science, [...] it's radio rock made in a way that very few young bands remember how to do".<ref name=AMreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/smile-for-them-mw0000781394|title=Smile for Them - Armor for Sleep - Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=October 1, 2016|archive-date=October 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003130409/http://www.allmusic.com/album/smile-for-them-mw0000781394|url-status=live}}</ref> Beringer said that while the album lacked a hit song, it did feature a "number of solid tracks that could do well," highlighting "Williamsburg" and "Lullaby". He complimented the "superb" and "pristine" production, but noted that some fans would "miss the lyrics and concepts that graced the first two albums".<ref name=AP.netreview/> Mikael Wood of ''The Phoenix'' considered it "refreshing to hear a bitchy emo record that doesn’t direct all its ire toward the heartless females".<ref name=Phoenixreview/> ''Rock Hard''{{'s}} Katharina Pfeifle said the band offered 12 "pretty fresh and free-sounding" tracks, though they were a "little too polished and tailored to the target audience".<ref name=RHreview/> Barrett praised the band for "put[ting] their major label budget to use" as the production is "rich enough to cover all the bases of popular rock music".<ref name=Punknewsreview/>

David Schumann of ''Ox-Fanzine'' felt like the band's past albums, ''Smile for Them'' "just doesn't really work for me either" as the melodies came across as too "interchangeable, too unspectacular" and the hooks were "boldly produced refrains," yet "too transparent and predictable".<ref name=Oxreview/> ''Melodic'' staff member Kaj Roth said that aside from the delay guitar effect, the album "follows formula 1A of a popular emo record". He wrote that they will not be "breaking new grounds" with tracks such as "My Saving Grace" and "Chemicals", giving unfavorable comparisons to Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance, "but who says everything has to be ground breaking?".<ref name=Melodicreview/> ''Exclaim!'' writer Sam Sutherland said the album "utterly fails to rein in the band's boring pop tendencies," which had been "so well in check on past records". He went on to call it a "massive-sounding, hella dull record about some whiny shit that no one but [...] Jorgensen probably cares about".<ref name=Exclaimreview>{{cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/armor_for_sleep-smile_for_them|title=Armor For Sleep Smile For Them|work=Exclaim!|author=Sutherland, Sam|date=November 26, 2007|accessdate=October 1, 2016|archive-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921191112/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/armor_for_sleep-smile_for_them|url-status=live}}</ref> ''PopMatters'' contributor Chris Baynes said he "needn’t have bothered" listening to the album, saying it was full of "tired riffs," with a "predictable subject matter, these hackneyed lyrics, which have all been done before by a hundred bands of the same genus".<ref name=PMreview/>

''Smile for Them'' peaked at number 93 on ''Billboard'' 200, selling 9,400 copies in its first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1573684/eagles-land-billboard-1-over-britney-spears-avenged-sevenfold-backstreet-boys-also-crack-top-10/|title=Eagles Land Billboard #1 Over Britney Spears; Avenged Sevenfold, Backstreet Boys Also Crack Top 10|publisher=MTV|author=Harris, Chris|date=November 7, 2007|access-date=July 9, 2022|archive-date=April 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427164036/http://www.mtv.com/news/1573684/eagles-land-billboard-1-over-britney-spears-avenged-sevenfold-backstreet-boys-also-crack-top-10/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Track listing== All lyrics written by Ben Jorgensen, all music written by Armor for Sleep, except "Hold the Door" and "Stand in the Spotlight" by Machine, Jon Deley and Armor for the Sleep.<ref name=SFTbooklet/> {{Track listing |title1 = Smile for the Camera |length1 = 3:34 |title2 = Williamsburg |length2 = 3:42 |title3 = Somebody Else's Arms |length3 = 4:22 |title4 = Hold the Door |length4 = 5:34 |title5 = Run Right Back In |length5 = 3:22 |title6 = Snow Globe |length6 = 1:48 |title7 = End of the World |length7 = 4:10 |title8 = Stars in Your Eyes |length8 = 4:02 |title9 = Lullaby |length9 = 4:09 |title10 = Chemicals |length10 = 4:22 |title11 = My Saving Grace |length11 = 4:19 |title12 = Stand in the Spotlight |length12 = 4:00 }}

==Personnel== Personnel per booklet.<ref name=SFTbooklet>{{cite AV media notes|title=Smile for Them|others=Armor for Sleep|year=2007|type=booklet|publisher=Sire Records|id=132348-2}}</ref> {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''Armor for Sleep''' * Ben Jorgensen – lead vocals, guitar * Anthony Dilonno – bass guitar * PJ Decicco – guitar * Nash Breen – drums

'''Additional musicians''' * Rinat Arinos – additional vocal arrangements (tracks 1 and 10) * Jon Deley – programming * Clinton Bradley – programming, sound design * Machine – sound design {{col-2}} '''Production and design''' * Machine – producer, engineer, mixing (tracks 6–12) * Neal Avron – mixing (tracks 1–5) * Will Putney – engineer, additional tracking, drum editing * Dan McLoughlin – engineer * Ryan Sellick – additional tracking, drum editing * Ted Jensen – mastering * Dan Scarzella – additional engineer * Pamela Littky – album photography * Bill Scoville – art direction, design {{col-end}}

==Charts== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+Chart performance for ''Smile for Them'' !Chart (2007) !Peak position |- {{album chart|Billboard200|93|artist=Armor for Sleep|rowheader=true|access-date=July 9, 2022|refname=Bill200}} |}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links==  *[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lsARxSWQly-LTrYxATe-o_6_WhMFD4hDs ''Smile for Them''] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)

Category:Armor for Sleep albums Category:2007 albums Category:Sire Records albums Category:Albums produced by Machine (producer)