How “These Eyes” Catapulted The Guess Who to Stardom

“These Eyes” is a poignant ballad by Canadian rock band The Guess Who. Co-written by guitarist Randy Bachman and lead vocalist Burton Cummings, the song marked a significant departure from the band’s earlier hard rock style, embracing a blend of pop rock, baroque pop, and blue-eyed soul . Initially released in Canada in December 1968, the track gained momentum, reaching No. 7 on the Canadian charts. Its success caught the attention of RCA Records, leading to its U.S. release, where it peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold for selling over one million copies . The song’s orchestral arrangement, crafted by Ben McPeek, and Cummings’ emotive vocals contributed to its enduring appeal.

These Eyes

Chart Success: “These Eyes” was The Guess Who’s first single to reach the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 6, and was certified gold by the RIAA .

Songwriting Origins: Randy Bachman began composing the song while waiting for his date, Lorayne Stevenson. Initially titled “These Arms,” Burton Cummings later revised it to “These Eyes” and added the bridge section .

Recording Details: The song was recorded in September 1968 at A&R Studios in New York City, with Cummings playing the distinctive staccato opening chords on a Hohner electric piano .

Cultural Impact: “These Eyes” has been featured in various media, including the 2007 film Superbad, where actor Michael Cera performs a rendition of the song .

Cover Versions: The song has been covered by numerous artists across genres, including a 1969 soul rendition by Junior Walker & the All Stars, which reached No. 16 on the Billboard chart .

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