Smoke Rings in the Dark (song)

"Smoke Rings in the Dark" is a song written by Rivers Rutherford and Houston Robert and recorded by American country music artist Gary Allan. It was released in August 1999 as the first single and title track from Allan's 1999 album of the same name. The song peaked at number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in February 2000. It also reached 76 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became his highest-charting single in Canada at number 5.

"Smoke Rings in the Dark"
Single by Gary Allan
from the album Smoke Rings in the Dark
B-side	"Right Where I Need to Be"[1]
Released	August 9, 1999
Recorded	1999
Genre	Country
Length	4:18
Label	MCA Nashville
Songwriter(s)	Rivers Rutherford Houston Robert
Producer(s)	Mark Wright Tony Brown Byron Hill
Gary Allan singles chronology
"I'll Take Today" (1998) "Smoke Rings in the Dark" (1999) "Lovin' You Against My Will" (2000)

Content

The song deals with the pain of unrequited love. The narrator states that all he will leave his significant other like "smoke rings in the dark."

Critical reception

Chuck Taylor of Billboard magazine reviewed the song favorably, saying that "the production, songwriting, and performance combine to create a record that leaves a stunning impression." Taylor calls Allan's performance "wonderfully nuanced" and saying that the production has a "decidedly retro feel."^[2]

Music video

The music video was directed by Chris Rogers.

Chart positions

"Smoke Rings in the Dark" debuted at number 71 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the week of August 14, 1999.

Chart (1999–2000)	Peak position
Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[3]	5
US Billboard Hot 100[4]	76
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[5]	12

Year-end charts

Chart (2000)	Position
US Country Songs (Billboard)[6]	66