"The Sweetest Days" is a song by American singer and actress Vanessa Williams, released on October 18, 1994, by Wing Records, as the first single from her third studio album of the same name (1994). The song was written by the same team who previously penned her 1992 hit "Save the Best for Last" for Williams and was produced by Keith Thomas. The single reached No. 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
Critical reception Upon the release, Larry Flick from Billboard magazine described it as a "glorious pop ballad that has a slight resemblance to her Grammy-nominated hit 'Save the Best for Last'." He added, "The song has a lilting and thoroughly engaging melody and a lovely, if somewhat melancholy, lyric that glistens with universal appeal. Williams is in excellent vocal form, offering a well-shaded performance amid a plush arrangement of warm strings and horns."
Music video The accompanying music video for "The Sweetest Days" is shot in two different ways. The "romantic version" was shot in an apartment overlooking a city skyline while the "urban version" shows Williams walking in a park and through streets. There are a few clips that they both share in the same spots but for the 3-minute and 31-second video, they give the song a different feel.
Track listings and formats CD single 851 110-2 "The Sweetest Days" "Love Is"
CD maxi-single 851 113-2 "The Sweetest Days" "What Child Is This" "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" "Whatever Happens"
Special Collector's Edition CD maxi-single 851 111-2 "The Sweetest Days" – 3:31 "Love Is" – 4:44 "Save the Best for Last" – 3:39 "Dreamin'" – 5:26
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1994)PeakpositionCanada Retail Singles (The Record) 14Europe (European Hit Radio) 40Israel (Israeli Singles Chart) Search "The Sweetest Days" for Israeli chart history. 3Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade) 18Netherlands (Single Top 100 Tipparade) 7US Cash Box Top 100 16
Year-end charts Chart (1995)PositionCanada Top Singles (RPM) 44Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM) 14US Billboard Hot 100 75US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) 21
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United StatesOctober 18, 1994JapanDecember 1, 1994Mini-CDAustraliaFebruary 13, 1995United KingdomMarch 27, 1995
References