[6] Billboard described the song as a "strong followup" to "Handy Man" and described the melody as being "upbeat" and "infectious.

[6] Cash Box said that "some whimsical vocal gymnastics that add the crucial personal touch.

"[8] Record World said that it is "more energetic" than Taylor's previous single "Handy Man" and that its tempo is "engaging.

"[9] Herbst praised Taylor's vocal for being "a pretty convincing rock singer" on the song.

[5] "Your Smiling Face" was a fixture in Taylor's live shows, but he had to abandon it for a while because he went through a period where he had difficulty reaching the falsetto notes.