About the song
“Laughter in the Rain” by Neil Sedaka is a joyful, romantic tune that marked a major comeback for the singer-songwriter in the mid-1970s. Released in 1974, the song was co-written by Sedaka and lyricist Phil Cody, a frequent collaborator. It was featured on Sedaka’s album Sedaka’s Back, which was aptly named to celebrate his resurgence in the music scene after a period of relative quiet in the late 1960s and early ’70s. This song was a perfect blend of Sedaka’s signature melodic pop sound and a contemporary soft-rock style that appealed to a broad audience.
“Laughter in the Rain” tells the story of a couple finding happiness in a simple, rainy walk, with the rain symbolizing both cleansing and a romantic backdrop. The song’s easygoing melody, Sedaka’s warm vocals, and lush arrangement made it an instant hit. It climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1975, becoming Sedaka’s first chart-topping single in the U.S. since the early 1960s, when he dominated the charts with hits like “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.”
Sedaka’s ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his melodic sensibilities was a key factor in the success of “Laughter in the Rain.” The song is breezy, optimistic, and timeless—perfectly capturing the feel-good vibes of the era, yet it also stands as a testament to Sedaka’s resilience as an artist. His career, which began in the late 1950s with his first wave of hits, was revitalized with this song, opening the door for more success in the mid-1970s, including hits like “Bad Blood.”
“Laughter in the Rain” is often remembered for its sunny disposition and its smooth, soothing quality. It remains one of Neil Sedaka’s most enduring and beloved songs, a track that continues to evoke the simple joy of being in love and finding beauty in life’s small, fleeting moments.