10/20/1998 All Music Guide
Japanese Whispers
After reaching the depths of gloom, Smith recast himself as something of a British pop eccentric, releasing three singles -- "The Walk," "Let's Go to Bed," and "The Lovecats" -- that revealed an accessible and upbeat, nearly bubbly, side. Japanese Whispers collects those singles, along with their slightly less interesting b-sides. The singles were compiled on the more comprehensive Standing on a Beach collection, but as a collection of Smith's brief period of whimsy, there is no better collection than Japanese Whispers.
- Chris Woodstra