Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me): Ukulele

This 1975 hit translates wonderfully to ukulele, where the jaunty melody and rhythmic backbone shine without needing the original's lush orchestration. Students get to experience a genuine chart success that rewards clean melodic playing and tasteful rhythm work, plus the song's cheerfulness tends to energize any rehearsal.

Breezy and uplifting, with a knowing wink and a swagger. The tune bounces along with an infectious optimism that feels both earnest and slightly ironic, inviting performers to find their own balance between sincerity and humor.

Ukulele students looking for accessible pop and rock repertoire with genuine melodic appeal. This works equally well for beginners building confidence with familiar material or intermediate players exploring how contemporary hits adapt to the instrument.

• Keep the rhythm section locked and steady; the tune's charm comes from straightforward, confident playing rather than rushing the tempo
• Pay attention to phrasing around the vocal melody line; singing the part through first helps capture the original's character
• Shape the dynamic arc across the form so the choruses feel like they've actually lifted, not just repeated the same intensity

Pair this with other 1970s pop and rock standards to show how the ukulele bridges decades of popular music. It works particularly well in a casual performance or student showcase setting where you want pieces that resonate with audiences beyond the music room.

• Steady rhythmic accompaniment patterns in steady tempo
• Melodic phrasing that honors a vocal line
• Dynamic control across a repeated song form
• Transposing and adapting songs originally written for other arrangements