Smokey Robinson is one of the greatest singers, songwriters, and record producers of all time. His contributions to the Motown sound and to the music industry as a whole cannot be overstated. Robinson was the lead singer of The Miracles, one of Motown’s most successful acts, and he went on to have a successful solo career as well. Robinson’s signature falsetto vocals and soulful songwriting have earned him countless accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Kennedy Center Honors. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best Smokey Robinson songs of all time. From timeless classics like “Tracks of My Tears” and “Ooo Baby Baby” to upbeat favorites like “Mickey’s Monkey” and “I Second That Emotion,” these songs are a testament to Robinson’s incredible talent and his enduring legacy. So, sit back, relax, and let’s take a trip down memory lane with the best Smokey Robinson songs of all time.
1. The Tears of a Clown
“The Tears of a Clown” by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles is a classic Motown hit that tells the story of a man who hides his true emotions behind a facade of humor and laughter. The song features upbeat, carnival-like music and catchy lyrics that belie the deeper emotional turmoil of the narrator. The opening line, “Now if there’s a smile on my face, it’s only there trying to fool the public,” sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is about the struggles of a man who is trying to mask his pain and heartbreak. The chorus of the song, which repeats the line “The tears of a clown when no one’s around,” perfectly captures the theme of the song and is sure to stay in your head long after the song is over. With its combination of upbeat music and poignant lyrics, “The Tears of a Clown” remains a timeless classic and a must-listen for any fan of Motown music.
2. Tracks Of My Tears
“Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles is a soulful ballad that tells the story of a man who is trying to hide his pain and heartbreak from the world. The song features a beautiful melody, with Robinson’s soulful voice bringing the lyrics to life. The opening lines of the song, “People say I’m the life of the party, ’cause I tell a joke or two,” introduce the theme of the song, which is about the facade that people put up to hide their true emotions. The chorus of the song, which repeats the line “Take a good look at my face, you’ll see my smile looks out of place,” perfectly captures the feeling of someone who is struggling to hide their true feelings. With its beautiful melody and poignant lyrics, “Tracks of My Tears” is a classic soul ballad that is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who hears it.
3. You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me
“You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” is a classic Motown hit written by Smokey Robinson and performed by The Miracles. The song is a soulful ballad that speaks to the power of love and the hold it can have over a person. With its catchy melody and soulful lyrics, “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners today. The song features Robinson’s signature falsetto vocals and a beautifully arranged instrumental section that perfectly complements the emotional weight of the lyrics. From the opening lines of “I don’t like you, but I love you,” to the soaring chorus of “I don’t want you, but I need you,” the song perfectly captures the complexity of love and the powerful hold it can have over us.
4. Ooo Baby Baby
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a soulful ballad performed by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. The song is a classic example of Motown’s signature sound, with its smooth vocal harmonies and soulful instrumentation. The song’s lyrics speak to the pain of lost love and the longing that comes with it. Robinson’s signature falsetto vocals perfectly capture the emotional weight of the lyrics, and the song’s arrangement builds to an emotional crescendo that is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who listens to it. From the opening lines of “I did you wrong, my heart went out to play,” to the haunting chorus of “Ooo baby baby, ooo baby baby,” the song is a masterclass in soulful balladry and a must-listen for any fan of Motown music.
5. I Second That Emotion
“I Second That Emotion” is a classic Motown hit performed by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. The song is a catchy, upbeat number that speaks to the power of love and the importance of expressing our emotions. With its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, “I Second That Emotion” is a song that is sure to get your feet tapping and your head bobbing. The lyrics speak to the importance of honesty and authenticity in our relationships, and the importance of being true to ourselves and our feelings. From the opening lines of “Maybe you’ll wanna give me kisses sweet,” to the joyful chorus of “I second that emotion,” the song is a celebration of the power of love and the importance of being true to ourselves and our feelings.
6. Mickey’s Monkey
“Mickey’s Monkey” is a classic Motown hit written by Smokey Robinson and performed by The Miracles. The song is a fun, upbeat number that is sure to get your feet tapping and your head bobbing. With its catchy melody and playful lyrics, “Mickey’s Monkey” is a celebration of the joy of dancing and the power of music to bring people together. Robinson’s signature falsetto vocals and the tight harmonies of The Miracles are on full display in this classic Motown hit, and the song’s infectious energy is sure to put a smile on your face. From the opening lines of “All right everybody, gather around,” to the joyful chorus of “Mickey’s monkey, yeah, the monkey,” the song is a classic example of Motown’s ability to create music that is both catchy and meaningful.
7. Going To A Go-Go
“Going To A Go-Go” is a classic Motown hit performed by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. The song is an upbeat, catchy number that is sure to get your feet tapping and your head bobbing. The lyrics speak to the joy of going out and having a good time, and the importance of letting loose and having fun. With its catchy chorus of “Goin’ to a go-go, everybody’s gonna be there,” the song is a celebration of the power of music and dancing to bring people together and create a sense of community. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a classic Motown hit that is sure to stand the test of time.
8. Shop Around
“Shop Around” is a classic Motown hit written by Smokey Robinson and performed by The Miracles. The song is a catchy, upbeat number that speaks to the importance of taking your time when it comes to love and relationships. With its infectious melody and catchy lyrics, “Shop Around” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. Robinson’s signature falsetto vocals are on full display in this classic Motown hit, and the song’s playful lyrics perfectly capture the spirit of the era. From the opening lines of “When I became of age my mother called me to her side,” to the chorus of “You better shop around,” the song is a celebration of the importance of being selective when it comes to matters of the heart. With its timeless message and catchy melody, “Shop Around” is a must-listen for any fan of Motown music.
9. More Love
“More Love” is a classic Motown hit performed by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. The song is a soulful ballad that speaks to the power of love and the importance of cherishing the people in our lives. With its smooth vocal harmonies and beautifully arranged instrumental section, “More Love” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners today. The song’s lyrics speak to the importance of putting love first and cherishing the people who mean the most to us. From the opening lines of “Ooh, let it rain, children, the rain won’t hurt me,” to the emotional crescendo of the chorus of “More love, more love, more love,” the song is a celebration of the power of love to bring us together and make us stronger.
10. Baby, Baby Don’t Cry
“Baby, Baby Don’t Cry” is a soulful ballad performed by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. The song is a classic example of Motown’s signature sound, with its smooth vocal harmonies and soulful instrumentation. The song’s lyrics speak to the pain of lost love and the importance of moving forward and finding happiness again. Robinson’s signature falsetto vocals perfectly capture the emotional weight of the lyrics, and the song’s arrangement builds to an emotional crescendo that is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who listens to it. From the opening lines of “You had your life, and I had mine,” to the haunting chorus of “Baby, baby don’t cry, baby, baby don’t cry,” the song is a masterclass in soulful balladry and a must-listen for any fan of Motown music.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
