Smokey Robinson, a legendary figure in soul and Motown music, has left an indelible mark on the music world with his smooth voice and masterful songwriting. As a pioneering member of The Miracles and a celebrated solo artist, Robinson’s contributions to music are profound and enduring. His career, spanning several decades, is adorned with a wealth of timeless hits that have shaped the landscape of rhythm and blues. From the heartfelt ballads to the infectious grooves, Robinson’s songs capture the essence of love, passion, and resilience. This article delves into the top 10 best Smokey Robinson songs of all time, highlighting the tracks that have defined his illustrious career and solidified his place as a musical icon. Whether it’s the evocative storytelling of “The Tracks of My Tears” or the upbeat rhythms of “Tears of a Clown,” each song reflects Robinson’s unparalleled talent and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Join us as we explore the best of Smokey Robinson, celebrating the songs that have made him a beloved figure in the annals of music history.
1. Shop Around
“Shop Around” stands as one of Smokey Robinson’s most iconic songs, representing a milestone in his illustrious career. Released in 1960 with The Miracles, the song is celebrated for its smooth blend of Motown’s signature sound and Robinson’s soulful delivery. As The Miracles’ first hit single, “Shop Around” achieved remarkable success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts. The track’s catchy melody, combined with its heartfelt lyrics about giving love a chance and advising a partner to explore before settling down, resonated deeply with audiences.
Robinson’s masterful storytelling, paired with the harmonious vocals of The Miracles, set “Shop Around” apart as a quintessential Motown anthem. The song’s influence extends beyond its initial success, laying the groundwork for future Motown hits and showcasing Robinson’s exceptional talent as a songwriter and performer. Its enduring appeal is a testament to Robinson’s ability to craft timeless music that continues to captivate listeners, making “Shop Around” a cornerstone of his remarkable discography and a beloved classic in the Motown legacy.
2. Get Ready
“Get Ready” is a quintessential Smokey Robinson and The Miracles hit that exemplifies the vibrancy of Motown’s golden era. Released in 1966, the song showcases Robinson’s signature smooth vocals and the energetic, infectious sound that defined the Motown label. With its upbeat tempo and catchy refrain, “Get Ready” became a standout track, reaching No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts.
The song’s charm lies in its irresistible groove and Robinson’s persuasive delivery, urging listeners to prepare for an impending romance. Its lyrics, filled with optimism and anticipation, are complemented by a driving rhythm and lively instrumental arrangement, featuring vibrant horns and a dynamic backing track. “Get Ready” not only solidified Robinson’s status as a leading figure in Motown but also highlighted The Miracles’ ability to blend pop sensibilities with soulful depth.
The track’s influence is evident in its continued popularity and numerous covers by other artists, reflecting its lasting impact on the soul and pop genres. “Get Ready” remains a beloved classic, exemplifying the energetic spirit and melodic prowess that define Smokey Robinson’s illustrious career.
3. More Love
“More Love” is a quintessential Smokey Robinson ballad that showcases his exceptional ability to convey deep emotion through music. Released in 1967, this soulful track stands out as one of Robinson’s most enduring hits, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the R&B charts. The song’s poignant lyrics and Robinson’s tender, heartfelt delivery reflect a profound yearning for greater affection and understanding in relationships.
“More Love” features a lush, orchestral arrangement that complements Robinson’s smooth, expressive vocals, creating a sound that is both rich and intimate. The song’s powerful message—pleading for more love and compassion—resonates deeply with listeners, capturing the universal desire for emotional connection and empathy.
The track’s timeless appeal is enhanced by its sophisticated production, which highlights Robinson’s skill as both a performer and a songwriter. “More Love” continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and musical elegance, solidifying its place as a classic in Smokey Robinson’s illustrious catalog and a beloved favorite among fans of soul and Motown music.
4. Tears of a Clown
“Tears of a Clown” is one of Smokey Robinson’s most celebrated and enduring songs, emblematic of his unparalleled talent for blending soulful melodies with heartfelt storytelling. Released in 1967, this track was a significant hit for Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts. Its success marked a high point in Robinson’s career and solidified his status as a leading figure in Motown.
The song’s poignant lyrics, which explore the theme of hiding one’s true feelings behind a facade of cheerfulness, are paired with an upbeat, catchy melody that features a memorable, whimsical clown motif. The juxtaposition of the song’s cheerful musical arrangement with its emotionally charged lyrics creates a unique and compelling listening experience.
“Tears of a Clown” stands out for its innovative use of orchestration and its effective melding of pop and soul elements. The track remains a timeless classic, reflecting Robinson’s exceptional songwriting and performance skills. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional depth and the skillful craftsmanship of one of Motown’s most iconic artists.
5. I Second That Emotion
“I Second That Emotion” is a standout track in Smokey Robinson’s illustrious career, embodying the perfect blend of soulful emotion and Motown’s signature sound. Released in 1967 as a follow-up to the hit “Tears of a Clown,” this song quickly became a favorite, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts.
The song’s appeal lies in its infectious rhythm, engaging melody, and Robinson’s heartfelt vocal delivery. Written by Smokey Robinson and his wife, Claudette Robinson, “I Second That Emotion” is a response to the idea of affirming the feelings expressed by a loved one. The lyrics convey a deep sense of mutual understanding and emotional support, enhanced by the song’s smooth, soulful arrangement and lively brass sections.
“I Second That Emotion” stands out for its memorable chorus and the seamless way it combines pop, soul, and Motown influences. The track is a testament to Robinson’s exceptional songwriting and performance skills, continuing to resonate with audiences as a classic example of Motown’s golden era. Its enduring legacy reflects the timeless appeal of Robinson’s music and his influential role in shaping the sound of an era.
6. Cruisin
“Cruisin'” is a quintessential Smokey Robinson song that highlights his unique ability to blend smooth soul with evocative lyrics. Released in 1979 as part of his album “Where There’s Smoke”, the track became one of Robinson’s most successful solo hits, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts.
The song’s relaxed, romantic vibe is characterized by its lush, smooth instrumentation and Robinson’s silky vocal performance. “Cruisin'” captures the essence of a leisurely, affectionate drive with a loved one, conveying a sense of ease and intimacy. The lyrics evoke a feeling of nostalgia and romance, making it a perfect example of Robinson’s talent for creating heartfelt, memorable music.
The track’s production, featuring a mellow groove and sophisticated arrangements, showcases Robinson’s mastery in crafting soulful ballads. “Cruisin'” remains a favorite among fans and continues to receive acclaim for its timeless appeal and Robinson’s exceptional ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The song’s enduring popularity underscores its place as a classic in Smokey Robinson’s remarkable discography.
7. The Tracks of My Tears
“The Tracks of My Tears” is one of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles’ most iconic and emotionally resonant songs. Released in 1965, this timeless track showcases Robinson’s remarkable talent for blending soulful melodies with poignant lyrics. The song reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts, solidifying its place as a classic in Motown’s golden era.
The track features a soulful arrangement with a lush orchestral backdrop, emphasizing Robinson’s smooth and heartfelt vocal delivery. The lyrics poignantly describe the pain of unrequited love and the façade one puts up to mask their true emotions. Robinson’s ability to convey deep sorrow through his performance is matched by the song’s sophisticated production, which includes a memorable string arrangement and a driving rhythm.
“The Tracks of My Tears” is celebrated for its emotional depth and lyrical honesty, demonstrating Robinson’s skill as a songwriter and performer. Its lasting appeal and influence on the soul genre make it a cornerstone of Smokey Robinson’s legacy and a beloved classic in the Motown catalog.
8. Going to a Go-Go
“Going to a Go-Go” is a vibrant and infectious track by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles that encapsulates the energetic spirit of the Motown era. Released in 1965 as the title track from their album “Going to a Go-Go”, the song became a major hit, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts.
The song is celebrated for its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, reflecting the lively dance scene of the time. Robinson’s smooth, charismatic vocals are complemented by a lively instrumental arrangement that features a prominent bass line, vibrant horns, and an irresistible groove. The lyrics capture the excitement and anticipation of heading to a dance party, showcasing Robinson’s knack for crafting songs that resonate with both joy and movement.
“Going to a Go-Go” stands out for its infectious rhythm and upbeat energy, making it a quintessential example of Motown’s ability to produce feel-good music that also encourages listeners to hit the dance floor. The track’s lasting popularity is a testament to Robinson’s skill in creating music that captures the essence of an era while remaining timelessly enjoyable.
9. Ooo Baby Baby
“Ooo Baby Baby” is one of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles’ most enduring and cherished songs. Released in 1965, this soulful ballad showcases Robinson’s exceptional ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The track achieved notable success, reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts.
The song is renowned for its tender, heartfelt lyrics and Robinson’s smooth, emotive vocal performance. The lyrics express profound feelings of regret and longing, with Robinson’s delivery capturing the raw emotion of a heartbroken lover. The track features a rich, melodic arrangement with lush strings and a soulful groove that complements the emotional depth of the lyrics.
“Ooo Baby Baby” stands out for its beautifully crafted melody and poignant message, reflecting Robinson’s talent for blending emotional storytelling with sophisticated musicality. The song’s enduring appeal and influence are a testament to its place as a classic in the Motown catalog and a highlight of Smokey Robinson’s remarkable career. Its timeless quality continues to resonate with audiences, affirming its status as one of the finest examples of soulful balladry.
10. The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage
“The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage” is a poignant track by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles that highlights the group’s ability to blend soulful emotion with sophisticated production. Released in 1965, the song became a significant hit, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts.
The track is characterized by its smooth melody and emotionally charged lyrics, which reflect a deep sense of disappointment and realization about a failed romance. Robinson’s vocal performance is both heartfelt and expressive, capturing the sadness and disillusionment of someone who discovers that their love was not what they had hoped.
The song features a lush orchestral arrangement, with a rich string section and subtle yet effective backing vocals that enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics. “The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage” stands out for its ability to convey complex emotions through its music and lyrics, showcasing Robinson’s talent for creating deeply resonant ballads. The song’s enduring appeal underscores its significance in Smokey Robinson’s discography and its lasting influence on the soul and Motown genres.
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.
