Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, stands as a living legend in the world of music. As a pivotal figure in the Motown movement, Robinson’s silky voice and impeccable songwriting played a defining role in shaping the sound of the 1960s and beyond. As the lead singer of The Miracles, he delivered soulful classics like “Shop Around” and “The Tracks of My Tears,” earning him the title of the “King of Motown.”
Robinson’s gift extended beyond his vocal talents; his songwriting prowess crafted timeless hits for himself and fellow Motown artists, including “My Girl” for The Temptations and “I Second That Emotion.” His ability to capture the nuances of love and emotion in his lyrics set a standard for soulful storytelling. Notably, his solo career soared with hits like “Cruisin'” and “Being with You.”
Beyond his contributions to music, Robinson’s role as a Motown executive and his numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, reflect a career marked by influence and acclaim. Today, Smokey Robinson remains an enduring icon, a symbol of musical excellence, and a testament to the enduring power of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
1. The Tears of a Clown
“The Tears of a Clown” is a classic soul song that became a major hit for Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Released in 1970, the song features a catchy melody paired with poignant lyrics. It is particularly known for its upbeat sound, which contrasts with the deeper emotional themes in the lyrics.
Smokey Robinson, along with his Miracles groupmates Stevie Wonder and Hank Cosby, wrote “The Tears of a Clown.” The song addresses the facade people often put on to conceal their true feelings. The metaphor of a clown’s painted smile concealing tears is used to convey the idea of hiding inner sadness behind a cheerful exterior.
Originally, “The Tears of a Clown” was released as a single in 1967 but did not achieve significant success. However, when it was re-released in 1970, it soared to the top of the charts, becoming one of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ signature songs. The distinctive horn riff, Smokey’s soulful vocals, and the Motown production contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.
“The Tears of a Clown” is celebrated for its musical brilliance and its exploration of complex emotional themes within the framework of an infectious, danceable groove. It remains a classic example of Motown’s ability to blend meaningful lyrics with irresistibly catchy tunes.
2. Tracks Of My Tears
“The Tracks of My Tears” is a classic soul song written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin. It was first recorded by The Miracles, with Smokey Robinson as the lead vocalist, and released as a single in 1965.
The song is known for its poignant lyrics, beautiful melody, and Robinson’s emotive vocal delivery. “The Tracks of My Tears” explores the theme of hiding one’s true emotions behind a façade of happiness. The narrator reflects on the pain and heartbreak he feels, yet outwardly, he pretends to be carefree and joyful. The metaphor of tears leaving tracks on the narrator’s face is a powerful image that conveys the depth of emotional turmoil.
With its smooth and soulful sound, the song became a major hit for The Miracles, reaching high positions on the charts. It has since been covered by numerous artists from various genres, cementing its status as a classic in the realm of soul and R&B.
One of the distinctive features of the song is the guitar riff played by Marv Tarplin, which has become iconic in the world of soul music. “The Tracks of My Tears” remains a timeless piece in Smokey Robinson’s extensive catalog, showcasing his songwriting prowess and the enduring appeal of his contributions to the Motown sound.
3. You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me
“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” is a classic soul song written by Smokey Robinson. It was first recorded by The Miracles, featuring Robinson as the lead vocalist, and released in 1962. The song became one of The Miracles’ signature hits and a notable example of the Motown sound.
The lyrics of “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” express the narrator’s feelings of being deeply captivated by someone. The song conveys the idea that love has a powerful and sometimes overwhelming grip on the person experiencing it. The emotional intensity of the lyrics is complemented by Smokey Robinson’s soulful and heartfelt delivery.
The Miracles’ recording of the song was a commercial success, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The distinctive guitar work in the introduction, played by Marv Tarplin, and Robinson’s soul-stirring vocals contributed to the song’s enduring popularity.
Over the years, “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” has been covered by various artists from different genres, attesting to its timeless appeal. Notable covers include versions by The Beatles and She & Him. The song remains a classic in the Motown and soul music repertoire, reflecting Smokey Robinson’s influence on the genre.
4. Ooo Baby Baby
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a classic soul ballad recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Released in 1965, the song is known for its smooth melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Robinson’s emotive vocal delivery. The Miracles, consisting of Smokey Robinson, Bobby Rogers, Ronnie White, Warren “Pete” Moore, and Claudette Robinson, crafted a timeless piece that has endured as one of Motown’s signature tracks.
The lyrics of “Ooo Baby Baby” express the pain of lost love and heartbreak. Smokey Robinson’s tender and soulful vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and longing. The repetition of the titular refrain adds to the emotional impact of the song.
The Miracles’ impeccable harmonies, combined with the lush orchestration and Robinson’s distinctive falsetto, make “Ooo Baby Baby” a standout in the Motown catalog. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, but the original recording remains the definitive version.
Recognized as one of the greatest soul ballads of all time, “Ooo Baby Baby” has left an indelible mark on the genre, showcasing Smokey Robinson’s songwriting genius and The Miracles’ ability to convey deep emotion through their music.
5. I Second That Emotion
“I Second That Emotion” is a classic soul song written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland. The song was first recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and released as a single in 1967. It became one of their notable hits and a signature song for the group.
The title is a play on words, as it cleverly combines the phrase “I second that motion” with the word “emotion.” The lyrics depict a scenario where someone expresses romantic feelings, and the narrator playfully agrees by saying, “I second that emotion.” The song’s clever wordplay and smooth melody contributed to its popularity.
“I Second That Emotion” features the distinctive falsetto vocals of Smokey Robinson and showcases the Motown sound with its tight instrumentation and polished production. The song was a commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Over the years, “I Second That Emotion” has been covered by various artists and has become a well-loved and enduring classic in the Motown and soul music catalog. Its catchy refrain and charming lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless contribution to the soul music genre.
6. Mickey’s Monkey
“Mickey’s Monkey” is a lively and upbeat song originally recorded by The Miracles, the Motown group led by Smokey Robinson. Released in 1963, the song is known for its infectious rhythm and danceable groove. The lyrics tell the story of a dance called the “Monkey” that Mickey is doing, and the singer describes how much fun it is to join in.
The Miracles, known for their smooth harmonies and Smokey Robinson’s distinctive lead vocals, brought their trademark style to “Mickey’s Monkey.” The song features a mix of soulful vocals, handclaps, and a driving beat, making it a classic example of the Motown sound of the 1960s.
One of the notable aspects of “Mickey’s Monkey” is its danceable quality, and the song became popular not just for its musical appeal but also for inspiring a dance craze. The energetic and fun nature of the track contributed to its success on the charts.
While The Miracles’ version is the original and most well-known, “Mickey’s Monkey” has been covered by various artists over the years, attesting to its enduring popularity and influence on the music of the era.
7. Going To A Go-Go
“Going to a Go-Go” is a classic soul song written by Smokey Robinson, along with Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers, and Marv Tarplin. The song was recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and released as a single in 1965. It became one of their most successful and enduring hits.
The song’s title is a play on the term “go-go,” which was often used to describe lively and energetic dance clubs or parties. “Going to a Go-Go” captures the excitement and anticipation of heading to a vibrant social gathering.
Smokey Robinson’s charismatic vocals and the Miracles’ tight harmonies are highlighted in this up-tempo and infectious track. The song features a driving beat, catchy melodies, and the unmistakable sound of Motown’s production.
“Going to a Go-Go” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts, and it has since become a classic in the Motown and soul music repertoire. The Rolling Stones also recorded a well-known cover of the song in 1982. With its lively energy and danceable rhythm, “Going to a Go-Go” remains a timeless example of the Motown sound and Smokey Robinson’s contribution to the soul music genre.
8. Shop Around
“Shop Around” is a landmark soul classic by The Miracles, led by the charismatic Smokey Robinson. Released in 1960, the song not only marked a breakthrough for The Miracles but also played a pivotal role in establishing Motown Records as a major force in the music industry. With its infectious melody, smooth vocals, and a fusion of R&B and pop sensibilities, “Shop Around” became a trailblazing hit.
Smokey Robinson’s distinctive falsetto leads the way as the song offers timeless advice on love and commitment. The lyrics encourage listeners to “shop around” before settling down, imparting a mix of romantic wisdom and youthful charm. The song’s crossover success was instrumental in Motown’s ascent, showcasing its ability to reach diverse audiences.
“Shop Around” not only exemplifies the Motown sound but also highlights the brilliance of Smokey Robinson as a songwriter and frontman. The Miracles’ harmonies, coupled with Robinson’s emotive vocals, created a winning formula that resonated with listeners, making “Shop Around” an enduring classic that laid the foundation for Motown’s legendary era.
9. More Love
“More Love” is a soulful and romantic song by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. It was written by Robinson and Marv Tarplin and released as a single in 1967. The song is notable for its heartfelt lyrics and smooth, soulful melody.
In “More Love,” Smokey Robinson expresses a deep and abiding love, pledging to give more love to his partner. The lyrics convey a sense of devotion and a desire to strengthen the emotional connection in the relationship. The song’s romantic sentiment is enhanced by Robinson’s tender vocal delivery and the lush musical arrangement.
“More Love” achieved success on the charts, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Miracles’ performance of the song showcases the group’s harmonies and Smokey Robinson’s emotive vocals.
Over the years, “More Love” has been appreciated as one of Smokey Robinson’s soulful ballads and has been covered by various artists. Its enduring popularity lies in its timeless theme of love, combined with Robinson’s artistry in crafting emotionally resonant songs.
10. Baby, Baby Don’t Cry
“Baby, Baby Don’t Cry” is a soulful ballad by The Miracles, the legendary Motown group led by Smokey Robinson. Released in 1969, the song captures the essence of the Motown sound, blending poignant lyrics with emotive vocals and lush orchestration. The track showcases Smokey Robinson’s songwriting prowess and the group’s ability to convey deep, heartfelt emotions.
The lyrics of “Baby, Baby Don’t Cry” tell a story of love, resilience, and reassurance. Robinson’s tender vocals, filled with sincerity and compassion, deliver a message of comfort to a loved one going through a difficult time. The orchestral arrangement complements the emotional weight of the lyrics, creating a timeless ballad that resonates with listeners.
As one of The Miracles’ later hits, the song reflects the evolving sound of Motown in the late 1960s, incorporating elements of mature soul and sophisticated arrangements. “Baby, Baby Don’t Cry” stands as a testament to The Miracles’ enduring legacy and their contribution to the golden era of Motown, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of soul and R&B music.
Edward Tomlin 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.
