Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Renowned as the “King of Motown,” he played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the legendary label, Motown Records, during the 1960s.
As the frontman for The Miracles, Robinson’s smooth tenor voice delivered timeless hits such as “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” and “I Second That Emotion.” His soulful and emotive vocals, paired with his exceptional songwriting skills, made him a driving force behind Motown’s success.
Beyond his contributions as a performer, Smokey Robinson became a prolific songwriter for other Motown artists, crafting chart-topping hits like “My Guy” for Mary Wells and “My Girl” for The Temptations. His ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with soulful melodies earned him widespread acclaim.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Robinson’s influence extends far beyond the Motown era, with his impact felt across the R&B and pop music landscapes. His enduring legacy as a performer, songwriter, and music executive cements Smokey Robinson as a true legend in the realm of American music.
1. Shop Around
“Shop Around” is a classic R&B and doo-wop song by The Miracles, featuring Smokey Robinson. Released in 1960, the song became one of Motown Records’ early major hits and marked a significant moment in the label’s history.
The lyrics of “Shop Around” offer relationship advice, urging young people to be cautious and not rush into commitment. The catchy chorus features the famous lines: “My mama told me, you better shop around.”
As the lead singer of The Miracles, Smokey Robinson’s smooth tenor vocals and charismatic delivery played a crucial role in the song’s success. The distinctive Motown sound, characterized by tight harmonies and rhythmic arrangements, is evident in “Shop Around.”
The song became a breakthrough hit for The Miracles and for Motown as a whole, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. “Shop Around” not only showcased Smokey Robinson’s vocal prowess but also highlighted the emerging sound and success of Motown Records during the early 1960s. The track remains a classic example of the Motown era’s influence on the evolution of popular music.
2. Get Ready
“Get Ready” is a classic soul and rock song originally recorded by The Temptations in 1966, written by Smokey Robinson. However, it became widely popular in 1970 when the rock band Rare Earth released their own version, turning it into a psychedelic and energetic anthem.
Rare Earth’s rendition of “Get Ready” is distinctive for its extended instrumental jam, featuring guitar solos, drum breaks, and a dynamic arrangement that sets it apart from the original Motown version. The band’s adaptation gave the song a new life and solidified its place in the rock genre.
The energetic and electrifying nature of “Get Ready” made it a hit for Rare Earth, reaching significant chart positions and becoming a staple in their live performances. The song’s fusion of soul, rock, and psychedelic elements contributed to its enduring popularity.
“Get Ready” has since been covered by various artists and remains a classic representation of the evolving musical landscape in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The infectious groove and vibrant instrumentation of Rare Earth’s version continue to captivate audiences, making it a timeless piece in the history of rock and soul music.
3. More Love
“More Love” is a soulful and timeless song by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, released in 1967. Written by Smokey Robinson and Marv Tarplin, the song showcases Robinson’s heartfelt lyrics and the group’s smooth harmonies.
The lyrics of “More Love” convey a plea for deeper and more profound love. The chorus features the repeated desire for “more love, more joy, anything you got, baby, more of that.”
Smokey Robinson’s emotive vocals, paired with The Miracles’ impeccable harmonies, create a soulful and romantic atmosphere in the song. The lush orchestration and the overall production capture the essence of the Motown sound.
“More Love” became a hit for The Miracles, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s enduring popularity has led to numerous covers and adaptations over the years, solidifying its status as a classic in the soul and R&B genres.
With its heartfelt lyrics and captivating melody, “More Love” remains a testament to Smokey Robinson’s songwriting prowess and The Miracles’ ability to deliver soulful and timeless music.
4. Tears of a Clown
“Tears of a Clown” is a classic soul song that holds a special place in the Motown legacy. Originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1967, the song became an iconic hit, showcasing the brilliant collaboration between Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby.
The song’s lyrics tell a poignant story of a person who appears happy on the outside but is concealing inner sadness and loneliness. The juxtaposition of upbeat, circus-themed music with the somber lyrics adds depth and complexity to “Tears of a Clown.”
Stevie Wonder, in collaboration with producer Hank Cosby, reimagined the song and released a new version in 1970. Wonder’s interpretation injected a fresh energy into the track, and his soulful vocals and harmonica playing added a unique touch. This version of “Tears of a Clown” became a massive success, topping charts around the world.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the artistry of both Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder. “Tears of a Clown” remains a classic in the Motown catalog, celebrated for its emotional depth, catchy melodies, and the collaborative genius that brought it to life.
5. I Second That Emotion
“I Second That Emotion” is a classic soul and pop song originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1967. Co-written by Robinson and Al Cleveland, the song explores the theme of love and commitment with clever wordplay.
Smokey Robinson’s silky vocals, combined with the Miracles’ harmonies, created a smooth and sophisticated sound. The song’s title is a play on words, combining the phrase “I second the motion” with the emotion of love, adding a clever and memorable element to the lyrics.
“I Second That Emotion” achieved significant success on the charts and became one of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ signature hits. The song’s popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a classic example of the Motown sound from the 1960s.
The clever wordplay, soulful delivery, and catchy melody have contributed to the enduring appeal of “I Second That Emotion.” The song has been covered by various artists, cementing its status as a timeless classic within the rich tapestry of Motown’s musical legacy.
6. Cruisin’
“Cruisin'” is a romantic and smooth R&B ballad by Smokey Robinson, released in 1979. The song, written and performed by Robinson, became one of his signature solo hits, showcasing his ability to create soulful and timeless love songs.
The lyrics of “Cruisin'” express the joy and contentment of being in love, with Robinson’s velvety vocals delivering lines like “Cruisin’ together, music is played for love.” The song’s mellow and melodic sound, coupled with Robinson’s emotive delivery, creates a warm and intimate atmosphere.
“Cruisin'” achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its enduring popularity has made it a classic in the R&B genre, and the song has been covered by various artists over the years.
Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin'” remains a go-to track for those seeking a soulful and romantic vibe, a testament to the enduring charm of Robinson’s music and his influence on the landscape of R&B ballads.
7. The Tracks of My Tears
“The Tracks of My Tears” is a soul classic originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1965. Co-written by Smokey Robinson, Warren “Pete” Moore, and Marv Tarplin, the song is celebrated for its poignant lyrics, emotive melody, and the distinctive falsetto vocals of Smokey Robinson.
The lyrics of “The Tracks of My Tears” explore the theme of heartbreak and the façade of appearing happy despite inner pain. The metaphorical use of tears as “tracks” on the narrator’s face adds depth to the emotional narrative. Marv Tarplin’s guitar riff at the beginning of the song became iconic, contributing to the overall melodic richness.
The Miracles’ version of the song became a major hit, reaching high positions on the charts. Over the years, “The Tracks of My Tears” has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, attesting to its enduring influence.
Smokey Robinson’s soulful delivery and the impeccable harmonies of The Miracles make “The Tracks of My Tears” a timeless masterpiece. The song remains a quintessential example of the Motown sound, and its impact on the world of soul and pop music is indelible.
8. Going to a Go-Go
“Going to a Go-Go” is a vibrant and infectious song by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, released in 1965. It stands as one of the group’s signature hits, reflecting the energy and excitement of the Motown sound during the 1960s.
The lyrics of “Going to a Go-Go” exude a lively and carefree spirit, capturing the anticipation of heading to a go-go, a popular term for a lively music or dance club. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a quintessential representation of the Motown era.
Smokey Robinson’s charismatic vocals, coupled with The Miracles’ tight harmonies, contribute to the song’s overall exuberance. The infectious energy and danceable rhythm of “Going to a Go-Go” propelled it to success on the charts, becoming one of the group’s highest-charting hits.
Decades after its release, “Going to a Go-Go” remains a classic in the Motown catalog and a timeless example of the joyful and infectious nature of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ music. Its influence is still felt in the realms of R&B and pop music.
9. Ooo Baby Baby
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a soul classic originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1965. Co-written by Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore, the song is renowned for its smooth, romantic balladry and the heartfelt delivery of Smokey Robinson.
The lyrics of “Ooo Baby Baby” delve into the theme of heartbreak and the pain of lost love. Robinson’s soulful vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and longing as he expresses regret over a failed relationship. The repeating refrain of “Ooo baby baby” adds an emotional and melodic hook to the song.
The Miracles’ version of “Ooo Baby Baby” achieved commercial success, becoming one of their signature hits. The song’s timeless appeal is highlighted by its inclusion in numerous “best of” and “greatest hits” compilations, as well as its enduring popularity on radio stations dedicated to classic soul and R&B.
“Ooo Baby Baby” has been covered by various artists over the years, attesting to its status as a soul standard. The original recording by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles remains a cherished piece within the Motown legacy, celebrated for its emotive lyrics, elegant melody, and the soulful delivery that defines the golden era of R&B music.
10. The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage
“The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage” is a soulful song by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, released in 1967. The song, written by Smokey Robinson, reflects the themes of love and disillusionment.
The lyrics of “The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage” convey the disappointment of discovering that the perceived love was not genuine. The narrator reflects on the illusion of love, with the title suggesting that the emotions were merely a mirage.
Smokey Robinson’s smooth and emotive vocals, coupled with The Miracles’ harmonies, bring depth and emotion to the song. The musical arrangement, typical of the Motown sound, adds a layer of sophistication to the overall composition.
While not as commercially successful as some of The Miracles’ earlier hits, “The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage” remains a noteworthy piece in the Motown catalog. Its introspective lyrics and soulful delivery showcase Smokey Robinson’s ability to explore complex emotions through his music.