Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. He is one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music, known for his smooth tenor voice, soulful delivery, and exceptional songwriting talent.
Robinson first rose to fame as the founder and lead singer of the vocal group The Miracles, which he formed in the late 1950s. The Miracles achieved great success in the 1960s with hits like “Shop Around,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” and “The Tracks of My Tears,” establishing Robinson as one of the premier voices of the Motown sound.
In addition to his work with The Miracles, Robinson also found success as a solo artist, releasing several hit singles including “Cruisin’,” “Being with You,” and “Just to See Her.” His smooth, romantic ballads and heartfelt lyrics earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his status as a soul music icon.
As a songwriter and producer, Robinson played a key role in shaping the Motown sound and helped to launch the careers of numerous artists, including The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. His contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Smokey Robinson has continued to captivate audiences with his soulful performances and timeless music, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest artists of all time.
1. Shop Around
“Shop Around” is a classic R&B song by The Miracles, written by Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy. Released in 1960, it became The Miracles’ first million-selling hit and one of the signature songs of the Motown era.
The song’s lyrics offer advice to a young man, urging him to “shop around” before settling down with a romantic partner. It warns against rushing into a serious relationship without exploring other options first. The catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and Smokey Robinson’s smooth vocals made “Shop Around” an instant hit.
“Shop Around” was not only a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100, but it also helped establish Motown Records as a major player in the music industry. It was the label’s first million-selling single, paving the way for future successes.
The song’s enduring popularity has led to it being covered by numerous artists over the years, and it remains a beloved classic of the R&B and Motown genres. It also earned The Miracles a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2006, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
2. Get Ready
“Get Ready” is a song originally recorded by The Temptations, an American vocal group, in 1966. It was written by Smokey Robinson, the lead singer of The Miracles, another prominent Motown group. The Temptations’ version of “Get Ready” became a major hit, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Smokey Robinson and The Miracles later recorded their own version of “Get Ready,” which was released in 1966 on their album “Away We a Go-Go.” While The Temptations’ rendition is more widely recognized, Smokey Robinson’s version also received praise for its energetic performance and soulful interpretation.
“Get Ready” is characterized by its catchy melody, driving rhythm, and upbeat lyrics. It’s considered one of the signature songs of The Temptations and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Rare Earth, who scored a major hit with their rock version of the song in 1970.
3. More Love
“More Love” is a song written by William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. and released by his group, The Miracles, in 1967. The song was a moderate hit, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 8 on the Billboard R&B chart.
“More Love” is a soulful ballad that features Robinson’s smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The song expresses the desire for deeper love and connection, with Robinson singing about the need for more love and affection in a relationship.
Over the years, “More Love” has become one of The Miracles’ signature songs and is considered a classic of the Motown era. It has been covered by various artists and continues to be a beloved and timeless track in the R&B and soul music genres.
4. Tears of a Clown
“Tears of a Clown” is a song by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, released in 1967 on their album “Make It Happen.” The song was written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby.
“Tears of a Clown” is known for its upbeat, catchy melody and its juxtaposition of cheerful music with poignant lyrics. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who hides his pain and sadness behind a facade of humor and laughter, likening his tears to those of a clown.
The song became a massive hit for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and becoming one of their signature songs. Its success was particularly notable because it marked the first time a Smokey Robinson & the Miracles single reached the top of the charts in the UK.
“Tears of a Clown” has remained popular over the years and has been covered by numerous artists across different genres. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of hiding one’s true emotions behind a smile have cemented its status as a classic in the Motown and soul music canon.
5. I Second That Emotion
“I Second That Emotion” is a song written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland. It was first recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1967 and released as a single later that year. The song became a major hit, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on the Billboard R&B chart.
“I Second That Emotion” is a soulful and catchy song with a memorable melody and clever wordplay. The lyrics express the narrator’s feelings of uncertainty and hesitation in a romantic relationship, with the phrase “I second that emotion” used to affirm the sentiments expressed by the partner.
The song’s distinctive sound, characterized by its funky bassline, catchy guitar riff, and Robinson’s smooth vocals, has made it a classic of the Motown era. “I Second That Emotion” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains one of Smokey Robinson’s most famous compositions.
6. Cruisin’
“Cruisin'” is a soul/R&B song by Smokey Robinson, released in 1979 on his album “Where There’s Smoke…” The song was written by Robinson and Marv Tarplin.
“Cruisin'” is characterized by its smooth groove, romantic lyrics, and Robinson’s signature velvety vocals. The song expresses the joy and relaxation of taking a leisurely drive with a loved one, enjoying each other’s company and the freedom of the open road.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the R&B chart in the United States. It also received critical acclaim and has since become one of Smokey Robinson’s most beloved and enduring songs.
“Cruisin'” has been covered by various artists over the years and remains a popular choice for romantic playlists and smooth jazz radio stations. Its timeless appeal and romantic sentiment have made it a classic in the soul and R&B genres.
7. The Tracks of My Tears
“The Tracks of My Tears” is a classic soul song co-written by Smokey Robinson, Warren “Pete” Moore, and Marv Tarplin. It was first recorded by The Miracles, with Smokey Robinson as the lead vocalist, and released in 1965.
The song features poignant lyrics that express the pain and heartache of hiding one’s true emotions behind a façade of happiness. The narrator compares their outward appearance of being happy and carefree to the tracks of tears left behind when no one is around to see their true feelings.
“The Tracks of My Tears” is known for its iconic melody, sophisticated chord progression, and smooth vocal harmonies. It became one of The Miracles’ biggest hits, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning critical acclaim for its songwriting and production.
Over the years, “The Tracks of My Tears” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres and has cemented its status as a timeless classic in the world of popular music. It remains one of Smokey Robinson’s most enduring and beloved compositions.
8. Going to a Go-Go
“Going to a Go-Go” is a classic soul song by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, released in 1965 on their album of the same name. The song was written by Smokey Robinson, along with fellow Miracles members Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers, and Marv Tarplin.
“Going to a Go-Go” is known for its infectious rhythm, energetic beat, and catchy melody. The lyrics describe the excitement and anticipation of going out to a dance party at a popular club, where the music is loud, the atmosphere is lively, and people come together to have a good time.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard R&B charts in the United States. It became one of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles’ most popular and enduring songs, and it has since been covered by numerous artists across different genres.
“Going to a Go-Go” has remained a favorite on oldies radio stations and is often included on compilations of classic Motown hits. Its upbeat tempo and feel-good lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic in the soul music canon.
9. Ooo Baby Baby
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a classic soul song recorded by The Miracles, with Smokey Robinson as the lead vocalist. It was written by Robinson and fellow Miracles member Pete Moore and released in 1965.
The song features heartfelt lyrics that express the narrator’s deep love and devotion to their romantic partner. Despite past mistakes and regrets, the narrator pleads for forgiveness and promises to do whatever it takes to make things right.
“Ooo Baby Baby” is renowned for its soulful melody, lush vocal harmonies, and Robinson’s emotive vocal performance. The song’s smooth instrumentation, including its distinctive bassline and melodic guitar riffs, adds to its timeless appeal.
Over the years, “Ooo Baby Baby” has been covered by numerous artists and has become a beloved classic in the realm of soul music. It remains one of The Miracles’ most iconic and enduring songs, showcasing Smokey Robinson’s talent as a songwriter and vocalist.
10. The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage
“The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage” is a soul song by The Miracles, released in 1967. It was written by Smokey Robinson, Warren “Pete” Moore, and Marv Tarplin.
The song’s lyrics describe the narrator’s realization that the love they thought they saw in their partner was merely an illusion or mirage. Despite initially believing in the depth of their partner’s feelings, the narrator comes to understand that it was not genuine and was only temporary.
“The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage” features the smooth vocals of Smokey Robinson and the trademark harmonies of The Miracles. The song is characterized by its soulful melody, lush orchestration, and emotive delivery, typical of The Miracles’ style.
Although it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of their other hits, “The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage” remains a favorite among fans of classic soul music and is regarded as one of The Miracles’ standout tracks.
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.
