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, particularly in the realms of soul, R&B, and Motown.
Robinson is best known for his work as the founder and frontman of the vocal group The Miracles, one of the first acts signed to Motown Records. With The Miracles, Robinson achieved numerous hits, including “Shop Around,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” and “Tears of a Clown.”
In addition to his success with The Miracles, Robinson also had a prolific solo career. He released a series of critically acclaimed albums and singles, including hits like “Cruisin’,” “Being with You,” and “Just to See Her.” His smooth tenor voice, heartfelt lyrics, and innovative production techniques made him a beloved and influential figure in the music industry.
Beyond his performing career, Smokey Robinson is also a highly regarded songwriter and producer. He has written and produced songs for numerous artists across various genres, contributing to the success of acts like The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Mary Wells.
Throughout his career, Smokey Robinson has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He continues to perform and record music, leaving an indelible mark on the world of popular music.
1. The Tracks of My Tears
“The Tracks of My Tears” is a soul song written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin. It was first recorded by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles in 1965 and released as a single from their album “Going to a Go-Go.”
The song’s lyrics express the pain and heartache of a person who is hiding their true emotions behind a façade of happiness. Despite putting on a brave face in public, the narrator is actually deeply hurt and cries tears of sorrow when they are alone.
“The Tracks of My Tears” features a memorable melody, soulful vocals by Smokey Robinson, and the distinctive harmonies of the Miracles. The song’s arrangement includes a prominent string section, adding to its emotional impact.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It has since become one of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ most enduring and beloved songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists across various genres.
“The Tracks of My Tears” is considered a classic in the realm of soul music and has been recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time by various music publications and organizations. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of heartbreak and resilience continue to resonate with audiences to this day.
2. Cruisin’
“Cruisin'” is a song co-written, produced, and performed by American musician Smokey Robinson. It was released in 1979 as a single from his album “Where There’s Smoke…” The song was co-written with Marv Tarplin.
“Cruisin'” is a smooth, romantic ballad that features Robinson’s soulful vocals and a mellow, laid-back groove. The lyrics evoke the feeling of driving around with a loved one, enjoying each other’s company and the freedom of the open road.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also achieved success on the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts.
“Cruisin'” has since become one of Smokey Robinson’s signature songs and remains popular among fans of R&B and soul music. It has been covered by various artists and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic in the genre.
3. The Tears of a Clown
“The Tears of a Clown” is a song by the American soul group Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. It was co-written by Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby, and it was released as a single in 1967.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a person who hides their sadness and heartbreak behind a mask of humor and laughter. Despite putting on a cheerful facade in public, the narrator’s tears remain hidden from view, like the tears of a clown.
Musically, “The Tears of a Clown” is an upbeat and catchy track with a Motown sound, featuring Robinson’s smooth vocals and the Miracles’ tight harmonies. The song’s arrangement includes prominent horns and a driving rhythm section, adding to its infectious energy.
“The Tears of a Clown” became one of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ biggest hits, reaching the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It has since become one of the group’s signature songs and a classic in the realm of soul music.
In addition to its commercial success, “The Tears of a Clown” has been praised for its clever lyrics and catchy melody. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, ensuring its enduring popularity over the years.
4. Ooo Baby Baby
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a classic soul song recorded by the American vocal group The Miracles, led by Smokey Robinson. Released in 1965, the song was written by Robinson and Miracles member Pete Moore. It became one of the group’s most enduring and beloved hits.
The song’s lyrics express the deep emotions of love and heartache experienced by the narrator. The protagonist longs for the return of their lost love, expressing regret and pleading for forgiveness. The repetition of the phrase “Ooo baby baby” adds to the emotional intensity of the song.
“Ooo Baby Baby” features Robinson’s smooth and emotive vocals, accompanied by the harmonies of The Miracles. The arrangement includes lush instrumentation, with a prominent string section that enhances the song’s romantic atmosphere.
The song’s timeless appeal has led to its enduring popularity over the years. It has been covered by numerous artists in various genres and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials. “Ooo Baby Baby” is considered a classic in the realm of soul music and remains a favorite among fans of Motown and R&B.
5. Being with You
“Being with You” is a soul and pop song recorded by American singer Smokey Robinson. Released in 1981, it became one of Robinson’s biggest solo hits.
The song is a romantic ballad that expresses the joy and contentment of being in love. The narrator describes the happiness and fulfillment they experience when they are with their partner, highlighting the special moments and the deep connection they share.
“Being with You” features Robinson’s smooth and soulful vocals, along with a catchy melody and a lush instrumental arrangement. The song’s infectious groove and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences, making it a commercial success.
“Being with You” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Smokey Robinson’s first solo number-one hit. It also performed well on other charts around the world, solidifying its status as one of Robinson’s signature songs and a classic in the soul and pop genres.
6. I Second That Emotion
“I Second That Emotion” is a classic soul song recorded by American vocal group The Miracles, featuring lead singer Smokey Robinson. Released in 1967, it became one of their signature songs and a Motown classic.
The song is a playful and catchy love song where the narrator expresses agreement and support for their partner’s emotions. The phrase “I second that emotion” is a play on words, punning on the expression “I second that motion,” meaning to agree with or support a proposal.
“I Second That Emotion” features Robinson’s smooth and soulful vocals, along with The Miracles’ tight harmonies and a memorable melody. The song’s upbeat tempo, infectious rhythm, and catchy chorus contributed to its popularity.
“I Second That Emotion” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains one of The Miracles’ most iconic songs and a classic in the Motown catalog.
7. You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me
“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” is a classic soul song originally recorded by The Miracles, the vocal group led by Smokey Robinson. Released in 1962, it became one of their most enduring hits and a signature song for the group.
The song is a soulful ballad that expresses the narrator’s feelings of being deeply in love and captivated by their partner. Despite any struggles or challenges, the narrator acknowledges that their partner has a strong hold on them, and they cannot break free from their love.
“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” features Smokey Robinson’s emotive vocals, along with The Miracles’ smooth harmonies and a memorable melody. The song’s powerful lyrics, soulful delivery, and infectious groove resonated with audiences, making it a commercial success.
“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number eight. It has since been covered by numerous artists from various genres and remains a beloved classic in the Motown and soul music canon.
8. Just to See Her
“Just to See Her” is a song performed by American R&B vocalist Smokey Robinson. It was released in 1987 as a single from his album “One Heartbeat.”
The song is a soulful ballad that depicts the longing and yearning of a man who is deeply in love with a woman. Despite being apart from her, he expresses his willingness to go to great lengths just to catch a glimpse of her and be in her presence again.
“Just to See Her” became one of Smokey Robinson’s biggest solo hits, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning him a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1988. The song’s success helped to rejuvenate Robinson’s career and introduced his music to a new generation of listeners.
With its heartfelt lyrics, soulful vocals, and lush instrumentation, “Just to See Her” remains a beloved classic in the realm of R&B and soul music. It has been covered by various artists and continues to be celebrated as one of Smokey Robinson’s signature songs.
9. More Love
“More Love” is a classic soul song originally recorded by American vocal group The Miracles, led by Smokey Robinson. It was released in 1967 as a single and became one of their notable hits.
The song expresses the desire for more love in a relationship. The lyrics convey the narrator’s longing for deeper emotional connection and affection from their partner. Despite the love they already share, the narrator expresses a yearning for even greater intimacy and devotion.
“More Love” features Smokey Robinson’s smooth and soulful vocals, backed by The Miracles’ harmonies and a lush instrumental arrangement. The song’s catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and soulful delivery contributed to its popularity.
“More Love” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and peaking at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains a beloved classic in the Motown and soul music repertoire, and has been covered by various artists over the years.
10. Shop Around
“Shop Around” is a song by the American vocal group The Miracles, featuring lead vocals by Smokey Robinson. Released in 1960, it became one of the group’s signature songs and a landmark hit for Motown Records.
The song’s lyrics offer advice to young people about the importance of shopping around and not settling for the first romantic partner they encounter. It warns against rushing into relationships without considering all the options and encourages listeners to be discerning when it comes to matters of the heart.
“Shop Around” was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was the first million-selling hit for Motown Records and helped establish the label as a major force in the music industry.
The song’s catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and Smokey Robinson’s smooth vocals contributed to its popularity. It has since become a classic in the realm of soul music and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. “Shop Around” remains one of The Miracles’ most enduring and beloved songs, celebrated for its timeless message and infectious energy.
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.
