Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. He is best known as the founder and frontman of the legendary vocal group The Miracles and for his prolific solo career.
Robinson’s career began in the late 1950s when he formed The Miracles with childhood friends in Detroit, Michigan. The group became one of the most successful and influential acts of the Motown era, with hits like “Shop Around,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” and “The Tracks of My Tears.”
In addition to his work with The Miracles, Robinson also achieved success as a solo artist, with hits such as “Cruisin’,” “Being with You,” and “Just to See Her.” He is known for his smooth tenor voice, soulful delivery, and heartfelt lyrics.
Beyond his singing career, Robinson is also a highly regarded songwriter and producer. He wrote many of The Miracles’ hits and penned songs for other Motown artists, including Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Mary Wells.
Smokey Robinson has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards, inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. He remains a revered figure in popular music and continues to perform and record music to this day.
1. The Tracks of My Tears
“The Tracks of My Tears” is a soul song written by Smokey Robinson, Warren “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 convey the sadness and heartache of a man who is hiding his pain behind a smiling facade. Despite appearing happy on the outside, he is actually crying on the inside, represented metaphorically as “tracks” of tears.
“The Tracks of My Tears” is characterized by its haunting melody, poignant lyrics, and soulful vocal delivery by Smokey Robinson. The song became one of The Miracles’ signature tunes and a classic of the Motown era.
Over the years, “The Tracks of My Tears” has been covered by numerous artists in various genres, including Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Rivers, and Aretha Franklin. It remains one of Smokey Robinson’s most enduring and beloved compositions, celebrated for its timeless appeal and emotional resonance.
2. Cruisin’
“Cruisin'” is a soulful R&B song written, composed, and performed by Smokey Robinson. Released in 1979, it became one of Robinson’s signature songs and a timeless classic in the realm of smooth soul music.
The song is characterized by its laid-back groove, romantic lyrics, and Robinson’s smooth, velvety vocals. “Cruisin'” evokes feelings of love, intimacy, and relaxation, making it a perfect choice for a romantic evening or a leisurely drive.
With its infectious melody and sensual vibe, “Cruisin'” quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts and earning widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. It remains one of Smokey Robinson’s most beloved songs, cherished for its timeless appeal and evocative atmosphere.
Over the years, “Cruisin'” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic in the world of R&B and soul music. Its smooth grooves and romantic lyrics continue to captivate listeners, making it a perennial favorite among fans of soulful ballads.
3. The Tears of a Clown
“The Tears of a Clown” is a soul and pop song written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby. It was performed by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles and released in 1967. The song is notable for its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, juxtaposed with its poignant lyrics about hiding one’s true emotions behind a facade of humor and laughter.
In “The Tears of a Clown,” the narrator sings about putting on a brave face and hiding their sadness behind a mask of smiles and laughter. Despite outward appearances, the narrator is secretly struggling with heartache and loneliness, using humor as a coping mechanism to conceal their pain.
The song’s infectious rhythm and soulful vocals, combined with its heartfelt lyrics, struck a chord with audiences and quickly became a hit for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. “The Tears of a Clown” topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, cementing its status as one of the group’s most iconic and enduring songs.
Over the years, “The Tears of a Clown” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. Its timeless appeal and universal message about the complexities of human emotions have made it a beloved classic in the realm of soul and pop music.
4. Ooo Baby Baby
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a classic soul song written by Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore. It was first recorded by The Miracles, with lead vocals by Robinson, in 1965. The song was released as a single from their album “Going to a Go-Go.”
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a tender ballad that expresses the pain and regret of lost love. The lyrics convey the narrator’s longing for a former lover and their desire to make amends for past mistakes. The repetition of the phrase “Ooo baby baby” adds to the emotional intensity of the song.
The Miracles’ recording of “Ooo Baby Baby” is characterized by its smooth vocal harmonies, soulful instrumentation, and Robinson’s heartfelt delivery. The song became one of their most beloved and enduring hits.
Over the years, “Ooo Baby Baby” has been covered by many artists in various genres, including Linda Ronstadt, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Five Stairsteps. It remains a classic of the Motown era and a testament to Smokey Robinson’s songwriting talent.
5. Being with You
“Being with You” is a soulful R&B song performed by Smokey Robinson. Released in 1981, it became one of Robinson’s most successful solo singles.
The song’s lyrics express the joy and contentment that come from being with a loved one. Robinson sings about the simple pleasures and deep emotional connection that being in a romantic relationship brings. The melody is smooth and mellow, perfectly complementing the tender sentiment of the lyrics.
“Being with You” was a commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reaching the top of the R&B chart as well. It also achieved success internationally, making it one of Smokey Robinson’s most beloved and enduring songs.
With its heartfelt lyrics, soulful vocals, and infectious melody, “Being with You” continues to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic in the realm of R&B and soul music.
6. I Second That Emotion
“I Second That Emotion” is a classic soul song written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland. It was first recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1967 and released as a single.
The song’s lyrics express the narrator’s agreement and support for their romantic partner’s emotions and feelings. The title is a play on words, as “I second that emotion” sounds similar to “I second that motion,” which is a phrase used in parliamentary procedure to express agreement with a proposed action.
“I Second That Emotion” features Robinson’s smooth vocals and The Miracles’ signature harmonies, along with a catchy melody and infectious rhythm. The song became one of their biggest hits, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Over the years, “I Second That Emotion” has been covered by various artists in different genres, including Diana Ross & The Supremes, Jerry Garcia Band, and Japan. It remains a classic of the Motown era and a beloved favorite among fans of soul music.
7. 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 and recorded by his group, The Miracles, in 1962. The song became one of The Miracles’ signature hits and has since been covered by numerous artists across various genres.
The lyrics of “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” convey the narrator’s feelings of being deeply in love and emotionally captivated by their partner. Despite any challenges or difficulties in the relationship, the narrator feels unable to break free from the hold that their partner has on them, expressing both vulnerability and affection.
With its memorable melody and heartfelt lyrics, “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” became a commercial success for The Miracles, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s soulful vocals and infectious groove, coupled with Robinson’s emotive delivery, contributed to its enduring popularity.
Over the years, “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beatles, who included a rendition of the song on their second album, “With the Beatles,” in 1963. The song’s timeless appeal and universal themes of love and longing continue to resonate with audiences, cementing its status as a classic in the realm of soul and R&B music.
8. Just to See Her
“Just to See Her” is a soulful ballad performed by Smokey Robinson. Released in 1987, the song became one of Robinson’s biggest solo hits, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
In “Just to See Her,” the narrator expresses his deep longing and desire to be reunited with a lost love. Despite the pain of separation, he is willing to endure any hardship just for the chance to see her again. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and emotional honesty, capturing the universal experience of yearning for a past love.
With its heartfelt lyrics, soulful melody, and Robinson’s smooth vocals, “Just to See Her” struck a chord with audiences and quickly became a commercial success. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned critical acclaim for its beauty and emotional depth.
“Just to See Her” remains one of Smokey Robinson’s most beloved songs, cherished by fans for its timeless appeal and poignant sentiment. Its enduring popularity has solidified its status as a classic in the realm of R&B and soul music.
9. More Love
“More Love” is a soul song written by Smokey Robinson and Marv Tarplin. It was first recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1967 and released as a single.
“More Love” expresses the narrator’s desire for deeper and stronger love with their romantic partner. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and devotion, with the narrator pledging to give more love and affection to their loved one.
The Miracles’ recording of “More Love” features Smokey Robinson’s smooth vocals and the group’s tight harmonies, accompanied by a lush musical arrangement. The song became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Over the years, “More Love” has been covered by various artists in different genres, including Paul McCartney, Bonnie Raitt, and Kim Carnes. It remains a classic of the Motown era and a beloved favorite among fans of soul music.
10. Shop Around
“Shop Around” is a classic rhythm and blues song by The Miracles, featuring Smokey Robinson on lead vocals. Released in 1960, it became the group’s first million-selling hit and established them as one of Motown’s premier acts.
The song’s lyrics offer advice from a wise older brother to his younger sibling about love and relationships. The narrator advises the younger brother to “shop around” before settling down, cautioning him against rushing into commitment without exploring his options.
With its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, “Shop Around” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B singles chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. The song’s blend of doo-wop harmonies, catchy hooks, and Robinson’s smooth vocals helped to define the signature Motown sound.
“Shop Around” remains one of The Miracles’ most enduring and beloved songs, revered for its catchy tune, clever lyrics, and timeless appeal. It has been covered by numerous artists and is widely regarded as a classic in the history of rhythm and blues 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.
