Smokey Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive who is known as one of the greatest figures in Motown history. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1940, Robinson started his music career as the lead singer and songwriter of the Miracles in the late 1950s.
Robinson’s smooth and soulful voice, combined with his gift for songwriting, made the Miracles one of the most successful and beloved groups of the Motown era. Some of their most famous hits include “Shop Around,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” and “Tears of a Clown.”
Robinson later embarked on a successful solo career, releasing several albums and earning numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Robinson has influenced countless other artists and genres, including R&B, soul, and pop. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, with a repertoire that includes love songs, ballads, and socially conscious lyrics.
Robinson continues to perform and record music to this day, and his legacy as a musical icon and trailblazer remains strong. His music has brought joy and comfort to millions of fans around the world, and his influence on the industry will be felt for generations to come.
1. “Just To See Her” by Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson's hit track "Just To See Her" captures the essence of his silky smooth vocal style, showcasing his ability to weave a romantic narrative with ease. The track earned him a Grammy in 1988 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, and it remains one of his most beloved songs today. With its lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, it's no wonder that this iconic tune continues to capture the hearts of listeners worldwide.
As Smokey Robinson's signature song, "Just To See Her" demonstrates his prowess in crafting emotionally resonant music that stands the test of time. Its understated elegance is further highlighted by its poignant portrayal of love as an all-consuming force capable of transcending distance and time. This classic tune is a testament to Smokey Robinson's enduring legacy as one of the most influential artists in modern American music.
One interesting fact about "Just To See Her" is that it was written by fellow Motown legend Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Despite being known for their work with contemporary acts like Janet Jackson, Jam and Lewis proved themselves more than capable of crafting timeless hits for legendary performers like Smokey Robinson.
Pro Tip: For an even more immersive listening experience, try pairing "Just To See Her" with some classic soul food dishes like macaroni and cheese or fried chicken – guaranteed to take your taste buds and musical journey to new heights!
Get ready to cruise down memory lane with Smokey Robinson's smooth vocals and groovy beats in 'Cruisin''.
2. ” Cruisin’ ” by Smokey Robinson
One of the most enduring love songs, the song that resonated with many hopeless romantics is the soulful ballad by Smokey Robinson. The second on the list uses soft and low-pitched crooning that invokes a warm feeling of intimacy perfectly complementing its lyrics.
"Cruisin'" by Smokey Robinson, released back in 1979, captures the essence of being in love and enjoying each other's company while driving around. The romantic classic features historical production from Leon Ware and soft instrumentation that sounds right at home during a leisurely drive.
What makes "Cruisin'" particularly stand out among Robinson's discography is the remarkable production that goes well with his silky smooth voice. Each note finds its way to stir emotions within listeners' hearts and draws them deep into the song's sentimentality.
It is worth noting that this iconic tune has been covered multiple times, most notably by Gwenyth Paltrow and Huey Lewis for the soundtrack of Duets (2000).
Listening to this phenomenal track feels like an intimate moment shared between two lovers who are lost in their own world, cruising endlessly as they bask in each other's affection – A picturesque reflection of true love.
Listening to 'Being With You' is like being wrapped in a warm, mellow hug – the kind of hug you never want to let go of, even if it does make people think you're weird.
3. “Being With You” by Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson's classic hit "Being With You" is a timeless love song that captures the essence of enduring romance. The soulful melody and sweet lyrics resonate with fans worldwide, making it one of his top songs of all time. Through this song, Robinson showcases his signature vocal style, delivering a heartfelt performance that transports listeners to the world of love and happiness. The impressive combination of heartfelt lyrics, simple instrumentation, and passionate vocals gives this song a timeless quality that ensures its relevance even years later. Dive into this soulful masterpiece and embrace the magic of being with your special someone forever.
Listening to 'The Agony And The Ecstasy' is like experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, except without the safety harness.
4. “The Agony And The Ecstasy” by Smokey Robinson
This iconic love song by Smokey Robinson, showcases his ability to evoke strong emotions through his soulful voice and poetic lyrics. The title itself captures the conflicting feelings of the highs and lows of romance. Robinson portrays the "agony" of heartbreak and uncertainty, while also highlighting the "ecstasy" of being in love. The track's smooth melody combined with powerful vocals make it an unforgettable addition to Robinson's repertoire.
What sets this track apart is how it showcases a different side of Robinson's writing style, one that is more introspective and emotional as compared to his upbeat tracks. The use of strings adds an ethereal touch, while the horns add a punch of drama to the arrangement. This combination makes for a captivating listening experience.
Interestingly, "The Agony And The Ecstasy" was not originally intended for Smokey Robinson but for Marvin Gaye who turned it down. Robinson then took it up and made it his own with much finesse.
Overall, this track is a testament to Smokey Robinson's versatility as a songwriter and performer who has gifted us with music that can make us feel every emotion under the sun.
Warning: listening to 'Baby Come Close' may cause spontaneous slow-dancing and excessive swooning.
5. “Baby Come Close” by Smokey Robinson
This Smokey Robinson song is a smooth ballad that is bound to melt hearts with its enchanting melody and soulful lyrics. The velvety voice of Smokey sings about his desire for someone special to come close to him, making listeners swoon. The song's arrangement and the use of orchestral strings and harmonies create a magical ambiance that transports listeners to another world.
Smokey's signature falsetto displays perfect control over his unique vocal range in this track. The lyrics are simple and romantic, giving a sense of longing, vulnerability, and sincerity as he pleads with his love interest to come closer. The production quality is outstandingly high, perfectly balancing the instruments to allow Smokey's voice to shine.
The memorable chorus adds an extra layer of emotion into the mix, complementing the verses' intensity. The song has been cited as one of Smokey's personal favorites during interviews over the years.
Interestingly, "Baby Come Close" didn't reach great commercial success on its initial release in 1973 but has gained popularity over time. It remains one of Smokey Robinson's most beloved works, earning him critical acclaim for his exceptional performance as both singer and songwriter.
Listening to 'Quiet Storm' is like getting lost in a romantic fog, except you don't need a flashlight to find your way out.
6. “Quiet Storm” by Smokey Robinson
This entrancing soul song by Smokey Robinson is titled after the radio format that shares its name, depicting an aura of after-dark tranquility and romance. The track became Robinson’s most durable hit and gradually became a classic within R&B lore. With Robinson's gentle falsetto on display, it drifts over smooth rhythms that alternate between steady pulsing beats and slow-paced riffs. The instrumental breakaway further enforces the storm-like vibe, adding movement to the hypnotic minimalism of the song. Unquestionably one of his highest achievements, "Quiet Storm" sets the charm bar high for future generations.
Pro Tip: Try listening when troubleshooting heartache or unwinding after a long day; this mellifluous tune is sure to soothe your soul and spirit.
I guess Smokey and Mary just couldn't resist each other's ‘round'ness in this sultry tune.
7. “I Want You ‘Round” by Smokey Robinson & Mary Wells
This classic musical piece features the combined vocal talents of Smokey Robinson and Mary Wells. Their harmonious union presents a seamless blend of soulfulness and romanticism that sends chills down our spines. "I Want You ‘Round" is a stunning love song that captures the longing for affection and companionship in its purest form. The infectious melody accompanied by stunning background instrumentation creates an auditory experience like no other.
As the two legends sing their hearts out, the lyrics perfectly capture the essence of relationships and all that they entail. From feeling incomplete without your lover beside you to never wanting them to leave, this timeless classic has it all.
Fun fact: The hit song was co-written by William "Mickey" Stevenson, one of Motown’s most prolific producers and songwriters.
Listening to 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow?' by Smokey Robinson is like being hit with cupid's arrow, but instead of love, it's a sweet melody that pierces your soul.
8. “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” by Smokey Robinson
This timeless classic, originally recorded by The Shirelles and covered by countless artists, received a beautiful rendition from the legendary Smokey Robinson. With his impeccable falsetto and emotive delivery, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” showcases Robinson's ability to infuse soul into any song he touches. The bittersweet lyrics about the uncertainty of love combined with the melodic composition make this track one of the best in Robinson’s discography. Its cultural significance stems from being one of the earliest girl-group hits written and produced by two women – Carole King and Gerry Goffin – that touched upon subjects beyond surface-level love songs.
The captivating arrangement enriched with strings and percussion complements Smokey Robinson's vocals as he croons about seeking assurance of a promising future with his lover. The melancholic piano intro sets up an intimate atmosphere that continues throughout the entire track. The emotional purity behind every chord progression peaks during the chorus where Robinson implores to his partner "Will you still love me tomorrow?" This single embodies all that made Motown music so successful, with its catchy hooks and captivating melodies exuding pure class.
A lesser-known fact is that Robinson had already released six Top 40 Hits before branching out on his own solo career. This track was part of his debut album titled “Smokey” released in 1973. It went on to reach number 14 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, further cementing Robinson’s position as one of the most celebrated songwriters/musician/producers in American music history.
Listening to “Daylight & Darkness” by Smokey Robinson is like taking a soulful journey through the highs and lows of love, with each note hitting you right in the feels.
9. “Daylight & Darkness” by Smokey Robinson
This timeless classic from Smokey Robinson brings a beautiful contrast between light and darkness through his soulful lyrics. The song "Daylight & Darkness" showcases Robinson’s incredible range and vocal abilities, leaving listeners with an undeniable emotional connection.
The intricate instrumentation, including the use of strings and horns, perfectly complement the artist's words to create a cinematic experience that takes us on a journey through different moods and emotions.
One of the strongest aspects of this track is the impeccable attention paid to the melody by Smokey Robinson, which makes it easy to feel the heart behind every word. The song reflects on how love can transition from being bright like daylight to dark like darkness in a matter of moments while expressing faith in its eventual triumph over all obstacles.
It’s interesting to note that "Daylight & Darkness" was not initially released as a single but instead included on Robinson’s 1973 album 'Smokey'. It remains lesser-known than some of his more well-known hits despite its incredible poetic flair, which speaks volumes about the depth and breadth of his musical catalog.
Overall, this track serves as a reminder of Robinson's brilliance at painting intricate stories with his music while still keeping things simple enough for everyone to enjoy. Listening to 'One Heartbeat' is like taking a romantic stroll down memory lane, with Smokey Robinson holding your hand and singing in your ear…just try not to let anyone see you swooning in public.
10. “One Heartbeat” by Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson's enchanting "One Heartbeat" track embodies his signature soulfulness with a modern flair. Released in 1987, the song's production was ahead of its time, and Robinson's silky vocals combined with the catchy rhythm complemented one another perfectly. The song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of his most successful hits.
This track is famous for its empowering message of togetherness and love, which resonates with listeners even today. Smokey Robinson's lyrics are a poignant reminder that we're all looking for one heart beating in unison. Moreover, this song established the iconic artist as a relevant musician in contemporary times.
Smokey Robinson's "One Heartbeat" is not just any other hit; it represents an important chapter in the history of Motown music. With its innovative production style and timeless message, "One Heartbeat" has touched millions of hearts worldwide. If you haven't heard this classic masterpiece yet, you don't want to miss out on experiencing legendary Smokey Robinson's raw talent and passion!
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.
