Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who became a prominent figure in the Motown sound and is considered one of the greatest songwriters in popular music history.
Robinson’s silky-smooth tenor voice, melodic sensibility, and introspective lyrics have made him a beloved and influential artist. As the lead vocalist of The Miracles, he delivered numerous chart-topping hits, including “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Shop Around,” and “Tears of a Clown.” His emotive performances and rich vocal tone captivated audiences, establishing him as one of the most distinctive voices of the era.
Beyond his success as a performer, Robinson’s songwriting talents have had an immense impact on the music industry. He penned hits not only for The Miracles but also for other Motown artists, including “My Guy” for Mary Wells and “My Girl” for The Temptations. His ability to craft soulful and poetic songs that connected with listeners on an emotional level set him apart as a master songwriter.
Throughout his career, Robinson’s music has showcased his versatility, encompassing elements of R&B, soul, pop, and even doo-wop. His ability to blend different genres while maintaining a consistent sound has made his music timeless.
Robinson’s influence extends far beyond his own recordings. His work has inspired countless artists, and his songs have been covered by a wide range of musicians from various genres. His contributions to popular music were recognized with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as both a member of The Miracles and as a solo artist.
Smokey Robinson’s impact on popular music is immeasurable. His smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and masterful songwriting continue to resonate with audiences today. He remains a respected figure and an enduring symbol of the Motown era, leaving an extraordinary legacy that has left an indelible mark on the music world.
1. Tracks Of My Tears
Robinson's iconic songwriting skills are exemplified in the timeless classic, telling the story of one's hidden sadness and grief behind a smiling facade. 'Tracks Of My Tears' paints the picture of a man who hides his tears from everyone, and sees that he has been fooling himself for too long. The melancholic melody and Robinson's soulful voice make this an unforgettable tune that has stood the test of time.
Continuing with this theme, Robinson explores what it means to put up appearances in love with 'The Way You Do The Things You Do.' His soothing vocals accompanied by the Temptations beautifully depict the idea of how much someone can hurt without showing it. A true testament to Robinson's incredible talent as both a songwriting genius and performer.
One lesser-known but equally beautiful song is 'Ooo Baby Baby,' where Smokey laments over lost love. With its gentle swaying rhythm, it shows Robinson's ability to balance heartbreak with hope, all while delivering with emotion that puts him at the pinnacle of Motown greats.
As one of Motown's finest singers/songwriters in history, Robinson created countless hits that spoke right to people's souls. These Best 10 songs are definitely a testament to his greatness.
There is a story about how 'Tears Of A Clown' suddenly broke into success on British charts years after its release due to becoming commercial jingle material for Coco Pops Cereal advertisement in early seventies UK TV campaigns. This helped bring Smokey back into wider recognition again amongst younger audiences who fell in love with his legendary voice once more.
Get your tissues ready, because Smokey Robinson's 'The Tears of a Clown' is the ultimate emotional rollercoaster.
2. The Tears of a Clown
A classic song from the legendary Smokey Robinson's catalog is a track filled with sorrow, hidden behind witty lyrics and an upbeat melody. This tune showcases "the Tears of a Clown" as nothing more than just another mask worn to hide deep emotional pain. The track captures how individuals can use humor to conceal their true feelings and past traumas. The song delivers its powerful message through poetic lyrics and catchy rhythm that makes it easy to dance but hard to forget.
The Tears of a Clown marked Smokey Robinson's shift towards confessional songs, exploring the complexities of emotions, and revealing deeper layers of his personality as a performer. The track was born out of personal struggles experienced by Smokey Robinson during his early years in the music industry. It provided him with an outlet for expressing the hurt and sadness felt behind the bright facade that he had adopted to protect himself from external pressure.
The unique feature of this song is how it blends contrasting elements such as joy, melancholy, humor, and despair into a seamless whole that resonated well with audiences worldwide. This song became one of Smokey Robinson's biggest international hits due not only to its catchy melody but also its timeless message; That individuals can be struggling internally while still putting on barriers in public life.
Interestingly enough, many listeners initially interpreted the Tear of a Clown as merely being playful without ever grasping the dark themes concealed beneath the surface. Many were surprised by how candidly Smokey admitted what led him down to this path in multiple interviews over time.
It is amazing how much depth this seemingly simple song contains, which speaks volumes about Smokey Robinson's artistic genius adequately. As we continue enjoying this timeless classic across generations, let us remember that beyond every smile lies numerous unspoken pains, where sometimes rest our own tears hidden under our painted faces. Smokey Robinson knows how to hold onto our hearts with \'You\'ve Really Got A Hold On Me\' and apparently, our emotions aren't the only things he's got a tight grip on.
3. You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me
The track that comes in at number three of our top 10 list is a soulful gem titled 'Your irresistible pull on me'. Released in 1962, this tune showcases Smokey Robinson's ability to convey heart-wrenching emotions through his smooth vocals and intricate instrumentation.
The song's lyrics are a testament to the power of love, describing how it can be all-consuming and overwhelming. It's no wonder that this track has been covered by countless artists over the years, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
In addition to the song's emotional depth, 'Your irresistible pull on me' also features some of Smokey Robinson's signature musical flourishes. The use of sweeping strings and soaring harmonies create an atmosphere that is both grandiose and intimate, drawing listeners in with each passing verse. It's clear why this track has remained a beloved favorite among fans for so many decades.
What sets this song apart from others on our list is its unique structure – rather than following a typical verse-chorus-verse progression, 'Your irresistible pull on me' takes listeners on a journey through various melodies and segments before seamlessly transitioning back into its main hook. This level of creative experimentation was not common at the time of its release, making it all the more impressive.
Fun fact: In 2009, Rolling Stone magazine ranked 'Your irresistible pull on me' at #99 on their list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Smokey's voice in this song is smoother than a baby's bottom, making it the perfect soundtrack for a romantic evening…or a diaper commercial.
4. Ooo Baby Baby
This classic tune is one of Smokey Robinson's biggest hits of all time. Its title, "Ooo Baby Baby," captures the essence of this soulful masterpiece. The song showcases Robinson's vocal range and the Motown sound. It has been covered numerous times, but none compare to Robinson's original recording.
The lyrics describe a man who is sorry for mistreating his lover and vows to do better in their relationship. The smooth melody and heartfelt delivery make it an emotional ballad that pulls at the heartstrings.
"Ooo Baby Baby" reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965 and has become a staple in R&B music ever since. It was even inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004, solidifying its timeless appeal.
Legend has it that Robinson wrote this song while lying in bed with his wife, Claudette Rogers, who was also a member of his group, The Miracles. As he strummed his guitar and sang the lyrics to her, she fell asleep, and he finished writing it on his own. Whatever its origin story may be, "Ooo Baby Baby" remains one of Smokey Robinson's most beloved songs today.
Listening to "I Second That Emotion" is like watching two indecisive people trying to make a decision, but with a groovy beat.
5. I Second That Emotion
This classic tune, first released in 1967 by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, is a timeless declaration of love. The emotive lyrics express a deep desire to align with one's romantic partner and ensure their happiness. I Second That Emotion is underlined with soulful harmonies coupled with playful, upbeat instrumentals that make it difficult to sit still while listening. Its infectious melody has made it clear why this hit was so popular on both sides of the Atlantic, ranking as one of Robinson's ultimate stand-out hits.
The song has since been covered by numerous artists over the years, from Jerry Garcia Band to Diana Ross & The Supremes. It remains one of the most beloved tracks in Robinson's discography and stands as a testament to his songwriting and performing prowess.
It's worth noting that although "emotion" is used playfully throughout the song; its wordplay hides a deeper cryptic meaning. In an interview with SongFacts, Robinson reveals that he used "emotion" as a code word for money! He believed it would protect him from people looking to profit off his success in music. This bit of trivia adds another layer to the track’s legacy making it even more charming and unique. Even Mickey Mouse himself can't resist dancing to this groovy monkey tune by Smokey Robinson.
6. Mickey’s Monkey
This track is about a dance called "Mickey's Monkey". Its groovy beats will get you moving and shaking. Smokey Robinson creates an immersive experience with his smooth vocal delivery and the band's tight musicianship.
The track is one of the most popular songs in Smokey Robinson's vast discography, enjoyed by both old-school and new-age listeners alike. The catchy lyrics, upbeat rhythm, and signature horn section in this song make it a timeless classic that stands out from Robinson's other works. With its infectious energy, "Mickey's Monkey" remains a beloved party anthem that can get any crowd up and dancing.
This evergreen track was highly influential in its time, inspiring many artists to create similar music. Although it was released decades ago, this song still finds its way to modern-day playlists across all genres.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for an energetic playlist for your next party or gathering, don't forget to add "Mickey's Monkey" to the mix. Its infectious beat will keep your guests on their feet all night long!
Don't just go to a go-go, sashay to Smokey's tunes and boogie like it's 1965.
7. Going To A Go-Go
This entry on Smokey Robinson's top hits features "Going To A Go-Go," a popular number from his days with The Miracles. Infused with funk, soul and rock elements, this 1965 jam celebrates the carefree spirit of clubbing and grooving to live music. It has since become a staple of Motown lore, featured in countless soundtracks and covers. Its upbeat lyrics and syncopated rhythm have cemented it as one of Smokey's most iconic songs, cherished by fans worldwide.
Shop around for the best Smokey Robinson songs, but be warned, you might end up buying all of them.
8. Shop Around
Exploring one of the tracks included on the list of the ‘10 Best Smokey Robinson Songs of All Time’, we discuss a fan favorite, ‘The Shopping Habit’. Here are five key points to know about this iconic track:
- Released in 1960, Shop Around was the first major hit for Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.
- With its catchy hook and energetic arrangement, Shop Around became an instant success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The song's message about finding love with sincerity and care resonated with audiences across racial and cultural lines.
- Shop Around has been covered by various artists throughout the years, including Captain & Tenille and The Captain Planet theme song.
- This classic Motown gem continues to be a staple at weddings and dance parties to this day.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that Smokey's trademark falsetto vocals and expert songwriting were on full display in this unforgettable hit.
Pro Tip: Listen to Shop Around with headphones to fully appreciate the intricate vocal harmonies and instrumental arrangements.
If you thought Smokey Robinson's love songs couldn't get any sweeter, just wait until you hear More Love – prepare for an insulin shot.
9. More Love
Robinson's deep and emotive lyrics shine through in one of his most romantic ballads, 'More Love'. The track showcases Robinson's ability to craft a love song that transcends time, with soaring vocals and rich instrumentation. The accompanying music video is a simple yet elegant presentation of the song, featuring Robinson singing directly to the camera.
The timeless message of 'More Love' continues to resonate with audiences today, as it did upon its initial release in 1980. This emotional masterpiece holds a special place in Robinson's discography and highlights his versatility as an artist.
While many of Robinson's hits are uptempo and danceable, 'More Love' offers listeners a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of true love. The track has been covered by multiple artists throughout the years, cementing its status as one of Robinson's most memorable songs.
Incorporating 'More Love' into any playlist or romantic occasion is a surefire way to enhance the mood and evoke powerful emotions. Don't miss out on experiencing this timeless classic from one of R&B's greatest legends.
"Don't cry baby, but if this song doesn't make you feel like slow dancing in a smoky bar with a glass of whiskey in hand, you might be a robot."
10. Baby, Baby Don’t Cry
This soulful classic by Smokey Robinson, featuring the Miracles, is one of his best pieces of work. 'Baby, Baby Don’t Cry' captures the emotions of love and heartbreak in a way only Smokey can. The track's smooth guitar riffs and infectious beat complement Robinson's heartfelt lyrics and memorable harmonies.
Robinson described this song as his attempt to communicate with young people about their first love experiences. 'Baby, Baby Don’t Cry' was released in 1969 and became an instant hit, reaching number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become one of Smokey Robinson's signature songs and is still loved by fans worldwide.
Interestingly, at the beginning of the recording session for this song, members of The Miracles were teasing each other with fake crying sounds, which inspired the title phrase for this track. This small piece of trivia highlights how creativity can come from even the simplest things.
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.
