Few voices in music history have shimmered with as much soul, grace, and poetic brilliance as Smokey Robinson’s. A cornerstone of the Motown sound and the heart behind The Miracles, Smokey didn’t just sing love songs—he sculpted them with velvet vocals and lyrics that cut deep into the human experience. From the early 1960s to his solo triumphs in the ’80s, his music has provided the soundtrack to heartbreaks, make-ups, and slow dances across generations. Whether he was crafting timeless ballads or upbeat grooves, Smokey had a rare gift: making every listener feel like the song was written just for them.
In this countdown of the top 10 most popular Smokey Robinson songs of all time, we celebrate the tracks that defined his legacy. These aren’t just hits—they’re emotional landmarks, each carrying the unmistakable touch of a master songwriter and soul pioneer. From tear-streaked melodies to smooth serenades, each song on this list showcases why Smokey remains one of the most beloved and influential artists in music history.
Ready to fall in love with the magic all over again? Let’s dive into the songs that made Smokey Robinson a legend—one unforgettable track at a time.
1. “The Tracks of My Tears” (1965)
Smokey Robinson’s “The Tracks of My Tears” is often hailed as one of the greatest soul ballads ever recorded—and for good reason. Released in 1965 with The Miracles, the song showcases Robinson’s gift for pairing heart-wrenching lyrics with lush melodies. At its core, it’s a story of emotional concealment: a man smiling on the outside while quietly breaking apart inside. Smokey’s falsetto floats above the melancholic melody with a sense of tender desperation that feels deeply personal. The opening guitar riff, subtle but unforgettable, sets the tone for a track that’s as emotionally rich as it is musically graceful. Unlike many heartbreak songs, “The Tracks of My Tears” doesn’t shout its sorrow—it whispers it, drawing the listener in with subtlety and nuance. It captures the universal human tendency to hide pain behind a smile, making it timelessly relatable. This song didn’t just solidify Robinson as Motown’s resident poet—it confirmed his place as one of the most emotionally articulate songwriters in American music. Decades later, it still resonates just as powerfully, proof that sometimes the quietest songs say the most.
2. “The Tears of a Clown” (1967)
“The Tears of a Clown” is one of Smokey Robinson’s most ingenious recordings, blending theatrical flair with raw emotional truth. Though it first appeared in 1967 on Make It Happen, it wasn’t released as a single until 1970—when it soared to No. 1. The song is a fascinating collaboration between Smokey and Stevie Wonder, with Wonder contributing the carnival-like instrumental backdrop that perfectly complements the lyrical theme. On the surface, the melody feels upbeat and even whimsical, with its bright horns and bouncing rhythm. But listen closely, and you’ll uncover a story of a man hiding behind a facade of joy, much like the classic image of a sad clown. Smokey’s vocal delivery is both charming and haunted, giving weight to lyrics that explore loneliness, vulnerability, and the fear of emotional exposure. The contrast between sound and subject matter makes the song both catchy and thought-provoking. It’s a masterclass in musical irony—an infectious pop tune that carries the weight of quiet despair. With “The Tears of a Clown,” Robinson didn’t just craft a hit; he created a song that plays with expectations while cutting to the heart of what it means to wear a brave face in the face of heartbreak.
3. “Cruisin'” (1979)
Released in 1979, “Cruisin’” marked a new chapter in Smokey Robinson’s solo career—one that leaned into sensuality and subtlety with extraordinary effect. The song is all about atmosphere: a slow-burning groove, tender vocals, and a dreamy arrangement that feels like a warm breeze on a summer night. Unlike the densely orchestrated Motown hits of his past, “Cruisin’” thrives on space and simplicity. Its relaxed tempo and hushed tone allow every lyric to land with intimacy, turning a simple drive into a metaphor for romantic escape. Smokey’s falsetto is front and center, wrapping around lines like “I love it when we’re cruisin’ together” with a gentle caress that’s equal parts seductive and sweet. The song invites listeners not just to hear it—but to feel it. Over time, “Cruisin’” has become a staple of quiet storm radio and has been covered by numerous artists, a testament to its lasting appeal. It’s a shining example of how Smokey evolved with the times while staying true to his emotive core. With “Cruisin’,” he didn’t just follow trends—he created a vibe that’s as timeless as the feeling of love itself.
4. “Being with You” (1981)
With “Being with You,” released in 1981, Smokey Robinson crafted one of his most enduring solo hits—a song that bridges the gap between Motown soul and early-’80s pop with grace and warmth. Built around a smooth, mid-tempo groove and an irresistibly romantic hook, the track centers on a simple but powerful message: love matters more than public approval or material success. “I don’t care about anything else but being with you,” Smokey croons, his voice tender and earnest. The lyrics are direct, yet they carry a poetic sincerity that elevates the song above typical love ballads. Musically, it’s polished and radio-friendly, with soft synths, steady rhythms, and just the right touch of backing harmonies. The song’s gentle optimism made it an international smash, climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 1 in the UK. What makes “Being with You” truly special is how effortless it feels—like a conversation set to music. It’s not just a love song; it’s a quiet declaration of devotion that resonates across generations. Smokey proved once again that honest emotion, when delivered with heart, never goes out of style.
5. “Ooo Baby Baby” (1965)
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a masterclass in emotional vulnerability, and one of the most achingly beautiful ballads to come out of the Motown era. Released in 1965, it captures Smokey Robinson & The Miracles at their most tender. Co-written by Smokey and fellow Miracle Pete Moore, the song is an intimate apology—full of regret, longing, and whispered hope for forgiveness. The arrangement is minimalist and elegant, allowing the emotion to shine. Smokey’s falsetto is heartbreak incarnate, floating above soft harmonies that underscore every sigh and plea. The repetition of the phrase “I’m just about at the end of my rope” feels like a soul laid bare. Unlike many songs that build to a dramatic climax, “Ooo Baby Baby” opts for a quiet, steady ache that never quite resolves—making it all the more poignant. Its influence is profound, inspiring countless covers, from Linda Ronstadt to Ella Fitzgerald, but none quite match the raw fragility of the original. In just a few minutes, the song captures the delicate line between love lost and hope rekindled. It’s not just a ballad—it’s a moment of pure, poetic pain frozen in time.
6. “I Second That Emotion” (1967)
Clever, catchy, and endlessly charming, “I Second That Emotion” stands as one of Smokey Robinson’s most beloved and inventive hits. Released in 1967, the song was born out of a spontaneous verbal slip—a friend saying “I second that emotion” instead of “motion”—but that quirky moment inspired one of Motown’s most memorable singles. The lyrics playfully explore the push-pull of romance, where Smokey declares that if love isn’t real and mutual, he’d rather walk away. The bouncy beat, infectious chorus, and polished Motown production make it an instant toe-tapper, while Smokey’s smooth vocals infuse it with suave confidence. Harmonies from The Miracles elevate the track’s sweetness, and the melody is so tightly constructed that it’s impossible not to sing along. Despite its lighthearted delivery, there’s emotional intelligence beneath the surface—a call for genuine connection over fleeting infatuation. The song became a crossover hit and solidified Smokey’s knack for turning everyday language into lasting music. Decades later, it remains a staple of oldies playlists and a reminder of how wit and wisdom can go hand in hand when wrapped in a perfect pop package.
7. “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” (1962)
“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” is one of the earliest—and most enduring—examples of Smokey Robinson’s songwriting genius. Released in 1962, this track helped put The Miracles and Motown on the map, thanks to its heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melody. The song explores the emotional tug-of-war of loving someone who might not be good for you, a theme as timeless as love itself. With its bluesy intro and aching chorus, it captures the feeling of being trapped by affection—wanting to let go but unable to walk away. Smokey’s performance is rich with tension, his voice swinging between vulnerability and intensity. The backup vocals echo his inner turmoil, adding to the sense of emotional conflict. It resonated so deeply that The Beatles covered it just a year later, giving the song an international boost. But no version compares to the raw authenticity of the original. It’s a song that helped define early soul music—equal parts sweet and sad, tender and tormented. With “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” Smokey proved that sometimes, the most complicated feelings make for the most powerful songs.
8. “Baby Baby Don’t Cry” (1968)
Released in 1968, “Baby Baby Don’t Cry” is one of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ most emotionally comforting tracks—a tender blend of reassurance and soul. Co-written by Robinson, Al Cleveland, and Terry Johnson, the song gently urges a loved one to persevere through heartache. Smokey’s vocals are soft and soothing, wrapping each word in empathy as he assures the listener that pain is temporary and brighter days are ahead. The arrangement is rich but never overwhelming, with strings, harmonies, and a slow groove that give the track a cinematic quality. It’s a quiet anthem of support, reminding us that sometimes, the simplest gestures—like telling someone not to cry—carry the most weight. “Baby Baby Don’t Cry” was a Top 10 hit, proving that emotional subtlety could resonate just as strongly as dramatic flair. In a time of social upheaval and personal uncertainty, the song stood out as a gentle balm. Its message remains timeless: love doesn’t always need grand gestures—sometimes, it just needs presence and patience. It’s a shining example of Smokey’s ability to turn compassion into song.
9. “Shop Around” (1960)
“Shop Around” wasn’t just a hit—it was a watershed moment for Motown Records. Released in 1960, it became the label’s first million-seller and firmly established Smokey Robinson & The Miracles as hitmakers. The song offers a mother’s advice to her son: don’t rush into love—shop around first. But what could have been a novelty tune becomes something much deeper thanks to Smokey’s clever lyrics and expressive delivery. The groove is bouncy and irresistible, blending doo-wop, R&B, and early soul into a formula that would become the Motown signature. Smokey’s vocals alternate between playful and earnest, giving the track emotional range beyond its light-hearted concept. The rhythm section is tight, the harmonies are sharp, and the entire production is crisp and infectious. “Shop Around” wasn’t just popular—it was influential, proving that soul music could be commercially viable without sacrificing substance. It laid the groundwork for Motown’s golden era and introduced the world to the lyrical and vocal brilliance of Smokey Robinson. More than six decades later, it’s still an anthem of romantic caution, wrapped in a melody that’s impossible to forget.
10. “Just to See Her” (1987)
By the late 1980s, many of Smokey Robinson’s Motown peers had faded from the pop charts—but “Just to See Her” proved that Smokey was still very much a force to be reckoned with. Released in 1987, the song is a mature, heartfelt ballad that captures the quiet ache of love that endures beyond time and distance. Built on a smooth, contemporary R&B arrangement with gentle synths and subtle guitar lines, it feels rooted in the ’80s while retaining the soulful essence of Smokey’s earlier work. His voice—slightly deeper and more weathered—delivers the lyrics with a tender honesty that only adds to their impact. It’s not about fiery passion or heartbreak—it’s about longing, hope, and the simple, powerful desire to reconnect with someone from the past. The song earned Smokey his first Grammy Award, and its success affirmed that his artistry had only deepened with age. “Just to See Her” is a beautiful reminder that love, in all its forms—past, present, and imagined—is worth singing about. It’s the sound of a legend embracing evolution without losing what made him great in the first place.
Samuel Moore 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.
