Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr., is a legendary American singer-songwriter and record producer who has made an indelible mark on the music industry. As a founding member of the Motown group, The Miracles, Robinson helped to shape the sound of R&B and soul music in the 1960s and 70s. With his silky smooth vocals, poetic lyrics, and charismatic stage presence, Robinson has become one of the most beloved figures in popular music.
Throughout his career, Robinson has released a plethora of hit songs, both as a solo artist and as part of The Miracles. His music has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world, and his influence on popular music continues to this day.
In this article, we will be counting down the 10 best Smokey Robinson songs of all time. From his early hits with The Miracles to his solo work in the 80s and 90s, we will explore the songs that have made Robinson a true icon of popular music. We’ll take a look at the stories behind these songs, the impact they’ve had on the music world, and what makes them so special to fans. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Smokey Robinson’s music, this list is sure to have something for everyone.
1. The Tears of a Clown
“The Tears of a Clown” is a classic Motown song written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby, and performed by Robinson and his group, The Miracles. The song was released in 1970 and became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in both the US and the UK. The upbeat melody and catchy lyrics, combined with Robinson’s soulful vocals, make for an irresistible combination. Despite its cheerful sound, the song’s lyrics tell a story of heartbreak and loneliness, as Robinson sings about a man who puts on a happy face to hide his true feelings. “The Tears of a Clown” remains one of Robinson’s most beloved and enduring hits, and continues to be a favorite of Motown fans around the world.
2. Tracks Of My Tears
“Tracks of My Tears” is a soulful ballad written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin, and performed by Robinson and his group, The Miracles. Released in 1965, the song is considered one of Robinson’s greatest hits and has become a timeless classic of the Motown era. The song’s lyrics speak of a man who puts on a brave face in public, but secretly cries himself to sleep at night over a lost love. Robinson’s smooth, emotive vocals perfectly capture the song’s melancholy mood, while the lush orchestration and soaring harmonies add to its emotional impact. “Tracks of My Tears” has been covered by countless artists over the years, but none have quite captured the magic of the original version.
3. You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me
“You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” is a classic Motown song written by Smokey Robinson and performed by Robinson and his group, The Miracles. Released in 1962, the song is a mid-tempo ballad that showcases Robinson’s soulful vocals and the group’s tight harmonies. The song’s lyrics describe the hold that a woman has on the singer, despite his efforts to resist her charms. The song’s simple but effective melody, combined with Robinson’s heartfelt delivery, make it an unforgettable classic of the Motown era. “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Beatles, who included a version on their second album, “With The Beatles”.
4. Ooo Baby Baby
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a soulful ballad written by Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore and performed by Robinson and his group, The Miracles. Released in 1965, the song is a tender, heartfelt ode to lost love. Robinson’s soulful vocals, backed by the group’s soaring harmonies, perfectly capture the song’s emotional power. The song’s lyrics describe a man who has lost the love of his life and can’t seem to get her out of his head. The melody is simple but effective, with a haunting quality that lingers in the listener’s mind long after the song has ended. “Ooo Baby Baby” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but the original version remains a beloved classic of the Motown era.
5. I Second That Emotion
“I Second That Emotion” is a classic Motown song written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland, and performed by Robinson and his group, The Miracles. Released in 1967, the song is an upbeat, catchy tune that showcases Robinson’s smooth vocals and the group’s tight harmonies. The song’s title is a clever play on words, with Robinson singing about seconding his lover’s emotions rather than a motion. The melody is simple but infectious, with a groovy bassline and a catchy chorus that’s hard to resist. “I Second That Emotion” was a hit when it was released and has remained a beloved classic of the Motown era ever since. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but the original version by The Miracles remains the definitive version.
6. Mickey’s Monkey
“Mickey’s Monkey” is an upbeat R&B song written by Holland-Dozier-Holland and performed by The Miracles, with Smokey Robinson on lead vocals. Released in 1963, the song is a fun, danceable tune that showcases the group’s playful energy and Robinson’s charismatic vocals. The song’s lyrics describe a dance craze called the “Mickey’s Monkey” and encourage listeners to get up and join in the fun. The song’s catchy melody, with its prominent horn section and infectious beat, makes it a perfect party song that’s impossible not to move to. “Mickey’s Monkey” was a hit when it was released and has remained a beloved classic of the Motown era ever since. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but The Miracles’ original version remains the definitive version.
7. Going To A Go-Go
“Going to a Go-Go” is a classic Motown song written by Smokey Robinson, Bobby Rogers, Warren Moore, and Marv Tarplin, and performed by Robinson and his group, The Miracles. Released in 1965, the song is an upbeat, danceable tune that’s perfect for a night out on the town. The song’s lyrics describe the excitement of going to a dance party and all the fun that comes with it. The melody is infectious, with a driving beat and catchy chorus that make it impossible not to dance along. Robinson’s soulful vocals, backed by the group’s tight harmonies, add to the song’s irresistible charm. “Going to a Go-Go” was a hit when it was released and has remained a beloved classic of the Motown era ever since. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but the original version by The Miracles remains the definitive version.
8. Shop Around
“Shop Around” is a classic Motown song written by Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy, and performed by Robinson and his group, The Miracles. Released in 1960, the song was the first million-selling record for Motown and helped establish the label’s sound and success. The song’s lyrics give advice to young men on how to find a good woman, advising them to “shop around” before settling down. The melody is catchy and upbeat, with a memorable guitar riff and Robinson’s smooth vocals adding to its charm. “Shop Around” was a groundbreaking hit when it was released, and its influence can be heard in countless Motown and R&B songs that followed. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but The Miracles’ original version remains a beloved classic of the Motown era.
9. More Love
“More Love” is a soulful ballad written and performed by Smokey Robinson and his group, The Miracles. Released in 1967, the song is a tender, heartfelt ode to the power of love. Robinson’s smooth, emotive vocals are backed by the group’s lush harmonies and a hauntingly beautiful string arrangement. The song’s lyrics express a desire for more love and affection in the world, and a wish for everyone to experience the joy and comfort that love can bring. The melody is simple but powerful, with a timeless quality that has made it a beloved classic of the Motown era. “More Love” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Robinson’s original version remains the definitive and most heartfelt rendition.
10. Baby, Baby Don’t Cry
“Baby, Baby Don’t Cry” is a soulful ballad written and performed by Smokey Robinson and his group, The Miracles. Released in 1968, the song is a heartfelt plea to a lover not to give up on their relationship. Robinson’s smooth, emotive vocals are backed by the group’s lush harmonies and a soaring string arrangement. The song’s lyrics express a deep desire to salvage a failing relationship, with Robinson singing about the pain of losing the one you love. The melody is simple but effective, with a haunting quality that perfectly captures the song’s emotional power. “Baby, Baby Don’t Cry” has remained a beloved classic of the Motown era, with its timeless message of love and heartbreak continuing to resonate with listeners to this day.
