Smokey Robinson Albums Ranked
William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson was the founder and frontman of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. Robinson led the group from its 1955 origins as “the Five Chimes” until 1972, when he announced a retirement from the group to focus on his role as Motown’s vice president. However, Robinson returned to the music industry as a solo artist the following year. Following the sale of Motown Records in 1988, Robinson left the company in 1990. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and was awarded the 2016 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his lifetime contributions to popular music. Here are all of Smokey Robinson albums ranked.
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10. Smokey (1973)
“”Smokey” is the iconic legendary singer/songwriter at his best in a unique “Quiet Storm” classic seemingly that slipped through the cracks going unnoticed except by hard-core fans, finally released to Compact Disc many will be thankful who wore out old vinyl copies, truly the music industry once again should be ashamed letting this one get away without deserved acclaim! Top-flight production produced by Smokey & Willie Hutch is a keeper to be enjoyed over and over”
9. Special Occasion (1968)
“These albums would all hit Top 10 and a couple made it to the summit. Smokey Robinson and The Miracles were the apt title “Special Occasion”. It featured no less than 3 Top 10 R&B and pop smashes. Side One was flawless from song to song dripping with romance as they had come to signify. The hot “If You Can Want” was the most successful chart-wise (#3), but there was also the clever title cut and two iconic B sides. “Give Her Up” the flip side of the title cut made for a double-sided hit therefore was really the most successful single. Again it was gorgeous musically and told one of those captivating Smokey Robinson romantic sonnets.”
8. Warm Thoughts (1980)
“”Warm Thoughts” is one of Smokey Robinson’s best records. One of his best ever. And when you are dealing with, unquestionably, one of the greatest artists in music history, it’s astonishing that a work of this beauty has long been neglected. I consider the inability of Motown/Tamla (or whoever owns the rights to “Warm Thoughts”) as one of the great failures in the music industry.”
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7. The Fabulous Miracles (1963)
“Great music from the beginnings of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, it can be a little dated but still very good, they were ahead of their times with very beautiful music.”
6. I’ll Try Something New (1962)
“This album is unique for several reasons. First of all , it is one of only TWO original Miracles albums in the group’s long history to feature THE COMPLETE,ORIGINAL, SIX MEMBER GROUP LINE-UP on it’s cover:1st tenor/lead singer BILL “SMOKEY” ROBINSON,2nd tenor BOBBY ROGERS, his cousin and Smokey’s ex-wife CLAUDETTE ROGERS-ROBINSON, bass singer and group vocal arranger WARREN “PETE” MOORE ,guitarist MARV TARPLIN, and baritone RONNIE WHITE.”
5. Away We A Go-Go (1966)
“Motown at it’s most debonair and sexy. Robinson works his sweeping soul falsetto over unbelievably sad ballads, including “Tracks of My Tears” and “Ooh Baby Baby,” as the Miracles sob along.”
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4. Hi… We’re The Miracles (1961)
“This was pretty much the way rhythm & blues,soul and pop music in general was being presented at the time. Three minute songs that could get on the radio. Yet in the meantime the long playing album medium allowed for these sides to be compiled into full length presentations that could potentially take on a conceptual life of their own one day. As the group that helped form this iconic label? This was the Miracles first full length album. And in retrospect says a lot more than perhaps it intended to.”
3. A Quiet Storm (1975)
“This is a very old album – actually had the original vinyl album, but unfortunately it was destroyed in a move. I hadn’t thought about for years, but recently a local radio was having a Motown weekend and played Quiet Storm.”
2. Make It Happen (1967)
“”Tears Of A Clown” is one of my favorite cuts along with “Dancing’s Alright”, “The Soulful Shack” and a few others. This cd also has the lyrics to the each song which is great. I was expecting some linear notes but the linear notes are in Japanese because the cd is made in Japan. But overall I am satisfied with the cd and would recommend this to anyone that enjoys the sound of Motown!”
1. Going To A Go-Go (1965)
“This album is an essential piece of Rock and Roll history. Perfect for anybody and everybody. Quite a few numbers to dance to and quite a few worthy of a listen while quietly contemplating or reminiscing. Trust me, you’ll love this album.”