Smokey Robinson Songs 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 songs ranked.
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15. Ooh Baby Baby (Going to a Go-Go, 1965)
“As the frontman for the Miracles, he was responsible for some of the greatest vocal performances ever recorded (“Ooh Baby Baby” in particular is exquisitely heartbreaking).”
14. You’ve Really Got a Hold On Me (Juke Box Classics: The Wanderers, 1988)
“I enjoy all kinds of music, but the oldies are my favorite kind of music enjoyment. I always liked the Beatles version even better but you can’t go wrong with Smokey and the Boys doing the original.”
13. Shop Around (Hi… We’re the Miracles, 1961)
“”Shop Around” is one of the most important singles ever released: the song that truly put Motown Records onto the map, the song that established Smokey Robinson and the Miracles as a pop institution, the song that laid down one of the snappiest shuffles in soul history.”
12. Baby That’s Backatcha (A Quiet Storm, 1975)
“Lovely, lively number from Smokey, nicely produced incorporating flute, congas, slinky bass and that playful repeated three note keyboard motif running through it.”
See more: Smokey Robinson Albums Ranked
11. Being with You (Being with You, 1981)
“Well, a man can’t produce works of genius all the time, I suppose. Inoffensive, borderline bland. Pleasant enough once a year on a hot day, but you can hear the 80’s kicking into gear with the sax that would be become obligatory on any recording meant to demonstrate some kind of mature sophistication. Not as bad as Lionel Richie, but the comparisons aren’t entirely out of place, either.”
10. Love Bath (Time Flies When You’re Having Fun, 2009)
“This song playing, candles flickering, wine flowing, you with your significant other is a receipt for long lasting love making.”
9. One Heartbeat (One Heartbeat, 1987)
“Ironically it was peaking on the charts at the same time as ABC’s tribute song “When Smokey Sings”. It’s a not half bad late 80s adult contemporary number, with the standard production values and catchy vocals.”
8. Quiet Storm (A Quiet Storm, 1975)
“The melody is actually a bit clunky – VERY clunky, by Smokey standards. But this ambient soul number ended up supplying its name to a brand new subgenre.”
7. Just to See Her (One Heartbeat, 1987)
“Pleasant but unremarkable Smokey Robinson. You could forgive him for not knocking them out of the park all the time by this point – he was entering his second quarter-century cranking out pop hits. But this should’ve peaked in the mid-thirties or so, not at number nine. Maybe we were just starved for “real soul”, and this was as good as it got that year.”
6. Really Gonna Miss You (Really Gonna Miss You, 2005)
“Smokey’s version of the classics really doesn’t need comparison to anyone else’s interpretations of these timeless jewels, his is unique and beautiful in its own right.”
See more: The Temptations Albums Ranked
5. The Tears of a Clown (Make It Happen, 1967)
“The most upbeat song about depression you will ever hear. Sung by one of the best. The song is light and playful. Yet it tells a story of the sadness hiding behind the mask of a clown. Great Song.”
4. Cruisin’ (Where There’s Smoke…, 1979)
“Forget Barry White. THIS is the ultimate seduction soundtrack. If “Cruisin” doesn’t help you get those panties off, nothing will. (just remember: You must use this original Smokey version. If you try using that Huey Lewis/Gwyneth Paltrow version, you’ll end up with a mighty case of blue balls)”
3. The Tracks of My Tears (Going to a Go-Go, 1965)
“Smokey Robinson still has the smooth, silky voice that puts everyone else to shame. Who could tolerate rap when you can listen to Smokey. .This song was inspired by the tears of U.S. House Speak John Boehner shed on behalf of orange people everywhere.”
2. Girlfriend (Time Flies When You’re Having Fun, 2009)
“Mr. Robinson has always startled listeners with an unexpected rhyme or a heartfelt lyric and this time out he doesn’t disappoint.”
1. My Girl (The Temptations Sing Smokey, 1965)
“Songs of this era were designed to be heard through old-style car radios and other low-quality speakers.
I remember hearing this song played over the speaker system at the public swimming pool. I guess for me, it epitomizes summer!”