Celebrating Smokey

Celebrating Smokey

The songs of Smokey Robinson have stood the test of time, remaining popular and relevant across generations. His compositions have been covered by artists from various genres, further cementing a legend as one of the greatest songwriters of his era. This week, we take a walk through a handful of the many classics he gave us, spanning three decades, focusing primarily on the Motown song machine classics from The Marvelettes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Mary Wells, and, of course, his own group The Miracles. There is no question that his songwriting style and lyrical finesse have influenced generations of musicians and, coupled with his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with catchy melodies, standards were set for songwriters in the R&B and soul genres; not to mention the groundswell of the sixties sound of Berry Gordy’s Motown Records. A morning of pure soul and pop that will include some sweet contemporary covers (if we can squeeze them in). 

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Bonnie Bramlett You've Really Got A Hold On Me Lady's Choice Amazon
3Barrett Strong Misery Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD2) Amazon
4The Miracles Bad Girl The 35th Anniversary Collection Amazon
5The Contours Whole Lotta Woman The Very Best of The Contours Amazon
6Smokey Robinson & the Miracles Shop Around Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1 Amazon
7Mary Wells/The Love-Tones You Beat Me to the Punch Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1 Amazon
8Gene Chandler You Threw A Lucky Punch Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD2) Amazon
9Mary Wells The One Who Really Loves You Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 1 Amazon
10Mary Wells Two Lovers The Soul of Detroit – Disc 1 Amazon
11The Miracles Going to a Go-Go Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1 Amazon
12Brenda Holloway When I'm Gone Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 2 Amazon
13Carolyn Crawford My Smile Is Just a Frown (Turned Upside Down) Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 1 Amazon
14The Miracles Baby Don't You Go [Single Version] The 35th Anniversary Collection [Disc 2] Amazon
15The Temptations The Way You Do The Things You Do The Best Of The Temptations, Vol. 1: The 60s Amazon
16Marvelettes Way Over There Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD3) Amazon
17Marvin Gaye Ain't That Peculiar Marvin Gaye Icon Amazon
18The Contours First I Look at the Purse The Very Best of The Contours Amazon
19The Temptations Get Ready The Best Of The Temptations, Vol. 1: The 60s Amazon
20Marvin Gaye One More Heartache Anthology [Disc 1] Amazon
21Marvin Gaye I'll Be Doggone 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Marvin Gaye, Vol. 1 Amazon
22Marvin Gaye Take This Heart Of Mine Anthology [Disc 1] Amazon
23The Contours Determination The Very Best of The Contours Amazon
24Chris Clark From Head To Toe Soul Sounds – Remaster Amazon
25The Marvelettes Don't Mess With Bill 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of The Marvelettes Amazon
26The Marvelettes The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of The Marvelettes Amazon
27Johnny Rivers The Tracks of My Tears Greatest Hits [Capitol] Amazon
28Smokey Robinson & the Miracles More Love Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 3 Amazon
29Tammi Terrell He's The One I Love Come On And See Me: The Complete Solo Collection Amazon
30Diana Ross & The Supremes The Composer The Best Of Diana Ross & The Supremes [Disc 2] Amazon
31The Four Tops Still Water (Love) The Ultimate Collection Amazon
32Smokey Robinson & the Miracles Tears of a Clown Motown: The Classic Years Disc 2 Amazon
33The Supremes Floy Joy Gold Disc 2 Amazon
34Rare Earth Get Ready Soundsavers – Old School No. 6 Amazon
35Rita Coolidge The Way You Do The Things You Do Delta Lady: The Rita Coolidge Anthology [Disc 2] Amazon
36Sylvester Ooo Baby Baby The Original Hits [1989 Fantasy] Amazon