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.
1
Artist
Title
Album
Buy
2
Bonnie Bramlett
You've Really Got A Hold On Me
Lady's Choice
3
Barrett Strong
Misery
Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD2)
4
The Miracles
Bad Girl
The 35th Anniversary Collection
5
The Contours
Whole Lotta Woman
The Very Best of The Contours
6
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
Shop Around
Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1
7
Mary Wells/The Love-Tones
You Beat Me to the Punch
Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1
8
Gene Chandler
You Threw A Lucky Punch
Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD2)
9
Mary Wells
The One Who Really Loves You
Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 1
10
Mary Wells
Two Lovers
The Soul of Detroit – Disc 1
11
The Miracles
Going to a Go-Go
Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1
12
Brenda Holloway
When I'm Gone
Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 2
13
Carolyn Crawford
My Smile Is Just a Frown (Turned Upside Down)
Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 1
14
The Miracles
Baby Don't You Go [Single Version]
The 35th Anniversary Collection [Disc 2]
15
The Temptations
The Way You Do The Things You Do
The Best Of The Temptations, Vol. 1: The 60s
16
Marvelettes
Way Over There
Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD3)
17
Marvin Gaye
Ain't That Peculiar
Marvin Gaye Icon
18
The Contours
First I Look at the Purse
The Very Best of The Contours
19
The Temptations
Get Ready
The Best Of The Temptations, Vol. 1: The 60s
20
Marvin Gaye
One More Heartache
Anthology [Disc 1]
21
Marvin Gaye
I'll Be Doggone
20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Marvin Gaye, Vol. 1
22
Marvin Gaye
Take This Heart Of Mine
Anthology [Disc 1]
23
The Contours
Determination
The Very Best of The Contours
24
Chris Clark
From Head To Toe
Soul Sounds – Remaster
25
The Marvelettes
Don't Mess With Bill
20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of The Marvelettes
26
The Marvelettes
The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game
20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of The Marvelettes
27
Johnny Rivers
The Tracks of My Tears
Greatest Hits [Capitol]
28
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
More Love
Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 3