Great deep reading of an essential album. The reason it coheres as an album isn’t necessarily because so many hits gave it weight; it’s because the consistency of Robinson’s writing was at a pinnacle, so there was no slack, no bad B-sides or filler emphasizing Berry Gordy’s blind side: his aversion to albums as Motown’s mode of expression. BTW, you should give a listen to the Mickey’s Monkey album. There’s a version of Land of 1000 Dances that is breathtaking. Typical of Robinson’s ability to make the prosaic sublime.
Thanks, Wayne. Had never heard the Miracles' 'Land of 1000 Dances' until about an hour or two ago. It's pretty good and a whole lot of fun - thanks for hipping me to it.
Unquestionably, Smokey was one of the influential figures in the history of rhythm and blues music. He had hits in three major performing categories- as a singer, a songwriter and a producer- at the time that was very rare. It's not too hard to see that so much of Motown's greatness was the result of his musical genius.
In his prime Smokey Robinson had one of the greatest voices bar none. His abilities as a song writer and producer also shine brightly in the pantheon of music genius. Thanks for another great article Robert!
Great deep reading of an essential album. The reason it coheres as an album isn’t necessarily because so many hits gave it weight; it’s because the consistency of Robinson’s writing was at a pinnacle, so there was no slack, no bad B-sides or filler emphasizing Berry Gordy’s blind side: his aversion to albums as Motown’s mode of expression. BTW, you should give a listen to the Mickey’s Monkey album. There’s a version of Land of 1000 Dances that is breathtaking. Typical of Robinson’s ability to make the prosaic sublime.
Thanks, Wayne. Had never heard the Miracles' 'Land of 1000 Dances' until about an hour or two ago. It's pretty good and a whole lot of fun - thanks for hipping me to it.
Unquestionably, Smokey was one of the influential figures in the history of rhythm and blues music. He had hits in three major performing categories- as a singer, a songwriter and a producer- at the time that was very rare. It's not too hard to see that so much of Motown's greatness was the result of his musical genius.
I agree - Smokey Robinson was Motown, in many ways.
Great article!
Thanks, Paul - appreciate it!
He was very influential on generations of vocalists who came after him. Even in the UK, ABC had a hit with “When Smokey Sings”.
Yes, that's very right! Thanks for bringing that up - I had forgotten about that song.
In his prime Smokey Robinson had one of the greatest voices bar none. His abilities as a song writer and producer also shine brightly in the pantheon of music genius. Thanks for another great article Robert!
Thanks Marco - Robinson was a triple threat, for sure.