Smokey Robinson's compositions blended pop and R&B conventions, infusing the combination with a highly literate lyrical sensibility that set his songs apart from the pack. With his group the Miracles, Detroit native Robinson got in on the ground floor of the Motown explosion, as his songs and his voice--a smooth, liquid marvel of soul--resonated not only with label head Berry Gordy, but with legions of '60s teens. Throughout the '60s, Robinson and the Miracles produced countless pop-soul hits, both effervescent ("Going to a Go-Go") and mournful ("The Tracks of my Tears"). Robinson's flexible, almost Cole Porter-ish way with a lyric made him an in-demand songwriter for many of his contemporaries, like Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye and the Marvelettes.[David Ritz]
25 songs comp. that gethers all of the Top Ten hits by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles released between 1960 and 1969 (as well as their 1970 number one hit, "Tears of a Clown"), but also some of their finest B-sides. Some classic soul stuff here asGoing to a Go-Go, I Second That Emotion, Shop Around, You've Really Got A Hold On Me, The Tracks Of My Tears [first heard it in "Platoon" legendary party scene], The Love I Saw In You Was Just A Mirage, If You Can Want [covered by THE DIRTBOMBS], Choosey Beggar, My Girl Has Gone... Dig!
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"So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place"