Love Love Again - Smokey Robinson, Foster, David [1]
Intimate
I'm the One - Smokey Robinson, Gordy, Berry Jr.
Just Let Me Love You - Smokey Robinson, Gordy, Berry Jr.
All Of Mine - Smokey Robinson,
The Bottom Line
Feelings Flowing
Ready to Roll - Smokey Robinson, Gordy, Berry Jr.
Tu Me Besas Muy Rico
Intimate (Reprise)
From the opening bars of the title track, it's obvious that Smokey Robinson's return to recording after an eight-year absence has been worth the wait. With his trademark falsetto sounding better than ever, the velvet-voice... more »d icon has crafted an album that virtually defines "quiet storm," the term he coined in 1975 that later gave its name to a popular radio format. For vintage Smokey, you can't do better than "Easy to Love," which is the one song he wrote alone for the album and the first single. Writing collaborations with Robinson and producer Michael Stokes such as "Sleepin' In," "Feelings Flowing," and the "Cruisin'"-like "Bottom Line" are standout slow jams, while "Tu Me Besas Muy Rico" is an acoustic Latin-flavored delight. Finally, "I'm the One," an infectious cut cowritten by Motown founder Berry Gordy (who served as executive producer for the album) and '80s singer-songwriter Michael Lovesmith, sounds like a potential hit single. --David Nathan« less
From the opening bars of the title track, it's obvious that Smokey Robinson's return to recording after an eight-year absence has been worth the wait. With his trademark falsetto sounding better than ever, the velvet-voiced icon has crafted an album that virtually defines "quiet storm," the term he coined in 1975 that later gave its name to a popular radio format. For vintage Smokey, you can't do better than "Easy to Love," which is the one song he wrote alone for the album and the first single. Writing collaborations with Robinson and producer Michael Stokes such as "Sleepin' In," "Feelings Flowing," and the "Cruisin'"-like "Bottom Line" are standout slow jams, while "Tu Me Besas Muy Rico" is an acoustic Latin-flavored delight. Finally, "I'm the One," an infectious cut cowritten by Motown founder Berry Gordy (who served as executive producer for the album) and '80s singer-songwriter Michael Lovesmith, sounds like a potential hit single. --David Nathan
Old Smokey, New Smokey, Great Smokey - it's all here!
10/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Smokey Robinson has delivered one fantastic CD. "Intimate" is familiar by way of voice (Smokey's singing is as good as ever) and fresh by way of production (different writers, different arrangements). "Intimate" is one of the most sophisticated and mature collection of songs in Mr. Robinson's career. Collaborating with other writers and producers, "Intimate" showcases Smokey's versatility and welcomes the listener to experience the many facets of his musical intelligence. The energy of the CD varies just enough to keep it engaging without breaking its passionate attitude.
While the entire compilation is entertaining, "Love Love Again", "Intimate", "I'm The One"(my personal favorite), "Just Let me Love You" and "Ready to Roll" are standouts.
Unlike the has-beens desperately trying (yet failing) to revive their careers by recording anything/everything while grasping at fads, Smokey Robinson has remained true to his talents and, after an eight-year absense, has returned with a thoroughly enjoyable CD."
THIS IS DEFINELY S-M-O-K-E-Y!!
Gloria J. Williams | U.S.A. | 10/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is great. The style is still "Smokey" - the music is both classic and modern. Smokey still is SMOKIN'!!!!"
The Return of the Master.
Peter Rooney | Liverpool, Merseyside United Kingdom | 10/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having bought this album after hearing "easy to love" on the radio, I was initially disapointed after the first two tracks.I've got to say though, after listening to it several times how deceptive one listen can be. The album is fantastic and just shows what a genius this man is. He has influenced a generation of icons from Lennon & McCartney to Dylan, who am I to argue. If you love Smokey, don't hesitate BUY THIS ALBUM."
"Intimate" is so smooth, so sensual, so beautifully Smokey
SRich92@aol.com (srich92@aol.com) | Rialto, CA | 11/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Oh yes, this is Smokey at his best! Did he really sing "Just let me love you like nobody's loved you" so beautifully intimate that the only response a woman could have is "okay, please do"? Smokey's voice is so rich and smooth that he laughs, cries, begs and cruises so naturally from the tantalizing and sensual foreplay of "Sleepin' In" down to "Easy to Love" and right on through to convincing you that he will truly make you "Love Love Again." He's not through yet.Once you're convinced, he rocks you playfully with "Ready to Roll." By the time you've heard every song, you've been loved mentally, physically and spiritually in such an erotic and intimate way that all you can do is put the CD on continuous play and experience "Feelings Flowing" again and again. "Intimate" is as good as his convincing moans at the end of his "Tu Me Besas Muy Rico." He's done it again in his classy style which always promises great lyrics, great music and great background vocals. With Smokey you feel equally good about turning the volume up high or way down low. So good, Smokey, so good! So...so intimate."
A Modern-Classic
Peter Rooney | 08/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a rare album of music- There's no rapping, the lyrics are intelligent and fresh, and the album maintains a consistant flow...It can actually be listened to in one enjoyable session. The sound of actual instruments are peppered throughout, which helps to reduce the 'plastic' sound that's so overwhelming on modern R & B recordings. This actually sounds like Music. The strongest tracks are "Sleepin' In", "Easy To Love" and "Intimate". This is a collection of songs what will not have to "grow" on you- You won't have to try and convince yourself you like them by playing them over and over. This album sounds wonderful on the very first listen, and you'll be anxious to play it again. Now...Can we get Stephanie Mills to make a come-back with some material like this?"