Search - Smokey Robinson :: Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Welcome Back to a Return to Form Smokey!

L. Boki | San Francisco, CA | 08/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Much has been written about Smokey's contribution to the next volume of the Great American Songbook. He has a dozen or so candidates that either he wrote or produced or performed or did all at once. With a career that now spans 6 decades, Smokey still sounds relevant. His voice is the definitive falsetto that has inspired a legion of vocalist through the years. Here in this return to form, we get an album of new material after waiting a long, long time. His last album was a splendid collection from the Great American Songbook, entitled "Timeless Love". Prior to that, I believe he recorded a gospel/inspirational album. With assist from the genius of Carlos Santana, Joss Stone and India Arie, he sounds contemporary and refreshing. His take on the Jackson 5 classic, "I Want You Back" is transformational and "Don't Know Why" could have been written by him, it so perfectly suits him. "One Time" is a smoldering midtempo cut that breeds seduction. They don't make them like they used to.......Babyface may at one time been the "new Smokey", but, who needs a facsimile when the real one is still oh so relevant. For me, "You're Just My Life" is the jewel in a setting of jewels. That romantic swoon so easily associated with his best work is taken to new heights in this duet w/India Arie. If you know "Give Her Up" or "Much Better Off", classic B-side copyrights from Smokey at his first creative peak in the 60s, this song stands right up there with his finest work. Equally as compelling is his duet w/Joss Stone, "You're the One for Me". On a more sober note, the album has been released independently on Robso (a mergering of his first/last name) through ADA. That leaves on Stevie still actively recording for whatever is left of Motown/Universal as we once knew it. Alas, we can just celebrate that Smokey remains as relevant as he did when he first hit the top of the charts in the 60s. The title track sums it up best in its classy beauty.......it is a fun reminder of one of our greats (check out the artwork by Shepard Fairey)!"

Smokey Blazes!!!!

L. Hastings | USA | 08/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Everyone knows about Smokey Robinson's velvety, smooth voice and awesome songwriting skills. But, I was skeptical when I ran across this CD. I wondered if Smokey could still do it? Did he still have it? The answer is a resounding Yes! Every track is fresh, romantic, relevant. Wow. I can let this play through all day long. It's perfect to soothe your nerves if you're stuck in a traffic jam, or relaxing in a bubble bath, if you're trying to spark some romance. Joss Stone, India Arie only serve to enhance Smokey's sound. Carlos Santana gives the flavor like only he can. The lyrics and music to all the tracks is lovely. It's all good, but tracks with that EXTRA are:



You're The One For Me



One Time



Please Don't Take Your Love



Whatcha Gonna Do



You're Just My Life



Oh, and the hidden track, Smokey's rendition of "I Want You Back" done Smokey style, with a little twist on the verse

is the whip!!!!



You also can't beat the nice price. Own It!"

Old School, New Creativity

Shamontiel L. Vaughn | Chicago | 08/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A couple months back, I interviewed actor Brandon Adams, and I remember him saying "you can't find that creativity anymore in the game" with new R&B artists that you had in older R&B artists. I kept remembering that remark the entire time I listened to Smokey Robinson because I partially agree with him. I listened to another new CD by a new artist that came out, and all the lyrics sounded the same. But somehow Smokey Robinson was talking about some of the same topic manner (love, relationships, life), and it sounded fresh, smooth, and romantic. (There are newer R&B artists that I do feel are as strong as Smokey, but that's another topic.) But Smokey sang on "Love Bath," to "put some water in the tub/do the body rub" and I wanted to stand up and go "Hey now!" In "Whatchu Gonna Do," he said "Just watching you talk sometimes/sends me on trips" and I rewound it. These are those lyrics that are flirty without being vulgar. I love that in him. Smokey Robinson is naturally cool, and his groovy feel permeates through his songs. I loved this CD from beginning to end: the beats, the lyrics, the sensuality."