Smokey Robinson is the master songwriters master songwriter. He wrote everything for everyone including himself and after the Miracles and after Motown , he went solo and did it again. I’ve seen him many times on stage and many times I’ve felt he didn’t quite cut it. I was in the fourth row at Carnegie Hall once watching him do a left side versus right side singalong, and thinking Puff Daddy did it better a week earlier.
By now he has lost the top of his voice.
And the final indignation, a duets album this August.
Still, this is a pretty good line up and I am sure expecting Smokey to be too much of a pro not to bother file sharing the duets but to have gotten the actual performers into the studio. Legend (who owes so much to Robinson), Miguel and Aloe Blacc, it could be great. Elton and Tyler from the old school, and Mayer on guitar!
“Smokey & Friends” Track Listing:
1. The Tracks Of My Tears – Elton John
2. You Really Got A Hold On Me – Steven Tyler
3. My Girl – Miguel, Aloe Blacc & JC Chasez
4. Cruisin’ – Jesse J
5. Quiet Storm – John Legend
6. The Way You Do (The Things You Do) – CeeLo Green
7. Being With You – Mary J. Blige
8. Ain’t The Peculiar – James Taylor
9. The Tears Of A Clown – Sheryl Crow
10. Ooh Baby Baby – Ledisi
11. Get Ready – Gary Barlow
Here is the PR release:
The release date for “Smokey & Friends,” the new duets album from legendary Motown icon and Grammy® award-winning singer-songwriter, Smokey Robinson has been moved up to August 19 on Verve Records. The album will be made available at all physical and digital retail outlets nationwide. To pre-order “Smokey & Friends” on Amazon.com click HERE.
The track listing for “Smokey & Friends” features Robinson alongside a celebrated roster of contemporary and classic artists who revisit the best loved songs from Robinson’s unmatched catalog of hits including those he has written for his solo career, his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, The Miracles, as well as hits he wrote for others, including Marvin Gaye and The Temptations.
On the Randy Jackson-produced set, Robinson is joined by old friends like James Taylor, Sir Elton John, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Sheryl Crow, and Mary J. Blige, as well as with some of today’s hottest new artists including John Legend, John Mayer, Miguel, Aloe Blacc, JC Chasez, CeeLo, Ledisi and Jessie J.
Robinson and his guests pay homage to the timeless originals, while creating new versions that feel instantaneously contemporary and classic. Robinson and John turn “The Tracks of My Tears” into an organ-drenched call and response; while Legend’s graceful piano playing adds a new elegance to “Quiet Storm.” On “My Girl,” Miguel, Aloe Blacc, and ‘N Sync’s JC Chasez match The Temptation’s unforgettable harmonies, as John Mayer recreates the song’s instantly recognizable opening guitar riffs. The album’s 11 tracks will delight longtime Robinson fans, as well as introduce these ageless songs to younger listeners not necessarily familiar with the enduring melodies and lyrics.
