Smokey Robinson Ultimate Collection CD

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.

After splitting from the Miracles in 1972, Robinson began a solo career, exploring the more introspective, balladic side of his music. His 1975 album QUIET STORM set the bar for virtually every smooth, romantic R&B singer of the next two decades, virtually defining the style. After a fallow period, he made a comeback in the early '80s, with commercial-but-irresistible hits like "Cruisin'" and "Being With You."

Import collection from the Motown legends, arguably the best single-disc compilation available on the market. Combining Smokey's endlessly inventive twists on romance (good and bad) with the Miracles' handful of straight-up party hits, it showcases one of American pop's most sure-footed and touching acts. The frontman's prowess as singer, writer, and producer lights up each of these single mixes; less-celebrated tracks like "My Girl Has Gone," "(You Can) Depend on Me," and "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage" stand as tall as the many oldies-radio staples featured here. While he and The Miracles remain one of the Motown label's most successful acts, Smokey is also known for his top-notch songwriting skills for other label mates as well as his own successful solo career. 25 tracks.

Smokey Robinson And The Miracles includes: William "Smokey" Robinson, Warren "Pete" Moore, Ronnie White, Bobby Rogers, Claudette Robinson (vocals).

The Hitsville Studio "Funk Brothers" Band includes: Robert White, Eddie Willis, Joe Messina, Marv Tarplin, Dennis Coffey, Melvin "Wah-Wah" Ragin (guitar); Danya Hartwick (flute, piccolo); Lanny Austin, Teddy Buckner, Hank Crosby, Lefty Edwards, Eli Fontaine, Kasuka Mafia, Larry Nozero (saxophone); Billy Horner, Floyd Jones (trumpet); George Bohanon, Bob Cousar, Carl Raetz, Paul Riser, Don White, Jimmy Wilkins (trombone); Joe Hunter, Johnny Griffith (keyboards); Joe Williams, Clarence Isabell (bass); Benny Benjamin, Uriel Jones, Andrew Smith (drums); Jack Ashford, Eddie "Bongo" Brown (percussion).

Includes liner notes by Stu Hackel.

Digitally remastered by Kevin Reeves.

Producers include: Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, Al Cleveland, Berry Gordy, Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier.

Compilation producer: Harry Weinger.

Personnel: Dennis Coffey, Eddie Willis, Robert White , Marvin Tarplin, Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin, Joe Messina (guitar); The Detroit Symphony (strings); Danya Hartwick (flute, piccolo); Danny Turner , Andrew "Mike" Terry, Angelo Carlisi, Eugene BeeBee Moore, Lanny Austin, Ernie Rodgers, Lefty Edwards, Bernie Peacock, Eli Fontaine, Henry Cosby, Eugene Rodgers, Kasuku Mafia, Thomas "Beans" Bowles, Larry Nozero (saxophone); Ted Buckner (alto saxophone); Floyd Jones , Eddie Jones , Russell Conway, Billy Horner, John Wilson , Johnny Trudell, Don Slaughter, Herbie Williams, Marcus Belgrave, Maurice Davis (trumpet); George Bohannon, Bill Johnson, Patrick Lanier, Jimmy Wilkins, Don White , Bob Cousar, Paul Riser, Carl Raetz (trombone); Earl Van Dyke, Ivy Hunter, Richard Wylie, Johnny Griffith (keyboards); Jack Ashford (vibraphone, percussion); Jack Brokensha (vibraphone); Andrew Smith, Benny Benjamin, Richard "Pistol" Allen, Uriel Jones (drums); Eddie "Bongo" Brown (percussion).

Liner Note Author: Stu Hackel.

Unknown Contributor Roles: John EspositNME (Magazine) (8/12/00, p.29) - Ranked #20 in The NME "Top 30 Heartbreak Albums" - "...Unrequited passion was his vocation, yet no matter how great the betrayal, how huge the guilt, that glorious voice never lost hope."