Being with You cover

Being with You

Smokey Robinson · 1981

32 min · 8 tracks · soul

Smooth soul melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Robinson's signature vocal warmth and romantic charm.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Being With You Start here — This track serves as the album's emotional centerpiece, highlighting Robinson's ability to convey deep affection through both melody and lyricism.
  • →
    If You Wanna Make Love — The song blends sensuality with lush instrumentation, illustrating Robinson's mastery at crafting romantic narratives within his music.
  • →
    I Hear the Children Singing — A poignant reflection on innocence and hope, this track showcases Robinson's versatility in addressing broader themes beyond romance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics define this solid soul album, showcasing Robinson's vocal strengths.

What we noticed

  • The first track, 'Being With You,' features a lush arrangement with strings and horns that sets a romantic tone for the album.
  • Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, allowing Robinson's vocals to shine in the chorus sections.
  • The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace throughout, with only slight variations in energy across tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • smooth romantic evenings
  • consistent mid-tempo flow
  • heartfelt sing-along moments
  • reflective companionship listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established Robinson's solo reputation with the hit title track, gaining wider recognition.
Career context
Released in January 1981, 'Being with You' marked Smokey Robinson's return to solo work after a brief hiatus following the disbandment of The Miracles. This album came during a phase of creative resurgence for Robinson, as he transitioned from group dynamics to focusing on his individual artistry in the early 1980s.
Stylistic neighbors
Marvin Gaye· Al Green· The Temptations
New to Smokey Robinson? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Being With You Start here 4:05
  • 2 Food for Thought 4:09
  • 3 If You Wanna Make Love 3:30
  • 4 Who's Sad 3:45
  • 5 Can't Fight Love 5:47
  • 6 You Are Forever 4:39
  • 7 As You Do 3:16
  • 8 I Hear the Children Singing 3:44

What to play next

Yes It's You Lady
Listen next

Yes It's You Lady

1982

Continues the smooth soul vibe with romantic themes and rich melodies.
Warm Thoughts
Go back to

Warm Thoughts

1980

Sets the stage for the heartfelt charm found in 'Being with You'.
Full Smokey Robinson discography Where to start with Smokey Robinson Artists like Smokey Robinson
soul

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

In Our Lifetime

In Our Lifetime

Marvin Gaye

Features smooth melodies and heartfelt themes of love, echoing Robinson's romantic charm.

Never Too Much

Never Too Much

Luther Vandross

Shares the same lush production and emotional vocal delivery, for late-night listening.

Let's Stay Together

Let's Stay Together

Al Green

Combines soulful melodies with intimate lyrics, creating a similar warm and romantic atmosphere.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata