Released 50 years ago
Smokey's Family Robinson
Smokey Robinson · 1976
32 min · 7 tracks · soul
A smooth blend of lush soul melodies and heartfelt storytelling, wrapped in Smokey Robinson's signature vocal warmth.
Top tracks — play these first
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When You Came Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its lush instrumentation and romantic lyrics, showcasing Robinson's ability to blend personal emotion with universal themes.
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So In Love — In this song, Robinson delivers a poignant expression of love that highlights his vocal range and emotional depth, making it a quintessential soul ballad.
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Castles Made Of Sand — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics and intricate melody, representing a deeper narrative style that became a hallmark of Robinson’s later work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with a cohesive flow but limited broader influence.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Smokey Robinson's smooth vocal delivery, particularly evident in the opening track.
- Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with some tracks incorporating bridges that enhance the emotional impact.
- The last two tracks shift to a more introspective tone, with 'Castles Made Of Sand' closing the album on a reflective note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo progression
- heartfelt lyrics for connection
- lush melodies for relaxation
- for intimate gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its soulful melodies and storytelling, showcasing Robinson's artistry.
- Career context
- By the time 'Smokey's Family Robinson' was released in 1976, Smokey Robinson had already established himself as a prominent figure in the Motown scene, both as a solo artist and the frontman of the Miracles. This album followed his successful release 'A Quiet Storm' and marked a continued evolution of his sound as he embraced more personal and introspective songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Marvin Gaye· Al Green· The Temptations
Tracklist
- 1 When You Came Start here 5:24
- 2 Get Out Of Town 4:43
- 3 Do Like I Do 4:40
- 4 Open 3:50
- 5 So In Love 4:40
- 6 Like Nobody Can 4:10
- 7 Castles Made Of Sand 4:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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