Top tracks — play these first
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When Smokey Sings (Miami mix) Start here — This extended version amplifies the song’s infectious groove and lush production, making it a quintessential example of ABC's ability to merge pop sensibilities with dance rhythms.
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Chicago (Parts I & II) — This track showcases a cinematic quality, featuring intricate arrangements that highlight the band's stylistic evolution while maintaining an upbeat energy that resonates throughout the album.
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When Smokey Sings (7″ version) — The single edit captures the essence of the song's catchy melody and lyrical homage succinctly, making it accessible for radio play and broadening its audience reach.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single blends new wave with Motown influences, showcasing strong production but lacks cohesion due to multiple versions.
What we noticed
- The lead track features a prominent horn section that echoes Motown's classic sound while maintaining a polished new wave production.
- The Miami mix extends the song with additional instrumental sections, creating a more dance-oriented version compared to the original.
- The inclusion of multiple versions of 'When Smokey Sings' showcases different arrangements and mixes, highlighting its versatility.
- 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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4/10
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
- smooth vocals for carefree moments
- steady pacing for relaxed listening
- vibrant homage to classic sounds
- for nostalgic vibes
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- enjoy standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This single solidified ABC's reputation after their earlier successes.
- Career context
- By 1987, ABC was riding the success of their previous albums, particularly 'Lexicon of Love' which had established them as a prominent new wave band. 'When Smokey Sings' marked a significant moment in their career as it embraced a more mature sound while paying tribute to the legendary Smokey Robinson. This release came during their transition from mainstream recognition to artistic experimentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Duran Duran· Depeche Mode· Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Tracklist
- 1 When Smokey Sings (Miami mix) Start here 7:02
- 2 Chicago (Parts I & II) 6:38
- 3 When Smokey Sings (7″ version) 4:21
- 4 When Smokey Sings (bonus beats) 4:38
- 5 When Smokey Sings (Detroit mix) 6:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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