Smokey Robinson – Blame It On Love & All The Great Hits

Smokey Robinson – Blame It On Love & All The Great Hits

A showcase for one of soul music's most distinctive voices, Blame It On Love & All The Great Hits brings together the polished melodies, romantic songwriting and sophisticated arrangements that define Smokey Robinson's solo career in the early 1980s. Released in 1983 on Tamla, the compilation captures Robinson's ability to evolve beyond the classic Motown sound while retaining the graceful vocal delivery and melodic instinct that made him a celebrated singer and songwriter.

Before establishing himself as a successful solo artist, Robinson became a central figure in the Motown story as the lead singer of The Miracles and one of the label's most influential songwriters. His work helped shape the sound of American soul, combining intimate storytelling, memorable melodies and expressive vocals. His solo recordings carried these qualities into a more contemporary production style, blending smooth soul, R&B and sophisticated pop influences.

The title track, “Blame It On Love”, features Barbara Mitchell alongside Robinson in a romantic duet that sets the tone for the collection. Elsewhere, “Being With You” stands out as one of his best-known solo recordings, showcasing the understated emotion and polished production that helped make his early-1980s work so successful. “Cruisin’” offers another essential moment, with its relaxed groove, warm atmosphere and effortlessly melodic vocal performance.

The remaining tracks reveal further shades of Robinson's songwriting and performance style. “Just Like You” and “Don't Play Another Love Song” explore relationship themes through carefully shaped melodies, while “Tell Me Tomorrow” and “Just A Touch Away” highlight the smooth, sophisticated sound associated with his solo recordings. “If You Wanna Make Love (Come 'Round Here)”, “Baby Come Close” and “Let Me Be The Clock” round out the programme with more romantic soul and R&B.

As a compilation, Blame It On Love & All The Great Hits offers an engaging snapshot of Smokey Robinson's solo work during a period when classic Motown songwriting met the more refined soul production of the 1980s. It will appeal to fans of vintage soul, smooth R&B, romantic duets and the wider Motown catalogue, as well as collectors interested in Robinson's solo recordings beyond his celebrated work with The Miracles.

Tracklist

1. Smokey Robinson with Barbara Mitchell – Blame It On Love (3:32)
2. Smokey Robinson – Just Like You (3:41)
3. Smokey Robinson – Don't Play Another Love Song (4:49)
4. Smokey Robinson – Tell Me Tomorrow (5:07)
5. Smokey Robinson – Being With You (3:59)
6. Smokey Robinson – Cruisin' (4:20)
7. Smokey Robinson – If You Wanna Make Love (Come 'Round Here) (3:19)
8. Smokey Robinson – Just A Touch Away (3:40)
9. Smokey Robinson – Baby Come Close (3:27)
10. Smokey Robinson – Let Me Be The Clock (3:39)