{"product_id":"smokey-robinson-pure-smokey","title":"Smokey Robinson – Pure Smokey","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmokey Robinson – Pure Smokey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReleased in 1974 on Motown's Tamla label, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePure Smokey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is the second solo studio album from one of the most distinctive voices and gifted songwriters in soul music. Following his departure from The Miracles, Smokey Robinson continued to develop his individual musical identity, combining the melodic sophistication and romantic sensibility of classic Motown with the smoother, more contemporary soul sounds emerging in the early 1970s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA beautifully crafted collection of sophisticated soul and R\u0026amp;B, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePure Smokey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e showcases Robinson's unmistakable falsetto, expressive vocal delivery and exceptional songwriting. The album moves between intimate, reflective ballads and more rhythmically engaging soul arrangements, with lush instrumentation and polished orchestral touches characteristic of the era's finest Motown productions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMuch of the album explores personal relationships, family and the passage of time, revealing a more mature and introspective side to Robinson's songwriting. The opening track, 'It's Her Turn To Live', is a particularly personal highlight, while 'The Love Between Me And My Kids' and 'She's Only A Baby Herself' demonstrate his thoughtful approach to family and generational themes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe album also features 'Virgin Man', one of its standout tracks, bringing a more groove-led dimension to the collection. Across the record, the arrangements complement Robinson's delicate vocal style without overshadowing the melodies, creating an elegant balance between classic Detroit soul and the smoother sound that would become increasingly influential in the development of quiet storm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeaturing contributions from musicians and arrangers including Marvin Tarplin, Gene Page and Russ Turner, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePure Smokey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an accomplished example of Smokey Robinson's evolution as a solo artist during a particularly interesting period in Motown's history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn excellent album for fans of classic Motown, smooth soul, sophisticated R\u0026amp;B and early 1970s soul production, as well as collectors exploring Smokey Robinson's solo catalogue beyond his celebrated work with The Miracles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTracklist\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSide A\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-spread=\"false\" start=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's Her Turn To Live (3:15)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Love Between Me And My Kids (2:52)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAsleep On My Love (3:58)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI Am I Am (3:53)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJust Passing Through (3:17)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSide B\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-spread=\"false\" start=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVirgin Man (5:07)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShe's Only A Baby Herself (2:47)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFulfill Your Need (2:50)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Tattoo (4:30)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3h1CbL_WoIY?si=TUmmDivAvfntDae-\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamla Motown Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56593096606038,"sku":"STML 11265","price":6.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1009\/1013\/7686\/files\/1000102393.jpg?v=1794476509","url":"https:\/\/www.sounds-grounds.co.uk\/products\/smokey-robinson-pure-smokey","provider":"Sounds + Grounds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}