My World: The Definitive Collection

by Smokey Robinson

Overview

Compiling a single-disc set of tracks from William "Smokey" Robinson's long career and calling it a "definitive collection" is a bit absurd, since Robinson -- as a writer, singer, producer, and arranger -- has had a hand in countless hits over the years, at Motown and elsewhere, and nothing short of an extensive box set could hope to even come close to defining that kind of pop history. What My World as a single-disc compilation does do, though, is bring together tracks from all phases of Robinson's tenure, from his 1960s and early-'70s material with the Miracles through his smooth R&B hits as a solo artist in the later '70s and '80s, and then tops everything off with two brand new songs, making this a collection that spans four decades of elegantly arranged romantic pop in just over 70 minutes. You can't complain about a lack of quality, since the classic Miracles hits are here, including "The Tears of a Clown" and "The Tracks of My Tears," as well as Robinson's biggest solo hits, like the lush, irresistible "Cruisin'" from 1979 and his genre-defining "Quiet Storm," which lent its title to a whole new R&B radio format. Still, it will always be a little jarring to hear the earlier Miracles material next to the smoother (relatively) solo stuff, even if most of the musical ingredients are the same. The new tracks are lushly and lovingly arranged, and "My World" in particular seems to have the stamp of a future Smokey classic. Die-hard fans will want the two new songs, but undoubtedly will already have everything else collected here, so devotion will have to be measured. Casual listeners will benefit the most, getting an overview of Smokey's considerable achievements in one package, although that's no excuse for not going back and buying every Miracles album in the rack. ~ Steve Leggett

Product Details

Release Date:	05/03/2005
Label:	Motown
UPC:	0075021039780

Tracks

1. My World
2. Fallin'
3. Cruisin'
4. Just to See Her Again
5. The Tears of a Clown
6. You've Really Got a Hold On Me
7. Going to a Go-Go
8. Mickey's Monkey
9. Shop Around
10. The Tracks of My Tears
11. Being With You
12. Baby That's Backatcha
13. I Second That Emotion
14. More Love
15. Yester Love
16. Ooo Baby Baby
17. Baby Come Close
18. I've Made Love to You a Thousand Times
19. Quiet Storm
20. Let Me Be the Clock
21. One Heartbeat

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Smokey Robinson   Primary Artist,Vocals
The Miracles   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guest Artist
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles   Primary Artist
Timothy Bloom   Various Instruments,Conductor,Vocals (Background)
Daryl Holley Sr.   Guitar
Remedy   Vocals (Background)
Hiroshi Upshur   Keyboards
Daryl Holley, Sr.   Guitar
Larry Ball   Bass

Technical Credits

William "Mickey" Stevenson   Audio Production,Producer,Compilation Producer
Smokey Robinson   Audio Production,Arranger,Composer,Producer
William Robinson   Composer
Ellen Fitton   Digital Remastering
Vartan   Art Direction
Marvin Tarplin   Composer,Producer
Rick Chudacoff   Arranger,Producer
Warren "Pete" Moore   Composer,Producer
Jimmy George   Composer
Reginald Burke   Arranger
Al Cleveland   Composer,Producer
Brian Holland   Composer,Producer
Brian Ray   Composer
Willie Hutch   Producer
Stevie Wonder   Composer
Harry Weinger   Compilation Producer
Steven Ivory   Liner Notes
George Tobin   Arranger,Producer
David Blumberg   Arranger
Bobby Rogers   Composer
Mike Miccirillo   Arranger,Producer
Steve LeGassick   Composer
Mathieu Bitton   Design
Monique McGuffin   Production Coordination
Ryan Null   Photo Coordination
Russell Turner   Arranger,Producer
Justin Holley   Mixing,Digital Editing
Timothy Bloom   Composer,Instrumentation
Alan Mercer   Cover Photo
Jimmy Pete Georgantones   Composer
Louis Joseph Pardini   Composer
Pamela Moffett-Young   Composer
Berry Gordy, Jr.   Composer,Producer
Lamont Dozier   Composer,Producer
Eddie Holland   Composer
Peter Bunetta   Arranger,Producer
Lou Pardini   Composer
Robert Rogers   Composer
Rose Ella Jones   Composer
Henry Cosby   Composer,Producer