289. The Temptations: “I Want A Love I Can See”
As a song, it’s okay; danceable, likeable, but rather flat and ultimately uninteresting. As an arrangement, a vocal showcase, a calling card for future greatness, it’s nothing short of remarkable. (6)
Category Archives: Writing credit: Smokey Robinson
288. The Miracles: “I Can Take A Hint”
Bereft of a catchy tune, or any real hooks in the chorus; it’s all okay, not at all objectionable but never thrilling either. It’s okay. (5)
287. The Miracles: “A Love She Can Count On”
Somewhat surprisingly, and contrary to popular opinion, actually a better record than You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me. (9)
285. Connie Van Dyke: “Oh Freddy”
“Satisfactory”, and yet vaguely unsatisfying. (4)
270. The Supremes: “You Bring Back Memories”
Not awful, but not even worthy of a place in the top ten songs Smokey would ever write for the Supremes. (3)
260. Mary Wells: “Two Wrongs Don’t Make A Right”
If this was hardly an avenue that Mary Wells’ future career could follow, it’s still a very fine record, and well deserving of its (very brief) time in the chart sun. (8)
259. Mary Wells: “Laughing Boy”
Smokey Robinson tries to freshen things up by adding some newer elements – but the mix still isn’t quite right, and accordingly this turns out to be the weakest of his collaborations with Mary Wells to date. (5)
256. Linda Griner: “Envious”
There’s no reason this couldn’t have done well in 1963 as an A-side, but the single sank without trace and so radio never really got the chance to flip the record over and find it. A pity; between this and the topside, this is a fine single that really deserved better. (7)
255. Linda Griner: “Good Bye Cruel Love”
A refreshing little early soul treat, and enough to make you wonder what might have happened if Miss Griner had been able to stick around at Motown. (7)
242. The Miracles: “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me”
A remarkable piece of work, a good record and a genuinely great song; this, more than any other, would become remembered as the sound of the early Miracles. (8)
241. The Miracles: “Happy Landing”
That it came coupled with one of the all-time great Motown ballads is just unfortunate, because this is a fun little single in its own right. (6)
Motown Junkies 