The 35th Anniversary Collection

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Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

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What can one say about Smokey Robinson & The Miracles that hasn't been said at least 1000 times before? Not much, I'm afraid. Except, perhaps, from my point of view, how important those guys - Smokey in particular, of course - and their music is to me and my personal and spiritual well being. This music is just so spiritual, soul-soaking and timeless that it is difficult to describe it in mere words without it coming across as an unbearable drivel. But while there are and have been many good Smokey compilations out there (the classic double "Anthology" and/or 19992's "Greatest Hits" come highly recommended for those whose budgets are too modest for this 4CD set), this is the ULTIMATE Smokey Robinson & The Miracles collection since it not only contains their very best work as a unit, but also after they went their seperate ways. Then why 'only' a 4 star (4 & a half is more accurate, but that's not possible here, unfortunately) review, you might ask. Well, as much as I LOVE almost all of their stuff, some of the very early songs are just a tad 'ordinary'. I mean, they sound a bit like they could've been done by almost any late 50's/early 60's R'n'B outfit; the sophistication and uniqueness which came with and, indeed, brought on success for both Smokey & co and Motown a little later, just wasn't there that early on. So that's my only beef with these discs: the early years in their representation here could've used some slimming down. Otherwise, though, this is pure heaven. "You've Really Got A Hold On Me", "Ooo Baby Baby", "The Tracks Of My Tears", "Save Me", "More Love", "I Second That Emotion", "Abraham, Martin And John" (THE definitive version...sorry Marvin), "The Tears Of A Clown", "Going To A Go-Go", "Cruisin'", "Quiet Storm", "Love Machine" and many, many more - all titles of legendary proportions in the history annals of popular music and plenty enough reason to dish out whatever amount Amazon is asking for this set. But wouldn't it have been cool if we'd have gotten an extra disc containing some of the best stuff Smokey & associates wrote (& produced) for other Motown acts like The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie, Marvin, Supremes, Mary Wells, Marvelettes and all the others? Phew! But, for the time being, this'll do very well indeed.