Released a few weeks ago, on August 25, 2009, I have listened to this new set by Smokey Robinson a few times during my morning commute and found it to be so-so.
Normally when the final cut #12 was reached I would take the CD out and replace it with another. But a few days ago I just let it run when it got to track 12 only to discover there was an uncredited bonus track that is the best song on the entire CD.
It is a cover of the classic Jackson 5 song “I Want You Back” and it is so good that it is worth the price I paid for the CD! This forty year old bubblegum-pop song has been turned into an adult’s smooth jazz anthem. It is simply superb.
I am sure there is not one of you Pop music fans that does not know this song. If you had never heard it before I am sure you heard it played in recent months in tribute to Michael Jackson. If not you can listen to the original at the parent blog of EOINA here.
Most covers of classic tunes are hum-drum. The most recent exception that comes to mind is the sorely under-rated singer Wayne Brady’s version of the Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love.”
Wayne’s cover is better that Smokey’s is, but Smokey’s is a strong second. I have heard nothing to compare to these two covers in the past decade.
All in all this is a nice album. I think that the attempts to inject the contemporary pop sound should have been omitted (Track 
and Smokey should have just been classic Smokey. He is in fine voice through out.
Here is the track list of the release:
1. Time Flies – this title track is the first single. It is ok, but every time I listen to it I want to push a button to speed it up a few more BPMs. The tempo is a mite too slow IMHO.
2. Don’t Know Why – This cover is basically a straight cover rendition of the Nora Jones classic with Smokey singing a bit behind the melody. I would have liked it better if he just followed the melody since it is a great melodic song.
3. Girlfriend – Very, nice. Now this is Smokey Being Smokey and yet it sounds fresh. Should have been first single IMHO.
4. You’re The One For Me Featuring Joss Stone
5. Please Don’t Take Your Love featuring Carlos Santana. Juvenile lyrics but catchy tune.
7. That Place
8. Love Bath – Argh! This song drives me bonkers. It sounds like a puff piece that was written for Britney Spears and I can imagine her in a bubble bath in a video warbling the “Hook” over and over again. Shame on you Smokey.
9. Whatcha Gonna Do
10. Satisfy You
11. You’re Just My Life featuring India Arie. Good choice for this duet. They sound great together.
12. Bonus Track – I Want You Back . I will say it one more time … superb! Take a listen. I can’t stop singing/playing it!
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Musically Yours,
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Filed under:I Want You Back, RobSo Records, Smokey Robinson, Time Flies When You're Having Fun
