Pure Smokey cover art

  Studio Album · No. 11

Pure Smokey Songwriting Credits by Smokey Robinson

1974 Tamla 9 tracks 39 min

Produced by William "Smokey" Robinson  ·  Engineered by Bruce Ellison (recording), Jim Hilton (recording), Larry Miles (recording), Russ Terrana (recording/mixing), Tom Knox (recording)

Tamla SoulFunk
89%
Authorship
Artist

Holds writing credit on 8 of 9 tracks

Authorship Breakdown 8 / 9 documented

Who wrote the songs?

Scored across the 9 tracks with documented writers, by whether Smokey Robinson carries a lyricist or composer credit.

89%
8 trackswritten by Smokey Robinson 1 trackoutside writers
Smokey Robinson's roles on this album

Share of the 9 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.

Lyricist89%
Composer89%
Producer0%
Performer100%

By the Numbers

9
Tracks
6
Lyricists
1
Producers
1974
Released
Data Insight

Pure Smokey was Robinson's second solo album, self-produced and recorded at Motown's Hitsville studios. The engineering team (Bruce Ellison, Jim Hilton, Larry Miles, Russ Terrana, and Tom Knox) represented some of Motown's technical staff from the classic era. The album produced "Virgin Man" (#56 Hot 100). The title reflected Robinson's confidence in his solo identity, distinct from his Miracles-era persona.

Pure Smokey is the second solo studio album by Smokey Robinson, released in 1974 on Tamla Records. The album's title is a statement of intent, this is Robinson stripped of the Miracles ensemble, presenting himself as a complete solo artist in full command of his songwriting voice. 'Virgin Man' became the album's most-discussed track, a candid reflection on romantic experience and emotional honesty that showed Robinson stretching his lyrical range beyond conventional love-song territory. 'I Am I Am' further demonstrated the introspective mode Robinson was developing in his solo work, favoring depth over dancefloor-ready hooks. The album was entirely self-written and self-produced, and while it did not generate major crossover hits, it cemented Robinson's credibility as a solo artist in the Quiet Storm aesthetic he was helping to define. Pure Smokey represents a confident creative statement from one of soul music's most essential figures.

Track Listing & Credits 9 tracks

Written by the artist Written by outside writers
#TitleLyricist(s)Composer(s)Producer(s)Performers
1
It's Her Turn to Live
Smokey RobinsonMarvin Tarplin Smokey RobinsonMarvin Tarplin William "Smokey" Robinson Smokey Robinson (Lead Vocals)
2
The Love Between Me and My Kids
Smokey Robinson Smokey Robinson William "Smokey" Robinson Smokey Robinson (Lead Vocals)
3
Asleep on My Love
Smokey RobinsonMarvin Tarplin Smokey RobinsonMarvin Tarplin William "Smokey" Robinson Smokey Robinson (Lead Vocals)
4
I Am I Am
Smokey Robinson Smokey Robinson William "Smokey" Robinson Smokey Robinson (Lead Vocals)
5
Just Passing Through
Marvin TarplinJanie BradfordAl Cleveland Marvin TarplinJanie BradfordAl Cleveland William "Smokey" Robinson Smokey Robinson (Lead Vocals)
6
Virgin Man #56
Smokey RobinsonRose Ella Jones Smokey RobinsonRose Ella Jones William "Smokey" Robinson Smokey Robinson (Lead Vocals)
7
She's Only a Baby Herself
Smokey Robinson Smokey Robinson William "Smokey" Robinson Smokey Robinson (Lead Vocals)
8
Fulfill Your Need
Smokey RobinsonMarvin TarplinPamela Moffett Smokey RobinsonMarvin TarplinPamela Moffett William "Smokey" Robinson Smokey Robinson (Lead Vocals)
9
A Tattoo
Smokey Robinson Smokey Robinson William "Smokey" Robinson Smokey Robinson (Lead Vocals)

Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 7 contributors

More from Smokey Robinson

Frequently Asked Questions Pure Smokey

What did "Virgin Man" by Smokey Robinson peak at on the Billboard Hot 100?
"Virgin Man" by Smokey Robinson from Pure Smokey peaked at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974.
Who produced Pure Smokey?
Pure Smokey was produced entirely by Smokey Robinson himself.
Who engineered Pure Smokey by Smokey Robinson?
Pure Smokey was engineered by Bruce Ellison, Jim Hilton, Larry Miles, and Tom Knox, with Russ Terrana handling both recording and mixing.
What number solo album was Pure Smokey for Smokey Robinson?
Pure Smokey (1974) was Smokey Robinson's second solo studio album, following Smokey (1973).
What genre does Pure Smokey by Smokey Robinson feature?
Pure Smokey blends soul and funk, continuing Robinson's exploration of both styles as a solo artist.

Sources