Pure Smokey (1974) Songwriting Credits — Smokey Robinson

Authorship Breakdown 8 / 9 self-written

Who wrote the songs?

Every track is scored by writing credit — whether Smokey Robinson carries a lyricist or composer credit.

89%

11%

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%

Performer0%

By the Numbers

9

Tracks

6

Lyricists

1

Producers

1974

Released

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

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