Studio Album · No. 11
Pure Smokey Songwriting Credits by Smokey Robinson
Produced by William "Smokey" Robinson · Engineered by Bruce Ellison (recording), Jim Hilton (recording), Larry Miles (recording), Russ Terrana (recording/mixing), Tom Knox (recording)
Holds writing credit on 8 of 9 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 8 / 9 documented
Scored across the 9 tracks with documented writers, by whether Smokey Robinson carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 9 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
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
| # | Title | Lyricist(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) |