What is this man's secret? Celebrating 50 years in the music business, Motown legend Smokey Robinson still possesses a gorgeous voice and writes unforgettable songs. On his latest album, Time Flies When You're Having Fun, Robinson shows R&B crooners over half his age how to not only compose a great tune, but sell it as well.

Beginning with the title track, Robinson sets the romantic tone with his sultry delivery, accompanied by soft guitar. The album was recorded with the band and Robinson performing in the studio together, and this live approach adds depth to the track. While the tune concerns a man reluctant to return home after a night of passion—certainly a theme addressed many times before—it's Robinson's voice that distinguishes “Time Flies” from other similar songs. “Here we lay/And we want it to last/We take every extra second we can get,” he virtually whispers, the lyrics resembling almost an inner dialog.

While Robinson remains one of music's best songwriters (“Shop Around,” “Tears of A Clown,” “Who's Loving You” and “Cruisin'” represent just a few masterpieces from his vast catalog), he proves he can interpret others' songs as well. The first single, a cover of Norah Jones's “Don't Know Why,” shows his skill at phrasing and dramatizing the lyrics with his voice. View the video here:

Two neo-soul singers stop by to pay tribute—Joss Stone duets with Robinson on the seductive “You're The One for Me,” while India.Arie joins him for “You're Just My Life.” Stone compliments his smooth voice quite well, the song evoking a '70s slow jam vibe. While Stone can sometimes oversing, she utilizes her smoky voice with restraint here. “You're Just My Life” fits nicely with such classics as “Ooh Baby Baby,” with India.Arie adding to the romance with her clear, deep voice. Both singers were wise choices for Robinson's duetting partners, as they are obviously well-versed in classic soul.

Not limiting himself to ballads, Robinson reveals his funky side on “Girlfriend,” a mid-tempo ode to his love. “You are my girlfriend/You are my lady/You are my woman” he confidently states, an acoustic guitar keeping the tight rhythm. Fellow legend Carlos Santana lends a bluesy touch to “Please Don't Take Your Love,” where Robinson shows how his falsetto can take on a grittier edge. Percussion and Santana's guitar give the song a Spanish spin (although Robinson sings in different languages at various points). As usual, Santana dazzles with his virtuosity, particularly in his solo. Like the aforementioned “Cruisin'?” Then “That Place”will be sure to please, with its similar chord changes and Robinson's sultry falsetto. If any of Time Flies When You're Having Fun's tracks embody his trademark sound, it's this song.

Article Author: Kit O'Toole

Kit O'Toole is a lifelong music enthusiast who maintains a music blog, Listen to the Band. In addition, she is the internet columnist and a contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine. She also holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology.

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