Search - Smokey Robinson :: The Solo Albums, Vol. 1: Smokey / Pure Smokey

Smokey Robinson was a reluctant solo artist. After embarking on an emotional farewell tour with the Miracles and leaving his longtime group in 1972, Smokey became a full-time Motown executive - until the studio and the stage came calling. He returned a year later with the LP simply titled Smokey, featuring the smash hit "Baby Come Close," and followed it quickly with Pure Smokey, highlighted by "Virgin Man." Smokey then became a hugely successful solo artist, lasting until the present day. Yet most of Smokey's classic Motown albums are out of print. UMe and Motown/Hip-oSelect.com are changing that with the introduction of a series, The Solo Albums, which will feature his Motown solo output, beginning with Volume I: Smokey and Pure Smokey, together on one CD. Beautifully remastered, the albums are now back in print for the first time in 20 years. These classics are housed in a lovingly rendered package with a 24-page booklet featuring restored artwork - including lyrics for the debut LP as originally printed - and detailed annotations. U.K. author Peter Doggett interviewed Smokey specifically for this series and his liner notes tell the story. Look for more releases in the Smokey Robinson Solo Albums series the rest of the year and in 2011.