This is a good collection of Smokey Robinson tunes, a good Motown sound record. Smokey's voice is great. This is a long CD, over one hour, with 25 tunes, so fans will get their money's worth from this CD. For me the CD is an enjoyable listen. It's just not the genre I'm particularly into, so I gave it 4 stars. Fans of the 60s Motown stuff might consider it a 5 though. My favs:

Second That Emotion
Tears of a Clown
Tracks of My Tears

So you find a 10-spot on the street. Whatever will you do with it? Bribe a Congressman? Take it to your local greasy spoon for a hearty bowl of squirrel surprise, and a slice of the meringue pie you've been eyeing for months as it circled in its rotating glass case? Maybe skip down to the spirits store and pick up a bottle of Chateau Wallaby, ignoring the warning label which clearly states, "Caution: Consuming this product may cause nausea, dizziness, and an intense desire to burst into tears."

Or, you could buy this CD. (Highly recommended).

No R&B/soul collection would be complete without Smokey represented, and this exceptional Best Of anthology represents him admirably. At 25 cuts deep, it is virtually exploding with content, replete with must-have classics and unfamiliar gems. Like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, Robinson's voice evokes a visceral, emotional response. It has, of course, an ethereal beauty that sounds more suited to heaven than earth. The precision of the back-up harmonies and arrangements makes for an effect that is uniformly appealing, and genuine. This music is never overtly clever or self-conscious - it is masterfully crafted and sincere.

The generation doomed to endure hip-hop and rap would do well to take this CD out for a test drive, if only to discover that there was once music both pleasing to the ear and nourishing to the soul. Smokey spoke to women in a language that made them melt, a language men strained to learn and understand. Put on "I'll Try Something New." In 2:36, Robinson evokes the sentiments of romantic love in a way that is nothing short of transcendent.

What can I say: It is Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Who can say anything bad about this?

It really brought back memories of watching Smokey Robinson and the Miracles back in the day.

The first time we listened to this alblum we were a bit dissapointed. I guess we are Smokey fans. We love his voice.
The earlier songs on the alblum came from his days with the Miracles. It was good for us , but not great. The second half of the alblum highlighted Smokey and we really enjoyed it. Hey 25 songs for this price. Who can complain.

The old timers like me back in the inner cities where Smokey and the Miracles orginally put their stake down in Motown and R&B royalty, used to call him Bill Smokey Robinson. Whenever I meet someone who recalls the days back in the early to mid sixties when the black transistor made in Japan radios were blaring down the New York City school hallways playing The Tracks of my Tears, Shop Around, OOO Baby Baby (which brings back memories of my first interacial slow dance in the Junior High School gym) and the Tears of a Clown, all selections being on The Ultimate Collection~Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, I know that my buddy remembers Smokey's spindly aura on the stage and his silky smoooth and relaxed delivery. I apologize to my readers for run on sentences but Smokey requires such detailed explanation as a legendary contributor to soul, R&B and the Motown wall of sound (they had one too) that my effusive and continuing acclamation of this cherished and enormously loved performer is understated. I heard that Smokey recently brought his performance to Flint, Michigan or maybe some other backyard town in auto country. I really wish that I could have been there to see Smokey put out before a hometown crowd. That must have been nothing short of a miracle. I am going to hit the click button now myself, I need to hear again the sounds that captivated all of us when we walked down the hallways in Junior High with the made in Japans, fingerpopping all the way. Please note, I meant to push 5 stars on this CD and cannot figure out how to correct the above. I apoligize for any misunderstanding however everybody who has ever been touched by Smokey's music probably realized this faux pas.

Jay Adler, Massapequa, New York

When I first saw this I wasn't sure if I wanted to buy it. I didn't think I was a big fan of The Miracles, but I went ahead and purchased it and wow, I am truly astonished. This is glorious. It is almost completely non-chronological but it is perfectly sequenced. I like when the remastering producers put the songs in order by the way they go together(unless its something like Sam Cooke's "Complete Specialty Recordings" there it shows his progression as a singer)and how they gel with each other. Smokey's smooth irresistable tenor is so seductive and the production is so hypnotic that you will get wrapped up in this world of wonderful music without realizing how long this is(over 70 minutes) and that is great! This is what is called HDCD it is remastered in 20 bit instead of the usual 16 bit(though the best of today is 24 bit) you will need a dvd player with HDCD capability to truly hear it like it is supposed to be heard. This is amazing and I am now a 'Miracles' fan for life. Absolutely Essential :)

I dont care what others say about The Supremes,Temptations, or other Motown groups,the MIRACLES were the greatest group to ever come out of Motown. PERIOD! Why ? For one thing,they were the FIRST MOTOWN GROUP.It was their success that paved the way for all the others. Had they not been successful, there would have been no MOTOWN,and none of those other groups would have been found fame ,or at least not to the extent which they did.THE MIRACLES put MOTOWN on the map.They also had MOTOWN'S first million selling record,"SHOP AROUND".During the comapny's critical early years,1959-1964, They were BY FAR MOTOWN'S TOP GROUP,(despite what certain rewiewers have written,}with TOP 10 pop hits in 1961,'62',AND '63,the STAR ATTRACTION of the legendary MOTORTOWN REVUES,and the ONLY group that was bringing any serious money into the company. By 1964, the year that the SUPREMES, TEMPTATIONS, and the FOUR TOPS had their 1ST hits, THE MIRACLES were releasing theit 1ST DOUBLE ALBUM of GREATEST HITS !! Yet,while most of the others were inducted ,AS GROUPS, into THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME,The MIRACLES have been ignored. They chose to induct only Smokey. What a shame and insult to Motown's legendary First Group. The TEMPTATIONS ? great singers and dancers to be sure,but what most Temptations fans won't tell you is that 9 of their first 12 hits were actually written by The MIRACLES !! not just Smokey,THE WHOLE GROUP !! Don't believe it ? just look at the writing credits on the Tempts GREATEST HITS album ! ( How many MIRACLES songs did the TEMPTATIONS WRITE ? think about it}. THE SUPREMES ? They wouldn't have even GOTTEN on Motown if not for Smokey !! Stevie Wonder? He was discovered by Miracles member RONNIE WHITE !! THE MARVELETTES,MARVIN GAYE & MARY WELLS ?Yep, they wrote their stuff too.The MIRACLES were responsible,either directly or indirectly, for the success of just about EVERY EARLY ARTIST ON THE MOTOWN LABEL!! In fact ,of the five leading Motown groups ( Supremes, Temptations,4 tops,Miracles,J-5 }The MIRACLES were the ONLY ones that wrote their own material. Hopefully one day ,the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME will induct them ALL-SMOKEY, BOBBY,RONNIE, PETE, MARV & CLAUDETTE ,not just SMOKEY , as they did.Want to know why they deserve it? Just listen to this CD.Then, read the writing credits.It will prove that SMOKEY wasn't the ONLY serious talent in this group. P.S.-Check out the MIRACLES' new "MOTOWN DEFINITIVE" DVD -available elsewhere on this site .... and see MUSICAL HISTORY in the MAKING !!

Smokey Robinson was once described by Bob Dylan as "the greatest living poet". That is certainly nothing of an understatement and Smokey Robinson was one of the most richly talented singer/songwriter/producers at Tamla Motown Records.

Smokey Robinson gave Berry Gordy the initial ammunition for forming Tamla Motown Records and was also partly responsible for bringing the great Diana Ross to his attention, who was a close friend of Smokey's and indeed Smokey ended up having a short-lived affair with Diana, even though he was married to Claudette Robinson at the time. Berry Gordy expressed an interest in one of his songs and before long, a creative bond was forged that would change the face of music between blacks and whites.

Origanal memebers of The Miracles were Smokeys then wife, Claudette, Bobby Rogers, Ronnie White and Peter Moore. Smokey's obsessive themes were always centered around love that clearly inspired his always startling and highly remarkable compostions.

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles delivered Motown it's first hit with the blues-sounding, Shop Around. It encapsulated a neat mixture of R&B/Pop which proved to be a significant cross-over hit. This proved to be a breakthrough recording for both Smokey and the Miracles and indeed Motown Records itself. This was merley the beginning.

You Really Got A Hold On Me, was another magnificent recording in their early career which was lifted in 1963 and featured simplistic yet strongly emotive lyrics. Smokey's exuberant delivery was crystal-clear and possessed a lot of range which could be thrown around into any pitch and could always ride along Motowns somewhat complex musical arrangements.

The Tracks Of My Tears was another definitive Smokey Robinson compostion which really is quite breathtaking with its sweeping, tempo-shifting musical arrangements where the fantastic range of harmonies all gell so divinely with each other.

I Second That Emotion (later covered by Diana Ross and the Supremes with The Temptations) was a mid-beat number where Smokeys cool, sensual voice oozes such genuine emotion. This became another notably big hit to their credit.

Arguably the pinnacle of his career would have to be the superb, The Tears of A Clown. The profound lyrics were masterful and Smokey delivers a rolling vocal performance. The infectious, swinging Motown phenomenon is well under way on here and delivered one of his greatest hits.

The Ultimate Collection features all of these landmark recordings that will satisfy any lover of the Motown genre and for completists, there are a host of some lesser-known obscurities which aren't all top-notch, though Smokey's performances always are and still makes for an interesting listen.

What else can be added to what has already been said ?
Smokey is an absolute genius.
I would recommend this to anyone.

Not all musical collections are "ultimate," but this one comes pretty close to filling the bill. It's a well-selected collection of the finely crafted tunes Smokey and his cohorts produced over their long and productive careers.

The biggest hits, of course, are here, from "Second That Emotion" to "Mickey's Monkey" to "Tears of a Clown," and so on. These great tunes, monster hits in their day, never wear thin, and "Tears of a Clown," in particular, reminds us of Smokey's clever and sophisticated songwriting abilities.

The disc also shows off Smokey's great voice. Far from a belter, Smokey caressed the words and in so doing brought out beautifully the meaning of any tune. The obvious showpiece is "Ooo Baby Baby," on the short list of greatest make-out tunes of all time, but there are great performances on lesser known songs such as "I'll Try Something New," and the marvelous "More Love." The most moving performance, for me, however, is "(You Can) Depend on Me," which brings the musical session to a satisfying conclusion.

The producers also showed great intelligence in the selection of material, culling out some gems of the group that never became full-blown hits. The best example of this is "(Come Round Here) I'm the One You Need." The tune was on the charts around 1966, but never became a hit, although this writer thought then and now it was a great song. It's a dramatic performance, driven by Smokey's urgent delivery (including spoken words) and the Miracles' on-the-money backing.

Hitting on all cylinders, this "Ultimate Collection" takes the listener on a beautiful drive through the musical past.

All his best, all on one disc. Can't get any better. A 'must have' for Motown lovers.

Checked out all of the other available offerings on amazon.com and found that this is still the best available collection from one of the pioneer groups at Motown. And the price is right too. Although Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were never on Motown's "A" team in terms of chart success, they were nonetheless a reliable money maker for the label for over a decade. Lead singer Smokey Robinson, who wrote all but three of the selections on this disc, has long been regarded as one of America's greatest tunesmiths. From the first big smash "Shop Around" released in 1960 until their the final #1 hit "Tears of A Clown" in 1970, the Miracles were on the charts almost continuously. You'll find nearly all of their hits on this 25 track disc. Among my personal favorites are 1967's "More Love" and "Baby, Baby Don't Cry" from 1969. It is really quite amazing that the Miracles did not achieve even more chart success then they did. Thanks to the masterful pen of Smokey Robinson, the group had a seemingly endless supply of material to work with. Alas, Smokey left the Miracles and went solo in 1972. The Miracles went on to have a couple of more big hits over the next few years. And Smokey enjoyed some chart success on his own as well. In looking over some of the other reviews here on amazon.com the verdict is virtually unanimous. This is a five star selection!!!

Certainly, a fitting compilation of the group's best songs! These aren't all in chronological order like some of the other "Ultimate Collections" are. That shouldn't detract from your enjoyment, though. That matters the least. I don't thank Motown missed anything when this was being put together. For someone young, I know Smokey and the Miracles well, and there are some songs I never heard of. Those were remarkable, too. It felt like the disc was never going to end. 25 songs is a perfect line-up. This is certainly one of the best Motown "Ultimate Collections." Second my emotion, for it's worth your while!

Smokey Robinson is best friends with my grandpa, Ronald Welser.
I got to hear this pre-release due to this fact.
It is awesome.
Buy it NOW if you like Smokey.

In Britain, Smokey and the Miracles are remembered primarily for two songs, these being Tracks of my tears (later revived by Linda Ronstadt) and Tears of a clown, but they were more successful in their homeland. Among their American hits to be found on this collection are I second that emotion (later revived by the Supremes and Temptations), Shop around (later revived by Captain and Tennille), Mickey's monkey and You've really got a hold on me. All of those hits came in the early sixties, before Motown's success spread internationally.

Smokey was a prolific songwriter, but as the sixties progressed, he gave many of his best songs to other Motown acts, so hits for his own group tended to be smaller and fewer. The last significant American hits they had together were If you can wait, which just missed the American top ten in 1968, and Tears of a clown, which was actually released on an album in 1967 but became a transatlantic number one in 1970. So their biggest hit came at a time when they were a fading attraction. It did not revive their career, which ended as a unit with 1972's We've come too far to end it now.

A separate compilation in the same series is available of Smokey's solo recordings with Motown. Being with you and other solo gems can be found on that compilation. So, this excellent collection of their best songs together includes all the essentials, something that cannot be said of all the compilations in this series.

With all due respect to the Temptations and the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles were the most exciting group on the Motwon label. You can have your Beatles and Rolling Stones, but when it came to soul with a light touch of pop, you can't beat this fabulous group that had such brilliant classics like "Tears of a Clown," "More Love," "Shop Around," and "I Second That Emotion." Robinson is one of the greatest vocalists ever, and you can feel the unfiltered emotion when he sings through such breakup songs like "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage" or "The Tracks of My Tears." But my track of choice is the rare love song, "You Can Depend On Me," which, I understand, appeared as a b-side. This collection is a great survey of the group's contribution to the Motown label and belongs in the collection of any lover of soul.

In 1986,MOTOWN had allready well compiled SMOKEY AND THE MIRACLES with a 2 cd ANTHOLOGY of 45 songs.In 1998,they simply eliminated a few songs to make a single cd of highlights.This excellent selection shows why ROBINSON was among the best composer of the sixties with his label mates H-D-H.But SMOKEY did more than write for his group,he also wrote songs for MARY WELLS,THE TEMPTATIONS etc.BERRY GORDY once called his friend the most unselfish person i know.He will always be remembered as one of the guys who helped to establish the original MOTOWN sound of DETROIT.I'll TRY SOMETHING NEW,OOO BABY BABY and THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS my personal favorites ,were recorded by other artists later.MICKEY'S MONKEY and GOING TO A-GO GO(covered by THE STONES on one of their live albums)were the novelty songs.God bless you SMOKEY ROBINSON.

Smokey Robinson was called by Bob Dylan "America's Greatest Living Poet". Indeed he was correct! Smokey did something to a song no one could ever do, just listen to "Ooo Baby, Baby". "The Tears of a Clown" is just a great song as well as the rest of these on this CD. If you "Shop Around" you'll find this is a great CD.

This CD covers the career of Smokey Robinson and his Miracles very well. Even though I owned the Miracles' anthology several years ago, I noticed that a lot of songs I enjoyed from that anthology were omitted from this ULTIMATE COLLECTION. But that's okay. If you want the biggest and most popular hit songs that the group made from the beginning to the end, you'll find them here. From "Bad Girl" (one of my all time favorites) to "We've Come Too Far To End It Now", there's not a bad cut in the bunch. I've always loved Smokey's contradictory technique of writing love songs ("Just a minute ago, your love was here...all of a sudden it seemed to disappear...sweetness was only heartaches' camouflage, the love I saw in you was just a mirage") and clever little puns wrapped up into memorable tunes ("I'm a choosey beggar").

Smokey was one of the most amazing songwriters of the 20th century, and his best work was with his group, the Miracles. And we can't forget about Smokey's pristine falsetto voice sailing over the music, with the tight harmonies of Bobby Rogers, Ronnie White, Warren "Pete" Moore and Claudette Rogers Robinson holding it down in the background. Take a listen to the angst of songs like "Who's Lovin' You", "(Come 'Round Here) I'm The One You Need", "My Girl Has Gone", "Ooh Baby Baby" and "The Tracks of My Tears". Hear about the joys of being in love with "I'll Try Something New", "More Love" and "I Second That Emotion", and the comforting sounds of "Baby Baby, Don't Cry" and "You Can Depend On Me". Hear some motherly advice via "Shop Around", and just dance and have a good time with fun songs like "Going To A Go Go" and "Mickey's Monkey". Get this CD and you'll realize just why Bob Dylan once dubbed Smokey as "the greatest living poet"! With the exception of the fact that most of these songs are in monophonic sound when stereo recordings are available (which was a slight disappointment), this is a truly "Ultimate" collection!

I bought this as a 3 album anthology approximately 10 years ago.It starts at the beginning of the Miracles careers and brings to surface the gritty tenor voice of one Smokey Robinson. I am very impressed with the song "Bad Girl" and "The Tracks of My Tears". The harmonies are especially good. The talent of Smokey Robinson is ever so evident in his writing of most of the material on the album. This is a must buy!!!!

Smokey Robinson may have been the greatest songwriter of his era. No one else was coming up with the splendidly clever turs of phrase as Smokey ("Just like Paliacchi did, I tried to keep my feelings hid. Laughing to the world outside, but in my lonely room I cried; the tears of a clown").Certainly, no one was able to combine the writing and the beautiful voice as he did. Back in the day, he was the one to sing the young Sistahs into a swoon! When someone put Smokey's "Ooh, Baby Baby" or "More Love" on the record player, the party was going to get serious! This disc has much of Smokey's best.

However, having grown up with Smokey, there are songs that I think ought to be here, but are missing. There is no way that one disc can hold all the great Smokey Robinson & the Miracles hits (at least, given today's technology). Given that fact, this disc leaves out some of the "must" hits (in my opinion) recorded by the Miracles. Not here are "What's so Good About Goodbye" (which has some of his best lyric writing, in my opinion), "Doggone Right", "Here I Go Again" and a handful of others.

I think the best Smokey Robinson collection is found in the release of the Smokey Robinson Anthology released by Motown. It does not cost too much more, is two discs, and is the best compemndium of this great body of work.

Smokey Robinson may have been the greatest songwriter of his era. No one else was coming up with the splendidly clever turs of phrase as Smokey ("Just like Paliacchi did, I tried to keep my feelings hid. Laughing to the world outside, but in my lonely room I cried; the tears of a clown").Certainly, no one was able to combine the writing and the beautiful voice as he did. Back in the day, he was the one to sing the young Sistahs into a swoon! When someone put Smokey's "Ooh, Baby Baby" or "More Love" on the record player, the party was going to get serious! This disc has much of Smokey's best.

However, having grown up with Smokey, there are songs that I think ought to be here, but are missing. There is no way that one disc can hold all the great Smokey Robinson & the Miracles hits (at least, given today's technology). Given that fact, this disc leaves out some of the "must" hits (in my opinion) recorded by the Miracles. Not here are "What's so Good About Goodbye" (which has some of his best lyric writing, in my opinion), "Doggone Right", "Here I Go Again" and a handful of others.

I think the best Smokey Robinson collection is found in the release of the Smokey Robinson Anthology released by Motown. It does not cost too much more, is twoi discs, and is the best compemndium of this great body of work. As far as it goes, thoi

Smokey Robinson is what Bob Dylan described as "the greatest living poet". Whether you agree or disagree, this compilation album easily gives you an understanding of that statement as the vast majority of these tracks remain stunningly unique!Robinsons' vocals are crystal claear throughout and the best of the hits include their first single release, SHOP AROUND, YOU'VE REALLY GOT A HOLD ON ME, I SECOND THAT EMOTION and the two very fine classics that are possibly their very best cuts (certainly amongst their most famous), THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS and THE TEARS OF A CLOWN. The classic sound of Motown was defined by groups like Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and Robinson was one of the most talented songwriters at Motown. He produced most of Diana Ross and the Supremes early recordings as well as major hits for The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes (their 1972 FLOY JOY album). An excellent compilation from one of Motowns best groups!

These Songs are Musical Treasures that are Timeless.I was Watching Cooley High The Other Night and Hearing Mickey's Monkey got me all hyped.The Sound&Voice still Blow My Mind.Smokey Robinson is one Of The Greatest Talents&Teachers that The Music World Has ever Known&Heard.The Tracks Of My Tears&Tears Of a Clown are Pure Genius.The Miracles were a Great Vocal Group as well.So Many Feelings&Rich Textures thru out this Gem.

Thier isn't any singer,now or back then that could make you fill the pain or joy what love can do. Smokie,soul went into these sounds,and touch every part of my Being.

mickey's monkey i have been playing that jam non-stop,going to a go-go,tears of a clown etc.. this is music by not only a solid vocal group but also the brain strom of one of the baddest singer,songwriters and producers in the history of music.smokey robinson is a solid gold artist.when it comes to words and music there's nothing this genius can't do.first with the miracles then solo.

At the age of sixteen I'm very choosy about my music but the first time I ever heard Day light & Darkness it was the best thing I ever heard. Smokey is a wonderful artist and I'm hoping to see some more of his work soon

I have always loved Smokey! Partially because I grew from childhood to adulthood with his music. It's funny, though, sometimes as we grow we take for granted all the greatness around us--the music, the people and places. Somehow we just think they'll aways be there, till they're not. And one day you hear Smokey sing one of his jams! All of a sudden it all comes back--the people, the places--good or bad, it doesn't matter. And you realize Smokey was there living it all with you.

My personal favorite is "The Love I Saw In You Was Just a Mirage". Maybe because I once identified with it. Or maybe just because he sounds so sweet. Another personal favorite is "Swept For You Baby" found on another CD. Classic Smokey! Anyway, as one of the last of the "Baby Boomers" my music collection didn't seem complete without it.

The tracks on this album give the listener an idea of the breadth of Smokey and The Miracles' abilities, and their development over the years - from the early innocence and purity of "Way Over There" to the smoother, more knowing "More Love" - the common threads being Smokey's voice and lyrics. All the songs that the group are famous for (like "Tracks of My Tears" and "Tears of A Clown") are here along with lesser-known gems - "What's so Good about Goodbye?", for example, demonstrates classic Smokey lyricism "If leaving causes grieving, then depart will break your heart" - each one worth your attention. No bad tracks here at all. Get it or regret it.

Tracks of my tears is such a great song. This is the kind of music that never goes out of "style".

Brings back excellent memories of good times. I can almost see them performing this CD. Smooth and easy-listening, they say so much in their music. You can feel the soul, as it should be. They don't make them like that anymore..