"When Smokey Sings" is a song by English pop band ABC, released as the first single from their fourth studio albumAlphabet City (1987). The lyrics and title of the song are a tribute to R&B and soul singer Smokey Robinson. In the United States, Robinson's single "One Heartbeat" and ABC's "When Smokey Sings" were ranked in the Billboard 100 pop chart simultaneously for several weeks, including the week ending 3 October 1987, in which both songs ranked in the top 10.[4]
Background
"When Smokey Sings" and its B-side "Chicago" also topped the BillboardHot Dance Club Play chart. The song reached No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart and became ABC's second American top-10 hit, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. There is a slight difference in the lyrics between the album and single version in the bridge of the song.
The album version contains references to "Luther," "Sly," "James" and "Marvin" (most likely referring to Luther Vandross, Sly Stone, James Brown and Marvin Gaye, respectively). In the single version, this is replaced by alternative lyrics, followed by a short saxophone solo.
The bassline of the song is an homage to Robinson's 1970 hit single with the Miracles "The Tears of a Clown."[5] Robinson praised the song, saying, "Well, of course, that's a form of flattery, and I really appreciate it."[6]
Critical reception
Barry McIlheney of Smash Hits was critical of "When Smokey Sings", stating that "this isn't half as good as any of their older stuff" and that Smokey Robinson, to whom it was a tribute, "deserves a lot better than this".[7]
^When Smokey Sings (UK 7-inch single sleeve). ABC. Neutron Records. 1987. NT 111, 888 327-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^When Smokey Sings (UK 12-inch single sleeve). ABC. Neutron Records. 1987. NTX 111.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^When Smokey Sings (European & Australian 12-inch single vinyl disc). ABC. Mercury Records. 1987. 888 604-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^When Smokey Sings (UK 12-inch remix single sleeve). ABC. Neutron Records. 1987. NTXR 111.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^When Smokey Sings (UK CD single liner notes). ABC. Neutron Records. 1987. NTCD 111.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^When Smokey Sings (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). ABC. Mercury Records. 1987. 888 726-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^When Smokey Sings (US maxi-cassette single sleeve). ABC. Mercury Records. 1987. 422 888 726-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^When Smokey Sings (Canadian 12-inch single vinyl disc). ABC. Vertigo Records. 1987. SOVX 2389.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^When Smokey Sings (Canadian cassette single sleeve). ABC. Vertigo Records. 1987. NTC 111.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 10. ISBN978-0-646-11917-5.
