Tracks of My Tears - Smokey Robinson and the Miricles | Andy & Alex FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@dankofanz]

Bob Dylan once said Smokey was America's greatest living poet.

[@nj1639]

There it is!

[@catherinelw9365]

Smokey is America's Poet Laureate of Song.

[@tylerhackner9731]

He spoke nothing but the truth there

[@westboundno8]

True! That was in the sixties!

[@kristahartmann6712]

I remember reading that. Appropriate.

[@jamesjrdollenmeyer8301]

Smokey is the master. Linda Ronstadt did an awesome cover of this song. There is a duet with her and Smokey. She covered many of the classics and did a great job.

[@John_Locke_108]

Yup. Her cover is absolutely incredible.

[@jamesedens8245]

Everything Linda ever did was incredible. Her cover of this song was every bit as good as this original version.

[@beverlyoyarzun3326]

She freely admits that she stole every possible lick from Smokey’s original.

[@texasca9753]

I love Linda's version too. 💕

[@HenryInHawaii]

They did 1 review of Linda singing, and they were not impressed. So please do not do another. My heart can't take it

[@TallyDrake]

"My smile is my makeup I wear since my breakup with you." Such a great line!😊

[@Scaramousche1955]

Great lyric there, plus the music "stuttering" along to make room for the words is genius!

[@alrivers2297]

Tears of a Clown is the next great one

[@josephwalker5577]

Absolutely!!

[@sabinasabina2010]

Ooo Baby Baby

[@bobrob2004]

Stevie Wonder wrote the music for that song. It was on Jeopardy recently!

[@catherinelw9365]

They reacted to that one already in the Motown live stream.

[@ddiamondr1]

Yes please!

[@yvrkid7070]

Tears of A Clown, Cruisin' and Going To A Go-Go. Smokey Robinson was the sound of a generation.

[@dshingle6]

This is Smokey….nothing but “S” tier!

[@chrisross-fd3fo]

RETIRE THE S-TIER RATING IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO USE IT ON THIS SONG..YES I AM YELLING..YOU JUST SAID MOTOWN HAS THE MOST CONSISTENTLY GOOD SONGS OF ANY MUSIC GENRE AND THIS WAS THEIR FIRST MILLION SELLER..DUDES I LIKE SLUDGE METAL FOR GODS SAKE AND I KNOW THIS IS AN S

[@claresmith-hill9417]

Outside I'm masquerading, inside? My heart is breaking. Brilliant

[@chrisbarlow2131]

As ABC sang in honour of Smokey Robinson; "When Smokey sings, I hear violins, when Smokey sings, I forget everything".

[@lmdashley6725]

LOVE that song!! Thanks for the reminder!😊

[@BadErnest]

Smokey doesn’t get enough credit for his songwriting. An absolute master.

[@fmtalks1386]

Actually, he's in the Songwriter Hall of Fame!

[@minkgraver]

Barry Gordy used to tell his songwriters that he wanted a hook in the first 10 seconds, Smokey is unmatched as a songwriter and the funk brothers were the best in the business

[@garymaidman625]

Berry, not Barry.

[@sallybannister6224]

Quite right Gary . Berry it is ❤​@garymaidman625

[@alvillanueva2525]

"Ooh Baby Baby" is another Smokey classic.

[@Murdo2112]

Smokey's phrasing on this is absolutely flawless. Pure artistry.

[@sagegoodwin1]

Legit, so smoothly sung. Really impressive songwriting and vocals

[@karenj3611]

Motown would not be where it is today if not for Smokey Robinson. He not only recorded several timeless hits, he also wrote many more for other artists! Legend

[@steveturner3999]

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles are absolutely great. Grew up listening to them and "Tears of a Clown" is still my favorite.

[@hklinker]

A Stevie Wonder-assisted tune.

[@garymaidman625]

I love Tears of a Clown and You Really Got A Hold On Me, love both his version and the Beatles version.

[@TeflonBilly73]

Love "Tears of a Clown"!

[@matzabean]

@@hklinkerYeah, man. The entire instrumental track was written and recorded when Stevie handed it off to Smokey. Smokey listened to the motif and heard the sound of a circus, and the lyrics sprung from that.

[@marieaug9322]

I grew up listening to when smoky sings by abc, cruising from green eyes here and tears of a clown is very close to my favorite 😊

[@louisdellavalle2159]

Smokey wrote My Girl by The Temptations

[@dennis2966]

I can listen to anything from Motown at any time. I'm 67 so I've been listening to Motown music for many decades.

[@Cheryl_Haydon]

Same here. I miss Motown music so much. Thank God we have these old classics to come back to!

[@discontinuedmodel232]

I'm a few years younger than you, but I remember my older sister playing Motown 45's on her cheapo record player. Motown music has definitely stood the test of time!

[@thomastimlin1724]

Motown music was thee major factor of music in the 1960's early 70's, aside from the BEatles, who loved Motown, Smokey and the Supremes and the others...Motown gave this white boy musician some soul and made me a better person.

[@wiliamwidlacki7459]

I second that emotion might be thier best......one of the greatest dance songs ever!!!!

[@BiolleyBuzz]

OMG I forgot about that song when I was thinking of SM suggestions for A&A and should have added it to the list...it is a fabulous song!

[@wpollock1]

Having a stable of stars like Smokey, Stevie, Aretha, The Temps, The Four Tops…..makes me proud to be from Detroit.

[@peterbellini6102]

And Marvin, and Diana

[@discontinuedmodel232]

Aretha was on Atlantic Records if memory serves, despite being from Detroit.

[@qwertymanor]

Aretha was never on Motown...

[@discontinuedmodel232]

@@qwertymanor That's what I was saying. Aretha was on Atlantic Records & maybe other labels too, but not Motown. w pollock 1 mentioned "a stable of stars" then listed Motown Records stars but put Aretha among them. Perhaps w pollock 1 was referring only to Detroit rather than Motown Records.

[@DrChili44]

One of the best, most well-written songs of all time. Period. Smokey is The Master. He wrote songs for other Motown acts, like "My Girl" for the Tempts.... Hard to believe you hadn't heard this before. Nothing less than S tier.

[@mermaid3363]

Smokey Robinson is rightfully known as The Shakespeare of Pop.

[@GregDaGoblin]

Riding the school bus as a kid, AM radio playing. Motown dominated the airwaves back in the day.

[@jorinkema9877]

I am 71. I can't remember why I walked into a room, but damn, I can sing along perfectly with this song.

[@sallybannister6224]

Well, 71, even if you can't remember that, ...you are a very funny lovely man .( With class and good taste !!😂) Bless you ❤

[@dennisgschmidt6167]

Brother I hear ya, just a year behind you, but I've got the same go' n on. AND the same goes for me and the songs I hadn't heard in years. And some of those kinda surprise me.

[@kazshaw3945]

Me too every word !😂😂😂

[@dianegoldeneye7207]

@@jorinkema9877 I’m 71 and remember all the oldies, every word. But don’t ask what I had for breakfast !

[@dshingle6]

Smokey is 84 years old and still in the concert circuit. Saw Steve Miller last year at 81 years old and he’s still got it: voice, rhythm and guitar work!😊

[@Mr05Chuck]

Saw Steve Miller in 1977. One of the first dates with my wife. Still together.

[@ChristopherMmmm]

Smokey has a new album out called Gasms. Smokey can still get it.

[@keithwest2148]

Now that you've heard it you will, like me, be singing it to yourself for the next half century. That's what good music does.

[@Gordy63]

S tier all day, every day! So smooth and forever a classic.

[@lena-mariaglouis-charles7036]

Smokey is in a league all his own. Period.

[@dianegoldeneye7207]

SSsssssssss… for Smokey. “ My Girl” shouldn’t be missed either. Songs that never grow old. Thanks guys. Everyone have a great weekend !!

[@scottboswell6406]

Smokey definitely needs more coverage here. Not just the 60's songs, also ones like Cruising, Let Me Be The Clock, and Quiet Storm!!! Any song that becomes the name for a radio format must be amazing!!

[@sugarspice1689]

I agree his smokey solo stuff is golden also

[@mike_valenza]

This song was covered later by Johnny Rivers and Linda Ronstadt, which are also excellent versions of the song.

[@ryokinor6223]

"You kids turn that music down now!" "But Dad...It's Smokey!"

[@papabearlives9995]

That's what I thought of every time I hear him.

[@lauriesuter8810]

Was hoping someone would say that 😂❤😂.!! I loved that commercial 😂!!

[@wendyryder2708]

lol!

[@anthonytice3028]

That line has become as classic as Smokey himself. You have to check out the clip of Smokey wishing someone a happy Chanukah

[@dwinkleman]

This is a foundation stone of American music. Everything is built on this.

[@-Ricky_Spanish-]

Fun fact, this was one of Pete Townshend's favorite songs. He got the idea to write the song "Substitute" from the line in this song. You guys hit "The Tears Of A Clown" on a livestream back in 2022, but it's also worth revisiting. Definitely need to hit "I Second That Emotion", one of the catchiest songs ever.

[@waltw4537]

That vocal run by Smokey at around 4:24 mark is absolutely world class! That vocal bit alone proves Smokey's vocal brilliance now and forever more!

[@Alan_CFA]

Smokey is a great lyricist. He wrote “My Girl” for the Temptations. “The Tears of a Clown” is another example of his lyrical ability.

[@josephcrangle4669]

Utter perfection, peak Motown vibes. Really one of the greatest pop vocal performances of all time.

[@mahlontodd1383]

I think it's unquestionably S tier, the best song by an S tier writer. And that voice. You just can't top it.

[@FUBAR1986]

Look at you guys you’re entering the golden age, R&B music…. ☮️❤️🙏🌎🌏🌍🇺🇸❤️☮️

[@johnnyV2194]

“The Way You Do the Things You Do”. Do it. !!The Temptations.

[@allisonreed7682]

You’re absolutely right about Motown. Nothing but consistent greatness for many years. It’s time for y’all to show some love to The Supremes. They had no fewer than 12 number one singles! “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” would be an amazing intro.

[@tylerhackner9731]

S tier. Incredible phrasing and emotion

[@bobnpcola]

Smokey Robinson was one of the main songwriters of Motown

[@thomasflynn5366]

Smokey is a legend.

[@rosemarywatson1231]

Smokey has a million songs with lyrics just as catchy as this. “I don’t like you, but I love you.”

[@katzablot599]

My favorite.

[@kristahartmann6712]

You nailed it.

[@connieleighton4375]

Tears of a clown also by smokey has Always been a favorite for me I remember when I was Luke 6 my older brother had the song on a 45 &was playing it on our parents big ass console stereo turned way up and it was vibrating the whole house lol please give a listen and turn it up.

[@Shhh...theMoon]

Motown's production methods are always so stellar, using the best musicians, writers and arrangements.

[@leonardshevlin7260]

Berry Gordy was like a Henry Ford of records. He and Jimmy Carter are cousins, which isn't as widely known as I'd expect it to be.

[@TheShmoo123]

Watching Andy’s face as this song continued made me happy!

[@jeffmorse645]

Motown is some of the best music this country ever produced. It's just amazing the artists, musicians and song writers gathered together in Detroit at the time. I was a little kid in the 60s but my older sisters always had the radio playing or the TV on to one of the music shows at the time. 60s and 70s were awesome times to grow up in.

[@pattimurphyrocks]

I was seated next to Smokey Robinson at the American Music Awards back in the '80's. He is utterly charming and has the most beautiful green eyes.

[@clintpot8521]

"Ooo Baby Baby" is a banger of a love song! I play it any time I want to woo a woman!

[@RadCenter]

You need to experience some live performances of these Motown artists. The outfits and the choreography really help create the vibe. Also, Smokey has been on Daryl Hall's KZbin channel. He's still got it more than half a century later!

[@Maydoggie]

I'm excited. I've been suggesting this song almost as long as I've been suggesting Minstrel In The Gallery. Y'all pay close attention to the lyrics. Bob Dylan once said that Smokey was America's greatest living poet.

[@memorylane7068]

"Cruisin'" and "Being with You" are great ones from his later years.

[@brendakennedy818]

Okay, I got chills as soon as Smokey sang the first Lyric. Born in 1958 with a sister eight years older than me, I was weaned on Motown. That music started my love affair with music. Thanks for going back to this era.

[@margaretanscombe730]

You can NEVER go wrong with Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Was a kid when this song came out and even then, I knew this song was something special. Still gives me chills…Smokey Robinson was simply prolific!!

[@flubblert]

Any song You hear by Smokey Robinson, he wrote. Smokey was the most prolific songwriter at Motown. He wrote not just for himself and the Miracles, but for other best-selling artists at Motown like The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes... the list goes on. At 84 he is still touring. Was just on CNN the other night in honor of Juneteenth discussing his history. Looks and sounds great. He is a living legend. "More Love" and "Ooo Baby Baby" are two more classics by Smokey and the Miracles you might want to give a listen to.

[@AuburnAlum1977]

It just doesn't get any smoother than Smokey's voice! 💙

[@HeyfordF]

Linda Ronstadt did an excellent cover of this!

[@donalddixoninlou]

I heard this song the first time with the Johnny Rivers version, ....they're ALL good.

[@californiahummus]

Linda does a excellent cover of every song she sings

[@HeyfordF]

@@californiahummus Yes she does!

[@HeyfordF]

@@donalddixoninlouI love 'Secret Agent Man ' !

[@jeannie177]

Love how much Andy was into this song! ❤

[@todvball]

Amazing how a "light soulful" song can give out a great vibe. Love it .

[@alpetrocelli4465]

This was R & B on the radio, right along side rock & roll in the late ‘60’s. We heard all the genres, all in the same place. WLS in Chicago. ✌️❤️🎶

[@vickihirsch8340]

Second That Emotion! If there is a favorite Smokey song...thats mine. But he never misses. With his writing or his beautiful voice 😊

[@raecrowe9514]

70s Soul music still gives this Native American Sixties Child happy goosebumps and tummyflies.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

This is not a song, it's an anthem, it's an untouchable perfect song. More than classic. This song has been played so many times in so many movies, covered, on and on. An epic classic. I was going to say S tier, but it's higher than that. Platinum perfection.

[@joelhahn2501]

Please keep in mind that "Motown" is a record label, not a genre; Chess, Stax, and other labels also put out very similar sounding--and also massively popular--songs that you need to hear. Yes, each one had a house band (or the Wrecking Crew) providing the music, and those bands had their strengths and individual sounds, but they were all competing for the same airtime and all constantly both innovating and riding each other's coattails.

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

this was a pretty big hit when I was in HS and even recall a conversation in art class of my classmates saying how much they loved it. In the eighties the band ABC had a hit with their "Smokey Sings" single and it caused a well-deserved revival of interest in this great artist.⚛😀❤

[@SaverioP]

Smoky wrote "My Girl" for the Temptations. That's probably the tune you were thinking of.

[@privatename123]

Smooth as silk on Ooh Baby Baby.

[@kathyrizzi8754]

Oh I love Smokey, every song is fantastic. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles were the best in Motown…Detroit, Michigan, my home state. He had so many hits, please play more of him!👍👏👏♥️♥️

[@danielconnolly8565]

No auto tune. No click track. 4 track recording! Live playing. Live singing. Written by Smokey. Performed by Smokey and his pals. Incredible lyrics. Incredible singing. Incredible playing. This could possibly be the best song ever written.

[@robertlear2712]

A masterpiece of a song.

[@DarleneD-y3t]

All of the soul music you're playing is music that I grew up with. Music that touch my soul back in the day and brings me to tears today. I dropped out of music for about 15 years. Then about 6 months ago I started listening to it again. I have missed the old stuff so much and all the new stuff I have no idea about yet. Just getting started on it. I love your reactions. Y'all are cool. Excellent show and keep bringing them to me

[@brandonjones1349]

S for Smokey ☘️🚬

[@maruad7577]

A classic among classics.

[@StormyPeak]

I'm 60 years old, been listening to his music from the time I was 6 years old. I had an uncle who introduced me to his songs. Smokey is an American music legend.

[@kelleebowers8525]

Growing up in the 70’s, we heard classic rock, Motown even country on the same radio station. It definitely gave us a taste of everything, and it was all so awesome! Mid 60’ thru mid 80’s was the absolute best music in all genres😊

[@privatename123]

Picture me and my friends, white kids, going to my house during school lunch break, playing some Motown records, singing and dancing along, just like we saw on tv. That’s America baby, what a wonderful place.

[@bobwowk8440]

My wife and I saw Smokey Robinson right before the pandemic. He rocked the house! He’s still got that voice, that Motown swagger, and the ability to mesmerize his audience.

[@rs-ye7kw]

Smokey also wrote many of The Temptations hits including one I know you've reacted to; "My Girl".

[@AnnaOscard]

I Second That Emotion....

[@kellypickle]

I’m just so shocked that you guys are listening to this for the first time. I mean this is just it doesn’t get better than this. It doesn’t. This is a perfect song. It’s perfect. It could be released today and be a huge hit just as it is. Linda Ronstadt had a huge hit with this and her version is just as good as this one. Even Smokey agrees with that. But you just can’t beat Smokey. My smile is my make up I wear since my break up with you! one of the best lines ever written.

[@lisahumphries3898]

I saw an interview with Smokey about this song and he said it came from him imagining that someone cried so much that it left grooves or tracks in their face.

[@xXcosmic50Xx]

The music that I grow up with was incredible. Todays music, not so much. I keep a flash drive loaded with all the old music on it. I really don't listen to the radio. It's great to see how yall enjoy and appreciate real music and true talent. Keep up the great work.

[@tigerlillyfeelfree1695]

Much love from Scotland guys. A Syd Barrett obsessive extraordinaire.....tracks of my tears by Smokie Robinson is top class

[@melissaford717]

Groups like Smokey Robinson and The Miracles remind me of my parents, aunts & uncles. My father loved these guys and got to see them live with the Motown Revue show in York, PA. He loved music and passed that love down to me. He died when both of us were young (I was 6 & he was 38), but I still remember him singing to me the song 'You Really Got a Hold On Me'. Thanks for the memories and nice review for the summer solstice ☀️

[@CL-eu7ye]

Brings me back! In the ‘80s a bunch of these songs got popular again following “The Big Chill” movie. Its soundtrack was on constant rotation during my high school Spring Break 👍👍

[@rubenduran9517]

Tracks of My Tears is S Tier all the way.

[@katzablot599]

So many good songs from Smokey. You Really Got a Hold on Me is my favorite, and Shop Around is so fun. Please listen to more of his songs.

[@hollywoodharriet13]

We were wild for Smokey back in the day. Music and all of us were so together!

[@Lakeshore14]

EPIC. Grew up on Motown and Smokey was my favorite. I have seen him many times in concert and he still sounds like he did on this record. He was a preeminent songwriter and producer at Motown as well as fantastic performer. His songs have so much meaning. There’s a great documentary called “Hitsville: The Story of Motown”.. well worth the watch as it details how Motown got started and the effect it had on young people around the world. Thanks for the great reaction. 👏👏🥰

[@douginny]

I'm a Rock guy but this is an S tier standout

[@adambnyc4875]

I think I remember hearing “Tears of a Clown” on an A&A livestream. Try “Cruisin’” - so smooth. “Shop Around “ is good too.

[@valelavidavivir5842]

It's a "miricle" you finally got to this song. Fun watching Andy today. He seemed more into it than Alex while he was listening. Been a while since I've seen Andy out-dig Alex on a song. Great insight on the lyrics. Nice deep dig. This is the kind of reaction that makes the channel fun to watch. A+ for sure. When you are a great musician, you can make good music.

[@debramyer-bn4zd]

Tears of a clown is my favorite. Me and my sister use to go downtown on the weekend to the Woolworths and sit at the little diner there and play Motown. Such great memories. Our brother sometimes would join us. I miss them so much.

[@josephleyva8090]

Bingo!!! You hit it right on the target “ Motown” The most consistent recordings and awesome artist of all time!!!😘😘😘👍👍👍

[@elainemarsh3477]

Smokey. Man, what a voice.

[@VU-WakeUp]

Andy, Andy, Andy - the look on your face just made my day, So gald I watched this video! Thanks bro.

[@dannyholloway2007]

I love it when you guys hit songs of mine that I love. I love it even more when I discover gems like this with you guys. That is what reaction channels like yours are all about.

[@timshuey917]

Smokey is just smooth.

[@lindastafford9548]

Absolutely beautiful song!

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks to Andy and Alex! 💎 I first heard this on the wildly popular soundtrack for a movie called THE BIG CHILL (1983), which I hope you'll watch someday.