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.

1. Holly
2. Medley: Never My Love/Never Can Say Goodbye
3. A Silent Partner In A Three-Way Love Affair
4. Just My Soul Responding
5. Sweet Harmony
6. Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
7. Wanna Know My Mind
8. The Family Song
9. Baby Come Close
10. It's Her Turn To Live
11. The Love Between Me And My Kids
12. Asleep On My Love
13. I Am I Am
14. Just Passing Through
15. Virgin Man
16. She's Only A Baby Herself
17. Fulfill Your Need
18. A Tattoo

SITE PRE-SALE DATE: 6/11/2010
SITE SHIP DATE: 6/25/2010

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This is great news. His first solo album is one of my favorites, especially the beautiful track "Sweet Harmony".

I am just always a bit leery when Hip-o Select says "Look for more releases...", since I am still waiting for Volume 2 of the 70's Supremes and Marvelletes, but hopefully they will release these as stated.

Nice. Part One of my wish list is now done with the reissue of his solo debut. NOW, I just need the Miracles' debut ("Renaissance") and the final studio set from Smokey Robinson & The Miracles ("Flying High Together"). All three LPs fall in the same 1972/73 frame; all essential.

pghmusiclover, I understand the Marvelettes Part Deux is virtually done, except for remastering of some additional bonus cuts that flesh out the set. As for the Sups, I hope they hurry and get that out of the way so we can return to my average of two Ross expanded editions per year.