When Smokey Sings

ABC

About When Smokey Sings

"When Smokey Sings" is a song by English band ABC, released as the first single from their fourth studio album, Alphabet 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 himself was on the Billboard 100 pop chart with his single "One Heartbeat" at the same time as this tribute song; for the week ending 3 October 1987, both songs were in the Billboard Top 10 simultaneously.


Year:
2007
4:21
57 

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Debonair lullabies in melodies revealed
In deep despair or lonely nights 
He knows just how you feel
The slyest rhymes, the sharpest suits
In miracles made real
 
Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night
You know you're right just to hold her tight
He soothes it right, makes it out of sight
And every thing's good in the world tonight

When smokey sings, I hear violins
When smokey sings, I forget everything
As she's packing her things
As she's spreading her wings
The front door might slam
But the back door it rings
And smokey sings, he sings

Elegance in eloquence for sale or rent or hire
Should I say yes, I match his best
Then I would be a liar
Symphonies soothe the rage
When lovers hearts catch fire

Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night
You know you're right just to hold her tight
He soothes it right, makes it out of sight
And every thing's good in the world tonight

When smokey sings, I hear violins
When smokey sings, I forget everything, yeah
As she's packing her things
As she's spreading her wings
Smashing the hell
With the heaven she brings
Then smokey sings, he sings
(But if he couldn't sing)

Luther croons
Sly's the original, originator
James screams
Marvin was the only innovator
But nothing can compare, nothing can compare
When smokey sings

When smokey sings, I hear violins
When smokey sings, I forget everything
As she's packing her things
As she's spreading her wings
She threw back the ring
When smokey sings
Smokey sings
Smokey sings

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ABC

ABC are an English New Romantic band that charted ten UK and five US Top 40 singles between 1981 and 1990. The band continues to tour and released a new album, Traffic, in 2008. more »

1 fan

Written by: MARK ANDREW WHITE, MARTIN DAVID FRY

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band History
"When Smokey Sings" is a song by ABC, a band that was part of the New Romantic movement, which started in the UK in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band was formed by Martin Fry, David Palmer, Mark White, and Stephen Singleton.
Album Release
This track is part of their fourth studio album, "Alphabet City," which was released in 1987.
Song Inspiration
The single was a tribute to Smokey Robinson, a famous American singer-songwriter and record producer known as the "King of Motown."
Commercial Success
"When Smokey Sings" reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the band's most successful singles.
Chart Coincidence
Interestingly, it was on the Billboard Hot 100 alongside a Smokey Robinson song, "One Heartbeat," in the week it reached its peak, making the occasion one of the few where an artist and a tribute song simultaneously charted.
Grammy Nomination
The success of the song led to ABC receiving a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1988.
Song Interpretation
The lyrics are full of references to Motown and Smokey Robinson's songs, such as "Tears of a Clown," "Second That Emotion," "Tracks of My Tears," and others, making it a fan favorite.
Music Video
The song's music video features the band performing on a stage resembling a 1960s variety show, much like those that Smokey Robinson would have performed on during the height of the Motown Era.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various artists including Mitchell Ayres&His Fashions-In-Music and The Shadows, showcasing its enduring appeal.
Smokey's Reaction
Smokey Robinson himself has expressed his appreciation for the song and the admiration ABC had for his work.

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    When Smokey Sings

    3.5M
    23,801     1,138

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1987

    Billboard #5


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