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{{Short description|1987 single by ABC}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox single
{{Infobox song
| Name = When Smokey Sings
| name = When Smokey Sings
| Cover = When_Smokey_Sings.jpg
| cover = When_Smokey_Sings.jpg
| Artist = [[ABC (band)|ABC]]
| alt =
| type = single
| Album = [[Alphabet City (album)|Alphabet City]]
| B-side = "Chicago"
| artist = [[ABC (band)|ABC]]
| album = [[Alphabet City (album)|Alphabet City]]
| Genre = [[Blue-eyed soul]]<ref>[http://www.allmusic.com/album/alphabet-city-mw0000188973 AllMusic]</ref><!--"returning them to their Motown and northern soul..."-->
| Released = 22 May 1987
| B-side = Chicago
| released = {{Start date|1987|5|26|df=y}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Strickland |first=Andy |title=News Digest |magazine=[[Record Mirror]] |date=23 May 1987 |page=28 |issn=0144-5804}}</ref>
| Format = {{hlist|[[CD single|CDS]]|[[gramophone record|7"]]|[[12-inch single|12"]]}}
| recorded =
| Label = {{hlist|Neutron|[[Mercury Records|Mercury]]|[[PolyGram]]|[[Vertigo Records|Vertigo]]}}
| Length = 4:22
| studio = Marcus (London, England)
| genre = {{hlist|[[Blue-eyed soul]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/alphabet-city-mw0000188973|title=Alphabet City - ABC - Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref>|[[New wave music|new wave]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/80s-new-wave-new-wave-dance-mw0000050508|title=80's New Wave: New Wave Dance - Album Reviews, Songs & More &#124; AllMusic|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|via=AllMusic}}</ref>}}
| Writer = {{hlist|[[Martin Fry]]|[[Mark White (musician)|Mark White]]}}
| length = 4:22
| Producer = {{hlist|Martin Fry|Mark White|and [[Bernard Edwards]]}}
| label =
| Last single = "[[Ocean Blue (song)|Ocean Blue]]"<br/>(1986)
* Neutron
| This single = "'''When Smokey Sings'''"<br/>(1987)
* [[Mercury Records|Mercury]]
| Next single = "[[The Night You Murdered Love]]"<br/>(1987)
| writer =
| Misc = {{Extra track listing
* [[Martin Fry]]
| Album = Alphabet City
* [[Mark White (British musician)|Mark White]]
| Type = Single
| prev_track = "Avenue A"
| producer =
* Martin Fry
| prev_no = 1
* Mark White
| this_track = "'''When Smokey Sings'''"
* [[Bernard Edwards]]
| track_no = 2
| prev_title = [[Ocean Blue (song)|Ocean Blue]]
| next_track = "The Night You Murdered Love"
| next_no = 3}}
| prev_year = 1986
| next_title = [[The Night You Murdered Love]]
{{External music video|{{YouTube|BTV5FvNCbhk|"When Smokey Sings"}}}}
| next_year = 1987
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|BTV5FvNCbhk|"When Smokey Sings"}}}}
}}
}}
"'''When Smokey Sings'''" is a song by English band [[ABC (band)|ABC]], released as the first single from their fourth [[studio album]], ''[[Alphabet City (album)|Alphabet City]]'' (1987). The lyrics and title of the song are a tribute to [[R&B]] and [[Soul music|soul]] singer [[Smokey Robinson]]. In the United States, Robinson himself was on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' 100]] pop chart with his single "[[One Heartbeat (song)|One Heartbeat]]" at the same time as this tribute song; for the week ending 3 October 1987, both songs were in the Top 10 simultaneously.<ref>http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-10-03 The Hot 100, w/ending October 3 1987</ref>
"'''When Smokey Sings'''" is a song by English [[Pop music|pop]] band [[ABC (band)|ABC]], released as the first single from their fourth [[studio album]] ''[[Alphabet City (album)|Alphabet City]]'' (1987). The lyrics and title of the song are a tribute to [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] and [[Soul music|soul]] singer [[Smokey Robinson]]. In the United States, Robinson's single "[[One Heartbeat (song)|One Heartbeat]]" and ABC's "When Smokey Sings" were ranked in the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' 100]] pop chart simultaneously for several weeks, including the week ending 3 October 1987, in which both songs ranked in the top 10.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-10-03/|title=Billboard Hot 100|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=3 October 1987|access-date=4 April 2023}}</ref>


==Background==
"When Smokey Sings" and its B-side, "Chicago" also topped the [[Dance Club Songs|Hot Dance Club Play]] chart. The song reached No. 11 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and proved to be their second American Top 10 hit, peaking at No. 5 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. There is a slight difference in the lyrics between the album and single version in the bridge of the song.
"When Smokey Sings" and its [[A-side and B-side|B-side]] "Chicago" also topped the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Dance Club Songs|Hot Dance Club Play]] chart. The song reached {{abbr|No.|Number}} 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.


In the album version, references are made to "Luther", "Sly", "James" and "Marvin" (most likely referring to [[Luther Vandross]], [[Sly and the Family Stone]], [[James Brown]] and [[Marvin Gaye]], respectively). In the single version, this is replaced by alternate lyrics, followed by a short saxophone solo.
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]]."<ref name="Porter">{{cite news |last1=Porter |first1=Christopher |title=ABC, 'When Smokey Sings |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2008/08/25/abc_when_smokey_sings/ |work=Express |publisher=The Washington Post |date=25 August 2008}}</ref> Robinson praised the song, saying, "Well, of course, that's a form of flattery, and I really appreciate it."<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-12-12-ca-6692-story.html | title= When Smokey Robinson Sings, His Colleagues Become Fans |date=12 December 1987 | first = DUNCAN | last = STRAUSS| website= [[Los Angeles Times]] }}</ref>
[[Pitchfork Media]] were favourable for the Miami Mix, saying "can you fuck with...the proto–[[freestyle music|freestyle]] of the "Miami mix" of ABC's "When Smokey Sings"?...No, of course you cannot."<ref name="pitchfork">{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11712-1280s2/|publisher=pitchfork.com|title=Various Artists: 12&quot;/80s/2 Album Review &#124; Pitchfork|accessdate=2016-11-09}}</ref>


==Versions released==
==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".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Smash-Hits/1987/Smash-Hits-1987-05-20.pdf |title=Singles reviewed by Barry McIlheney |magazine=[[Smash Hits]] |volume=9 |issue=10 |date=20 May – 2 June 1987 |last=BMcIlheney |first=Barry |page=46 <!-- 44 in the PDF --> |issn=0260-3004 |via=World Radio History |access-date=20 November 2023}}</ref>
#Album version – 4:19
#Single version – 4:21
#Miami Mix – 7:05
#Miami Mix (European single edit) – 5:08
#Bonus Beats – 4:43
#Detroit mix – 6:56


==Chart performance==
==Track listings==
{{col-begin}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{{col-2}}
'''7-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=When Smokey Sings|others=[[ABC (band)|ABC]]|year=1987|type=UK 7-inch single sleeve|publisher=Neutron Records|id=NT 111, 888 327-7}}</ref>
:A. "When Smokey Sings"
:B. "Chicago" (part one)

'''UK, European, and Australian 12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=When Smokey Sings|others=ABC|year=1987|type=UK 12-inch single sleeve|publisher=Neutron Records|id=NTX 111}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=When Smokey Sings|others=ABC|year=1987|type=European & Australian 12-inch single vinyl disc|publisher=[[Mercury Records]]|id=888 604-1}}</ref>
:A. "When Smokey Sings" (the Miami mix) – 7:02
:B. "Chicago" (parts one and two) – 6:38

'''UK 12-inch remix single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=When Smokey Sings|others=ABC|year=1987|type=UK 12-inch remix single sleeve|publisher=Neutron Records|id=NTXR 111}}</ref>
:A1. "When Smokey Sings" (the Detroit mix)
:B1. "When Smokey Sings" (bonus beats)
:B2. "Chicago" (part one)
:B3. "When Smokey Sings"

'''UK CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=When Smokey Sings|others=ABC|year=1987|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=Neutron Records|id=NTCD 111}}</ref>
# "When Smokey Sings" (7-inch) – 4:21
# "[[All of My Heart]]" (live from Boston Metro, 17 December 1982) – 6:48
# "Chicago" – 1:45
# "When Smokey Sings" (the Miami mix) – 7:02
{{col-2}}
'''US 12-inch and maxi-cassette single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=When Smokey Sings|others=ABC|year=1987|type=US 12-inch single vinyl disc|publisher=Mercury Records|id=888 726-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=When Smokey Sings|others=ABC|year=1987|type=US maxi-cassette single sleeve|publisher=Mercury Records|id=422 888 726-4}}</ref>
:A1. "When Smokey Sings" (the Miami mix) – 7:02
:A2. "Chicago" (parts one and two) – 6:38
:B1. "When Smokey Sings" (7-inch version) – 4:21
:B2. "When Smokey Sings" (bonus beats) – 4:38
:B3. "When Smokey Sings" (the Detroit mix) – 6:47

'''Canadian 12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=When Smokey Sings|others=ABC|year=1987|type=Canadian 12-inch single vinyl disc|publisher=[[Vertigo Records]]|id=SOVX 2389}}</ref>
:A1. "When Smokey Sings" (the Miami mix) – 7:02
:B1. "When Smokey Sings" (the Detroit mix) – 6:47
:B2. "Chicago" (parts one and two) – 6:38

'''Canadian cassette single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=When Smokey Sings|others=ABC|year=1987|type=Canadian cassette single sleeve|publisher=Vertigo Records|id=NTC 111}}</ref>
:A1. "When Smokey Sings" (the Miami mix) – 7:02
:A2. "When Smokey Sings" (bonus beats) – 4:38
:B1. "When Smokey Sings" (the Detroit mix) – 6:47
:B2. "Chicago" (parts one and two) – 6:38
{{col-end}}

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
!Chart (1987)
!Chart (1987)
!Peak<br>position
!Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
|align="left"|Australia ([[Kent Music Report]])<ref>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|authorlink=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=10}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Australia ([[Kent Music Report|Australian Music Report]])<ref>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|author-link=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=978-0-646-11917-5|page=10}}</ref>
|25
|align="center"|25
|-
|-
{{single chart|Flanders|12|artist=ABC|song=When Smokey Sings|rowheader=true|access-date=16 January 2023}}
|align="left"|Belgian Singles Chart{{Citation needed|date=June 2012}}
| style="text-align:center;"|12
|-
|-
|align="left"|Canadian Singles Chart (''[[The Record (magazine)|The Record]]'')<ref>{{cite book|last=Lwin|first=Nanda|authorlink=Nanda Lwin|title=Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide|year=2000|isbn=1-896594-13-1}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Canada (''[[The Record (magazine)|The Record]]'')<ref>{{cite book|last=Lwin|first=Nanda|author-link=Nanda Lwin|title=Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide|year=2000|publisher=Music Data Canada |isbn=978-1-896594-13-2}}</ref>
|2
|align="center"|2
|-
|-
{{single chart|Canadatopsingles|5|chartid=0884|rowheader=true|access-date=16 January 2023}}
|align="left"|Canadian Singles Chart (''[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0884&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=11jq1uuicfbth860997u8p11q4 |title=Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada |publisher=Collectionscanada.gc.ca |date= |accessdate=2012-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-110.01-e.php?q1=abc+when+smokey+sings&q2=&interval=20&sk=21&&PHPSESSID=11jq1uuicfbth860997u8p11q4 |title=Results - RPM - Library and Archives Canada |publisher=Collectionscanada.gc.ca |date= |accessdate=2012-06-23}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|5
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles]])<ref>{{cite magazine|title=European Hot 100 Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=4|issue=28|page=19|date=18 July 1987}}</ref>
|align="left"|Dutch Singles Chart<ref>{{cite web|author=Steffen Hung |url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=ABC&titel=When+Smokey+Sings&cat=s |title=ABC - When Smokey Sings |publisher=dutchcharts.nl |date= |accessdate=2012-06-23}}</ref>
|18
| style="text-align:center;"|13
|-
|-
{{single chart|Ireland2|11|song=When Smokie Sings|rowheader=true|access-date=16 January 2023}}
|align="left"|French Singles Chart<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infodisc.fr/Bilan_A.php |title=InfoDisc : Tout les Titres par Artiste |publisher=Infodisc.fr |date= |accessdate=2012-06-23}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|86
|-
|-
{{single chart|Dutch40|11|year=1987|week=28|rowheader=true|access-date=16 January 2023}}
|align="left"|German Singles Chart<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.de/song.asp?artist=ABC&title=When+Smokey+Sings&cat=s&country=de |title=charts.de |publisher=charts.de |date= |accessdate=2012-06-23}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|52
|-
|-
{{single chart|Dutch100|13|artist=ABC|song=When Smokey Sings|rowheader=true|access-date=16 January 2023}}
|align="left"|Irish Singles Chart<ref>{{cite web|author=Jaclyn Ward|url=http://www.irishcharts.ie/search/placement |title=The Irish Charts - All there is to know |publisher=Irishcharts.ie |date= |accessdate=2012-06-23}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|11
|-
|-
{{single chart|New Zealand|9|artist=ABC|song=When Smokey Sings|rowheader=true|access-date=16 January 2023}}
|align="left"|New Zealand Singles Chart<ref>{{cite web|author=Steffen Hung |url=http://charts.org.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=ABC&titel=When+Smokey+Sings&cat=s |title=ABC - When Smokey Sings |publisher=charts.org.nz |date= |accessdate=2012-06-23}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|9
|-
|-
|align="left"|South African Singles Chart<ref>{{cite web|author=Brian Currin |url=http://www.rock.co.za/files/springbok_top_20_%28A%29.html |title=South African Rock Lists Website - SA Charts 1969 - 1989 Acts (A) |publisher=Rock.co.za |date= |accessdate=2012-06-23}}</ref>
!scope="row"|South Africa ([[Springbok Radio]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rock.co.za/files/springbok_top_20_%28A%29.html|title=South African Rock Lists Website – SA Charts 1969 – 1989 Acts (A)|website=rock.co.za|access-date=23 June 2012}}</ref>
|20
| style="text-align:center;"|20
|-
|-
{{single chart|UK|11|date=19870704|rowheader=true|access-date=16 January 2023}}
|align="left"|UK Singles Chart<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/search-results-album/_/When+Smokey+Sings#single|title=The Official Charts Company - When Smokey Sings by ABC Search |date=6 May 2013|publisher=The Official Charts Company}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|11
|-
|-
|align="left"|U.S. Billboard Hot 100<ref name="allmusic1">{{cite web|author=ABC |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/abc-mn0000574597/awards |title=ABC - Awards |publisher=AllMusic |date= |accessdate=2012-06-23}}</ref>
!scope="row"|US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-09-19/|title=Billboard Hot 100|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=19 September 1987|access-date=20 June 2023}}</ref>
|5
| style="text-align:center;"|5
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Dance Singles Sales|12-inch Singles Sales]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-dance-singles-sales/1987-09-26/|title=Dance Singles Sales|magazine=Billboard|date=26 September 1987|url-access=subscription|access-date=20 June 2023}}</ref><br/>{{small|''with "Chicago"''}}
|align="left"|U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart<ref name="allmusic1"/>
|8
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|Adult Contemporary]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-contemporary/1987-10-10/|title=Adult Contemporary|magazine=Billboard|date=10 October 1987|url-access=subscription|access-date=20 June 2023}}</ref>
|align="left"|U.S. Billboard Dance/Club Play Songs Chart<ref name="allmusic1"/>
|2
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Dance Club Songs|Dance/Disco Club Play]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/1987-08-29/|title=Dance Club Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=29 August 1987|access-date=20 June 2023}}</ref><br/>{{small|''with "Chicago"''}}
|align="left"|U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales Chart<ref name="allmusic1"/>
|1
| style="text-align:center;"|8
|-
{{single chart|West Germany|52|artist=ABC|song=When Smokey Sings|songid=7515|rowheader=true|access-date=16 January 2023}}
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (1987)
!Position
|-
!scope="row"|Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1987|title=Jaaroverzichten 1987|publisher=[[Ultratop]]|language=nl|access-date=16 January 2023}}</ref>
|98
|-
!scope="row"|Canada Top Singles (''RPM'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.0920&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.0920.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.0920|title=Top 100 Singles of '87|magazine=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|via=[[Library and Archives Canada]]|access-date=16 January 2023}}</ref>
|47
|-
!scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite magazine|title=1987 The Year in Music & Video: Top Pop Singles|magazine=Billboard|volume=99|issue=52|page=Y-22|date=26 December 1987}}</ref>
|70
|}
|}
{{col-end}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{cite web |last1=Padua |first1=Pat |title=When Smokey Sings, Forget Everything |url=https://blogs.loc.gov/music/2016/11/when-smokey-sings-forget-everything/ |website=The Library of Congress |date=18 November 2016 |access-date=18 November 2016}}
*{{MetroLyrics song|abc|when-smokey-sings}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->
* {{discogs master|73607}}

{{s-start}}
{{succession box
| before = "[[Tina Cherry]]" by [[Georgio (singer)|Georgio]]
| title = [[Hot Dance Club Play|''Billboard'' Hot Dance Club Play]] [[Number-one dance hits of 1987 (USA)|number-one single]]<br />(with "Chicago")
| years = 29 August 1987 – 5 September 1987 two weeks
| after = "[[How Soon We Forget]]" by [[Colonel Abrams]]
}}
{{s-end}}


{{ABC (band)}}
{{ABC (band)}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:ABC (band) songs]]
[[Category:1987 songs]]
[[Category:1987 singles]]
[[Category:1987 singles]]
[[Category:Billboard Dance Club Songs number-one singles]]
[[Category:ABC (band) songs]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of American people]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of soul musicians]]
[[Category:Mercury Records singles]]
[[Category:Songs written by Mark White (musician)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Mark White (musician)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Martin Fry]]
[[Category:Songs written by Martin Fry]]
[[Category:1987 songs]]
[[Category:Mercury Records singles]]
[[Category:PolyGram singles]]
[[Category:Vertigo Records singles]]
[[Category:Songs about musicians]]
[[Category:Songs about musicians]]
[[Category:Songs about men]]

Latest revision as of 15:38, 4 August 2024

"When Smokey Sings"
Single by ABC
from the album Alphabet City
B-side"Chicago"
Released26 May 1987 (1987-05-26)[1]
StudioMarcus (London, England)
Genre
Length4:22
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
ABC singles chronology
"Ocean Blue"
(1986) 		"When Smokey Sings"
(1987) 		"The Night You Murdered Love"
(1987)
Music video
"When Smokey Sings" on YouTube

"When Smokey Sings" is a song by English pop 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'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

[edit]

"When Smokey Sings" and its B-side "Chicago" also topped the Billboard Hot 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

[edit]

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]

Track listings

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Strickland, Andy (23 May 1987). "News Digest". Record Mirror. p. 28. ISSN 0144-5804.
  2. ^ "Alphabet City - ABC - Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic.
  3. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "80's New Wave: New Wave Dance - Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via AllMusic.
  4. ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 3 October 1987. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  5. ^ Porter, Christopher (25 August 2008). "ABC, 'When Smokey Sings". Express. The Washington Post.
  6. ^ STRAUSS, DUNCAN (12 December 1987). "When Smokey Robinson Sings, His Colleagues Become Fans". Los Angeles Times.
  7. ^ BMcIlheney, Barry (20 May – 2 June 1987). "Singles reviewed by Barry McIlheney" (PDF). Smash Hits. Vol. 9, no. 10. p. 46. ISSN 0260-3004. Retrieved 20 November 2023 – via World Radio History.
  8. ^ 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)
  9. ^ 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)
  10. ^ 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)
  11. ^ 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)
  12. ^ 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)
  13. ^ 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)
  14. ^ 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)
  15. ^ 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)
  16. ^ 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)
  17. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 10. ISBN 978-0-646-11917-5.
  18. ^ "ABC – When Smokey Sings" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  19. ^ Lwin, Nanda (2000). Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide. Music Data Canada. ISBN 978-1-896594-13-2.
  20. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0884." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  21. ^ "European Hot 100 Singles". Music & Media. Vol. 4, no. 28. 18 July 1987. p. 19.
  22. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – When Smokie Sings". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  23. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 28, 1987" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  24. ^ "ABC – When Smokey Sings" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  25. ^ "ABC – When Smokey Sings". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  26. ^ "South African Rock Lists Website – SA Charts 1969 – 1989 Acts (A)". rock.co.za. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
  27. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  28. ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 19 September 1987. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  29. ^ "Dance Singles Sales". Billboard. 26 September 1987. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  30. ^ "Adult Contemporary". Billboard. 10 October 1987. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  31. ^ "Dance Club Songs". Billboard. 29 August 1987. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  32. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – ABC – When Smokey Sings" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  33. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1987" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  34. ^ "Top 100 Singles of '87". RPM. Retrieved 16 January 2023 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  35. ^ "1987 The Year in Music & Video: Top Pop Singles". Billboard. Vol. 99, no. 52. 26 December 1987. p. Y-22.
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