Smokey Robinson & The Miracles: Make It Happen - 1967

 

This was probably the best album from Smokey Robinson &  The Miracles, from a time in 1967 before albums from Motown artists were taken particularly seriously, either by the music media or by the artists themselves. 

It actually only contained one really big hit, The Tears Of A Clown - a rare initial mistake from Motown’s hitmakers who didn’t release it as a single until three years later. There were several other songs that should have been hits on the album, though and the quality is generally maintained throughout. It is a fine mixture of infectious, energetic dance numbers and slick, polished ballads. Oh, and there were no Beatles or easy listening “supper club” covers to be found.  It has a superb, clear, pounding stereo sound too. One of the best Motown album sound reproductions around. 

The Soulful Shack is a copper-bottomed killer of a Robinson track with an insistent, lively beat and a great bit of saxophone half way through. Robinson’s instantly recognisable vocals positively soar throughout. The Love I Saw In You Was Just A Mirage is a typical mid-pace piece of Robinson fare enhanced by sumptuous strings and the usual clever and hooky lyrics. The pace slows down to walking on the ballad My Love For You. 

I have to say that I prefer the more typically Motown, upbeat numbers such as the previous two, but I can’t deny that the execution is superb. The same applies to I’m On The Outside (Looking In), another pitch-perfect ballad. It was a cover of a Little Anthony & The Imperials song. Don’t Think It’s Me is a slow number but it has a dramatic, slightly Stand By Me-style backing beat. The tempo is back up on the Northern Soul dance vibe of My Love Is Your Love (For Ever). It is an irresistible number. 

More Love is a ballad but an incredibly melodic, catchy one. The lengthily-titled After You Put Back The Pieces (I’ll Still Have A Broken Heart) has a lovely, laid-back appeal and a beautifully subtle but equally rumbling bass line. Another floor-filler is the enthusiastic Motown pop of It’s A Good Feeling. Classic stuff. You Must Be Love is classic slow, romantic Robinson. 

Dancing’s Alright is a rousing, slightly Latin-influenced stomper with one of those Mickey’s Monkey singalong "na-na-na” choruses accompanied by thumping, rhythmic drums. 

Then, of course, there is The Tears Of A Clown, which needs no introduction. Quite why it was not immediately singled out as a potential hit defies belief. That is not a feeling in retrospect, either, I’m sure that the track would stand out whether you knew it had been a hit or not. It is also worth stating that the sound on the song is one of the best I have heard it (the introduction is often notoriously a bit dodgy, sound-wise). 

This is a highly recommended sixties Motown album and as I said earlier, probably the best one that Smokey Robinson & The Miracles put out, although the next one was a fine offering too.