Wednesday, June 4, 2014

"Tell Me Tomorrow - Part 1" by Smokey Robinson

Song#:  0873
Date:  01/16/1982
Debut:  86
Peak:  33
Weeks:  12
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  Robinson's solo career was in a major slump in the late 70s, so he regrouped and made a conscious effort to rebuild his career and in 1979 he began a streak of hit albums that culminated with his Top 10 LP "Being with You," which featured the #2 title-track. But then this first single from his follow-up LP, "Yes It's You Lady," failed to spark any significant interest and that left Robinson and his album shut out of the Top 20 for the first time since his 1979 resurgence. Although the song did reach #3 at R&B, it wasn't enough to gain the crossover appeal of his previous hits and once again Robinson found his popularity diminishing.

ReduxReview:  I'd have to agree with record buyers on this one. It is just not the same quality as standouts like "Cruisin'" or "Being with You." And near the end Smokey's voice sounds whiny and strained. It kind of irritated me. The song is not even close to being bad, but after some great songs (which Robinson wrote), this one (which Robinson did not write) is a letdown.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  This album and "Being with You" were produced by George Tobin. Tobin owned a studio in North Hollywood and later in the 80s, a teenager named Tiffany came in to do some recordings. Tobin was impressed and later signed on to produce her recordings and become her manager. They were known for their famous mall tour promoting Tiffany's debut album, which ended up hitting #1 in 1987 thanks to the #1 remake "I Think We're Alone Now."

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