In January of 1983, Motown legend Smokey Robinson released Touch the Sky, his twelfth solo studio album. It charted at number 50 on the US Billboard Hot 200 and number 8 on the US Billboard R&B charts. Today, we will look at this one to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary.
Side one opens with the title track. "Touch the Sky" was released as the second single; it stalled at number 110 on the US Billboard Pop charts and number 68 on the Billboard R&B charts. The lyrics of this mid-tempo track encourage one to bounce back from a bad relationship and give a new one a chance.
"Gimme What You Want" is next.
"Even Tho'" first appeared as the B-side to a single in 1982 for Robinson's previous album. This ballad of regret was written by Forest Hairston.
With a gentle swaying beat, "Gone Again" speaks to times of separation between a couple, both physical and emotional.
Side two starts with the declarative "All My Life's a Lie". The man finds out that his lover has been unfaithful and he is embarrassed to be the last to know.
"Sad Time" has a melancholy melody with sorrowful saxophone.
"Dynamite" also has a laid back, gentle rhythm to which Smokey can croon seductively. His style is so approachable and non-threatening; you hardly realize he is talk about explosive sex.
The album closes with "I've Made Love to You a Thousand Times", a sensuous song about total infatuation. As the first single, it stopped at number 101 on the US Billboard Pop charts yet climbed all the way to number 8 on the Billboard R&B charts.
The currently out-of-print Touch the Sky is very much an easy listening record, perfect for Smokey Robinson’s quiet storm vocal styling that he mastered in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
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