Robinson’s talents as songwriter, arranger, and producer far surpass his vocal ability… It’s the things that set up the singing that make his records memorable. With its crying lead and doo-wopping vocal background, “The Tracks Of My Tears” is a throwback to the days of R&B smoothies like Clyde McPhatter. What brings it up to date are the details: huge drums, a lovely guitar line by cowriter Marv Tarplin, sharp horns, hi-fi dynamics. The lyrics might be flimsy if their rhyme scheme weren’t so intricate. “My smile is my makeup I wear since my breakup with you” is tremendous not for what it says but because it sings. If you’re going to be the coolest crooner around, it helps to know how to craft such material. Only one guy did.

Dave Marsch – The Heart Of Rock & Soul

Dave Marschs næsten 800 sider lange pladeoversigt The Heart of Rock & Soul er en af de næsten uundværlige bøger, man kan gribe til, når man vil forstå lidt af, hvad rock- og soulmusikken har at bidrage med til den vesterlandske kultur. Som eksempel Marschs diagnose af sangen “The Tracks of my tears” (af Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore og Marv Tarplin):