Album Review: Smokey Robinson - Smokey And Friends

Smokey Robinson has produced some of the best soul music ever written or performed. Such a status, then, really does provide a striking background to the utter despondency that this album brings about. No new material here, the album features only pallid re-recordings of his most successful hits covered in so much production sheen they’re barely recognisable. An over-produced first track evokes mild apprehension, but all hopes are lost once Steven Tyler’s duet on You Really Got A Hold On Me begins. Half a star for a vaguely redeeming track featuring James Taylor.