“A Quiet Storm” by Smokey Robinson (1975)
Release Date: March 26, 1975
Produced by Smokey Robinson
Genre: Soul, Quiet Storm, Smooth Grooves, R&B, Pop, Adult Contemporary
Label: Tamla
Chart Positions: #36 (US), #7 (US R&B)
Certifications: N/A
Singles and Chart Positions:
“Baby That’s Backatcha” #26 (US), #1 (US R&B), #7 (US Dance)
“The Agony and the Ecstasy” #36 (US), #7 (US R&B)
“Quiet Storm” #61 (US), #25 (US R&B)
Singles Certifications: N/A
Other Charting Tracks: N/A
Best Tracks: All tracks – Entire album is solid from beginning to end
Trivia: “A Quiet Storm” is Smokey Robinson’s third solo studio album, if you count his albums with the Miracles than this is his 22nd studio album release. From conception the album was destined to be classic & historic.
This is one of the most highly acclaimed soul albums of the 1970s. A longtime innovator at Motown, Robinson responded to the Funk revolution in black music (Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, Al Green) with an effective counterpoint: the stylish and mature album A Quiet Storm. This landmark album spawned and lent its name to the "Quiet Storm" musical programming format, a format still adopted by radio stations across America 40 years later. Quiet storm is a radio format and a subgenre of contemporary R&B music that is characterized by understated, mellow dynamics, slow tempos, and relaxed rhythms.
The album generated 3 hit singles including Smokey’s first disco hit "Baby That's Backatcha" that went to #7 on the Billboard Disco chart ( as well as #1 R&B), it was Robinson's first number one single since leaving the Miracles. The album re-established Robinson's reputation as a master songwriter and producer and solidified his solo success after leaving his legendary group, The Miracles.
“Love Letters” is a high point in terms of tempo, and it displays how masterful Smokey is in leading an uptempo track. He never misses a beat, and his cadence is virtually unmatched. “Wedding Song," an album highlight, was written for Hazel and Jermaine Jackson's wedding.
As he sings in “The Agony And The Ecstasy”; “our two worlds intertwine”. It was a match made in musical heaven. That particular song also highlights the love metaphor very clearly. Trying to find a balance between two worlds, both of which are essential. “We got to have the agony, before we have the ecstasy”. Both are excessive, but somehow blend seamlessly.
The seven minute title track, "Quiet Storm" became the cornerstone of a more upscale and sophisticated Soul sound that captivated an older, mature and largely black middle class audience. Robinson helped bring Soul music to the forefront of adult contemporary and middle of the road audiences.
In a review for Rolling Stone Magazine Robert Palmer wrote: "The languid intimacy of "Quiet Storm," the intricate instrumental arrangements on "Backatcha" and "Love Letters," and the prominence given to Marvin Tarplin's classy guitar throughout the album are evidence that one of black music's brightest lights is still a dynamic creative force."
"Love Letters" 1975
Smokey Robinson 1975
Smokey Robinson
