Rick James & Smokey Robinson, Ebony Eyes | Dazzling Duets

In the third edition of Dazzling Duets (2026), Motown legends Rick James and Smokey Robinson collaborate on “Ebony Eyes.” 

Sometimes, two is better than one! That is the case when it comes to Dazzling Duets! On Dazzling Duets, we highlight striking songs performed by two artists collaborating. These duets can be from any musical style, making Dazzling Duets a flexible, versatile column. In the third edition of Dazzling Duets (2026), Rick James and Smokey Robinson collaborate on “Ebony Eyes”. Let the dazzle begin!

Sadly, Rick James (1948 – 2004) had his fair share of demons. But the Grammy-winning musician oozed with talent.  He showcases his music gifts to the fullest on “Ebony Eyes”,  the third track from his 1983 gold-certified album, Cold Blooded.  He wrote and produced the track himself.  On the love-centric gem, he duets with a fellow Motown legend, the one-and-only Smokey Robinson (b. 1940). “Ebony Eyes” respectably impacted the pop charts, reaching number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It performed better on the R&B charts, peaking at number 22.

“Ebony Eyes” commences with a great drum groove, setting up the awesome balladry.  The production is characteristic of the 1980s, with ample lush, electronic, and synthesizer-dominated sounds.  Also, upping the ante from a musical underpinnings standpoint is the harmonic progression.  But it is the duetting that you came for! Smokey Robinson draws first blood, singing the first half of the first verse. Ultra-refined, Smokey’s tone is buttery smooth and pure (“Wind in your hair, sun on your skin / You’re looking good, girl, all over again”). Rick James sings the second half of the verse. After beginning similarly to Smokey, he delivers more overt, powerful pipes (“Ooh, we, baby, girl, you’re such a score / And I want you to know that”). James brings it on home in the song’s centerpiece, the chorus:

“I love you

I bet you didn’t know that, girl

You didn’t know that

I need you

Right now, baby, right now, baby

And I bet you didn’t know that ebony eyes.”

Following an interlude between the chorus and the second verse, Robinson takes on the first half of the second verse, with a similar approach to the first. James returns for the second half, beginning poised, before gradually upping the ante, once more (“You’re such a queen, woman, you’re such a prize”).  Expectedly, he’s even more powerful in the second chorus. James flexes in the extended chorus, giving his all with his soaring pipes.  The inspiration remains the same: L-O-V-E! Robinson also gets into the mix, singing passionately and romantically with his cool, calm, collected, and celestial ad-libs. All told, Rick James and Smokey Robinson make a formidable duo on “Ebony Eyes”.  They complement and contrast each other superbly.  Beyond the amorous vocals and songwriting, the musical accompaniment incites love, too 😍!

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Rick James » Cold Blooded  » Motown » 1983

Rick James & Smokey Robinson, Ebony Eyes: Dazzling Duets No. 3 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; ANTONI SHKRABA production from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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