Smokey Robinson, “Quiet Storm” | Throwback Vibez

In the 43^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Quiet Storm” by Smokey Robinson.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 43^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Quiet Storm”, performed by Smokey Robinson.

Theme & Lyrics

“Soft and warm, a quiet storm / Quiet as when flowers talk at break of dawn / Break of dawn…” Sigh, few soul musicians are smoother than Smokey Robinson. FACTS! The Grammy-winning, iconic singer/songwriter is simply one of the very best, period. With countless hits, it’s easy for a song like “Quiet Storm” not to get the love it deserves.  Sure, “Quiet Storm” didn’t achieve top-five status on the Billboard Hot 100 like “Crusin’”, “Being with You”, or “Just to See Her”, but it did peak at no. 61 – it had some impact.  Even if it hadn’t, this is another stellar Smokey Robinson classic.  It commences his 1975 album, A Quiet Storm.

“Quiet storm

Blowin’ through my life

Oh, quiet storm

Blown’ through my life

Oh, blow baby.”

“Quiet Storm” runs nearly eight minutes long!  Smokey had a lot to say, haha, and it’s ALL UTTERLY SUBLIME.  As always, he sings beautifully, flaunting that gorgeous, soulful tenor.  “You short-circuit all my nerves / Promising electric things / You touch me and suddenly there’s rainbow rings.” Ooh-wee, his pen, alongside Rose Ella Jones, is sharp.  Oh, and let’s not forget the production – warm electric piano, smooth guitar, robust bass, and lush backing vocals – helmed by him and another legend, Willie Hutch. Gorgeous!

Final Thoughts

All said and done, Smokey manages sexiness and classiness simultaneously.  As “Quiet Storm” pushes 50, it remains a must-hear. Classic, classic, CLASSIC!

Smokey Robinson • A Quiet Storm • Motown • 1975

Smokey Robinson, “Quiet Storm”: Throwback Vibez No. 43 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  Motown, The Musical Hype]