Recording

The Tracks of My Tears
The Miracles

Independently chosen for2 of our lists. Here is what each of them said.

Released

1965

Label

Tamla

On

Soul and Sung to Someone

Updated

2026-08-29

1. 07

   Ranked No. 7 in Soul

   Smokey Robinson's writing at its most economical — one metaphor, held for three minutes and never over-explained. Dylan reportedly called him America's greatest living poet, and this is the exhibit.

2. ·

   Picked by Sung to Someone

   "Take a good look at my face" is an instruction, given to one person, by a man asking to be examined. Smokey Robinson wrote the most-quoted metaphor in soul music and then pinned it to a request he needs somebody to answer.