Smokey Robinson

Berry Gordy hated these two-fers: too much for too little money; but he doesn't own the masters anymore and Universal International has revitalized the concept via digitally remastered CDs. This combo features Time Out, which spawned the hits "Doggone Right," "Baby, Baby Don't Cry," "Abraham, Martin & John," the popular B-side "Here I Go Again," an uptempo take of "My Girl," and two fine Smokey Robinson songs: "Once I Got to Know You (Couldn't Help But Love You)" and "I'll Take You Anyway That You Come." Four in Blue, aka the Miracles' forgotten album, has some good moments that few know about because none of its tracks emerged as single; not even a B-side. "You Send Me (With Your Good Loving)" sounds like a hit; "When Nobody Cares," a cry for racial tolerance; "Don't Say You Love Me," a great Richard Morris production; and Holland, Dozier, Holland's "My World Is Empty." Not as arresting as Time Out, but solid. ~ Andrew Hamilton, Rovi