Four-time Grammy winner Smokey Robinson’s soulful vulnerability have swept audiences away for over 60 years. Last month, he turned 85, but judging by his latest multi-track single, out now via Gaither Music Group, Robinson’s unmistakable voice is as smooth and timeless as ever. This double A-side features a lilting "Three Little Birds,” and an elegant "What A Wonderful World,” both from Robinson’s upcoming album, What The World Needs Now, out April 25th on Gaither.
Robinson partnered with TalkShopLive and gave an in-depth interview about the uplifting new album on April 18. As part of the partnership, randomly selected CDs purchased through the platform will include inserts signed by the artist. Check out the interview and pre-order from TalkShopLive here. He also discussed the record in an in-studio video you can watch here.
Robinson’s new multi-track single shows that his mellifluous tone, impeccable delivery, and expressive vibrato are as heavenly now as they were decades ago. Robinson eases his honeyed tenor into a reggae lilt on his version of Bob Marley’s 1977 classic, “Three Little Birds.” He captivates on “What a Wonderful World,” a song originally made famous by Louis Armstrong in 1967. Here, Robinson’s buttery vocals melt beautifully over lavish strings, crystalline piano, subtly gorgeous acoustic guitar accompaniment, and dreamy, stacked backup vocals.
Robinson has been called inspiring and iconic, and he was called “America’s “greatest living poet” by Bob Dylan. He has over 4,000 songs to his credit, and he’s sold out shows all over the world for many decades. And he shows no sign of slowing down. This year finds Robinson celebrating the 50th anniversary of his 1975 breakthrough solo album, Quiet Storm. His upcoming “Legacy Tour” will highlight the album anniversary and celebrate all his top hits throughout the decades.
Somehow, amid album commemorations and getting ready for the road, Robinson found time to go into the studio and record a soul-stirring song collection bursting with hope, love, and unity. What The World Needs Now is an inspirational album in a time where people need timeless music with a message. The 10-track album includes heartfelt renditions of classics and originals. What The World Needs Now was produced by Warryn Campbell who is best known for his work with Mary Mary, Kanye West, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Hudson, and Stevie Wonder.
Robinson has won numerous awards, including four GRAMMY Awards, a GRAMMY Living Legend Award, the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize, and a NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award. He’s earned an Honorary Doctorate at Howard University, Kennedy Center Honors, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. In addition, Robinson has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—once as a solo artist, and again as a member of the Miracles—and he’s also been inducted to the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Robinson has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Track List:
1. Be Thankful For What You’ve Got
2. What A Wonderful World
3. Three Little Birds
4. Everything is Beautiful
5. What The World Needs Now
6. Lean On Me
7. I’ll Take You There
8. You’ve Got a Friend
9. Be Kind To The Growing Mind (Smokey Robinson Original)
10. Food For Thought (Smokey Robinson Original)
Smokey Robinson’s album, What the World Needs Now, will be available on CD and vinyl at Gaither.com.
