Smokey Robinson - Shop Around - 1960
Smokey Robinson - Shop Around - 1960
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Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - "Shop Around" (1960)
"Shop Around" is a significant hit from the early days of Motown, performed by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Released in 1960, it became Motown's first million-selling hit record. Written by Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy, it's a song that not only showcases the smooth vocal style of Robinson but also marks a pivotal moment in the development of the Motown sound.
Background and History
This song represents a milestone in the history of Motown, a Detroit-based record label that played a critical role in the racial integration of popular music. Motown was known for its distinctive sound, a blend of soul music, R&B, pop, and, later, funk. Smokey Robinson, as a singer, songwriter, and producer, was instrumental in shaping this sound.
Writing and Recording
Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, and Smokey Robinson penned "Shop Around." The song's lyrics offer advice to a young man from his mother, urging him not to rush into love and to "shop around." This theme resonated with many listeners, reflecting common concerns and experiences in relationships.
The recording of "Shop Around" featured The Miracles, with Robinson as lead vocalist. The song's catchy rhythm, combined with Robinson's smooth vocals, made it a standout track of its time.
Musical Style and Influence
"Shop Around" combines elements of R&B and soul with pop sensibilities. This blend was a hallmark of the Motown style and influenced countless artists and groups in the years to follow. The song's structure, use of background vocals, and integration of a distinct rhythm section became a blueprint for future hits from the label.
Legacy
The impact of "Shop Around" extends beyond its chart success. It helped establish Motown as a significant force in the music industry and Smokey Robinson as a major talent. The song has been covered by various artists and remains a classic example of early Motown music.
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles were among the first acts signed to Motown Records. Their success with "Shop Around" and subsequent hits laid the groundwork for the label's later achievements. Robinson's songwriting and vocal talents were crucial in defining the Miracles' sound and, by extension, the sound of Motown.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What was notable about "Shop Around" in the context of Motown Records? (It was Motown's first million-selling hit record) (!It was the first song recorded by Motown) (!It was the last song Smokey Robinson recorded with The Miracles) (!It was the only Motown song to reach number one in the 1960s)
Who co-wrote "Shop Around" with Smokey Robinson? (Berry Gordy) (!Diana Ross) (!Stevie Wonder) (!Marvin Gaye)
What advice does the song "Shop Around" offer? (Not to rush into love and to "shop around") (!To stay loyal to one's first love) (!To prioritize career over relationships) (!To seek wealth before love)
What musical elements does "Shop Around" combine? (R&B and soul with pop sensibilities) (!Jazz and blues) (!Rock and roll) (!Classical music elements)
In what year was "Shop Around" released? (1960) (!1959) (!1961) (!1962)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What role did Smokey Robinson play in Motown Records besides being a performer? (Songwriter and producer) (!Dancer) (!Costume designer) (!Public relations officer)
Which group did Smokey Robinson lead? (The Miracles) (!The Supremes) (!The Temptations) (!The Four Tops)
What was the primary theme in many of Smokey Robinson's songs? (Love and relationships) (!Political activism) (!Life in Detroit) (!The civil rights movement)
How did Smokey Robinson's voice contribute to the success of "Shop Around"? (His smooth vocal style made the song stand out) (!He introduced a new vocal technique) (!His voice was unusually deep) (!He sang in multiple languages)
Which record label was Smokey Robinson associated with throughout most of his career? (Motown Records) (!Atlantic Records) (!Stax Records) (!Sun Records)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
In "Shop Around," who gives the advice to the young man? (His mother) (!His father) (!His sister) (!His best friend)
What is the young man advised to do in the song? (To be cautious in choosing a partner) (!To leave his hometown) (!To pursue his dreams) (!To save money)
Which phrase repeats throughout "Shop Around"? ("Shop around") (!"Wait a while") (!"Think twice") (!"Be sure")
What is the tone of the advice given in "Shop Around"? (Wise and caring) (!Angry and strict) (!Jealous and bitter) (!Humorous and sarcastic)
How does the song "Shop Around" end? (With a repeat of the chorus and fade-out) (!With a spoken word monologue) (!With a dramatic key change) (!With an instrumental solo)
Memory
| Smokey Robinson | Lead vocalist of The Miracles |
| 1960 | Release year of "Shop Around" |
| Berry Gordy | Co-writer of "Shop Around" |
| Mother's advice | Theme of "Shop Around" |
| Motown Records | Label that released "Shop Around" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Explore Motown Records: Research and create a timeline of key events in the history of Motown Records.
- Cover Version: Record your own cover version of "Shop Around" using any instrument or software of your choice.
- Artwork Creation: Design a new cover art for the single "Shop Around."
Standard
- Lyric Analysis: Analyze the lyrics of "Shop Around" and discuss its themes and messages.
- Compare and Contrast: Compare "Shop Around" to another Motown hit from the same era, focusing on musical style and themes.
- Performance Review: Watch a live performance of "Shop Around" and write a review, focusing on vocal and instrumental elements.
Difficult
- Songwriting Exercise: Write your own song inspired by the themes and style of "Shop Around."
- Music History Research: Conduct a research project on the impact of Motown music on the racial integration of popular music.
- In-depth Artist Study: Create a detailed profile of Smokey Robinson, including his contributions to music and his role in Motown Records.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the significance of Motown Records in the context of American music history and racial integration.
- Analyze how the themes in "Shop Around" reflect societal attitudes towards love and relationships in the 1960s.
- Compare the musical style of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles with another contemporary Motown artist.
- Explain the role of songwriting in shaping the sound and success of Motown music.
- Describe the influence of "Shop Around" on future generations of musicians and its legacy in popular music.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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