Smokey Robinson - Shop Around - 1960
![](/images/thumb/5/51/AiMOOC-Siegel-Stempel-MOOCit.png/60px-AiMOOC-Siegel-Stempel-MOOCit.png)
Smokey Robinson - Shop Around - 1960
Input
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?
What musical elements does "Shop Around" combine?
Who co-wrote "Shop Around" with Smokey Robinson?
In what year was "Shop Around" released?
What advice does the song "Shop Around" offer?
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Which record label was Smokey Robinson associated with throughout most of his career?
What role did Smokey Robinson play in Motown Records besides being a performer?
Which group did Smokey Robinson lead?
What was the primary theme in many of Smokey Robinson's songs?
How did Smokey Robinson's voice contribute to the success of "Shop Around"?
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the young man advised to do in the song?
What is the tone of the advice given in "Shop Around"?
Which phrase repeats throughout "Shop Around"?
How does the song "Shop Around" end?
In "Shop Around," who gives the advice to the young man?
Memory
Lead vocalist of The MiraclesCo-writer of "Shop Around"Berry GordyMotown RecordsRelease year of "Shop Around"Label that released "Shop Around"Theme of "Shop Around"1960Smokey RobinsonMother's advice
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.
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
![](/images/thumb/d/d7/Liedlernen-Logo-24.png/300px-Liedlernen-Logo-24.png)
MUSIC QUIZ
![](/images/thumb/d/d7/Random_MOOCit.png/240px-Random_MOOCit.png)
![](/images/thumb/c/c3/1940s_aiMOOC.png/80px-1940s_aiMOOC.png)
![](/images/thumb/6/64/1950s_aiMOOC.png/80px-1950s_aiMOOC.png)
![](/images/thumb/e/e1/1960s_aiMOOC.png/80px-1960s_aiMOOC.png)
![](/images/thumb/3/38/1970s_aiMOOC.png/80px-1970s_aiMOOC.png)
![](/images/thumb/6/63/1980s_aiMOOC.png/80px-1980s_aiMOOC.png)
![](/images/thumb/0/0d/1990s_aiMOOC.png/80px-1990s_aiMOOC.png)
![](/images/thumb/7/7c/2000s_aiMOOC.png/80px-2000s_aiMOOC.png)
![](/images/thumb/7/7e/2010s_aiMOOC.png/80px-2010s_aiMOOC.png)
![](/images/thumb/b/bf/2020s_aiMOOC.png/80px-2020s_aiMOOC.png)
|