On This Day: February 25 1980 Warm Thoughts by Smokey Robinson Was Released

On this day February 25 1980 Smokey Robinson released his tenth solo album Warm Thoughts. While some sources such as Music Charts Archive list this as the official release date others like Discogs suggest the album was released in April 1980. Regardless of the exact date Warm Thoughts became an important record in Robinson’s solo career blending smooth R&B with quiet storm influences.

The album reached number 14 on the Billboard 200 and number 4 on the R&B Albums Chart proving Robinson’s continued success after his years with The Miracles. The standout single Let Me Be the Clock became a top ten hit on the R&B Singles Chart showcasing his signature romantic ballad style.

Warm Thoughts featured lush production heartfelt lyrics and Robinson’s unmistakable vocals making it a standout album of the early 80s. His influence on R&B and soul continued to grow with this release helping shape the sound of the quiet storm genre.

Fun fact: Let Me Be the Clock was one of the earliest R&B songs to feature heavy synthesizers marking a shift in production trends for the genre.

Trivia question: Before launching his solo career Smokey Robinson was the lead singer of a legendary Motown group. Can you name the group he fronted?