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The Miracle of Smokey Robinson

Charlie Gillett, Record Mirror, 25 September 1971

ABOUT twelve years ago, Berry Gordy told Smokey Robinson how to write songs: "Every song should have an idea, tell a story, mean something." Smokey put aside his exercise book, full of painstakingly-written teen songs about being in love with his fifth-grade teacher and not wanting to go in the army, and started again. 'Shop Around', 'You Really Got A Hold On Me', 'My Guy' and 'I Second That Emotion' were among the songs he came up with to meet Berry Gordy's specifications.

Total word count of piece: 3460

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