You think you know the sound of Christmas. For most people, it’s Bing Crosby’s baritone or Mariah Carey’s high-octane energy. But if you haven't sat down with smokey robinson christmas songs, you’re missing the actual soul of the season. Honestly, Smokey’s voice is like a warm cup of cocoa with a shot of something stronger hidden in it—it’s sweet, sure, but there’s a complex, silky depth that most holiday singers just can't touch.
People usually categorize Motown Christmas music as "party music." You know, the stuff you blast while opening gifts. But Smokey? He did something different. He made it intimate. He made it feel like he was singing specifically to you while the snow hit the windowpane.
The 1963 Game Changer: Christmas with The Miracles
Back in '63, Motown was still finding its feet as a global powerhouse. They released Christmas with The Miracles, and it basically set the blueprint for the "Motown Sound" during the holidays. It wasn't just about covering the hits; it was about reimagining them through the lens of Detroit soul.
The standout here—and arguably the most important of all smokey robinson christmas songs—is "Christmas Everyday." Smokey actually co-wrote this one. It’s got that classic, mid-tempo Miracles swing. The lyrics aren't just about toys or trees; they're about the feeling of love being so good that you wish every day could feel like December 25th. It’s infectious. You can’t listen to it without nodding your head.
But then he flips the script. His version of "O Holy Night" is... well, it’s a religious experience. Most singers try to power through that high note at the end like they’re auditioning for a talent show. Smokey doesn't do that. He glides. His falsetto stays light, airy, and incredibly reverent. It’s not about ego; it’s about the song.
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The Tracklist That Defined an Era
The 1963 album was packed with gems that still rotate on radio today:
- "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (A surprisingly fast, upbeat version)
- "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts roasting, but with a lot more silk)
- "Noel" (The Miracles' harmonies here are basically a masterclass)
- "White Christmas"
Why "The Season for Miracles" (1970) Hits Different
Fast forward to 1970. The world was changing. The Vietnam War was raging, and the upbeat "everything is fine" vibe of the early sixties was fading. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles released The Season for Miracles, and you can hear the maturity.
This album isn't just "jingle bells" and "frosty." It’s got "Peace on Earth (Goodwill Toward Men)." In this track, Smokey asks a pretty heavy question: why do we only care about peace in December? It’s a protest song wrapped in a Christmas bow. It’s poignant. It’s soulful. It’s Smokey at his most philosophical.
There’s also "A Child Is Waiting." This song is a heart-breaker. It’s about children waiting for forever homes, reminding everyone that the holidays aren't just about consumerism. It’s a side of Smokey's songwriting that often gets overshadowed by his love ballads, but it’s arguably some of his most important work.
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The 2017 Solo Return: Christmas Everyday
For decades, we didn't have a solo Smokey holiday album. It felt like a massive gap in the musical landscape. Then, in 2017, he dropped Christmas Everyday as an Amazon Original.
If you're looking for the quintessential smokey robinson christmas songs for a modern era, this is where you go. He was in his late 70s when he recorded this, and his voice? Still incredible. It’s a bit raspier, a bit more lived-in, but the technique is flawless.
He brought in guests like Trombone Shorty for a brassy "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and the vocal group Take 6 for a stunning rendition of "O Holy Night." But the real treat is "You're My Present," featuring The Dap-Kings. It sounds like it was recorded in 1965. It’s got that vintage, analog warmth that makes your speakers feel like they’re glowing.
Modern Collaboration Standouts
- "Night That Baby Was Born" – A newer original that feels like an instant classic.
- "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)" – Smokey takes on the Darlene Love staple and gives it a smoother, less frantic energy.
- "Silent Night" – Featuring Mindi Abair, this version is basically a jazz club at 2 AM.
Common Misconceptions About Smokey’s Holiday Music
One thing people get wrong all the time is thinking Smokey Robinson and The Temptations' Christmas songs are interchangeable. They aren't. While both groups were on Motown, The Temptations leaned into the heavy, booming arrangements. Smokey always kept it lean.
Also, a lot of people think "Christmas Everyday" is a cover. Nope. Smokey wrote it. It’s a testament to his genius that a song he wrote over 60 years ago sounds like a traditional carol that’s been around for centuries.
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Another weird myth? That he stopped singing holiday music after the 70s. Actually, Smokey has been a staple on Christmas TV specials and multi-artist Motown compilations for years. His 2014 collaboration with Desiree Coleman on "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is a deep cut that most casual fans completely overlook, but it’s stunning.
Building the Perfect Smokey Holiday Playlist
If you want to experience the best of smokey robinson christmas songs, you can't just hit "shuffle" on a generic Motown playlist. You have to curate it. Start with the 1963 version of "Christmas Everyday" to set the mood. It’s the "hook."
Then, move into the 1970 tracks for some depth. "Peace on Earth" is a must. If the party is winding down and you’ve got a drink in your hand, put on the 2017 version of "Silent Night." The saxophone work combined with Smokey’s phrasing is just... chef’s kiss.
Don't ignore the medleys either. The Miracles were famous for blending traditional hymns like "Deck The Halls" with "Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella." These aren't just filler; they show off the group's ability to handle complex, classical-adjacent structures with a R&B heartbeat.
Expert Tips for Listening
- Vinyl is better: If you can find an original pressing of Christmas with The Miracles, buy it. The digital remasters sometimes strip away the "air" in the room that made those 60s recordings so special.
- Listen to the lyrics: Smokey is a poet first. Even on the standard covers, pay attention to how he emphasizes certain words. He finds the "yearning" in songs that other people treat as simple jingles.
- Mix the eras: Don't be afraid to jump from 1963 Smokey to 2017 Smokey. His voice evolved, but his "cool" stayed exactly the same.
The beauty of Smokey’s holiday catalog is its versatility. You can cook to it, cry to it, or dance to it. It’s not just "Christmas music." It’s Smokey Robinson music that happens to be about Christmas. And honestly, that’s all anyone really needs during the holidays.
To truly appreciate this catalog, start by comparing the original 1963 "Christmas Everyday" with the 2017 re-imagining featuring Us The Duo. It’s a fascinating look at how a songwriter revisits his own masterpiece half a century later. From there, track down the "stripped" version of "A Child Is Waiting" found on The Ultimate Motown Christmas Collection. It removes the orchestral swells and leaves just Smokey and the message—it's the most honest way to hear one of the greatest voices in American history.