Ultimate Collection

Import collection from the Motown legends, arguably the best single-disc compilation available on the market. Combining Smokey's endlessly inventive twists on romance (good and bad) with the Miracles' handful of straight-up party hits, it showcases one of American pop's most sure-footed and touching acts. The frontman's prowess as singer, writer, and producer lights up each of these single mixes; less-celebrated tracks like "My Girl Has Gone," "(You Can) Depend on Me," and "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage" stand as tall as the many oldies-radio staples featured here. While he and The Miracles remain one of the Motown label's most successful acts, Smokey is also known for his top-notch songwriting skills for other label mates as well as his own successful solo career. 25 tracks.

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' 25-cut disc is the single most impressive one of Motown's Ultimate Collection series (which features 17 artists). Combining Smokey's endlessly inventive twists on romance (good and bad) with the Miracles' handful of straight-up party hits, it showcases one of American pop's most sure-footed and touching acts. The frontman's prowess as singer, writer, and producer lights up each of these single mixes; less-celebrated tracks like "My Girl Has Gone," "(You Can) Depend on Me," and "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage" stand as tall as the many oldies-radio staples featured here. (For much more, including "Mirage's" unstoppable flip side, "Come Spy with Me," check out the four-disc 35th Anniversary box set.) Robinson and his collaborators, both in and out of the group, regularly injected undeniable emotion into their creamy constructions, making for a stack of tracks that remain as relevant as the contemporary creations of fans Lennon-McCartney and Bob Dylan. --Rickey Wright