Deep in My Soul

Released in 1977, Deep in My Soul represents a pivotal moment in Smokey Robinson's solo career, following his departure from The Miracles. While his earlier solo works were still finding their footing, this fifth album solidified the 'Quiet Storm' sound he pioneered with 1975's A Quiet Storm. Interestingly, this album saw Smokey collaborating with outside writers and producers like Hal Davis and Donald Baldwin, a departure from his usual self-contained songwriting approach. Critics at the time, including Robert Christgau and the Los Angeles Times, noted that while Smokey didn't write every track, his vocal performances were so authoritative that he effectively 'owned' the material. The album features a mix of sophisticated soul and subtle disco influences, particularly on the lead single 'Vitamin U,' which reached the R&B Top 10. It stands as a testament to Robinson's transition from a singles-oriented hitmaker to an album-oriented architect of smooth, adult-contemporary R&B.