Touch the Sky

Touch the Sky (1983) represents a pivotal moment in Smokey Robinson's solo career, solidifying his dominance in the Quiet Storm format during the early 1980s. Produced by Robinson alongside Reginald 'Sonny' Burke, the album was recorded at Golden Sound Studios in Hollywood, reflecting the high-fidelity, polished aesthetic of the era. While Robinson was already a legend by 1983, this album showed his ability to adapt to the changing R&B landscape, incorporating more prominent synthesizers and electronic textures while maintaining his signature lyrical sophistication. The album reached #8 on the Billboard R&B charts, anchored by the success of the single 'I've Made Love to You a Thousand Times.' Critically, the album was noted for its thematic depth, particularly its nuanced 'cheating songs' which added a layer of adult complexity to the romantic themes. It stands as a testament to Robinson's enduring relevance as both a vocalist and a producer in the post-Motown era.