Smokey Robinson - Pure Smokey [LP]

Pure Smokey was William "Smokey" Robinson's second solo album after leaving The Miracles. It was issued on Motown's Tamla label in 1974 and presents mostly songs composed by Robinson along with Marv Tarplin, another ex-Miracle who joined Robinson in California after leaving the group. Marv didn't only assist Smokey, he wrote, played guitar, toured, etc. Hits from the album include, "I Am I Am" (#6 R&B), "Virgin Man" (#12 R&B), and "It's Her Turn To Live," a tribute to mothers co-written by Tarplin (#29 R&B).