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Led by the legendary singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson, The Miracles were one of the first groups to sign to Berry Gordys newly-established Tamla label in 1959, and went to become one of Motowns most successful acts, racking up more than fifty hits through to the end of the 70s. Starting life as The Five Chimes and The Matadors, they had become The Miracles by 1958, and with songwriter/producer Berry Gordy made records for the End and Chess labels, scoring a minor chart entry, before Gordy launched his own label. They achieved Tamlas first million seller with their first significant hit, the R&B No. 1 Shop Around. Over the next three years, they had a succession of further pop and R&B hits, before hitting the No. 1 spot again in 1962 with You've Really Got A Hold On Me. This 46-track 2-CD set comprises all the A & B sides of their fifteen singles for the End, Chess and Tamla labels during these crucial formative years, so features all their eleven hits during this era, plus all the tracks from their first three albums, Hi We're The Miracles, Cookin' with the Miracles and I'll Try Something New which were not otherwise released on singles. It is a comprehensive overview of their early career, and in showcasing their unique sound built around Smokey Robinsons highly distinctive voice, it is a highly evocative snapshot of their contribution to a hugely exciting era in pop as their formed part of the chart vanguard of the new Tamla-Motown set-up, influencing major artists like the emerging Beatles along the way. REVIEWS "This collection covers The Miracles' singles and album tracks from 1958 to 1962 and most of it is really good, and occasionally amongst the finest singing of the 20th century… A fine collection." Pete Bowen (Now Dig This Issue 429) "The double-CD collection with a generous 46 tracks stops well before 46 tracks stops well before such standards as The Tracks Of My Tears, but the accompanying booklet covers the group’s whole career.” **** - John Howard (Vintage Rock Issue 40)
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