Smokey Robinson to release album of duets this fall

By Mikael Wood

March 28, 2013 12 AM PT

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Smokey Robinson is getting in on the duets album action.

Following his appearance Wednesday night on “American Idol,” the R&B; legend announced Thursday that he’s to release a set of all-star duets this fall through the Verve Music Group. The album will join a rash of such collections, including recent efforts from Tony Bennett, Reba McEntire and Lionel Richie. Paul Anka has one due out next month, while John Fogerty will unveil his in May.

But wait!

“Unlike any other duet-themed project produced to date,” a statement insists, “this unique album will include all hits written by Robinson,” and that certainly seems true enough: Pop & Hiss can’t recall another duets record filled only with Robinson’s songs.

The singer’s guests for the project haven’t been announced, though we’re promised “a celebrated roster of contemporary and classic artists whose influence will span the depth of Robinson’s stellar 50-plus-year career.” (Let’s hope 2 Chainz made the cut.) Among the songs slated to appear are “My Girl,” “Cruisin’ ” and “The Tears of a Clown.”

In an interview last year Robinson told Pop & Hiss that he was at work on several other projects, including a follow-up to his handsome 2006 standards set, “Timeless Love,” as well as a set of Spanish-language material.

Robinson’s last studio album, “Time Flies When You’re Having Fun,” came out in 2009. Listen to his typically silky take on Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” below.