Legendary musician Smokey Robinson is back with new studio material packaged into an 11-track album titled Time Flies When You’re Having Fun.

The title speaks for itself as Robinson immerses himself into the beautifully-crafted music with his ever smooth and charming vocals. His mellow and gentle signature sound is more refined, gratifying one’s ear, heart and soul effortlessly. The album-opener, which is also the title track, precisely accomplishes this as his voice swims over the jazzy harmony.

Charily hand-picked guests include Carlos Santana, India.Arie and Joss Stone; who all provide a remarkable divergent complement in their respective features. The track that stood out from the very first listen for me is the India.Arie-assisted You’re Just My Life. Its eponymous melody instantly captures your soul. The other distinct and stand-out gem in the album is Whatcha Gonna Do, where Robinson muses over his seductive effect on his subject, enquiring what she is going to do.

Robinson wrote all the songs in the album, except Don’t Know Why, a song made popular by Norah Jones; as well as Satisfy You and Whatcha Gonna Do co-written with Gary Gold and duo Jeffrey Freeman & Terrence Bolden, respectively. Speaking of Gary Gold, he also co-produced the album with Robinson and Brian French; with Gold also playing drums, keyboards and engineering the project. Closing the album is a hidden bonus track entitled I Want You Back, a Motown and Michael Jackson homage comprising a funky swing fit for a finale.

The stanch fans as well as music lovers in general will immensely take pleasure in this latest offering from Smokey Robinson. It’s pregnant with all the ingredients needed for a musical journey that satisfies beyond the ear.