Additional Coverage:
- 1979 Hit, Covered by 27-Year-Old Oscar Winner, Is Still a Slow-Burning Classic 47 Years Later (parade.com)
Some songs take time to perfect, and Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin’” is a prime example of a soul classic crafted with patience and care. Known for its sultry, slow-burning vibe, the track has become an unforgettable love anthem.
Originally co-written with fellow Miracle Marv Tarplin, “Cruisin’” invites listeners into an intimate moment, often imagined as a private escape within the confines of a bedroom. Robinson once shared with The Guardian that the meaning of “cruisin’” varies depending on who’s listening.
“You’d be surprised by how many people speculate on what ‘Cruisin’ means,” he said. “It’s a word I leave up to the listener.
When you’re with the person you’re with and feel you’re cruisin’, it’s whatever you want it to be.”
This open-ended interpretation may have contributed to the song’s widespread appeal. Released in 1979 by Motown Records as the lead single from Robinson’s seventh album, Where There’s Smoke, “Cruisin’” was originally intended as the B-side to “Get Ready.”
Instead, it soared on the charts, reaching No. 1 on Cash Box, No. 4 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul Singles charts, and even topping the charts in New Zealand. It also found a place on the Adult Contemporary chart at No.
Unlike many of Robinson’s hits, “Cruisin’” wasn’t a quick write. Tarplin had the music composed for five years before Robinson found the right words.
Inspiration struck unexpectedly while Robinson was driving down Sunset Boulevard and heard the Rascals’ “Groovin’.” Though “groovin’” didn’t quite capture the intimacy of the music, it led him to the perfect word.
“I thought of ‘cruisin’,” Robinson explained. “The music is so intimate and sensual, and that word fit perfectly.”
Once the lyrics came together, the song was completed swiftly and went on to become a timeless classic. Over the years, “Cruisin’” has been covered by notable artists, including neo-soul singer D’Angelo in 1995.
One of the most memorable renditions came from the 2000 road musical comedy Duets, featuring Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis. Their duet version gained popularity, topping the Adult Contemporary chart for a week and introducing the song to a new generation.
“Cruisin’” stands as a testament to the power of patience and artistic intuition, proving that sometimes, the best songs are the ones worth waiting for.