Martin Fry had some underground success as a music journalist with the fanzine 'Modern Drugs', interviewing various British pop and rock groups, before he decided to join a band himself. ABC has its roots in the group Vice Versa, a Sheffield electronic music outfit formed in 1977 by Stephen Singleton and Mark White. They founded their own label, 'Neutron Records', and released an EP. Fry started off with the act as a synthesizer player. By 1980, the band had evolved into ABC, with Fry becoming the lead vocalist.
The group's first single, "Tears Are Not Enough", made the U.K. Top 20 in 1981. Soon afterwards, David Robinson left the band and was replaced by drummer David Palmer. In 1982, the band released their debut album, 'The Lexicon of Love', which reached number one in the U.K. Albums Chart. Produced by Trevor Horn, it often featured in UK critics' lists of favourite albums: it ranked 42nd in The Observer Music Monthly's "Top 100 British Albums" (June 2004) and 40th in Q magazine's "100 Greatest British Albums" (June 2000). The band had three Top 10 hits during 1982: the singles "Poison Arrow", "The Look Of Love (Part 1)" and "All of My Heart" and shot high-concept music videos.
ABC found it difficult to follow up their debut. The second album, Beauty Stab, was released in November 1983. It performed poorly in comparison to its predecessor. Gary Langan, who had engineered The Lexicon of Love, produced the effort. The first single, "That Was Then but This Is Now", briefly appeared in the UK Top 20, followed by a Top 40 showing for "S.O.S.". The band eschewed remixes for the project, and the 12" single for "That Was Then but This Is Now" featured the disclaimer "This record is exactly the same as the 7" version. The choice is yours." Stephen Singleton retired from the band in 1984.
Now a duo of Fry and White, augmented by two non-performing band members, Fiona Russell-Powell (known as Eden) and David Yarritu, ABC's chart fortunes in the UK dwindled further with the 1985 album How To Be A Zillionaire. Keith LeBlanc from Tackhead programmed much of the beatbox work for the album. The group did score its first US Top 10 hit with "Be Near Me" (which also made the UK Top 30). The album also featured the singles "(How to Be a) Millionaire", "Vanity Kills" and "Ocean Blue". ABC was one of the first bands to do video scratching" for several videos from the How to Be a... Zillionaire album, including the video for "Be Near Me".
Following a hiatus. while Fry was treated for Hodgkin's disease, ABC returned with Alphabet City. Best known for "When Smokey Sings", a tribute to Smokey Robinson, the album also spawned "The Night You Murdered Love" and "King Without a Crown" as singles. All three tracks would make the CD version of the group's first anthology.
In 1989, the duo issued Up, their fifth and final PolyGram studio album. This time experimenting with house music, ABC scored a minor UK hit with the single "One Better World". They then released another single, "The Real Thing". During this period the group worked on a couple of outside productions aimed at the house music scene. One was Paul Rutherford's (Frankie Goes to Hollywood) solo album and first single release; the other was for Lizzie Tear on the group's own Neutron label.
In 1990, the band released a greatest hits compilation album, Absolutely. This covered all of ABC's albums up until 1990, and featured all of their singles. The compilation made the UK Top 10. A video package featuring promos was also released. One new song, "The Look Of Love (1990 Remix)", was released to promote the package.
The group then moved to the EMI label (and MCA in North America), where they recorded the 1991 LP Abracadabra. "Love Conquers All", the first single, barely placed in the UK chart, though Italian production team Black Box provided remixes of "Say It" which appeared in the US dance chart.
Fry resurrected the band's name in 1997 for the album Skyscraping, an homage to several of his musical heroes, including David Bowie, Roxy Music, and the Sex Pistols. A collaboration with Glenn Gregory of Heaven 17 and Keith Lowndes, the album again was met with critical approval rather than broad commercial success. However, three singles were released, "Rolling Sevens", "Skyscraping", and "Stranger Things", complete with extra B-sides.
In 1999, ABC released their first live album, The Lexicon of Live. The album covered most of their major hits. Although Fry was the only member left, he had a backing band and adorned the album cover in his trademark gold lamé suit.
Look of Love: The Very Best of ABC was released in 2001. Although essentially a reissue of greatest hits package Absolutely (from 1990), the album featured two new songs by Fry titled "Peace and Tranquility" and "Blame". A companion DVD, along with a bonus disc of remixes, was also released.
In 2004, the VH1 show Bands Reunited attempted to get the line-up of Fry, Palmer, Singleton and White together for a reunion concert. Fry and Palmer appeared and played together (with help from Nick Beggs of Kajagoogoo) for the first time in over twenty years. Singleton and White opted not to participate.
Following a tour of the United States in May and June 2006, Fry and Palmer, together with keyboardist Chuck Kentis, put together a new ABC album, Traffic. It was released on 28 April 2008. Gary Langan, who worked on The Lexicon of Love and Beauty Stab, mixed and produced the album. The first single, "The Very First Time", debuted on BBC Radio 2 in January, was added to the station's "A" playlist for the week beginning 29 March, and was released as a download track on 1 April. ABC performed two songs from Traffic during the 2008 Regeneration Tour of the US; "Ride" and "The Very First Time".
On 1 September 2007, ABC performed a set with other 1980s acts at Retrofest at Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland. This appearance included a rendition of "Addicted to Love", with Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet and Peter Cox of Go West.
In the summer of 2008, ABC toured the US as part of the 2008 Regeneration Tour, which also featured The Human League, Belinda Carlisle, A Flock of Seagulls, and Naked Eyes.
In April 2009, ABC performed the Lexicon Of Love album live at the Royal Albert Hall, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Anne Dudley of Art of Noise, who arranged and played keyboards on the original record, conducted the performance. A music review in the 13 April 2009 edition of The Independent newspaper, described the performance as a "glorious night that has placed one of the Eighties' most perfectly constructed albums back near the top of the pop pantheon".
In 2009 ABC toured the US as the headliner of the 2009 'Regeneration Tour', which also featured Terri Nunn of Berlin, Wang Chung, and the Cutting Crew.
Another Artist:
ABC also known as Grupa ABC was a Polish band playing funk, r&b and blues. It was formed in 1969 in Warsaw and disbanded in 1973.
When Smokey Sings
ABC Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In deep despair or lonely nights
He knows just how you feel
The slyest rhymes, the sharpest suits
In miracles made real
Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night
You know you're right just to hold her tight
And every thing's good in the world tonight
When smokey sings, I hear violins
When smokey sings, I forget everything
As she's packing her things
As she's spreading her wings
The front door might slam
But the back door it rings
And smokey sings, he sings
Elegance in eloquence for sale or rent or hire
Should I say yes, I match his best
Then I would be a liar
Symphonies soothe the rage
When lovers hearts catch fire
Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night
You know you're right just to hold her tight
He soothes it right, makes it out of sight
And every thing's good in the world tonight
When smokey sings, I hear violins
When smokey sings, I forget everything, yeah
As she's packing her things
As she's spreading her wings
Smashing the hell
With the heaven she brings
Then smokey sings, he sings
(But if he couldn't sing)
Luther croons
Sly's the original, originator
James screams
Marvin was the only innovator
But nothing can compare, nothing can compare
When smokey sings
When smokey sings, I hear violins
When smokey sings, I forget everything
As she's packing her things
As she's spreading her wings
She threw back the ring
When smokey sings
Smokey sings
Smokey sings
The lyrics of ABC's "When Smokey Sings" are a tribute to Smokey Robinson, the legendary singer-songwriter and producer who played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Motown in the 1960s. The song speaks to the power of Smokey's music to transport listeners to another place, offering solace and comfort in moments of despair, loneliness, or heartbreak. The first verse paints a picture of Smokey as a suave and stylish figure, whose music can work miracles and make everything right in the world - the "debonair lullabies in melodies revealed." The chorus, "When smokey sings, I hear violins. When smokey sings, I forget everything," captures the overwhelming emotional impact his music had on people. It's a universal feeling that anyone who has ever been moved by a song can relate to.
The second verse refers to the commercial appeal of Smokey's music, which was often marketed as being "for sale or rent or hire." The singer admits that if he tried to match Smokey's eloquence, he would be lying, suggesting the singer's talent is unmatched. The final lines of the verse reference the power of symphonies to soothe the soul, especially when it comes to affairs of the heart. Again, the image is one of Smokey's music being a balm for the wounded spirit.
The bridge of the song acknowledges other great soul singers like Luther Vandross, Sly Stone, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye but concludes that "Nothing can compare when Smokey sings." This tribute points to the profound impact that Smokey Robinson had on the musical landscape, and how his music continues to resonate with people today.
Line by Line Meaning
Debonair lullabies in melodies revealed
When Smokey sings, his smooth and enchanting voice is like a lullaby that puts the listener in a trance.
In deep despair or lonely nights
He knows how to evoke emotions so that the listener is comforted during the darkest and loneliest times.
He knows just how you feel
His songs resonate with people because he understands their emotions and sings about the things they can relate to.
The slyest rhymes, the sharpest suits
Smokey Robinson's songs are a perfect blend of elegant and intelligent lyrics with suave style.
In miracles made real
He has the ability to make the impossible possible through his music.
Like a bird in flight on a hot sweet night
When listening to Smokey's music, the listener feels like they're flying, feeling the warmth on a sweet summer night.
You know you're right just to hold her tight
Smokey's songs make the listener want to hold their loved one tight and appreciate the present moment.
He soothes it right, makes it out of sight
Smokey's music has the power to smooth things out and make problems disappear.
And everything's good in the world tonight
His music creates a feeling of happiness and contentment, making everything seem perfect.
When Smokey sings, I hear violins
Smokey Robinson's voice has the power to create a romantic atmosphere, just like a symphony orchestra with violins.
When Smokey sings, I forget everything
His music can help a person forget their problems and focus on the beauty of the moment.
As she's packing her things
A woman is leaving the artist's life, indicating heartbreak or the end of a relationship.
As she's spreading her wings
She is now free to pursue her own happiness.
The front door might slam
The end of a relationship can be painful and over-dramatized with the slamming of doors.
But the back door it rings
Love can come back again, even after a bitter end.
And Smokey sings, he sings
Smokey provides comfort and hope to the artist during a difficult time.
Elegance in eloquence for sale or rent or hire
Lyricism and smooth sophistication can be bought or sold, but Smokey's talent comes from within.
Should I say yes, I match his best
The singer admires Smokey's abilities and wonders if they could ever measure up.
Then I would be a liar
The singer realizes that trying to match Smokey's skills would be dishonest and inauthentic.
Symphonies soothe the rage
Music can calm one's anger or frustration and make them feel better.
When lovers hearts catch fire
When two lovers meet, passionate emotions ignite, and Smokey's music can capture and amplify that feeling.
Luther croons
Luther Vandross is a singer who can produce a powerful emotional response with his music.
Sly's the original, originator
Sly Stone, the leader of the funk rock band Sly and the Family Stone, is a musical pioneer in his own right.
James screams
James Brown's music is characterized by his high-energy and theatrical vocals.
Marvin was the only innovator
Marvin Gaye was a singer-songwriter and producer who revolutionized soul music and reinvented himself throughout his career.
But nothing can compare, nothing can compare
Smokey Robinson's music is unique, and no one can quite match his charm and sophistication.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARK ANDREW WHITE, MARTIN DAVID FRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheLastOfTheFinest80
This song itself is proof of why the 80s is the greatest decade ever.
@Notworthy72
I agree!!
@slaughterhouse5585
Totally!
@aclark903
But it is a tribute to #60s #Motown production.
@GC0077
Fk yeah!!!
@erossinema8797
@A Clark Well the 1960s were incredible musically, as well.
@chrisluster8122
No cursing, no nudity, no vulgar lyrics... just awesome tuned and still SEXY. That's for ALL 80's tunes. Can't recreate this kind of music now in the 21st Century. Way TOO much chaos.
@clariesage7236
Not for all 80's tunes, that's a bit too nostalgic in memory.... there were some popular songs with vulgar lyrics
@trashyraccoon2615
Yeah, tons of 80s videos had scantily clad women. It’s actually LESS in fashion now than it was back then
@stephenpmurphy591
@clariesage7236 C'mon comparing 80s music to 2022-23 music nooooooooo! WAP is tacky,a hooker who drugged her John's & robbed them is now glorified.