TOP TEN: The Best Songs Of Smokie [RETRO]

This band was formed in the early 60s as "The Ten" when Ron Kelly (drums) and Alan Silson (lead guitar) met by chance in a Music Shop. Two days later singer Chris Norman joined and after they added Terry Uttley playing bass guitar the first lineup was complete. They renamed themselves first in "The Sphynx" and later in "Essence". After a few more hiccups they were introduced to composers Nicky Chunn and Mike Chapman, who suggested another name change into "Smokey". Meanwhile Ron Kelly had left the group and was replaced by Pete Spencer. They released their debut album "Pass It Around" in 1975 and 6 months later their 2nd album "Changing All The Time". The single "If You Think You Know How To Love Me" became their first hit and peaked at #3 in the UK Single Charts and charted in many European countries. So did their next single "Don't Play Your Rock 'n' Roll To Me".

Around this time singer Smokey Robinson threatened a lawsuit due to the similar name and the band changed their moniker one more time - this time to "Smokie". The next album "Midnight Café" was released in 1976 - the album sold especially well in Germany, where it peaked at #6. More singles were released, including a cover of an Australian band - the song "Living Next Door To Alice" became a huge hit across Europe, peaking at #5 in the UK and topping the German single charts. It also peaked at #25 in the US Hot 100 Billboard Single Charts. In 1977 they released their next album "Bright Lights and Back Alleys" and reached Top 10 in many European mainland countries including #1 in Norway. In 1978 they released another lp called "The Montreux album". Another successful one vor European countries like Germany and Sweden where it peaked at #3.

In 1979 they released their next album named "The Other Side Of The Road" before they took a 2 year hiatus. Then in 1981 they released their lp "Solid Ground". Two more albums followed before in 1983 Chris Norman left the group to pursue solo ambitions. Smokie recorded more albums with different line-ups (Norman was replaced by Alan Barton) and they were especially well received in Norway where they went to #1. Founding member Terry Uttley still performs as Smokie with now other members.

Here now are my favorite 10 songs of Smokie - hope you enjoy! What are your favorites and memories about them?

No copyright infringement intended you can buy and stream all these songs in your favorite store in full length. No money is made with these videos, they are simply a hobby to celebrate music.

Visit Smokie official pages:
https://smokie.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/smokiemusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSB4HDDIK0yiWiCYJEpEDQg

Видео TOP TEN: The Best Songs Of Smokie [RETRO] канала Chrizly-Charts