Except for a set of pre-rock pop standards, Smokey Robinson has been largely absent this decade. He returns here with the smooth "quiet storm" vibe he invented on his 1975 album of the same name, duetting with Joss Stone and India.Arie on a pair of wind-chime-romantic ballads and turning in an inspired (if somewhat unnecessary) remake of the J5's "I Want You Back." But when he puts his sterling...

Smokey Robinson is practically synonymous with Motown. Not only did he pen some of the most enduring and instantly recognizable songs of the past five decades, but he served as the label's vice president for over 25 years. And while he may no longer record for Berry Gordy's imprint, Robinson is helping celebrate Motown's 50th anniversary this year, and his latest release, Time Flies When You're Having Fun, finds him as smooth and soulful as ever. The record features guest spots by Joss Stone...