Prince is being nominated 4 best writer of all time. So i pose this question, who do u think is the better writer of all time Prince or Smokey?

Prince of COURSE....

Prince, and we all know why. right?

Smokey truely deserves his props but Prince is the one who wrote Adore, Sign O' the Times, If I Was Your Girlfriend,When Doves Cry and so many other brilliant, unconventional classics that one he could write not only for himself but for others as well.

As a lyricist, no question, Smokey. Prince was influenced by Smokey but he was much too blatant sexually in most of his work. It takes more talent to write subtle things. There is a reason bob dylan named william robinson (smokey) as america's greatest living poet. Prince had a greater understanding of production and musicianship but I'd give the songwriting props to Smokey, no one, I mean no one ever wrote such beautiful, tender love songs. Hey, has anyone else noticed that "going to a go-go" has a similar riff to 1999?

you're shittin me right?

As much as I love Prince, and y'all know I do. I have to say Smokey! Growing up in Detroit, knowing Motown history is a requirement! Nobody, and I do mean NOBODY can touch Smokey Robinson when it comes to writing songs. Period!

SexyBeautifulOne said:

2 perfect examples "Choosey beggar and when sundown comes"

TheRealFiness said:

oh...ok

TheRealFiness said:

what he said.

SexyBeautifulOne said:

TEACH!!!!

Smokey by far!

The "best writer" is very subjective but I thought I would add this just for discussion. Bob Dylan was once asked who his favorite two poets were. One of his choices was Smokey Robinson. I am simply illustrating how respected Smokey Robinson is amoung songwriters.
[Edited 11/15/05 10:19am]

What criteria do you use when comparing these two? Songwriting variety? Range of topics? Amount written? Songs for others? Charts? Awards? Use these to point out how Smokey is better and then maybe I'll see it. Right now, I'll say Prince--no question.

chunky said:

its obvious u dont know those 2 songs, find em

TheRealFiness said:

the song titles are perfect
[Edited 11/15/05 17:43pm]

skywalker said:

Songwriting man,lyrics, chords, melody, how they all work together. Nothing myterious about that. "I have a lover way over there","i'll take the stars and count them and move a mountain" songs don't come that sweet anymore and no one but no one did it better than smokey, partly because he had a voice and look that was bordering on the feminine, which is another way in which he was an ancestor of Prince and Michael. so far as I'm concerned, and I am a songwriter, one need look no further than Smokey to find the most beautiful, sweet, sensitive and yet commercial lyrics (and terrific music to go with it) that smokey wrote. Smokey may not have been able to play an instrument as well as Prince or dance or a lot of things, but he could write songs better. "My Girl" "The Way You Do The Things You Do" etc..,the man was a pop genius, unsung because of his color, black men are never given credit for being adept literarily.

mozfonky said:

Very well said..

skywalker said:

Marvin Gaye



I'll Be Doggone



Mary Wells


You Beat Me To The Punch

My Guy

The One Who Really Loves You

Two Lovers

What Two Can Easily Do, Can Be Hard For One


The Marvelettes



Don't Mess With Bill

The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game

My Baby Must Be A Magician


The Temptations


My Girl

The Way You Do The Things You Do

Get Ready

Its Growing


Just to name a few..

Trust me, there are plenty more..

mozfonky said:

"has anyone else noticed that "going to a go-go"

No, your the only one that noticed this. (LOL). They are both great and Bob Dylan has given Prince high compliments as well as Smokey.