On first listen ["The Tears of a Clown" is] a certain smash….

A circus atmosphere is established by the opening phrase that works as effectively as (but ever-more-subtly-than) the intro to James Darren's "Goodbye Cruel World." This phrase reoc-Jerome Addisoncurs throughout, giving the song an air of levity that belies the misery-and-woe lyrics.

And what lyrics! Smokey Robinson may or may not be America's greatest living poet, but he is certainly its most erudite writer of soul songs. Not only would no other composer mention Pagliacci in his verses, few would understand the allusion.

It's worth noting that "Tears of a Clown" is structured precisely, more so than some of the recent stiffs that were freer in form. In this sense it is vintage Miracles and should enjoy the success of another 1967 release, "I Second That Emotion." (p. 185)

Paul Gambaccini, "Singles: 'The Tears of a Clown'...