"When Smokey Sings" is a song by English pop band ABC, released as the first single from their fourth studio album Alphabet City (1987).

The lyrics and title of the song are a tribute to R&B and soul singer Smokey Robinson.

In the United States, Robinson's single "One Heartbeat" and ABC's "When Smokey Sings" were ranked in the Billboard 100 pop chart simultaneously for several weeks, including the week ending 3 October 1987, in which both songs ranked in the top 10.

[4] "When Smokey Sings" and its B-side "Chicago" also topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

The bassline of the song is an homage to Robinson's 1970 hit single with the Miracles "The Tears of a Clown.