The proposed single-loop solution to the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) speed-tracking problem provides improved transient performance and robustness by overcoming the two challenging points of parameter variation and performance inconsistency due to load changes. The features are summarized as follows: a) the proportional-type control law exponentially stabilizes the desired surface with the disturbance observers through the order reduction property, resulting in the q-axis current independent single-loop structure for speed control with first-order speed error dynamics; b) the parameter-independent angular acceleration observer renders the proportional-type surface-stabilizing control implementable without an additional sensor and direct time derivative operation based on the speed measurement; and c) the adaptive convergence rate mechanism in the analytic form provides improved transient performance through the loop adaptation of the closed-loop system without requiring an additional optimization process. The experimental study demonstrates the practical advantages using a 1-kW PMSM drive system.