20th Century Masters - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Advantages: Relaxing and always makes me feel better
Disadvantages: Goes down hill a bit towards the end

...and Mary belted out a fair few of Gaye's classic ballads and dance tracks. I was hooked, but it wasn't until a few months ago that I finally bought the Best of Marvin Gaye CD - there I was in HMV, taking advantage of the 2 for £20 offer, Marvin Gaye's Greatest Hits in one hand and Leftfield's Rhythm and Stealth in the other - what an odd chap the sales assistant must have thought, but when I got the CD home - I realised what a great move I'd made in buying it. In my opinion, the lurv masters don't come much finer than Marvin Gaye - although Barry White was indeed a great talent, he pales into insignificance alongside Marvin Gaye in my opinion. Marvin had an illustrious group and solo career spanning over 20 years: in his time he'd seen close friends die, numerous marriages crumble and a cocaine habit that was eventually to lead to the ruin... Read review

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Advantages: The timeless Sexual Healing
Disadvantages: None!

...of a mid-tempo masterpiece on the album. Bobby Stern works hard away on that effective tenor sax solo whilst Marvins delivery is truly exhilirating, mastered to utter perfection and merley adds to the over-all, dazzling effect. Finally the album slowly grinds to a halt with My Love Is Waiting, where on the opening bars of the track, he pays credit to all the producers and muscians involved on the job as well as delivering a short religious ode. This then drives into this infectious offering which is incidentally much of a soundalike to Sexual Healing. Still Marvins passionate and full-throated performance is as refreshing as ever, riding neatly along the divine and sweeping musical arrangements. Midnight Love (1982) is thriving with Marvin Gayes fire and spirit. His contribution to music was phenomenal and will never be forgotten... Read review

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Advantages: one of the true greats
Disadvantages: none at all whatsoever in any way shape or form

...Not an easy one to approach ,a bit like trying to review the bible or Star Wars ,if you are one of the few people who havent heard "Whats Going On",then i can only urge you to try it ,this review will not make any difference as such but an idea of whats contained within may whet your appetite . The "masterpiece "accolades have poured thick and fast since this l.p was released in 1971 on the slowly fading Tamla Motown label,any expectations based on your knowledge of that once great label are non applicable ,this record was a one off and the first of its kind ,from the sax floated title track to its gospel infused conclusion of "Inner City Blues ",everything in between is linked like movements in a symphony as Marvin Gaye unleashes his own frustration and sadness on the state of America (circa1971) . If you are familiar... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful