Motown Early Classics - Marvin Gaye

Advantages: All of his most enthralling work are captured on these disc
Disadvantages: Would have liked to have seen a few more rarities added on

...Marvin Gayes' untimely death in 1984 left a big void in music. Marvin Gaye had become one of the most influential singer and songwriters in soul music history. His diligent work had tremendous depth, making profound political statements and social commentary as well as having a poignant and spiritual edge. Marvin Gayes' recording career spans back to the dawn of the swinging sixties when Motown Records was beginning to make its mark in the world by becoming commonly known as "the sound of young America". The fantastic Stubborn Kind Of Fellow was one of his very best early hits. The formulaic though enduring Motown sound is fully at work on this classic with Gayes' distinctive vocals seamlessly surfboarding along the somwhat complex musical arrangements. Hitch Hike, Can I Get A Witness? and Too Busy Thinking About My Baby also... Read review

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Advantages: The timeless Sexual Healing
Disadvantages: None!

...The late Marvin Gaye remains the most definitive male voices in Soul music. He truly was an utter genius and had such a creative and artistic flair and remains one of the key influences with todays new generation of wannabe Soul/R&B singers. In October 1982, Marvin released his first (and his last) studio album for CBS Records, after fleeing from Motown Records in a bid, much like Diana Ross' exact reasons for escaping Motown, for wanting to exert total control over his career, an exercise he was most certainly capable of. The album would be the classic, Midnight Love, which though offered no social commentary or made any sort of profound political statement like much of his previous efforts had, it still stands as a compelling, solid production and a last triumph for the unbeatable legend of soul. Marvin wrote all 8 songs... Read review

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Advantages: Great album From A Great Artist
Disadvantages: Too Short

...That Marvin Gaye had a troubled career and troubled private life is well documented. I is however for his music that he should best be remembered. Whats Going On was relaesed in 1971 but only after Motown boss Berry Gordy (his father-in-law) relented and agreed to release an album in which a black artist dared pass social comment in America. The title track referred to US involvement in Vietnam at the time but once recorded the acceptance of what was a superb record was total. Mercy Mercy Me has been covered many times since and is a simple anthem against pollution. By travelling this path Gaye was turning his back on the standard love-song ethos of black musicians and Motown particularly. Whats Happening Brother questioned the role of the black person in America and dared question the acceptance of the black mans ‘place’... Read review

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