Reviews (page 3 of 8)
Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on. Beautiful album, loved all of it.
Not my all time favorite Marvin Gaye songs, but I really have no complaints. His voice is great and it was a solidly “good” album.
Chill and laid back, with some plunky bass and tasteful sax. Pleasant all the way through. Standout track is “A Funky Space Reincarnation”
In the immortal words of Tracy Morgan: EVERYBODY GETTIN PREGNANT TONIGHT
A good album, I liked Is That Enough and Sparrow the most.
You know how people still make that joke about getting a speeding ticket while listening to Metal/EDM/etc? I wonder if anyone's ever gotten themselves forced into a HR meeting because they got too saucy listening to Marvin Gaye Yeah, I got the memo for this one pretty quickly but still had a really good time with it nonetheless. Despite being over an hour long and treading very similar ground through its runtime I was never bored. That being said I was a little on edge given the subject and that cover art. With how lovesick he is I had to double check that Marble Marvin over there didn't creep out of Spotify and start lighting a few scented candles or some shit
Hard to make a double album about a failed relationship sound so listenable. Imagine having to put this record out when it's your sister getting the shiv.
Marvin Gaye is excellent. This is not his best but it’s still a nice time, if a little lengthy.
Smooth and cheesy
Marvin Gaye - Here, My Dear Even though the album is long, it does compensate back the amount of quality that the album has to offer. It's sad that Mr. Gaye passed away as an early age, because his music alone had showed the genius behind his creative mind. But for now we get to appreciate the ideas that Marvin was able to do while he was still alive. And this is one of them, such an underrated and great album, it's one of those few longer ones that are actually consistent all throughout. Overall, this is pretty good! 1.- Here, My Dear = 7/10 2.- I Met A Little Girl = 9/10 3.- When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You = 10/10 4.- Anger = 8/10 5.- Is That Enough = 9/10 6.- Everybody Needs Love = 8/10 7.- Time To Get It Together = 8/10 8.- Sparrow = 9/10 9.- Anna's Song = 8/10 10.- When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You - Instrumental = 9/10 11.- A Funky Space Reincarnation = 10/10 12.- You Can Leave, But It's Going To Cost You = 8/10 13.- Falling In Love Again = 10/10 14.- When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You - Reprise = 8/10 FINAL SCORE: 8.6/10
Have to disagree with everyone saying it's too long. The grooves make it go by quickly to me. The dirty laundry in the lyrics is mildly funny though.
When Gaye sings 'Cry cry cry, do you cry about me / Do you every think about the kind of love we had?,' it's so devastatingly beautiful that alone it makes this album an invaluable listen. But it's the raw one-sidedness, the self-serving but somehow generous storytelling, the free-associative honesty and concreteness, having to do not only with flowers, bluebirds, and sparrows but attorneys, child support, and millions of moola, boasting lyrics like 'This is a joke / I need a smoke,' that take this record to a unique place aesthetically. It rambles, but the music doesn't ever tire, and tho you may not be left a fan of Marvin Gaye the person, so deeply rooted is his egoism at times, your appreciation for the singer/writer can only grow. And you gotta relish: 'Let's touch each other / let's feel each other's ass.'
Marvin is one smooooth mofo! Extremely listenable 4.1
Decent Marvin Gaye
He is a real-life Waymond even in the face of adversity.
80/100.
Reminds me of a few Facebook posts I made in my early teens: “…is still missed her”, “…is wondering what he did wrong.”, and “…is trying to find the will to move on.” I look back on these and I cringe because of the immaturity. Then you have Marvin who creates an entire album about a messy divorce. Only he is talented as hell and makes this a funky masterpiece. Is That Enough is objectively fucking hilarious, complaining about owing his ex alimony and having to pay lawyer bills. Nothing was off limits to this dude, and I respect his unabashed exploitation of a failed marriage to create some musical magic. The sax solos are prime, and his voice is sublime. The length does leave you asking, how much complaining can we really handle, Marvin?
This was a new album for me and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I enjoyed it! I also thought the background was pretty interesting as well - brought many of the songs to life more than they might otherwise have been.
I could have sworn that there were only two Marvin Gaye albums on the list, so seeing a third album of his pop up for me today was quite the shock. However, I loved What’s Going On and Let’s Get It On, so I’m assuming that I’m going to love this album too. Well, this was a pretty complex album. Granted, divorce and love are complex as well, so it’s pretty fitting. I didn’t enjoy this album as much as I did the other Marvin Gaye albums I’ve reviewed, but I still thought Here, My Dear was really good. The things that I loved about Marvin Gaye’s other albums were all present on this one as well: great vocals, poetic songwriting, and beautiful arrangements. I know this album is mostly about Gaye’s divorce, but some of the lyrics are a touch cheesy, and a few songs feel really out of place on this album as well. And to top it all off, at a runtime of over 70 minutes, this album was a lot to get through as a whole. Despite all of that though, I still had a really good experience listening to it. The lyrics went through all the stages of grief, and I loved it when Gaye’s songwriting was in the anger stage. He came across as snide and bitter, but I loved it, because whom amongst us hasn’t been bitter after a breakup? The arrangements were great too, and I really loved the Rhodes piano playing, especially on “Time To Get It Together” and “Anna’s Song.” This was a good album, but it was my least favorite of Gaye’s works that are on this list, and I’d be much quicker to relisten to his other two albums than this one.
As heartbreaking as a story told only from one side can be.
Pretty wild learning about the story of this album basically being a shot at his wife who he was going with a divorce with at the time. The music is still really high quality and the topic you can tell is still really raw. The singing is superb as always. Closer to the end of his catalog, definitely worth a listen as it's still top notch on the soulful/funk instrumentation, soaring vocals and great meditations. Here, My Dear, Sparrow, Is That Enough, Everybody Needs Love and Falling in Love Again are my standouts but even if you're passively listening it's good vibes music.
This album sounds so sweet and nice yet it still manages to communicate all the heartbreak and bitterness of a dissolving relationship, it's rare when it can feel like a nice but discomforting time and I think I really like it for this reason. I guess I will have to check more Marvin Gaye in the future
Really enjoyed this
That Divorce really got to him damn... but how he said once; "I work the best while depressed" and it shows. Bro is just so smooth with it all the time, its impressive how he floats over it in complete harmony. (4.0/5.0)
Gorgeous what can I say. Especially loved Anne’s song and sparrow.
Not my fav of his albums, but still a good listen.
funky space reincarnation 👽
i really really liked this i think my only issue is there were very few standout tracks they all sort of embodied the same formula (other than that one psychedelic song i really loved). but what can you say its marvin gaye of course its good
General impression: soulful and very interesting Detailed review: I really loved reading about the making of this album while I listened to it. How many other albums have been created primarily to pay alimony to a divorced spouse? Just the idea of - “well, I’m making this for you because I’ve been ordered by a court to, and I’m bitter about it, but I might as well use this time to get out all the feelings I’ve ever had about our relationship and breakup” - it’s pretty wild. It also means that the songs are often meandering and pathetic, but still, it’s never boring. “Anger” was intense and passionate. “Sparrow” was absolutely gorgeous. And “A Funky Space Reincarnation” is fun just to witness the paradigm shift Star Wars was having on all different art forms. Okay, so this album doesn’t have very many hits to play back. But the story behind it, the lush, beautiful, layered soul and R&B, and the uniqueness of its concept and recording make it a fascinating document. Deeper thoughts (context): I’m excited to listen to What’s Going On? and other Gaye albums, because he’s an interesting artist who led an interesting life. Score: 3.9 Number of albums left to review: 958 Number of albums from the list I’d consider “must-listens”: 25 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 18
I enjoy the sound of this album, but it is rather gratuitous as an artistic statement. Once again a potentially really good album suffers from being way to long and over-stuffed. It's still better than a lot of other albums on here!
And now, exactly 300 days after my first Marvin Gaye album, I finally get another one! It's not the one people really really like, but Marvin Gaye is Marvin Gaye. I'm never upset to listen to his music. Although, I have to be honest... Let's Get It On is better. In fact, because the one I haven't gotten is one of the most critically acclaimed albums ever, I might as well just say now that this is the weakest album of his on the list. It's not bad, don't get me wrong. I think this is a good album. Marvin's singing is excellent as always, as is the instrumental sound. There are also some great songs on here. However, I have problems with the album. Firstly, it's a bit long. That's not a huge issue, but it's certainly noticeable. Secondly, the writing is a bit repetitive. This album was written about Marvin's divorce with his wife, and practically every song is about something pertaining to his marriage or divorce. While I do feel that the songs do pretty well with tackling different aspects of this topic, you can definitely feel that this album was written about one thing and one thing only. Overall, I definitely liked this album. This style of music just appeals to me in nearly every context. Despite this album's issues, Here, My Dear still manages to be a strong showing of music from an all-time great. Low 4/5.
Well, it doesn't touch What's Going On. But it's still pretty good. The instrumentals and production are great, and I like pretty much all the songs. The problem for me is just how overwhelmingly & tangibly bitter the album is. Kinda brings down the whole album experience. 3.5/5
Lots of emotion in this album. The opening is a little maudlin but the rest is really Marvin with his open bleeding heart shared with the world. Overall a good album but not his best.
This album grooves, slaps and suffers at the same time. It's all liquid basses, funky guitars, soaring vocals, and aching words, angry and sad. It is beauty.
Gaye’s voice is great as ever, the album sounds great and his song writing is awesome as always. The album is an emotional chore though.
Marvin Gaye is possibly an outstanding soul musician. I don't get on with his music, although I basically like soul. As with another of his albums from this project, I tried to make friends with this album. And again, it got on my nerves relatively quickly. Apparently I don't like Gaye's voice and the way he sings. That's problematic for a vocal-based album. The sound itself is cool. After writing the above I just kept the album playing and - hey - I liked it. It won't be part of my daily feed, but it was quite nice overall. 4/5
Nice
Sounds like Marvins ex was possessive and needy! Let the man live. He wants custody of his kid but still wants to do coke and fuck “midnight ho’s” And the nerve to make him pay alimony! I had heard some songs but had not done a deep dive on this, and man is it sad. The ill advised cover art kind of tells the story. Marvin is lost and that comes across in his music in both positive and negative ways. At times it feels like a meandering bitch-fest and others he hits some truly transcendent grooves (Is That Enough) Marvin Gaye is probably my favorite male singer. Rating this is tough because the bar is What’s Going On, but I’ll just hit him with 4. Probably a 3 but idgaf. Also - noticed the Sippin on Some Syrup sample for the first time on Is That Enough. Pretty good call by Three Six Mafia.
Actually liked this more than What’s Going On - super compelling conceptually, musically and lyrically. The whole thing is just so damn sad though, so need to dock a star because I don’t think I can will come back to this too often. Was also thinking, you’re a young college boy, bring a nice girl back to your place and throw a little Marvin on shuffle to set the mood, just to get hit with 90 minutes or divorce jamz.
A clear theme to the album, adding a personal touch to the smooth and addictive grooves.
Ich pack das alles nicht mehr...warum wusste ich nichts über Gayes Tod? "Am 1. April 1984, einen Tag vor seinem 45. Geburtstag, wurde Gaye von seinem Vater im Verlauf eines Streits erschossen. Die Tatwaffe hatte Gaye seinem Vater zu Weihnachten geschenkt." Sein Vater war einfach Prediger und wurde zu einer Bewährungsstrafe verurteilt haha. this is america. Ansonsten banger album, es ist wie eine warme decke, die dich umhüllt. Punktabzug gibts dafür, dass Gaye das "e" in seinem Namen nachträglich hinzugefügt hat, um unter anderem nicht mit Homosexualität in Verbindung gebracht zu werden :(
sehr spassig funky groovie work session mitem marvin wird sicher mal wider als album abgspielt
Really liked it, drug on a bit too long though. Initial thoughts were that it felt ahead of its time, although ig I forgot that soul/jazz music existed. Also who does bro think he is making a 3 part song split up across the album, Pink Floyd???
This album finds a groove and never deviates. The songs are really good, but to me, it doesn't feel like the album really goes anywhere.
Album presque psychédélique que j'ai énormément apprécié, n'étant pas un grand fan de Bowie de base. Ses années 70s étaient vraiment géniales.
It was good of course because it was marvin gaye but it just isn’t like the other albums but still groovy as hell and relaxing
Finally someone I'm familiar with. I don't know these songs.
Okay he was SUPER in his feelings on this album. I mean it was REALLY good. This is definitely NOT an album you put on to just chill and study to but man you really could feel the emotion in the music. I heard he was going through his divorce or he wrote it about his divorce and that reminds me about a Bruce Campbell video I watched recently where he said you never want to hire an actor going through a divorce because they don't care about life or anything. I feel like maybe that is the opposite for musicians because this was an incredibly deep album. I give it four stars though because again, there is almost 0 re-listen ability. It was like a good book or a good show in a way, it just was a great journey but I don't think I want to go on it any time soon.
i need a smoke, wait a minute
Some Soul Music. He died too young.
good shit
I love Marvin Gaye's album "What's Going On" and have listened to that one several times. This one was new to me. I didn't like it as much but maybe simply need to listen to it more often.
This was a pleasant one to listen too. I enjoyed it. Gotta respect Marvin Gaye. 4 easy stars.
I like Marvin but Im not a huge fan. Yes his voice is amazing and soothing but its not the type of music I consume much or often. Great music yes, great album just not my thing.
Good albeit a little long soul album of Marvin whining about his divorce
An album about (his) divorce, but manages to shy away from whining, blaming, crying or complaining. Beautifully sung, but drags a wee bit and does not really need to be over 70 minutes long!
fascinating look into the mental and emotional state of marvin gaye as he was going through the divorce from his first wife, anna. as the story goes, part of the settlement agreement stated that gaye was to give half of the royalties of his next album to anna, and so he wrote this very personal album as a farewell to the relationship.
Excellent listen from an amazing artist taken way before his time.
A decent listen.
welp, marvin is awesome. i don't love this album, but that's on me this time. like with the dead and zep, my capacity to appreciate his music vastly overshadows my capacity to actually enjoy listening to it.
A standard Marvin Gaye album, but the back story makes it so much more engaging to listen to.
Great vibes on the way to Portugal 🇵🇹
Funky
Solid!
# Playlist track - A Funky Space Reincarnation # Notes - It's Marvin Gaye. The vocals are great, there is some soul to it. It's soft and cool. But if I hadn't listen to other tracks from Gaye, I doubt I would pay this one much attention. - As usual, I listen while working and doing stuff, not paying much attention. After that, I read some of the reviews, and this album seem to be a very different experience when you factor in the whole divorce thing. Not taking that into factor for this review.
super vibey and funky - definitely showcases Marvin Gaye's range as well as the range of any and all relationships.
They say a divorce can destroy a man's life. Well, as far as I know it wasn't Marvin's ex-wife who shot him, on the contrary, he recorded an entire album about it. As always, everything Marvin touches turns to gold. Another 5-star and error-free album
Sweet gentle funky soul music!
This was way better than I thought, as of course, What's Goin On is one of the ultimate albums. How can you possibly come close to that again? Whelp, reasonably close! Much more of the 70's smooth soul feel to it than the 60's civil right feel of What's Goin On, but it works sooo well. There is still some "experimental" sounds and the focus on marriage is genuine and soulful through out. This will for sure be another listen.
Good, not great
Very nice album, does not do that much for me
marvinnnnnnnnnnn
I can't give that voice not a 4
Anger and hate over lost love is such a powerful creative motivator. As one of the definitive “divorce albums”, this one wins (slightly) over Dylayn’s BOTT. At least this one you can dance to it while you rage over your ex. I Met a Little Girl is a little creepy when you learn it’s literal, referring to Marvin’s next wife who was more than a bit young to say the least, but overall another stellar album of Marvin’s amazing falsetto with lush grooves to support it. I just love this era of R&B musicianship. Four stars because I’m in a happy marriage now, but going back to my first marriage I think I’d feel this more and it’d get that fifth star. That falsetto
No one does it like Marvin Gaye. He's the perfect blend of funk, jazz, soul, blues. Every song is so groovy. It flows, bends, bops. He brings in a wide arrangement of sounds and instruments that are always pumping in the background. The music is so full. He keeps the mood chill, and never goes over the top. Even on the obscure songs like "A Funky Space Reincarnation." The song is bizarre in its lyrical themes, but it's neither cheesy or over the top weird in the music. It's actually one of my favorite songs on the record. I really like the love, marriage, gospel, god, sex themes of this record. Its kind of his speciality to bridge the gap between all of that. This whole record fills so tight. Every song makes sense, and easily flows into the next. Its good background music, but it also demands an intentional listen. There's a lot going on here.
When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You Is That Enough Everybody Needs Love Sparrow Classic Marvin sounds spectacular and fills the room with a specific vibe that’s hard to replicate. Not his best album in my opinion but still great nonetheless
Day138 - it’s really good but kinda wild i’ve never heard one of these songs before
This is, I believe, the third Marvin Gaye record I've gotten so far and it's lead me to the conclusion of something I already had a suspicion of - I LOVE MR. GAYE. How can you not!? Gotta be the smoothest man to ever lay down vocals. Just a good vibing time from start to finish.
It's the best 73 minute middle finger to an ex-wife that anyone has ever written.
He has such a beautiful voice that even without any songs that I really 'knew' I still really enjoyed just listening to this in the background of my work day. 4.5
I really love his voice. He makes falsetto sound so natural. I do think this album could have been a little shorter and it would have had more impact.
Smooth. 4
Groovilicious
Mavin Gaye good
Good album overall. Some tracks went on for a bit long, but none of them were bad.
This was incredible, love a bit of Marvin. 8/10
Sexy, slinky, nocturnal soul from Gaye - but soul that's also strange and quite eccentric, being a double album mostly devoted to the breakdown of a relationship. In scope and breadth it resembles some of Isaac Hayes' works - but where Hayes rumbled his wandering meditations on love over glacial gospel organs, Gaye trips lightly over thin-air disco funk. Which isn't to say the music is insubstantial - on the contrary, there's much to enjoy in the arrangements. What's curious is how much I like this, despite no one tune that jumps out of the speakers. Of course, Gaye's singing is great - impeccable even - but truly, this is an example of an album that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Gode numre! Føltes ikke så lang som den var
Marvin serenading us with his instrument
Coozy sounds! Great voice and melodies
Many albums are a spite listen, few are a spite make. From its awful cover art to Is That Enough? and other raw lyrics it's one of music's greatest FU's. The music though, is great.
Bueno. Se deja escuchar. Los más lindos, 2 temas lentos
Pretty good, and kind of funny that he paid off his divorce (I think) with an album being just super bitter about his wife. Long, but I still like it.
Excellent
4.0
MusicLly most of the songs sound very similar. It’s good music. This is a classic because of the emotion of the album, written and performed right after a divorce. Pain, longing, anger, despair, and melancholy, all on display.
chill vibes master of the love song i would love stats on how many babies were made to this album don’t really have a fave/least fave because the whole album just feels like sitting on a bench in the park during the first days of spring it’s a very long album tho!!! 14 songs - 1 hour and 13 mins
Gaye is pissed at his wife and is not afraid to show it here. This record is directed entirely at her, considering she gets half the money. It details how they met and grew apart, with all the resentment attached. He gives it his all. It's a genuine and emotional album, and at no point does any of it feel like filler in the traditional sense. All of these tracks are some medium of expression. The production is incredible, as always with his albums. It's smooth and lush, and I love the use of synths and horns here. Plenty of standout tracks here. But there were also plenty I didn't care for much. The double-album certainly didn't help it much. Favorites: Is That Enough, Time to Get It Together, Anna's Song
Good but forgettable. An hour flew by and I barely processed it
First 2 tracks a bit non... but then Marvin kicks in!
smooth, sexy
3.5
Chill.
Perfect album to chill to.
solid marv 4/5
So smooth
4/5. A complex, yet simple R&B and soul album. Most of the songs follow similar structure and sound but the lyrics differ from self-pity, to regret, to love, to sci-fi funk? Hey not complaining, the sci-fi song probably the best one on the album. It's a very vulnerable and complex lyrical album, and will take me a few listens to really get into it, got lost for a few of them, but I enjoyed my listen throughout.
Just straight groove. No highs or lows, just consistently great
Smooth!!! First time listening to more than the one Marvin Gaye song everyone knows. Really great! Particularly like "A funky space reincarnation" and "Falling in love again"
I'm almost too relaxed right now.
I'm a fan of Marvin Gaye, but felt this album got a bit old as it went on.
Love the sax
Great mellow listening. Marvin Gaye was awesome!
Marvin Gaye brings the funk. Is That Enough stands out but the whole record is good. Chilled out beats.
Actually pretty funny after a while. God, he was really going through it!
Nice for a gray evening and a cup of tea
Very sensual
Good album, just not really my preference in music
Fascinating album and a good listen, although maybe more for the back story than anything. "Somebody tell me please, tell me please/ Why do I have to pay attorney fees (My baby's)" is a WILD lyric and worthy of it's inclusion on the list alone
Really engaging album. Never have heard many of these songs before. Probably will give a few more listens over my lifetime.
Personal, touching album. Knowing what was happening in his life, how shattered he must felt, how vulnerable… it gives a strong meaning to these songs. Even to the point of the song titles. Listening is like witnessing how his world was coming undone. Anger really struck me. How Gaye preaches that anger is not the solution while going through one of the darkest episodes of his life. It is a totally recommended album.
I gather this is considered a classic but I think there's such a thing as getting too personal, and for me that aspect got in the way - not just the lyrics, but the almost conversational singing style. Though it did grow on me as the album went along and had pretty well won me over by the end. It's still Marvin Gaye after all.
It's a very different album than "What's Going On" I will say that. Reading about the context of the record afterwards... I wish I had read this before. A lot of the songs didn't strike me because I was listening to the instrumentation. They actually sounded a bit ahead of their time because I thought this sounded more mid-80s. But thinking about Gaye and his style and what would be the sound of the 80s, it should be placed firmly back there in the 70s (keyboards I think did it for me, I dunno). One of the stronger tracks (although I don't know if I needed to hear it three times) was "When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You". Again, had I gotten the context that the whole album would be about their divorce some of the other songs would have hit me harder. But this one really did. "A Funky Space Reincarnation..." Yeah, no. That could have not been included... Stand out tracks: Anger, Time To Get It Together, When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You .
The back story is fascinating. If you don't read it first, you're probably wondering what the heck is going on with the jaded, strange lyrics. But knowing the back story, I understood a man pouring out his sadness and frustration (and sometimes love), and the beats were super funky. And it's Marvin Gaye so the voice is incredible. In the end, it's actually the unusual lyrical content that is what makes this album so unique and cool - a breakup (er, divorce) album to end all breakup albums. He captured it to a tee.
I mean it's Marvin Gaye.
Everybody love some Marvin Gaye
Pretty good actually
Maybe this just caught me in the right mood, but I liked this better than the last Marvin Gaye. I knew about this album’s history and legend. It’s one of those albums that’s in the “This person made this album bad on purpose to screw some over” pantheon. In this case it’s his ex-wife, who would get the revenue from this album and also goes “…but Marvin Gaye couldn’t make a bad album even if he tried.” Turns out, there’s not a lot of truth to this. Marvin did try on this album and was disappointed at the response to it. I wonder if the legend has helped it gain more acclaim over time? I don’t know. I liked it.
Marvin Gaye was a phenom in the soul/R&B realm. Unfortunately, this just isn't my jam. I do feel that this album does require multiple listens to really understand it however.
R&B or soul music or whatever you call it - it’s Marvin Gaye.
Musically good but not something I'd rush to listen to again. This was a pretty heavy album thematically. 3.5 stars.
Songs of sweeping sorrow. Marvin Gaye’s standard sexiness tempered by misery, making for a weird and distinct emotional tone. Great vocals, subtle but twisted and stretched. Drags at times and more focused on mood than melody, but a strong and memorable breakup album. (Maybe one of THE seminal breakup albums along with Blood on the Tracks?) Best song: When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You
eauful
Smooth and sultry, this is as easy to listen to as anything you'll hear. It might fly right past you that this is about Gaye's divorce from his first wife. It starts out very, very slow -- not inherently bad, but slow R&B trends not to be my thing, so there's my bias upfront. There's some funky guitar here, some very smooth sax (When Did You Stop Loving Me jumps out) and you just cannot beat a Motown rhythm section. Gaye himself is extremely introspective lyrically, but it never descends into navel-gazing and it remains emotional and compelling. His vocal work runs from silky and seductive through howling and plaintive. He's one of the greats, period. Check out Anger for a grooving, seething jam about being pissed off (and possibly about a cocaine habit, apparently). I can't begin to list all the musicians on this record, but as Gaye writes in the liner notes, they're all superstars. Listen to this record even half-attentively and you'll frequently catch a player laying down something completely infectious behind a whole band that's busy with something else.
Pretty good funk music. I listened to this one a couple of times because I kept forgetting to write a review. It definitely got better the more I listened to it, and it gets better throughout. There are some serious jams in here. It also works really well as a background album. A soft 4 for me.
My first Marvin Gaye Record ! Liked it very much and as always, so cool to hear the source of Neo Soul ! It's also sounding really futuristic for 1978 8/10
I'll return to this, as I was grumpy while listening to the first few tracks before realising this album might be brilliant. What sounded at first like rote, well-recorded mid-seventies soul/funk murk resolves into a weird, sometimes uncomfortable but memorable lunatic mash of ideas - it never gets boring, and "A Funky Space Reincarnation" is glorious.
really good, up with his best and the rare "concept" album that isn't embarrassing in parts despite the content
Now this is the definition of an album to listen to before you die. Maybe not so much because of the content itself (although interesting in its own right), but because of the unique circumstances surrounding the recording of the record. Gaye's vocals are of course velvety-smooth as always on Here, My Dear, but it's the brutally honest lyrics that makes this one stand out to me. The whole concept of writing an album for your ex, an album where she will profit of it's commercial success, is just wild. Of course, the entire thing is anti-commercial and pretty much unmarketable compared to Gaye's previous catalogue. And although the compositions meanders a bit too often, the experiment pays off, resulting in a very captivating listen.
A divorce album, dedicated to and profiting his ex-wife with artwork depicting Gaye as a Roman sculpture. The energy on this is wild!
Too long, but you can enjoy the trip
Massively preferred this to “Let’s Get It On”
Wonderful
Today's edition of Hill I'm Willing To Die On: This album is remarkably better than What's Going On. Seriously, where's the lie? And don't @ me, you're only wasting everyone's time. The pain Marvin writes and sings about here is even more personal, and real if you will, than his material on What's Going On. That's not to suggest that shit was manufactured or somehow wasn't real. The dissolution of his marriage just hits much closer to home. It's also more universal, more relatable. And you can't argue with that. What's Going On has three all-time classics for certain, but really that's IT. The rest is filler. This thing is a complete work. Give the man his props. Marvin knew if that bitch was going to take half of him, he damn well was going to make sure she felt it.
This kind of smooth synth soul is something I didn't know I wanted. The funk playing at the edges helps out heaps as well. It's really thoughtful album lyrically. I'm not super familiar with Marvin Gaye, but that seems to be a through-line for his work. I'll have to catch up on his other work based on how quickly this one landed with me.
BL: know how influential Marvin Gaye is but never really listened to anything by him besides “let’s get it on”, so will be interested to hear a much later work AL: very solid album, soul & funk - lots of emotion, everything I could ever want. Just felt like there could have been a little bit more of range in the dynamics between soft ballads and funkier tracks FT: “Anger”, “Is That Enough”, “sparrow”, “when did you stop loving me” 4/5
An interesting insight into the man behind the hits. I enjoy the uniqueness of a lot of the songs.
Some cool funky tracks, it’s long
Groovy, but nothing remarkable. Good background music.
J’ai l’impression d’avoir été caressée par une voix. Les arrangements sont si réussis que la musique semble naturelle, sans effort
I mean, it's Marvin Gaye, so yeah it's pretty good.
Odd and soulful and sometimes meandering but funky
What a messy subject for a record. And whilst Gaye puts every effort into it, escaping the obvious distress and turmoil created by the divorce makes this hard, in parts, to listen to. At the core, though, is soft and sweet funk and listening to Gaye build up the layers of vocals to harmonise with his own voice, there are few singers finer. And yet, not really an easy listen.
first time listening favorites i met a little girl is that enough everybody needs love time to get it together you can leave but it’s going to cost you falling in love again *
Good album, the song with the little girl was kind of weird. I didn’t like it, but there were some really good songs
The pettiest concept album ever made. Glorious. Double album of spite. But as it's a double album, it is, of course, too long.
Oui oui les rumeurs disaient vrai j'adore la soul
la pochette de l'album incompréhensible
Dark
Music for special mood. Relaxed for slow dances.
Today's album was a slog for sure. Firstly, it is a double album. Secondly, it is very heavy lyrically as the whole album is about Marvin Gaye's divorce. It flopped upon release, because more than being an album, it was Marvin laying everything he was going through (the rollercoaster of emotions) out on tape. If you purchased this hoping for some more typically upbeat Marvin vibes, this isn't it. Marvin's telltale recording style of doubling his voice so he can harmonize with himself is spectacular. This record still has that silky smoothe slow, funky soul feel to it, that I can only describe as "bedroom music". It is soothing to listen to. There are a few more lighthearted tracks on this record, notable A Funky Space Reincarnation. The lyrics of this song are hilarious, and so typical of Marvin... 2073, 2084, 2093 Light years ahead, You and me gonna be getting down on a space bed, We gonna get married in June, We gonna be getting down on the moon. Or, another gem from the same song: Let's razzmattazz and all that jazz, Let's feel each other's ass Overall, a great listen today. Marvin's music is always good. This album is so long though, and the topic so heavy, that it just doesn't hit like the rest of his stuff does. Don't get me wrong, the album is great, it's just not something that I would put on again. It is perfectly average. Favorite songs: A Funky Space Reincarnation, Time to Get It Together, I Met A Little Girl, Anger, Everybody Needs Love, Is That Enough Least favorite songs: Sparrow 4/5
its marvin.
Solid all the way around. His wife shouldn’t have done him dirty.
Marvin Gaye's epic double album on the subject of divorce is one of those albums many of us probably heard about long before we actually listened to it. The story behind the creation of this album is well known. But you don't really feel it until you actually sit with the album yourself. Plenty of artists have made albums about marriage and divorce, but this one feels especially raw. Yes, the anger and the hurt you would expect to hear on an album like this is there, but also passion, sadness and hope for the future. And it's so elegantly and soulfully done, a real pleasure to hear. I kind of expected the album to be a bit of a throwaway for him, but Gaye delivers on every level here. You can feel the craft that went into creating it. The quality of individual songs varies somewhat and Gaye might have benefitted releasing the album as a single disk. But this is a truly engaging and memorable work, one of Gaye's best. Fave Songs: When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You; Is That Enough; Everybody Needs Love; Time to Get It Together; Here, My Dear; Falling in Love Again; Anger; I Met a Little Girl; You Can Leave, But It's Going to Cost You
Smooth, sexy and silky R&B - which is basically the embodiment of the genre. It’s a bit naff with many wedding references but if you want to set the mood for bonking, lower the lights and spin this record.
The life of Marvin Gaye always fascinated me, he had a lot of success but also a lot of hardship and tragedy in his life, including his untimely death. Like the man, this album is sprawling and complex, definitely not possible to digest this in one or even five listens. So much is tied up in these lyrics, it’s like listening to him read autobiography chapters on his marriage. Crazy to think reviewers summarized this as “weird” when it came out - they just couldn’t reconcile this album with some of his simpler pop tracks. This is an album that demands to be listened to in the evening hours through big audiophile headphones on a record player while enjoying a few adult beverages.
Wow. Better suited for Sunday morning, but excellent.
Great, love Marvin's voice. Quite a bitter album
Quality. Almost like an audio letter to love itself.
Marvin er mjög próblematískur, og þetta er ekki auðvelt umfjöllunarefni sem hann er að syngja um, en ég elska þetta sound. Sorrý með mig.
One of a kind
Really solid soul/funk album and super smooth.
Beautifully and so effortlessly so. A touching album. It is so gentle in its presentation but it grasps so firmly. I absolutely love the pieces from every song, and the amount of time taken to build each track. It’s adds such a transformative quality to these tracks. Intentionality is the name of the game. I felt ashamed for not giving this album my undevoted attention during the first listen because there was just so much depth to it that I thought deserved to be recognized. One of the most heartfelt albums I’ve listened to. When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You, Is That Enough, Anna’s Song, Falling In Love Again, A Funky Space Reincarnation, Sparrow
It's quite nice, made me realize I've been way too kind with my previous ones
8/10 idk if it’s better than what’s going on
not Gaye's best, so it can't be 5 stars, but Marvin Gaye on an off day is better than most
Had never heard this. Absolutely fantastic, despite the divorce concept album vibe. back half of the song list flowed like a treat
Extraordinary chill for such harsh subject matter. Great all the way around, maybe Marv's best, which is saying a lot.
Great album easy listening. A clasic
Obviously love and lack thereof are popular topics for artists to touch on in their music, but divorce is much less common. Not to say Marvin is the only musician to discuss divorce in their music, but it was never done so well or with such grace. My only complaint is that this album failed to excite me as much as his previous works. I enjoyed it for sure, but he could have put a little more into it. Everything else (writing, singing, instrumentation, structure, production, etc.) were all fantastic. 4/5
So this was a slow burner for critical reception. And do you know what it is? Great background music. It doesn't stand out, but at the same time, tis lovely.
Damn, these lyrics are so brutally honest. Good music and vibes
The ultimate divorce album - Marvin Gaye's advance and part of the royalties were a central part of his divorce settlement. His views on relationships and women in general are troubling. The music, however, is 70s Marin Gaye - a style that can be called symphonic groove. Like most of the 70s work, the songs seem to flow into one another. It is deeply effective, very personal and while not his best, is pretty damn good.
This may be the pettiest album I've ever heard. The whole concept is hillarious and the music is good! Maybe a little long.
Alla låtar låter jättebra, men de e ibland lite obekvämt att lyssna på då Marvin e så ofiltrerat bitter och småsint. Skulle kanske gå hem om jag nyss gått igenom en skilsmässa?
This was a slow burner, but I really grew on me. Reading about how personal is was - about his divorce - made me appreciate it even more. Feels like spending time with Marvin's inner thoughts.
Soulful, smooth, and classic but different Marvin Gaye. I can really feel the breakup through the music... Anna's song was my top track.
Good vibes, singing and music
Tune city
I really enjoyed this album, so heartbreaking and raw. I need to listen to more of MG's music.
Good but super long 4/5
Great
😯😏
An overlooked classic. Emotional songs, beautifully arranged.
rytmi ja blues tehty oikein... ei myöhäis 80 90 luvun kaupallistetut kaavamaiset synteettiset r kelly kusee alaikäisen suuhun tyyppistä rytmyä ja bluessia... vaikka albumissa on selvä ylikaartuva sileä saundi, vähän tylsähyhttävä löytyy myös funkkia... jatsinpoikaa... uskaltaa eksperimentoida, pikkuvarvas koskettaa sitä pelottavaa tuntematonta...lyriikat sensijaan aikamoista kuraa herra voisi käydä vaikkapa runkulla ja puolet biiseistä on pois... is that enough pars
Lovin Gaye's R&B romance. Drags at times, but good in doses. Still worth a 4!
I feel the exact way about this that I did the last Marvin Gaye album: A fun, sexy time.
definitely a chill album, i can imagine just people having diners with this in the background
Wasn't particularly my style, but a few good songs in here. Proved to be another good album for background music while cooking! Favourite: Is That Enough
So smooth and soulful. I would never expect someone's 15th album to hold up this much. Really enjoyable compositions. On the other hand it goes for a bit too long, the lyrics get a bit repetitive and I just don't feel like they match the vibes I get from the music. These things keep the record from being perfect 5 start but not from me digging it.
This album is a sad insight into the personal issues that Gaye was going through at the time. The heart ache is clear in all the lyrics of every song. My favorite songs from the album are 'I Met A Little Girl', 'When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You' and 'Sparrow'. The vocals on this album are outstanding and backed with a very solid band. 3.5/5
So much smooth flowing Marvin goodness. Then I read the background and had to listen again.
Impossible not to love Marvin Gaye. Back story on this album is quite interesting and helps with understanding the album. This isn't the first time I listened to this album and I'll admit it's a hard album to like on the first listen, somewhat redundant and down-right depressing. However it does reveal itself after a few listens. I do wish there were more tracks like "Is That Enough" or the album was edited a bit because it does drag on. While not my fav Gaye album it does have it's moments, once again we need 1/2 stars, 3.5. I'll round up given my love for Marvin.
4 Sweet slow funk
Very smooth and sexy.
Love Marvin Gaye. 4/5
good but got a bit bored
Favorite songs: Time To Get It Together, I Met A Little Girl, Here My Dear
I don't really understand why this album was chosen, since it's not very representative of Marvin Gaye and doesn't contain any of his hits and according to the Wiki page wasn't successful either. But I did enjoy it. The subdued disco-funk touches compliment Gaye's more introspective style of soul on this album very well. It took me 2 tracks to get into, but then I enjoyed the album a lot.
Not my style but wow!!
Everybody needs love and time to get it together are my favorites
I didn't know a single one of these songs even though I thought a knew a fair amount of Marvin Gaye. Fair play!
Marvin Gaye is smooth as hell and cool as the other side of the pillow on this one. Funk inspiration is rampant here. Such a good vibes album.
A little less consistent than his previous outings, but quite good nonetheless. The level of storytelling and the beauty of the soulful instrumentals is still on point. Love Marvin!
This album is about ripping itself open and exposing all the ugly pieces of love falling apart, through a funk soul lens. This demands a second chance. Sparrow is a good track. This album does require some committment though.
Fantastic vocals by Marvin and the instrumentals blend in so well. You can really feel the emotions each track.
24 Aug 2022
Relaxing to listen too. Had it playing for most the day
yum:) baby making music
Hadn't heard this before, pretty classic sound and very listenable. Probably needs another round to pay more attention to the lyrics and concept. But enjoyed nonetheless.
Good album, nice easy and mellow. +1
Coup dur Prefs: Here, My Dear, When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You, Anger, Is That Enough, Everybody Needs Love, Time To Get It Together, When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You (Instrumental), A Funky Space Reincarnation, You Can Leave, But It's Going To Cost You Moins pref: I Met A Little Girl
banger
R&b genius
As one of the premiere artists of his generation, of course this album is full of strong performances from Marvin and his crew. But this is no What's Going On. It's unpleasant and woefully light on hooks. Intentionally? Most likely, but there should be no surprise why this didn't catch on. It's a good, important album, but not an easy one to listen to, or arguably as rewarding as some of his others. B
Romantic, soulful
You can feel the love in his voice. Yes there were break up songs but they didn't come from anger or hate.
Classic Gaye
Big divorced energy.
There's nothing quite like when a skilled songwriter and sensitive artist is blessed with a voice so warm and smooth that can melt butter. I don't listen to Marvin Gaye a lot, but every time I do there is this incredible richness evident in his music. This album portrays the struggle of a love that has failed beautifully, traipsing through the sadness, anger, rejection, defiance, reminiscence, and acceptance with a style of music that is probably best described as sad disco. 4/5 I'd prefer that this were not a double album, because I have shit to do, but they didn't have the internet in the 70s, so I can understand why artists placed less emphasis on valuing people's time
Pretty good, not my favorite Marvin Gaye album but solid.
I put listening to this album off for a day because I was in the middle of finals. I'm glad I did put it off it is just what I needed to relax and wind down after two stressful weeks of projects, papers, and exams. It is not my favorite Marvin Gaye album, but it was a lovely way to spend my evening. It'll be a 4 for me today, but when a edit feature comes around it might get bumped up to a 5 on a second listen.
Whew, hello, Marvin! I was wondering when you'd show up on this list and here you are. Even though this album doesn't include "Heard it Through the Grapevine," it's still pretty great, and still deserves to be on this list. "I Met a Little Girl" would be a classic wedding song, and "A Funky Space Reincarnation" is really weird. This album really showcases Marvin Gaye's versatility as an artist. Fave track: I Met a Little Girl. It's sappy but great.
really good, up with his best and the rare "concept" album that isn't embarrassing in parts despite the content
This is a thing. Lots of feelings here, most of them unpleasant: heartbreak, longing, regret, despair, bitterness (though he doth protest), and a track literally called Anger. But there's also genuine love, contrition, hope, and redemption, not to mention a Funky Space Reincarnation. There are worse ways to process a break-up than making your art. It's obviously completely one-sided --- it made me really want to hear her side of the story. It's very interesting how literal some of the lyrics are. ("Why do I have to pay attorney fees?") It's like listening to someone else in therapy. Lyrics aside, this kind of R&B isn't my favorite and I do better with it in small doses. I doubt that I will ever want to hear the whole thing again, but I can appreciate its place in the history of American music. Fascinating.
I haven’t ever listened to a Marvin Gaye album, so to get the one that was “a critical and commercial failure” on its release as my first - and the one that was inspired by and recorded in the midst of a very nasty divorce - would probably not have been my personal choice for my first Marvin Gaye album. As soon as I hit play this promised to be a smooth and lovely ride no matter what the subject matter. But very quickly one couldn’t help but notice the lyrics… The pain of breakup and divorce is front and center in the lyrics. These songs don’t hide behind any allegories or metaphors. Marvin’s working things out front and center. How can such raw emotions sound so smooth?! I can see how one could be put off by six minute song that works through a lot of relationship shit (“When Did You Stop Loving Me?”). I started to feel a little uncomfortable, like Marvin Gaye pulled up a barstool and started confiding in me way too personally about his life. But I’m transfixed and staying put… “barkeep - another round please!” “A Funky Space Reincarnation” was a bit of an odd inclusion - some kind of space fantasy tangent thrown in the midst - but I did like the song. How about the title?! “Here, My Dear.” The PERIOD is in the title. Like he was gonna drop this off on her doorstep and leave without saying a word. A TWO ALBUM set of songs rehashing everything. “Here, My Dear.” I wonder if she ever listened to this? This is one really unique album. Anger, resentment, love, sadness, bitterness, regret, desperation, hope… it’s a wild roller coaster ride of emotions set to great arrangements with great musical performances. It’s definitely a one-sided view of divorce. What a way to work through a breakup!
Great, solid. Filled my ears with sweet soul for 75 minutes.
The jazzy instruments on this album go so insanely hard. Marvin Gaye's voice is legendary and beautiful. Sparrow is a standout for me - the guy on the sax is absolutely popping off. If I didn't already know I was bi this album might have me thinkin. I thought the song where he complained about attorney fees was a little bit out of touch.
Es un album triste. No tiene los éxitos que acostumbro a escuchar de MG, pero lo compensa con temas de una producción impresionante y una voz potente y desgarradora.
I can feel the pathos so deeply here. Funky album, too. I never knew this existed.
Already listened to it
Me ha gustado, dibujando mientras lo escuchaba y me ha dado muy buenas vibras.
S'écoute tout seul, parfaite ambiance, son de Marvin Gaye comme on le connait.
Super smooth and mellow vibe. A bit protracted to get full marks though.
Very weird
Already listened to it
Hermosisim disco para ser el primero que escucho de él
Is that enough really grooves
strange album. Lovely vocals. I like it.
Kolejny album pana Marvina, tym razem z roku 78 i o wiele potezniejszy woljumowo, bo az 73 minuty muzyki na 14 trakach, gatunkowo jest to nadal funkowy soul, ale odczucia po przesluchaniu plyty sa zupelnie inne niz po lets get it on i jego sexualowym healingiem, tak tutaj jest zupelnie inny nastroj, bo tez okolicznosci nagrywania inne, bo na poczatku kariery jego muza byla zona Anna, ale z biegiem lat i zostaniu symbolem sexualnego healingu ich relacje zaczely podupadac, kto by pomyslal, az musialo dojsc do rozwodu i majatkowych wojen, na dzieciaka oczywiscie, w takiej atmosferze pan Gaye stworzyl album na ktorym wylal z siebie wszystko na temat tego rozwodu, a raczej historii tego malzenstwa, wiec jest to koncept album opowiadajacy cala historie pary, od szalenczej milosci do szalenczej zazdrosci przepelnionej chciwoscia, a jak przystalo na utalentowanego liryka opowiesc jest przedstawiona w sposob ciekawy, choc oczywiscie dosc jednostronny, nie brak tutaj sarkastycznego chylenia czola przez glowna antagonistka krazka, czy wywolywania jej po imienu jak na traku annas song, o ile poprzednia plyta emanuje stworzona persona sex mastera, tak tutaj wydaje mi sie, ze pokazuje sie prawdziwy pan Marvin, zmarnowany zyciem, bo co z bycia sex masterem, jak musi sie ciagac po sadach, bedac przy tym publiczna atrakcja, bo medialnie rowniez musialo mu sie dostac, jak przystalo na hameryke, no i kolejny raz wychodzi na to, ze im material bardziej osobisty tym lepszy jakosciowo, muzycznie nadal tworzy podobnie, wiec w nagrania zangazowana byla masa sesyjnych muzykow ktorzy tworza midtempowe funkowe beaty skomponowane przez Marvina, roznica jest takze w tym, ze ma on swoje udzialy w instrumentalach, a nie jedynie wokalnie, wiec gra on klawisze, basa, synthy, najlepiej jak wiki mowi o tym, ze nie chcial nagrac on nic dlugiego, dobrego, ciezkiego, bo przeciez baba i tak wezmie kase za album na dzieciaka, a wyszedl tak dlugi, ciezki, jakosciowy material, jak dla mnie magnum opus Gayeowy, bo nie slyszalem wczesniej kompletnej opowiesci zwiazku opowiedzianej w tak funkowy sposob, na plejke leci i met a little girl oraz is that enough
A bizarre album: Gaye is chewing the scenery, it seems, but utterly sincere. The lyrics are obviously painful, while the instrumentals swirl and sparkle, glittering as their genre expects them to. It's long, but I had no problems sticking with it; Of its time, but I sensed no datedness.
Hmm this could be a 5
Smoooth
Classic ‘70’s shagging music!
Groovy. Makes you think about the magnificent work we've lost from so many artists who died too young.
It's a long bitter road, but one worth driving down.
Smooth, sexy and soulful. I enjoyed this album a lot more than I thought I would. Is that enough was my favorite track
Funky
Udmærket. Kunne jeg godt finde på at høre igen.
Some good late 70's soul from Mr Gaye, a break up album on a par with "Rumours" in my honest opinion. Lovely stuff, favourite song, "When Did you stop loving me, When Did I Stop Loving You."
Ren fløde, rnb, vild vokal og sangskrivning
Another classic
Pretty groovy album, interesting to hear the themed topic of divorce layered on top of the classically romantic music
I normally associate Marvin Gaye with soulful, baby-making music, even though his best song is a political anthem about hardship and strife. This album turns that notion on its head with a lot of anger and vitriol towards the ending of a relationship. As far as break up albums go though, it’s unbelievably classy. Horn work is phenomenal and Gaye’s voice is still as comforting as ever even when he’s spitting out his feelings. Fave tracks: “You can leave but it’s going to cost you” “Sparrow” “Time To Get It Together”
really groovy baby
Marvin Gaye can’t get lower than a 4
this is for bask for i robbed him of his review
Grate album easy to listen to
The sound of pain, but also potential recovery. Very interesting album.
I've known the story behind this album for quite a while but never actually sat down to listen to it. It's very, very bitter. Still maintains a solid groove, and once you get past the first two songs and understand what you're in for, it's really a great album. Favorite tracks: "Anger", "Is That Enough", "You Can Leave, But It's Going to Cost You"
Not my usual listen pleasure but quite enjoyable and very relaxing
Chill. Style. Funk.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this album Marvin Gaye is sooo freaking talented. He could sing the phone book make it compelling. More Marvin please. 4 🌟
It’s no what’s goin on but Marvin gayes harmonious singing and the funky jazz instrumentals make this a good listen. A more love/divorce centered album. 7.7/10
Excellent afternoon listening - very relaxing feel-good album
smooth af
Jazzigt album, gött sväng. Typisk Marvin Gaye
I rather enjoyed this album, but it's definitely for boning down. I lit some candles to set the mood.
Liked it, quite sad with wedding vows broken and falling out of love
You are made of/for love. Bill Withers-y. Wholesome.
I’ve never heard this album or any of its songs before today. Being a Marvin Gaye album, and one that I knew was well regarded, I had high expectations. It met them. I can tell that this is an album I will need to hear at least a few times to fully appreciate it, but it’s very good. Alternates between more classic RnB and disco/funk w/ ease. I like this. So this is getting 4 stars, but it’s really 4.5, maybe even upwards of 4.8. It only gets 4 stars in relation to the other Marvin Gaye albums that I know are going to be on this list
Very smooth and light. A lot of "Romance/Flirt" vibes going on, but mainly it has a quite nice groove of a "low pace" funk that you can relax to. The voice blends well with the band style with some extra "talking lyrics" every now and again, which adds to the vibe. Clearly worth 5 stars but not something I really listen too much, hence 4 stars for me.
Lite mysigt
Everything I wanted from a Marvin Gaye album. It was like listening to silk.
I think this is objectively excellent but not to my tastes so it's gotta be a four star rating for me. It's soothing, and it's like Marvin is making love to my ears, but I think what I prefer is music that is more energetic or bouncy. Marvin's voice is great and relaxing, but it feels more like it's background music, and he's a fly-on-the-wall singing over it. Although it has loads of complexity to it (and the bass lines are bouncy to be fair) it still manages to feel a little samey to me across the album so not sure I can listen to it properly a second time without losing interest. Shout out to "A Funky Space Reincarnation", real cool.
Not his best, but its great nontheless.
Very enjoyable but not as good as ‘what’s going on’
Good without being great.
Smooth Marv, Smooth. Love those bass lines. Album was unndecessarily long though, could have done with an edit ** A funky space incarnation **
i liked the sound of this a lot and the lyrics were rough but also really raw and emotional. this is another tusk situation where if they had pared it down to a really good single album, i might give it a 10, but as it is there are a lot of tracks that felt like filler. 8
Long in a positive and negative way, Gaye is always listenable and compelling but this doesn’t have the ease that I relate with him
I dunno, 7? Pretty long
Pure pleasure to my ears. A while back I had listened to "What's Going On" since it topped Rolling Stones chart and I really enjoyed it but never dove into his other albums. This one was awesome. I'll be exploring this one again to find some favorites but When Did you Stop Loving Me is an early stand out, as is a lot of the album. Very glad this came on a Friday especially with the week we've had with bad albums. Incredible album cover too. Is Rome/Greece burning down because of his love? Who knows but I'm here for it.
Fein
Good boning music.
Easy listening and good love songs
I've been patiently waiting for some Marvin Gaye, particularly What's Going On. I actually just heard about this album a couple days ago, but hadn't heard it. It's really, really great. Marvin has such a soulful voice, there's a lot of life and pain in there, but it's still groovy. Interesting that he gave up promoting this album after it was deemed "too commercial." So many tracks on here that I loved immediately. Ironically, though, the one song I've heard before ("When Did You Stop Loving Me") I don't like. That song is featured on the "blonded" radio station in GTA and it's one of the few that I will tune away from. It just doesn't do anything for me, and yet I had to hear it three different ways on one album. Despite that, I loved this. I recognize the classic status. Favorite tracks: I Met a Little Girl (amazing track), Everybody Needs Love, Anger, Here My Dear. Album art: Never even seen this before, but I really dig it. Marvin immortalizing himself as a statue looks pretty funny, but it's a very cool art style. 4.5/5
Dayum this was so good! I absolutely loved how long and repetitive some of these songs were. Had a few problems with some of his whining about women, and that's kind of all he's got. Some were more positive.. but overall. Enjoyed - put me in such a good mood
good background music
Très bon album du son classique de Marvin Gaye, glisse très bien d'un bout à l'autre, mais un tantinet monotone.