Reviews (page 4 of 9)
I'd heard *of* this album for a long time, but never listened to it. Knowing the story that Marvin made this album to fulfill his contractual obligation, I didn't expect this to be so damn good. Then I remembered we're talking about Marvin Gaye. Some of y'all have never been divorced, and it shows. Divorce brings out a lot of conflicting emotions, and this album is full of them, thus the double-LP. I can agree that its breadth can make it hard to call it a perfect album. Standout tracks are "Anger" and "A Funky Space Reincarnation."
Hyvä levy, ehkä vähän taustamusiikkia mulle. 3/5.
Kind of all mushed together in one song
I love Marvin Gaye’s voice but think his music is just ok. If that makes sense. 3/5
Solid album. My favourites were When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You; Sparrow; Anna's Song & Falling In Love Again.
I think this kind of music is a mood thing. You’re either in the mood for it or you’re not. But, it's still pretty good.
While nothing really offended me on this album, it’s way too long and uniform.
this is pretty easy to listen to, if I don't pay any attention to it
2/5 - I didn’t need to hear more than one song about Marvin’s divorce. When “attorney’s fees” is in a lyric, you’re not winning. This album goes on forever.
I hated everything about this album. i think I just hate marvin gaye
Marvin Gaye’s Here, My Dear is a fascinating artifact — his voice is as gorgeous as ever, and the production has some inspired moments. But the songs themselves often feel less powerful than they should, with some veering into indulgence or even cheesiness. You can hear the pain he’s working through, but it doesn’t always translate into depth the way his best work does. For me, this lands at about 3 stars, though I’ll call it a 3.5 in spirit for the ambition and raw honesty, even if I’m not likely to return often.
Strong and solid! Good vibes.
Where, my love?
This list has a habit of taking great artists and choosing their worst albums
damn i gotta divorce to feel this album properly
Lacks the overall greatness that "Let's get it on" had. But it's still pretty good. I'm honestly not sure he's capable of putting out anything that I would consider bad. I'll rank it a slightly above average but still a 3.
It's Marvin Gaye. It's exactly what you'd expect.
Sigh. I guess it's time to give up trying to figure out the mind of Robert Dimery and just go with whatever's put in front of me. Fine. Now that that's settled... Like 'Let's Get It On', I found this to be mostly meh. If I had gone through a similar life experience, it might have hit closer to home, but fortunately, I'm too smart for marriage. Worse still (and like divorce, I suppose), this felt unnecessarily drawn-out... though such ruminations are probably inevitable, given the topic. It wasn't all bad, however. 'Anger' could be my theme song, so I'll give it a bump for bringing that little gem into my life.
This was really boring. I spent more time on it than I should have. I kept forgetting I was listening to this, and had to go back. It wasn’t worth it.
My first real listen of late era MG. It wasn't bad, but nothing like What's going on. Probably won't return to this one. 2.5/5
Solide. Mochte das durchgängige Thema der Trennung. Als Hintergundmusik super, ansonsten nicht so meins, etwas lang und wird etwas eintönig, aber wirklich in Ordnung.
Funky
Perus jyystömusaa
Some really good tracks, especially enjoyed Time to get it together
A tale of divorce set to mid-tempo funk and soul. I like it.
Smooth soul
All due respect to Teddy Swims, but this album might have been a better use of the title “I’ve tried everything but therapy”
Sexy stuff, did i hear something about fisting? Ok, sounds cool and familiar. Nothing special, but basics done right. Bit too long for my taste
Here my dear: feel violated 3 I met a little girl: 4 When did you stop loving me…: 5 Anger: 6 Is that enough: 5 Everybody needs love: 5 Time to get it together: 4 Sparrow: 3 Anna’s song: 3 A funky space reincarnation: 4 You can leave but it’s gonna cost you: 4 Falling in love again: 4
This album answers the question what happens when a great musician makes an album that does not live up to their prior content. When I was doing research on this album it was said that this was not critically or commercially successful but was reevaluated after his death and in the post mortem period was reevaluated and people were like 'yeah maybe it's good'. Nah, should have stayed where it was. A decent album but not great.
There's some great songs, and the story is interesting, but it's kind of a weird listen
My second Marvin Gaye album - funky, soulful, great songs on this one. Such an easy and smooth listen. My only real flaw with this album is while When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You is a great song, three times in one hour is a lot.
Heel erg relaxt Ijzersterke stem en goeie jazz trompetjes Tijdloos wat mij betreft, is bijna 50 jaar oud Heerlijk, goed begin.
Didn’t expect to love this so much. Very on the nose but it works. Tracks like Anger and Is That Enough immediately hooked me.
Marvin, deep in his feels. Good stuff, but not revelatory like What's Going On.
It has a few ok moments. But overall was quite boring.
Not his true masterpiece, but some good songs and that amazing voice
Kivaa groovea ja hyvää taustamusaa. Erikoismaininta kahden ensimmäisen biisin erittäin sulavasta vaihdoksesta. Albumin lopettaminen 47 sekunnin versioon When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You -biisistä oli mielenkiintoinen valinta.
I appreciate Marvin Gaye's talent and his smooth soul music. However to write a whole double album about his divorce is a bit too much. It's a long album where the songs are all quite same and the theme is the same. Overall okay, but not something I would revisit.
I usually really like Marvin Gaye, although I would say I'm really more of a casual fan; I like the hits I know and his bigger records, though I've never spent the time with his deeper cuts. And, I like the subject matter of this record as a general rule; everybody loves a good, heart-wrenching "divorce" record. But honestly, Here, My Dear is a bit of a slog. It stays much the same tempo throughout, he kinda revolves around the same key the whole time, and it all kinda washes together. His voice is incredible, but it doesn't "move around" a whole lot. If I'm just casually listening, it's tough to pick up on much passion here. Maybe I'm just not really paying enough attention. It's ok as background noise, but it's a chore to try to lock in and engage with this record cause there's nothing really terribly compelling going on. 2.5/5
Guilty of picking his earlier work over this routinely. It's so angry and sad I find it hard to want to get into the album. But it's a real treat.
There are moments where this album is properly good, but mostly it just happened and then, after too long, it ended.
Baby makin' music. Except for "anger". And I got enough babies and anger. But undoubtedly cool.
Ahhh...
This is what I expected. It’s fine
Very smooth, very Marvin. Songs I hadn’t heard before, but enjoyed. - 3.5/5
Quite nice vibes
Chill album. Kinda enjoyed it as a background
God damn is this boring, self-pitying and childish.
Soul
Gosh that's a horrible sleeve. And my first thought is that a double album all about your acrimonious divorce has got to be a bit self-indulgent. And so it proved. This is so far from being a great album that I just wonder what it is doing in this list.
nothing short of outstanding. every song was great
No amazing songs but I can see why it was originally hated but has been reevaluated. The emotions drip off the music. Now I have a sense of what it is all about
I can see why people don’t like this. It almost seems like a concession to his divorce and alimony—a trope itself that he’s almost pioneering by calling it out and breaking the fourth wall. But it’s also an amazing album for showing the growing Marvin Gaye went from Motown “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to space funk.
This was kind of sad, but it didn't move me. It was very well produced.
I liked it a lot.
soul, 1978 -> 3
Not great by any measure. Long, boring, and broken.
If Frank Ocean was in the 60s/70s. This album was funky, it was beautiful, and it was even sad. The only critique I have for leaving it as a four star is album length, some songs go on for too long, and some tracks haven't aged well, may be to a production issue. Otherwise, incredible singing, lyrics, and grooves.
He was clearly going through something at the time. But it hits all the soulful and funky beats you'd expect just with a bit of an edge.
I owe Taylor Swift an apology for accusing her of being too hung up on her ex.
Marvin's a legend but this is not his best work. I appreciate being bold with a concept album about divorce, and wilder still that his wife got half the earnings from this album as alimony, but the album was super self indulgent. The sexy time in outter space song at the end lifted it back up to a 3.
Is this album about Marvin Gaye's divorce? I get the sense that it's about Marvin Gaye's divorce but there's really no way to be sure. I'm not against records about divorce (see Beck's Sea Change) but this is 75 minutes very specifically about Marvin Gaye's divorce (from Anna, it seems). That said, the fact that its Marvin Gaye and still has some pretty funky and soulful moments gets it 3 stars. This "review" was almost as long as that album!
Good lord this album just drags on and on and on.
Funky, smooth, enjoyable. First time I've listened to a Marvin Gaye album! Four stars.
Album 869 of 1089 Marvin Gaye - Here, My Dear (1978) Rating : 2.5 / 5 Ive always appreciated and respected Marvin Gaye’s work, but this one just didn’t do much for me. It’s listenable, sure, but nothing really grabbed hold or stuck with me. The story behind it (a divorce album, written for his ex-wife) is interesting, and you can hear the rawness in spots, but as a whole it just never connected with me. Not a bad record, just not one I’d reach for again.
Good production, but got bored after a few songs. Every song sounded the same, and I don't really care about his divorce.
Marvin Gaye’s album, “Here, my dear” Is a timeless classic. Released in 1978, it still has a sound so unique and perfected. Gaye’s calming vocals paired with the production of the album provide a calm, somber listening experience.
Damn, this is sad and powerful.
Damn I love '70s soul, and Marvin is basically royalty when we talk about that. Wasn't familiar with this one before this listen. There's an undeniable jazz influence on here, compared to earlier material, but feels like a pretty natural evolution. Marvin's signature vocals are ever-present, but almost feel more subdued than usual, which allows the music equal footing rather than overshadowing it.
"I'm sad about my divorce" = meh. "I'm mad about my divorce" = meh. "I'm sad about my divorce, and I'm mad about my divorce, and SOMEDAY I'LL HAVE SEX ON PLUTO" = yes. Very yes.
"Girl, let me lay down some tracks to let the world know how shitty things have become between us. Also Star Wars was hot last year so let me do some sci-fi action on here as well."
Every "cool" TV show from the late 70's wanted to sound a little like this. I don't believe I ever listened to this one all the way through before, but all the grooves and hooks sound as familiar as an old friend. It missed the spark with me, but was interesting and pleasant all the way through.
Good singing just its the same for 1 hour and 15 mins
Enjoyed Is That Enough, rest wasn't really my thing
Monday morning probably isn't the correct time for this album, but here we go. I have to say this isn't my favorite Marvin Gaye album, but its pretty good. Maybe I just wasn't feeling it this morning, but I just kept waiting for the album to be over.
drei minus
5/10
It’s honestly kinda sad how many legendary musicians I just don’t understand the appeal of. Am I just a miserable person? A philistine? Probably both. Although I would listen to pretty much anything and try not to judge genres, styles, or artists as much as I can, the list of my favorite albums is almost entirely dominated by records with large, overwhelming sound. Needless to say, this album doesn’t match my taste at all. I completely understand why people may like this, but the vibe and the sound of this album and probably all of soul is not for me. It’s not offensive in any way, and I was fine listening to it while doing something else (like, it’s not boring), but it didn’t catch my attention at all. It’s well made, and the vocals are pleasant, but I just don’t care for love/break up songs and this chill, mellow vibe. It’s fine but not my thing.
Nothing really stood out from this album. Generic soul music.
I don't know what's the appeal with this guy?
ok
nope. nothing particularly wrong with this except it's sappy and lacks any depth
Not bad, but I was hoping for a bit more razzle dazzle. That album cover, tho, is something else 3.5⭐️
Feel kinda bad for this dude....he sounds pretty bummed. I hope his life picked up after this one.
There are only 3 situations where I can understand playing this album in full : 1) You live in a 1980s romcom. You are sad because the person you love doesn’t love you anymore. You’re watching the rain fall through the window at night. I feel sorry for you. 2) A beautiful lady you just met suddenly starts undressing in the candlelight, asking you in a husky voice to make sweet love to her. Go for it, tiger ! It’s probably a dream anyway. 3) You’re Marvin Gaye, and you want to annoy your ex-wife. Seriously, this is an uninspired, self-indulgent album that I could have done without. It sounds like Marvin parodying himself, cranking up the sweetness and cheesyness to 11. Apparently he released this record to pay alimony... Hence the mix of low effort and distasteful whining and bitching about his ex-wife (seriously, who names a song "You Can Leave But It’s Going To Cost You" ? Don’t air your dirty laundry in public, man...). The jazzy instrumentation is good, I’ll grant him that, and a couple of songs are smooth and soulful enough for a casual listen. But many other tracks are boring and lack true emotion. A whole album of this was just too much for me. Clearly my least favorite Marvin Gaye album. Even a 2* feels a bit generous. 3/10
I want to explore this with a separate jazz project.
I didn't like it much
Average-sounding R&B with hideous, artless lyrics (by Gaye) griping about his divorce proceedings. No thanks, my friend. Is only entertaining when Gaye stops yammering on about attorney fees and lets the sax player do his thing (such as on "Is That Enough"), moments that are few and far between.
Groovy, funky, and…horny?
Amazing. Last couple tracks held it back from a 5
I like MG but this was really repetitive
Someone else already said all that needs to be said about this one: I have no objection to personal songs or emotional connections, but this is self-indulgent, overblown and interminable. ‘When did I stop loving you?’ Round about song three. Two many low points, and not much to praise except the Motown production. And Marvin Gaye does have a good voice. Really not one of his best. 2⭐️
All sounded very similar songs to me.
I love this thing. Cocaine anger never came across so good
It's Marvin so quite listenable but seemed a bit long and blended into background. Fine overall
I wish this album was as interesting as it's lore. Just a very meandering affair.
My review is going to be a bizarre story. Last night I had an extremely vivid dream that I was riding in a wooden two person swing that was being carried by a helicopter. It was fun and a beautiful day and the views were incredible. To my right riding with me in the swing was Marvin Gaye. Unmistakably, clearly, Marvin Gaye. We flew around for a bit, and the helicopter flew down close to the ground where my wife was holding our 1 year old daughter. When we were close enough she handed her to me and she rode with Marvin and I for a while. At some point something went wrong with the helicopter and I thought we were going to crash, so I hopped in a tree and my daughter and I were safe. I woke up from this dream shortly after, not knowing what happened to Marvin Gaye. The next morning I checked my 1001 albums app and had this album as my album of the day. That was enough to freak me the fuck out! Here, My Dear is a solid album. Not nearly the masterpiece that is What’s Going On in my opinion, but a really solid cohesive soul record.
I didn’t love my last MG album, but I quite enjoyed this one.
ok
I miss my wife now (I’ve never been married)
It’s got the feel of a fable about it, a divorce story with a strong moral message: make art of your turmoil, be generous with it and let that become your peace, or something. Whatever the precise circumstances of this album’s conception (I’m sure there’s more to it than I’m grasping; “Here, My Dear” feels just a touch sarcastic as titles go, while the appearance and reprise of “When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You?” is pretty direct as comms goes) but I know that no divorce I’ve ever stood near sounded nearly this good. If it’s true that Gaye entered the studio to ‘get the job done’ then “Here, My Dear” is a laughably good album. The songs are, no matter the precise emotional coordinates of their provenance, the work of a profoundly wonderful songwriting force; and who knows, in not trying to send any singles to the top of the chart, maybe Marvin found a way back in to refocusing on the full album as a worthy format in itself. Certainly, this record purrs along. “Time to Get it Together” and “A Funky Space Reincarnation” (an afrofuturist absurdity featuring the cosmically optimistic lyrics “light years ahead, you and me gon be getting down on a space bed”) are stand out slabs of solid funky soul. If they’re being phoned in, then they’re being phoned in by one of the best there ever was. “Here, My Dear” should be required reading ahead of any mediation.
Alternately awash in self-pity, desperation, pain, joy, cynicism, love, and even aggression towards his former beloved, it can be a difficult album to listen to front to back. But it’s also an artistic achievement.
he couldn't sound bad if he tried
Very good but nothing crazy as far as Marvin Gaye goes. Excellent vibe 3.5
His divorce record. I didn't listen to the words very closely but enjoyed the record.
Was this meant to be heard? It feels like I’m listening to his diary and it makes me a little uncomfortable.
Quite good diff from let’s get it on album but I like it a lot
Fine, always lovely in the background
Nothing cool going on with the instrumentation, didn’t care about the lyrical subject matter enough to pay attention. That’s a bad combo and then throw in that it’s way too long Rating: 1.7
Nicht meine Lieblingsstimme, aber läuft so vor sich hin.
Never been a fan, still not. Best track was the space one because it was vaguely funky. Clinton would have done it better. It was all sort of ok, just not for me. 2
Surely there must be a better offering by Marvin Gaye than this?
Why make this record, my Dear? No idea, my Dear. Forgotten about pretty quickly, my Dear? Yes, My Dear. Will I play it again? No, my Dear.
A mi me gusta, pero le pondré un 3 por respeto a su obra maestra Whats Going On y además por su mala fama.
173/1089 - This album is good evidence that struggling with life doesn't necessarily equate to making good quality art. It's like in Calvin and Hobbes where the author's house got broken into which sucks but the comic became unreadable! What's important to making good quality art is two things: practice and doing what's required. Onto the music: Great singing voice but not utilized as well as it could've been here. Milquetoast soul arrangements too. That being said, I'm really looking forward to his other albums on this list.
Hard to rate any Marvin Gaye album lower than a 5 due to the outstanding musicality, singing, and production quality. Marvin always surrounded himself with good musicians. The themes in this album didn’t really resonate with me though
Not used to Marvin Gaye being this raw and vulnerable. Good album, but not one you could just throw on any time
why is this album so long. no... sorry that was boring Haaa GAYYEEE
Good artist. Good music.
Meh. Not great
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz Soooo samey and self-pitying.
Love it. I admire the honesty.
Really not my thing.
Not bad, but he’s done better.
You can't hate anything MG has done. The are some elements here that get a little repetitive, mostly the theme, but overall it's suave, cool and soulful. Nothing more than what you'd expect from the mighty MG. 4 because I wanted something more, but I get just about got what I expected.
This wasn't bad at all.
There are some great soulful moments on this record, but sometimes it gets very dull as well. The pacing is just a bit too slow for me.
Solid.
Tasaista jammailua. Loistava tunnelma. Erinomainen taustamusiikiksi
The music was neither bad nor good, but the lyrics were often unintentionally hilarious.
So, I finally worked out my issue with Marvin Gaye. He was a terrifically gifted artist—no doubt about that—but I find him as a person and the way he sang and delivered his music to be totally insincere. Herein lies the fascination. He was an incredibly complicated man. On one hand, he was a visionary artist, capable of channelling raw emotion, political awareness, and sensuality into some of the most enduring music of the 20th century. But behind the artistry was a man riddled with contradictions: deeply spiritual yet self-destructive, sensitive yet often manipulative, a romantic who hurt the people closest to him. He had a toxic upbringing under a violent father, and as an adult struggled with drug addiction, sexual compulsions, delusions of grandeur, crippling anxiety and depression. His relationships, especially with women, were turbulent at best and, at worst, emotionally and physically abusive. He cheated on and physically abused his ex-wife, Anna Gordy, then turned around and wrote an entire album about the fallout where he comes off like the victim. Sure, Anna brought her own baggage to the marriage (reportedly cheating after discovering Marvin’s infidelities), but let’s be honest—he was the one out there serially cheating throughout their marriage. And yet ‘Here, My Dear’ is somehow better than it has any right to be. It’s full of contradictions: some outright bangers, some complete dross. The back end just drags on and on. Take “A Funky Space Reincarnation.” On its own as a 12-inch, it works. But in the context of this record? It’s pointless. It has nothing to do with the subject matter at hand. Why did we need an instrumental version of ‘When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You’ on top of the normal song at the beginning? Then we get a refrain of it again right at the end of the record? Why? Just have it on there once. Artistic decisions like this kind of throw me out of the album and its emotional arc because they come across as filler compared to such truly excellent tracks like ‘Anger’, ‘Is That Enough’, ‘Time To Get It Together’, ‘Sparrow’ and ‘You Can Leave But It’s Going To Cost You’. Then, right at the end we get ‘Falling In Love Again’ (another good track), where my brother Marvin makes it abundantly clear that he still hasn’t learnt his lesson. After the painful, drawn-out divorce, all the emotional and psychological damage (both suffered and inflicted)—Marvin decides to go out, wet his dick and fall in love again while the ink from his signature on the divorce papers is still drying. Has he learned nothing??!! Clearly not. So in the end, ‘Here My Dear’ whilst deeply personal and confessional is a flawed masterpiece on one hand and a complete mess on the other. A bit like Gaye’s life.
“Somebody tell me please, tell me please/ why do I have to pay attorney fees? (my baby’s)” is truly beautiful lyricism.
Excelente álbum. Soul. QoA Adonis New.
Wild story to the album, really love how it sounds
Caustic lyrics, great singing. Not many standout tracks.
I don’t know when I would ever want to listen to this - he has a great voice, the music is perfectly pleasant, but I couldn’t really get excited about any of it. The instrumental break in Is That Enough feels like the soundtrack to a grainy mid-70’s movie scene where a guy is walking in the city on a damp dark evening. Seems like MJ took a lot of his spoken word style from something like this.
Boring as fuck
Boring.
Really surprised. Went into this not expecting much as heard his heart wasn't really into this project, but enjoyed it.
Brother brother, this ain’t so good
Marvin Gaye…what a legend. In my humble opinion, his voice and musicality is iconic and will resonate, both figuratively and literally, for decades, maybe centuries, to come. A friend shared with me that this record is about the divorce from his wife, Anna. As such, the record carries somewhat of a somber, yet also encouraging, tone. He comments on this experience, as soulfully as he does, recognizing the intimate and emotionally complex times. What a wonderful piece of music and I’m happy to be alive to experience it.
He went into that recording studio pressed as hell about that divorce. Solid album, but I've heard better Marvin Gaye. Highlights: WDYSLMWDISLY, Is That Enough
Very one note but a good note. Did get a bit bored of it. Favourites: Anger, a funky space reincarnation
Wow Marvin, what did she do to you? The musicians were great, and the vocals were too, but it was just a bit boring, and a bit of a slog to get through the album Fav songs: Anger, A Funky Space Reincarnation
It’s Marvin Gaye so it’s going to sound great. In saying that I don’t think it’s as ground breaking as his other big albums, it feels very samesy throughout and knowing the backstory feels like should I be listening to it
As a happily divorced person, I found this album pretty delightful. It’s not my favorite of his-kind of uneven-but the theme and execution are a joy.
Meh I couldn't get into this really
probably more of a 3.5, but boy, did it go on forever. sorry about your divorce, marvin. though it was hilarious to hear that your ex wife got half the royalties of this album, lol.
men will literally write an entire album about their divorce instead of going to therapy. two stars.
Could you listen to Marvin Gaye sing the phone book? Are you recently divorced? If you answered yes to any of the above, this album is for you.
Great album, enjoyed it the whole way through
not 4 me
Didn’t like the backing track.
I mean, Marvin’s voice is smooth and sexy as always, but this is one long, drawn out, low-energy album. It’s pretty painful to sit and really focus on it for the entire album. Definitely background music, for while you’re (getting) busy.
Houses of the holy
I'm sorry but what the fuck is "I Met A Little Girl"?
It's not BAD bad, but it's whiny, looooong and repetitive.
Not his best
Some nice wax solos
Really liked this one, super funky, 4.5/5
I don't think I'm able to feel the emotions that you have to feel to be able to feel the feelings Marvin Gaye was feeling. Feelings aside, this is rather boring.
I really love soul music, and literally everyone likes Marvin Gaye, so you'd think I'd be a big fan of his, right? Unfortunately, for whatever reason, his music has never really connected with me; it's typically good, but not great. Even more unfortunately, this album is 75 minutes of divorce songs (including one about having to pay alimony) that just aren't very good.
Pretty good! This isn’t really my jam but it does seem like good stuff.
Great baby making music
***A good album
It takes a lot of talent to create something like this. It’s art that I can’t fully comprehend but understand the greatness
My man was working through some shit with this one. It is the best sounding depression though. Marvin has an amazing voice and he is singing through his depression. So I really believe that a country musician could do a lot of these songs and it would just fit. Heartbreak is universal. The Space song is wild in this. He is singing about his love and pain, then a song about getting down on the moon. I'm a bit confused but it's a good song. Sure he has better albums, but as a Soul/Funk music lover this hits. I'll listen to it again for sure. I don't think I would recommend it to someone going though divorce. Well except A Funky Space Reincarnation. That one I'm telling everyone to listen to.
Past peak Marvin Gaye on this one. It’s not bad, but is overly long.
from wiki: According to PopMatters journalist Mike Joseph, Here, My Dear's music was "largely midtempo funk, with elements of traditional soul, gospel, and doo-wop mixed together with a slight hint of disco" I was not vibing with these several of the tracks. Vocals feel distant to me on several of the tracks. For some reason Anger feels low effort to me and I find the "anger" vocalizations he added tacky. Maybe it's a style preference, but I feel worn out with the midtempo funk throughout the album. Is that a trumpet on "Is that enough" and some other tracks? It's not working for me on these tracks. Is I Met a Little Girl more of a doo-wop song? I'm probably more of a sucker for those.
Nice Soul music but in the end it was a bit too much. There where some songs you could easily skip.
It’s gets better
Smooth sounding record but nothing that hooks me and therefore way too long. 2,5
I really like Marvin. The way he sings about everyday stuff in a soulful way. It is really funny when he whines about child support in the middle of a song.
solid
here my dear- 5 I met a little girl- 🤨 i just don't think you should refer to your significant other as a little girl. 5. i do like how this whole album is about his divorce. dont ever date a musician when did you stop loving me- 5 anger- 5 is that enough- 5 everyone needs love- 5 time to get it together- 5 sparrow- 5 Anna's song- 5 when did you stop loving me instrumental- 5. it's evidently not an instrumental version a funky space reincarnation- 5 you can leave but it's going to cost you- 5 falling in love again- 5 when did you stop loving me reprise- I dont need to hear it three times. 5 sorry about your divorce man
I listened to the whole album, and while for me it was nice background music, it doesn't appeal.
I know that a lot of people use music and art as therapy. But I feel like a therapist listening to this. I am imagining the recording engineers giving each other concerned glances as Gaye is stream-of-consciousness mourning the end of his marriage. I'm sure he earned this given his success and that this is his 15th album or something. Not enjoying it.
Marvin Gaye is one of those names that I've always heard but whose music I never actually checked out. So hey, as they say, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on! I'm so sorry for that. Oh ok I thing I'm gonna like this. First song set a good mood but didn't blow me away. This is nice and all, but I feel like I've heard better songs from the same genre. However, I have to say, I like the second track more the further I get into it. The third track is the best one so far, but still doesn't quite do it for me. Ok, Anger is what I'm talking about! First track I've liked the whole way through. Is That Enough is exactly what I expected from this album. 7 minutes of funky soul perfection. While I appreciate the message of Everybody Needs Love, it doesn't do much for me. Next track leaves the same feeling too. Sparrow is a nice tune with a simple meaning. Lovely. The songs that I didn't mention were forgettable, but A Funky Space Reincarnation is something else. Fun, sexy, groovy. Great! The next track was weird, as it mostly just happened before becoming fun at a certain point. Falling in Love Again was a nice closer, but there were many more memorable moments in the record. After finishing this, I have to say that I was slightly disappointed. The name Marvin Gaye has a lot of weight in this genre of music, so I was expecting more classic-status-worthy songs. Not bad by any means, just good at its best and uninteresting at its worst. Worth a listen. Bye
It’s no what’s going on. It wasn’t part of the divorce settlement. It’s not his best work. It’s not bad though.
So, this wasn't what I expected. I had read about this great "divorce settlement" album, that was supposedly a lost masterpiece. Often, I find that wreaks of hipster-obscurantism (cf. the Beach Boys's Vegetables), where "unrecognised masterpiece" often equates to self-indulgent, un-edited piffle from a flailing artiste. So, my expectations for Marvin Gaye's double album commercial and (contemporaneously) critical flop, meditating on his divorce would be... flabby, self-indulgent and painful. But, surprisingly, while it has aspects of all those attributes, it does stand up. It is a largely mid-tempo funk/soul album, with touches of disco (unsurprisingly for the era). It is unhurried, with extended soloing (including some, ahem, marginally competent keyboard solos from Mr Gaye himself), but well recorded, with some great playing from his backing band (uncredited. Who ARE they? LA based Motown regulars?). It is certainly not a phoned-in contractual obligation album; Van Morrison could learn a lesson from this. I could see myself listening to this again. It's not "What's going on?", but a pretty solid album from a great artist. For once, the hipster revisionism has actually winnowed some grain from the chaff. (The one song that is really out of place was the single, "A Funky Space Reincarnation", which is delightfully bonkers.) Footnote: how ugly is the cover art? It takes a special effort to produce something this bad. Marvin Gaye was a handsome man, so seriously, all you need to do is put his photograph with the title on the cover, and you're done (cf. What's Going On, and just about everything else in his discography). This seems like a very deliberate choice...
Did nothing in particular for me. Was funky and calm. I'm probably not in a good headspace. Cat died on Saturday. But I did listen to it all the way through!
Still pretty good.
So many 10/10 songs on here but I feel like I can’t give the whole album a 10/10. Very sluggish towards the middle once “Time to get together” started and even a couple skips. Album is very long too, but even the bad songs are still good. Very very strong album. 9/10
Legendary album. Full of songs about his ex wife and it moves so smoothly from song to song like only Marvin Gaye could do. Beautiful melodies, love this front to back
It’s Marvin Gaye, so it’s a given that it’s going to be pretty great. This album seems interesting in that it was panned when it was released and now if thought of positively - too bad Marvin died before the turn around
Insomnia killer. A tepid vibe.
I met a little girl 🎷😭 It's crazy how easy it is for women to get inside men's heads
WHEN DID YOU STOP LOVIN ME WHEN DID IIIIIIIIIIII STOP LOVIN YOU, BABE?
Not his best.
I hate to do it as I love What’s Going On and Let’s Get It On, but I did not enjoy this album. It’s rather one note and much too long. The production and Gaye’s voice is, as always, top notch, but this is much too self indulgent.
No strong opinions either way
It's Marvin Gaye. This isn't his most accessible album. It's starts kinda slow, but when it picks up it really picks up. This guy was a musical genius.
Boring and long.
Okay yep more Mr. Gaye. I'm sorry his wife left him but I'm pretty indifferent to this too. Obviously it's great music, I just am not feeling it. UNTIL IS THAT ENOUGH CAME ON. What a banger. The why do I have to pay attorney's fees line is so good. I don't think he's trying to be funny but this song is hilarious and it grooves. There's also a square wave synth in the jam section. It really turned things from indifferent to more active listening. Most of these songs are too long. Still, would do it all again to hear Is That Enough again. There's something about him complaining about his divorce that is really appealing to me, mainly because it's funny. Mr Gaye can have this 4.
Super Gaye. This album is so good, but not quite as good as a listening experience as Let's Get It On for me. Production is really clean. I'm really struggling between a 4 and 5, so I think I'll pick the strongest 4 you can imagine.
So good. I kinda feel like I’m getting what soul is about after this. Now im excited to get what’s going on? Glad that he wasn’t so horny on this one
Nice vibes
Marvin Gaye, beautiful voice, lots of emotion, but musically a bit stale.
Meh
Enjoyed but won't likely listen again
For some reason, I want to cook Sunday breakfast listening to this album
I was unfamiliar with your spite game, Mr. Gaye. He got RAW in a different and unexpected way on this album. deliciously smooth funk that never competes with, but always compliments his vocals. this will get repeat listens from me.
As much as I'd like to be. I'm just not a Gaye man. I just don't connect with his musicality in the same way that I connect to other Motown singers like Stevie Wonder, the temptations, the Marvelettes, the four tops, etc. He's just a little slow and the music is a little disjointed. It's just not for me.
There is a good variety of Marvin Gaye styles in here, from sexy songs not about sex, to sexy songs that include some sex, to sexy songs that are about being angry about not having sex any more, to songs about having sex. There is a tinge of late 70's/early 80's yacht rock in here too, from the three versions of "When did you stop..." which I find really funny for some reason. Singing is of course excellent, great instrumentation, typically sort of repetitive songwriting, though given the subject matter this time around the lyrics are actually more interesting than usual. I don't know that I needed an hour+ of this but it didn't feel as long as that in the end.
This is a bad album cover. Funky and smooth. He really dialed it in for his 14th album. It blends together but I think in a good way. Also an appearance by Bootsy Collins!
No es un aporte significativo, tampoco apela a sentir ese momento de separación. No
Not his best, but... Previous album was Prince, but listening to Marvin Gaye, I realised Gaye was doing everything Prince did, but SO much better, and doing it first.
Je m’attendais à plus d’un album double du mythique Marvin, la cassette se repète plutôt vite merci. Comme quoi, trop, c’est comme pas assez.
yeah - no my favorite from Marvin. Just sounds like it's missing something.
Gear: Dunu SA6 Artwork: 🗿🏛️🌿 Production: 🎤🔊😣 Music: 💔😢🙄 Rating: ⚖️⚖️(⚖️)/5
One of the great breakup albums. Like how it gradually turns to nasty divorce funk. Really good from start to finish. I think mh favorite track was Sparrow
All marvin is great but i wasnt as excited about this as some of his others. I got more excited as it became funkier, the contour told the story in a cool way. 5 compared to most of this list but not my fav marvin
I’m sorry. The production is great but the lyrics are way too repetitive and songs not fully thought out.
This review was written after the first listening: nice album but i guess it could have been better...? I find it a bit long, the production is good but lacks of intensity for me. Of course it's clean, it's Marvin Gaye we are talking about. Maybe it's one of those album you need to listen a few times to like/love it - to see the truly charm of it. I think I can put 'Here, My Dear' (the album, not the song) on the background while doing something else, i will enjoy it, but I will not listen to it if I want to truly listen to music (does it make sense?). Again, I usually don't give a review right away (only when I'm sure I truly understand an album) so I don't believe my opinion is right or perfect in any way. I need 2/3 listening often but whatever... This album is long so, I'm not sure I will listening to it again right away. But it's still a very nice record.
A really good album, but not great. Couple of songs to get you bopping and feeling funky walking down the tube platform though
++: Here, My Dear, When Did You Stop Leaving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You, Anger, Is That Enough, Time to Get It Together, Anna's Song, When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You, A Funky Space Reincarnation, You Can Leave But It's Going to Cost You, Falling in Love Again, When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You (Reprise) +: I Met a Little Girl, Everybody Needs Love, Sparrow 8,8/10
It was a bit of a slog if I'm being honest. Still good, but not great.
An interesting story of love-run-it’s-course behind this one that is simultaneously a strength and a weakness. While the singular subject matter provides a focus, the albums lengthy nature negatively underscores the lack of variety. Production is complex, often with several rhythm and guitar tracks interplaying at once. Here there is no lack of variety, and, of course, the vocal performance is exceptional. Tracks meander along their merry way at a relaxed pace. Listened to: on the Vermonter. Favorite tracks: Is That Enough, Time to Get It Together, Sparrow, You Can Leave But it’s Going to Cost You
Look. I'm human. You're human. We're all a little gay for Gaye. And that's okay. What's not okay is singing about paying alimony. C'mon Marvin. Stop being a sad sack. I hate to see you like this. One bonus point to the trumpet player on Sparrow. Dude can really chirp.
It was wonderful to listen to some Gaye beyond his known hits. I was left wanting more, dancing occurred, and clothing was removed.
Easy listening. I actually prefer the funkier tracks to the more smooth R&B. Only really familiar with Marvin Gaye’s hits, so it was nice to hear something new.
Hilarious cover art. I would like to have this framed and hung in my bedroom. Something about Marvin Gaye's music that just puts a smile on my face. Most of this sounds like standard Gaye, which is great, but Sparrow stood out to me. That was my favorite. Groovy album, 3.4.
Smooth, sensual, and flowing like honey, warm and sweet. A break up album, I guess. More meandering and "Quiet Storm" than "What's Going On" was. Great Soul/RnB singer. 3.5
Pfoeeee, dit is een lastig album om te reviewen. Wie zal er ooit gevraagd hebben om het incel album van Marvin Gaye? Ik denk niemand. Maar goed; het bestaat. Begrijpelijk ook hoor, net gescheiden, dan is dit gewoon wat er top of mind is. Maar is het dan nodig om precies dat album in de lijst van 1001 albums ooit op te nemen? Weet ik niet het antwoord op, en ik denk eerlijk gezegd dat ik neig naar Nee. Je hebt de standaard glijdende productie, en natuurlijk heb je DIE STEM(!) maar in plaats van uitnodigen om toch de avond met hem door te brengen vraagt hij zich nu hardop af: Waarom betaalt hij toch voor de advocaten? Waarom is hij met je getrouwd? Waar komt de woede vandaag? Het is een interessant album, een soort van klacht en frustratie tegen zn kapot gelopen huwelijk. Muziek is emotie, ik heb het absoluut vaker geschreven, en puur op basis daarvan is dit 5 sterren. De woede en de frustratie maar vooral ook de machteloosheid druipt van dit album af. Maar, maar, maar... Het is gewoon geen prettig album om te luisteren. Tuurlijk; Marvin's stem is geweldig. De productie is ook echt fijn en klinkt goed, maar er is een soort contrast aanwezig tussen de productie en de teksten. Waar de productie funky en soulvol klinkt, zijn de teksten wanhopig en gefrustreerd. Misschien was dat de bedoeling? Voor mij werkt het niet helemaal, en zeker niet voor een volledig dubbelalbum. Dit album is ontzettend lastig te reviewen, ik denk dat ik nog nooit eerder zoveel sterren voor een 3 sterren album heb geschreven. Dat is omdat het ook niet perse een 3 sterren album is. Het is een 1 ster album óf een 5 ster album. Afhankelijk van welke stemming je voelt ofzo, dus rate ik het als 3. Snap je? FAVO: Anger, Is that enough, Anna's Song, When did I stop loving you, when did you stop loving me
this is quite good, but it's certainly on the long side, and I don't know that it ever rises above "quite good" relative to some of his other albums. I'd never be upset if someone put it on, but i won't be rushing to do so personally
This music is great. Joins the Divorce Music Hall of Fame with Rumors.
A really bad album about a divorce :/ 2/5
Don't like soul music. I guess could be ok for background music.
Interminably whining about a divorce that you probably caused is NOT sexy. Just ask Robin Thicke.
I try and I try with Marvin Gaye and it just doesn’t click. I loved his story telling but the songs just don’t reach the heights I am expecting
I listened to Marvin Gaye’s Here, My Dear high upon a concrete rooftop in the searing July heat of Phoenix, while working under a blinding, oppressive sun that felt as suffocating as any Gothic curse. This rhythm and blues territory is entirely foreign to my musical lexicon, a strange land whose deeper mysteries I cannot fully claim to know. Yet, through the shimmering heat waves, I was instantly struck by the sheer brilliance of the instrumentation and the otherworldly majesty of Gaye’s voice, which soared like a phantom above the desert floor.Still, the album felt like an ancient artifact unearthed at the wrong hour, stubbornly withholding its deepest secrets from my sun-drenched workday. To truly descend into its haunted depths and appreciate its tragic brilliance, I require a vastly different atmosphere—perhaps a midnight sanctuary of shadows and solitude, rather than the blazing exposure of a mid-summer rooftop. The band is undeniably top-notch and the vocals sublime, but this bitter tale of heartbreak demands an intimacy that the harsh daylight simply cannot afford.
Obsessesed, love it
It sounds just like every other Marvin Gaye song.
Never been a fan. Didn't change my mind. Just doesn't inspire me to want to listen
Fine, but quite samey
When the first track of of this album kicked off, I wasn’t feeling it at all, but as I kept listening, the album really grew on me. It’s a laid-back, soulful record with a jazzy, smooth vibe. The funk influences are there, but even those feel relaxed and chill, adding to the overall mellow flow.
I totally understand why this album was not received particularly well when it was released but was received better later on. I also understand why this is such a polarizing record for so many. There are parts of it that are so good and brilliant, but also parts where Gaye seems to go completely off the rails. I really struggled with rating this because of the ups and downs of the record. Splitting the difference and rating this a 3, but the highs are great, but then the lows are so bad.
Marvin Gaye really is one of those artists you can't go wrong with. His style is so accessible and with his beautiful soft voice, he is practically incapable of making a bad album. I get why this one is slightly lower rated, I agree that it's reaaaalllllyyyyyy long. But at the end of the day, it's still a Marvin Gaye album.
"Here, My Dear" is the 14th studio album by America soul singer-songwriter Marvin Gaye. The album focuses largely on Gaye's acrimonious divorce from his first wife, Anna Gordy Gaye. Upon its release, the album was considered a critical and commercial failure. In retrospect, critics have hailed the album as one of Gaye's best. "Here, My Dear" opens the album. A wah-wah guitar and doo-wop backing vocals. Gaye sings about his alimony due to his ex-wife and concedes the relationship is over. In "I Met a Little Girl, " he reminisces about falling in love and love standing the test of time. Very soulful. Nice 60's-ish backing vocals and Gaye utilizing his falsetto. "When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You" is the core motif of the album as there are three versions on the album including an instrumental and reprise. Horns, a prominent bass, Gaye talking as well as layered vocals highlight this main version. Gaye has tried a million times to save the relationship and recalls the good times. "Everybody Needs Love" delivers the smooth soul. Gaye croons as he needs love too. Great song. Hey, there is a song not about his divorce and it's pretty good one in "A Funky Space Reincarnation." It's funky with the organ. He mentions Star Wars and combines parting and romance on different planets. A welcome one off. This album is very focused on its divorce theme. As one critic put it, he created ten different songs of saying the same thing. Ah, yeah, he did but it worked. Gaye's voice is very emotional and, at times, sounded drained. The music is smooth, laid back, soulful and jammy at times. You could listen to the album just for the music and Gaye's vocal sound alone. Overall, this is a really solid album and, although long (double album), worth a visit.
I love 1970s soul so I mean i did enjoy this. A but lighter and softer than my real favourites, and it was definitely too long.
Nope. Just some run of the mill soul / R&B record. Want a classic divorce album? Go for Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks"
I dig it
Incredible album, just longer than it needed to be, would have been more affective in the 30-40min range
Kinda boring
Umm, this is very uncomfortable. It works, but I prefer his earlier, smoother albums I think. Very bitter, angry, and more rushed / rough than the incredibly polished sound of Marvin Gaye's prior work.
Top tier divorce album! Worth looking up the story behind this before listening!
Before anything else, I just wanna say that it's really funny that **this** is the first Marvin Gaye album my group is getting. Like, we could have gotten WHAT'S GOING ON, an album so critically acclaimed and still relevant today that it was named the #1 greatest album of all time on the 2020 ROLLING STONE 500, dethroning SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND and then some. But, no, no — instead, we get HERE, MY DEAR, which I've always known as Gaye's bitter-ass divorce album. An album that's tied so tightly into not only one specific period of Gaye's life, but all of his and his ex-wife's dirty laundry... Like, damn, Marvin. I know you apparently only made this thing about your divorce because your ex was gonna get half of your percentage of royalties from it, but you didn't hafta go and record nearly 74 minutes on the subject. Goodness, man, you get feelings or what? I mean, I gotta be real here: I don't give a shit about the personal lives of celebrities. Whatever they get up to behind the scenes is really no business of mine. Like, how does it impact me? Why should it matter to me? I got my own life to live, and I just don't understand obsessing so much over someone else's. I get learning things about someone you're a fan of, but getting **this deep** in the weeds? It seems kind of pointless to me. And these were feelings I held before artists suddenly decided their lives were "lore" that I "needed" to understand in order to enjoy their works — hi, Taylor. It gets even worse when this personal shit is 50 years old. I mean, why, in 2025, should I give a hoot about Marvin Gaye's divorce in 1975? Heck, in 1977 it seems like people didn't care much about it either; this thing was a commercial and critical flop at the time. What the heck is it about this thing that it got such a reevaluation in the years since, to the point where it's named one of his best albums? After listening to it myself, I can't say I found much that would cause me to personally agree. Do I think it's bad? No, not really. But, like... I mean, if I had to guess why the album is so hailed these days, I'd hafta say it rests entirely in the lyrics. Not so much that people really care **that much** about Gaye's divorce, but more just that they find the lyrics about them to be so open, honest and dark. Y'know, that he just really didn't hold back about how he felt. And if you're into the rawness of it all contrasted over these smooth-ass light disco instrumentals, sure, I can get that. However, lyrics were never much my forté — and I know, I know. If I were someone else hearing me talking about this album, I'd think it'd be pretty weird I'd spend so long harping on the album's lyrical content knowing I wasn't even really gonna pay attention to them. But it's not like I wanna ignore what this album is, y'know? And from the few I did manage to catch... Yeah, I guess I can understand where people are coming from? It's just really not my thing. So that leaves us with the music itself. Like I said, it's smooth light disco and funk, and, hey, y'know, I really dig it. Marvin Gaye has such a legendarily amazing voice, and hearing him sing over these kinds of instrumentals is such a treat, whatever he's singing about. I can see putting it on as a vibe record; music to chill out to. Sure, the exact lyrics might make it a bit of a weird one to vibe to, but I still think it'd work really well. On that front, I'm for this record. But then we come around to the fact that this thing is a 74 minute double album. I've talked about this before, but a double album needs to do a lot to justify itself. I mean, if it's not done correctly, a double album can easily come across as an ego trip; an artist proclaiming that all of their ideas are just **so good** that they can't afford to drop even one. There are albums where that's true, like Prince's SIGN "O" THE TIMES; or albums where the sprawl and mess of it all is part of the appeal, like The Beatles' WHITE ALBUM. And HERE, MY DEAR is already running at a disadvantage for being such a personal record, made specifically out of spite for his ex-wife getting half of his profits from it. It's just that as good as Marvin Gaye is, 74 minutes of material where even **fans** of the thing will admit there's not much sonic difference from song to song... I mean, I can't say I was too tired out by this material, but I can imagine that if I was trying to pay attention to the lyrics, the album's length and how similar everything sounds would've made it a bit hard. I mean, I'd say the solution would be to take this thing in chunks and never all at once, but it's a concept album; it was **meant** to be taken in as a whole. And if my suggestion is to **not** do that... Goodness, y'know? I don't find this to be an easy album to love. Like, I can't say people are entirely unjustified for giving this thing a 2 — I mean, that's a little harsh, but if you really just don't give a shit about his divorce and can't get with how similar a lot of the music sounds... Yeah. I can't completely blame them. Me, it just makes me wish we could've eased into Marvin Gaye with one of his other albums. 'Cuz as much as I don't hate this, or even dislike it... I just can't completely bring myself to care all too much about it. Like, yeah, I guess it'd make some good, soulful wallpaper, but then that's betraying entirely what it sets out to do. And I don't wanna act like 74 minutes is a completely unreasonable running time, but I know there's more concise packages out there if I want some of Gaye's sound anyway. It's like, I can completely understand how this appeals to people. It just doesn't entirely to me is all. I'll give it enough points for its smoothness to push my score over into the positives, but otherwise... Y'know, I can't see myself revisiting this any time soon. At least it's a better divorce album than Robin Thicke's PAULA, even if that's not saying much.
I get he was going through Some Shit at the time, but I just wished he talked a tiny bit less about the divorce. Otherwise, it's got some pretty damn good instrumentation. Solid 4 Stars.
I… feel weird giving this a number. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very good 5, but there’s something awkward about rating a man’s ability to air out his grievances. It’s especially awkward because this is my first full Marvin Gaye album – obviously, I know some of the bigger hits, but for my first one, getting a long open letter recapping a failed, chaotic, vindictive, messy & dysfunctional marriage ending in a nasty divorce period is certainly a first impression. I almost feel like I’ve been trauma dumped on, & that’s a lot to take in; I’m just not sure I really want to take it in. With that said, the blend of the raw, honest lyricism & the excellent production here go hand in hand – I truly have no complaints about the musical content itself. Marvin Gaye’s voice glides like silk on a lot of these tracks, & when he means a line, there’s just a hint of extra vitriol, or grief, or whatever emotion each track calls for that makes the delivery feel all the more emphatic. Instrumentally, this thing is funky as hell – lots of great synth work & syncopation that feels heavily influenced by George Clinton & Stevie Wonder. Even with a lot of these tracks going a bit long, there’s something intoxicatingly captivating about the delivery, & it never really feels annoying to listen to. Really, my only knock on the album experience is the entire instrumental reprise of “When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You” taking up 6 minutes of runtime – that was unnecessary. Is it a boring album? It depends – I think if you fully ignore the lyricism here, then a lot of these tracks do end up following a similar archetype & structure that could easily feel like a 74 minute drag “woe is me” album. If you dive into the lyricism, then there’s some really biting lines in here that enhance each track in a very compelling way. To my brain, I see this album as if this is a live look at Marvin Gaye’s psyche over the course of this big divorce trial, hopping in & out of live testimony, sad reminiscing, some daydreaming to ignore some pain, & ultimately, the resolution that there is the ability to love, even after all he’s gone through. Outside of the lyricism, I entered a zen state for a lot of this, so I can’t speak to the extent of musical repetition on the album (save for “Time to Get It Together” being extra with it), but my ears caught it a handful of times. I still managed to ignore a lot of it, just because I found this to be such an interesting album. It’s a great listen, however awkward & messy it feels to listen to it, but much like a guilty pleasure movie, there’s something satisfying about it that’s hard to quantify. It’s why I feel weird giving this a number, because I’d love to just sort of admire it as the open & honest art piece it is. Since I have to give it a number though, it’s a 5, and a highly recommended one.
Ehhh
Didn't particularly interest me but not bad
Very good 👍
Marvin’s divorce letter to his ex-wife. I think it was released to fund the divorce settlement. Interesting choice for inclusion on the list. The voice is in fine fettle, not quite what’s going on but still a strong album, a man nursing his grievance.
Musicians often use their work to express their feelings, grievances, fears, mourning, hate; you name it. But to produce a whole f*ng double album is so much over the top, it's disgusting.
Good, but repetitive
It doesn’t take a deep Wikipedia dive to know that this is an album made by a man who is bitter about a divorce he’s gone through. And honestly, I wish it weren’t so, because the result is not Marvin’s best work. This is the third album of his that this list has produced, this one comes from the most hateful and personally downtrodden perspective of the three. While R&B roots itself in such emotions, I don’t think Mr. Gaye produces any unique or memorable perspectives with such emotions. At best, it’s moody, at worst, it’s meandering, aimless, and petty. My pick to listen to from this record is “Anger” which is sort of a third person view of Marvin, where he extricates himself from the divorce emotions he’s feeling to give a more measured view on what anger does to him and others in general. None of the music is ‘bad’ here, but none of it stands out or merits a spot on this list.
Marvin is the man, but even the man’s miss sometimes. Sure it’s smooth, sure it’s well-played, but it’s sure forgettable.
Not my favourite Marvin album but still solid. Pretty confessional soul Songwriting about his relationship with Ann Gordy.
Marvin is the king of background music for romantic moments. Not to say his music is generally bad, but it's not great. It's still very good, but the closer you listen, the more it doesn't really hold up. I think this album is best if you're only paying a little bit of attention to it, which stinks, because there are some really nice harmonies and chord progressions hidden in a couple of the songs. The album also goes on for a bit too long for me. I didn't need either of the returns of "When Did You...". Favorite Song(s): When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You
why???is???he???soooo????whinyyyy??!!!!!!!! If I were Anna and if I had doubts about the divorce, I would have none by the end of the album
Too long but Chad.
Pretty good, but the songs were a bit long for my taste and sounded pretty similar
Marvin Gaye’s voice and signature sound always bring a smile to my face. But these are barely songs — more like musings that he’s chosen to sing and set to music. Not necessarily bad, but disappointing given the man’s talent. It’s a three, at best.
★★★½
I found this to be an incredibly emotional album and you can clearly hear the pain Marvin had gone through in the divorce coming through in the move. I will say that the music itself is emotional but the songs don't pop out like any of his other hits; respectable though. 7/10.
Not bad but also nothing to circle back to
no skips at all. beautiful
Way to long for an album with every song about a break up. Was not terrible, but didnt really enjoy it. Standout songs: Sparrow A Funky Space Reincarnation
I have never listened to this Marvin Gaye album before. Honestly, I hadn’t heard of it. There weren’t really any of this big hits on it. But I really liked it. I mean I don’t think it’s in the same category as what’s going on but still pretty damn good.
Even is second tier work is still great 7/10
Sensual one
I was so bewildered by just how much of a divorce album this was I had to give it one more listen. It was just so weirdly distracting I couldn't really properly listen. The second listen brought a much deeper appreciation. It's still a bit odd to have a whole album so focused on it. I can't deny the music is good though. The best track is the one about reincarnated space sex. Yeah, I couldn't believe such a song existed either but it sure does and it's fantastically funky.
I don't think I've listened to Marvin Gaye before but I'm on the wagon now, this shit god damn rules. Each song seems to have like 3 to 5 melodies, plus intricate bass lines, going on at the same time. If attempted by many, this would sound like a cacophonic mess, but somehow it's all layered into this cohesive, coordinated texture. I imagine on the 100th time listening to this you can still find something new and exciting. I especially liked the songs where the gospel influences showed through, like the titular song and 'When did you stop loving me, when did I stop loving you'. The latter was my favorite and seemed to theme the entire album, but there's no weak points here. Awesome the whole way through.
Whew, what a stormy quiet storm. There is clear turmoil here layered in some smooth jazz and soul. I love "Sparrow".
WAY TOO LONG!!! I thought the album was coming to a close around Sparrow, and the album was barely half way finished. Then A Funk Space Reincarnation really sounded like an outro. 2.5 rounded down
I always say that it's too bad white listeners mostly know Marvin Gaye for Sexual Healing and Let's Get It On, giving the impression he's mostly about shallow sex jams. This album is mellower than my vibe has been of late, but it has a great backing music, really nice fusion of jazz and soul, and neat introspection about love and the disintegration of his marriage.
I don't think I've ever heard a breakup album that is as horny as this one. It sounds nice (and I finally get the idea of baby-making music), but that's only so long as you don't actually listen to the lyrics and just enjoy the vibes.
There's something really fascinating to me about a divorce album, maybe because it serves as an interesting contrast to normal breakup albums, which normally have a "fuck you anyway" energy. But there was a sort of brokenness underlying the lyrics here that I really couldn't escape. You can tell he still loves Anna, and is caught in between knowing he's failed her and begging her to never leave. There's something beautiful in that I can't quite articulate, because my brain becomes smoother by the day.
Great album. Interesting wiki read too - added a lot to the album.
Good stuff.
It's decent but stop with the double albums dammit.
Decent. A bit long for my tastes with this style
Not really outstanding
Nice album. Came out of it with 3 new lovers
This album really has an excellent sound and groove all the way through. Honestly, Marvin was really in his bag with the overall sound, the vocal deliveries, the instrumentation, especially on the soloist end for the guitars and the sax. I really liked listening to it - but man.... the message on this album just really REALLY bogs down the vibes. I could feel it if it was more of a heartbreak album, but this is really just an hour (plus) long call-out to his ex. Feels a little uncalled for. I can see how the sonical vibe of the album contrasts well with what he's saying, and maybe there's some deeper messaging there. But on the surface level, the message is hard to ignore and it kind of ruins it for me. 3/5
preachy
Wasn't thrilled on my first listen, but I'm glad I read up on it a little bit and gave it a second listen, it was worth hearing in the right context. I wasn't really expecting a breakup album on my first listen, so with that in mind this is a great album.
Good album. I enjoyed this. No real standouts but an easy listen.
Takes a song or 2 to settle into the vibe. But once you're in, the ride is funkadelically delicious. Highlights: TIME TO GET TOGETHER ~ A FUNKY SPACE REINCARNATION ~ YOU CAN LEAVE, BUT IT'S GOING TO COST YOU
This really is a Marvin Gaye album
Funktastic
Funky but not the best Gaye
Marvin's not handling the divorce very well
One of the best of all time. Kind of can't believe this is a real album and it's done so well!
This is a good album, and it is certainly good R&B, but in terms of content and connection it seems a little too personal to me. For fans of his, this might be interesting and helpful, but as a general fan of music, it didn't draw me in as I expected from his peerless reputation.
Didn't do much for me
So smooth and so melodic. I wish there weren't so much run time dedicated to lamenting an acrimonious divorce, and there aren't as many stand out all time gems as his other albums, but a great listen over all
I generally vibe with soul music, but for some reason, Marvin Gaye has never really done much for me. I understand he is talented as all hell, but there’s just something to his approach to soul that don’t work for me. I think it’s because his “best” records are generally ‘70s downtempo soul; records where you can smell the ganja, records made for you to put on in the background while you make slow, passionate love to your one night stand. I just need something more upbeat, frankly. And well, a sad divorce album where all the earnings go to your ex-wife in this style? And it’s a double album…Yeah, no– I’m already out before I press play. And listening through it does little to change that for me. It’s exactly what I expected, based on other Marvin Gaye records I’ve heard before, and based on a simple wikipedia skim of the subject matter. And it’s incredibly long. Before this record was 1/4 of the way finished, I’d already formed a solid enough opinion to determine how I felt. The remaining 75% did nothing to change that. Like, if you’re already going back to the well to do an ✨instrumental✨ version of the best song here– that isn’t really an instrumental if you’re vocalizing on it– like, you don’t have the material to make a double album. Arguably, he didn’t have the material for a single album here, either, because he did this TWICE!!! Also, divorce records don’t really ✨speak✨ to me, as someone who’s been in a very healthy and loving relationship for the last 10+ years. But even when I was younger and dating and heartbroken, the depression vibes over a relationship were never my vibe. And it’s definitely not my vibe here and now. Now, that’s not to say that Here, My Dear isn’t an *interesting* listen. Where else are you going to hear someone soulfully self-harmonize the lyrics “Why do I have to pay attorney fees (attorney fees!)”?! Or a chorus that goes “you can leave, but it’s going to cost you,” as a double entendre?! What about a song about being reincarnated with your ex-wife on a funky spaceship and smoking Venus weed together?! On a purely bitchy level, the amount of dirty laundry aired on this record does speak to the deuxmoi/TMZ/WorldStar/tabloid-obsessed girl in me, to the point where maybe I should work on that a bit. I get how you could view the context of this album as essential, but on text alone, while interesting, it’s not enjoyable. And look, through all this, Gaye has his talents. They may not produce anything to my liking, but I’m not going to deny that the idea for a double album song cycle that sounds more like a suite is a good idea– on paper. It’s the execution that ruins it, even if I was a fan of this style of soul. But I’m not, and I was bored, and this feels self-absorbed in a way that doesn’t really interest me. I support him being a petty bitch, but that doesn’t mean I have to actually listen to him while he bitches.
Marvin The Great! One of the most soulful singers of all time.