Anthology by Marvin Gaye.
I am admittedly not a big “greatest hits” guy. Always seems like it’s cheating to me to go there and it feels like you don’t get a true feel for the artist. There are a few exceptions I’ll make to that rule. One is “The Big Jangle” by Tom Petty and CSN & Y’s, “So Far.” I am adding one more to that list “Anthology” by Marvin Gay.
Now I knew MG was a great singer and his career spans decades, but this one is special. First of all this is a three platter set with a total of 40 cuts and almost a full two hours of music. Sounds a little daunting at first but I defy you to stop listening, I mean it’s just that good!
Further this is not a let’s-see-how-many-hits-we-can-cram-into-three-records affair, although there are plenty. This is a musical journey
You start with MG’s first hit “Stubborn Kind of Fellow,” and he takes you on an amazing journey through Motown. You get collaborations such as one of my all time favorite R&B, Singers Mary Wells. And you get to follow the evolution as Marvin Gaye’s voice and style matures from great to extraordinary.
There are more than enough chart-toppers to keep the greatest hits junkies happy here, but I have to say that would be discounting his depth of talent.
Marvin Gay started as a session musician at Motown and as a result his recordings through the years are full of experimentation with both melody and beat. The lyrics are amazing and, in his later years, full of social commentary.
Although this compilation was released in 1974, no song encapsulates what we are feeling today like, “Whats Going On.” If you are not a Marvin Gay fan by omission, you will be after listening to this sampling of this great artist’s work.
I defy you to stop listening, I mean it’s just that good!
My readers will come to know that I don’t gush often, but it’s hard not to here. So many stand-outs for cool songs here. But giving some props to my son-in-law, Chris, it’s hard to dispute that “Inner City Blues” wins.
Get ready for a treat for your ears, put these records on, pour some Hennessy neat, and follow Marvin Gaye’s remarkable, remarkable career.