Before I started the review of Love Marvin (The greatest love songs of Marvin Gaye), I asked myself what to write. Is there anything more to be said about Marvin Gaye or even ... is it even necessary to present this album to an audience that's most likely very familiar with the man's work.
However, when I started listening to the first couple of tracks on this '40 song strong' double CD collection, the answer was simple ... why should we ever stop writing about this phenomenon. Maybe now it's even more important to put his wonderful music in the spotlight as we must educate young and upcoming soul fans, as it it them that will have to make sure in the future that these sounds are never to be forgotten.
Anyway, I believe that it isn't necessary to dissect each and every song on here as we all know their quality, therefore let's check out which tracks decorate this collection. As expected, all classic Marvin Gaye cuts are present (except Inner City Blues maybe) and are still sounding fresh and innovative. However, what I liked best about Love Marvin is the fact that the album provides a 'somewhat complete' synopsis of Marvin's career, and this undoubtly opens a large treasure box of goodies for those who haven't had the chance to taste the man's 'less known work'.
I can assure that you'll fall in love with the many duets Marvin performed with Tammi Terell (Ain't nothing like the real Thing), Kim Weston (It takes Two), Mary Wells (Once upon a Time) and Diana Ross (Stop look listen (to your Heart)) ... you'll be be surprised by the hidden funk as in Got to give it Up or the snippets of Marvin Gaye's music that have been sampled and used in numerous world hits.
Overall though, these 40 tracks of pure gold only will confirm and prove once again why Marvin Gaye has been, and still is so important in musical history.
A brilliant collection from a genius artist.
An essential piece and highly recommended.

A Teach review

Marvin Gaye Linxxx

> Marvin Gaye on Myspace
> Buy Love Marvin by Marvin Gaye