Here is a thread ranking the discography of soul and rnb artist Marvin Gaye. Marvin Gaye stands as one of the most impactful artists in the motown scene, and just soul and rnb in general. One of my favorite artists of all time as well and I well enjoyed checking his back catalog.
disclaimer: the album “The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye” is not silly available on spotify so I decided not to listen and left it out of this list. I may give my thoughts on a later date.
20. A Stubborn Kinda’ Fellow
19. Moods Of Marvin Gaye
18. How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You
17. When I’m Alone I Cry
19. Moods Of Marvin Gaye
18. How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You
17. When I’m Alone I Cry
At this point I would like to point out a common fact often pointed out by fans of Gaye. Around the time of What’s Going On? Marvin grew a beard. And a common theme is that after this point, also reflected on my list, his music became better and more unique from the Motown sound.
10. In The Groove - Decent 8/10
The only album from the pre-beard era i have on this list. This is where Gaye is at the peak of his Motown sound with lively songs and great production. You and Heard It Through The Grapevine my favorites here.
The only album from the pre-beard era i have on this list. This is where Gaye is at the peak of his Motown sound with lively songs and great production. You and Heard It Through The Grapevine my favorites here.
9. Dream Of A Lifetime - Decent 8/10
The first posthumous release following his death in 1984. A very delightful listen and I could see this as rather calming to a grieving fan base. Life’s Opera has also become one of my favorite tracks in his entire catalog.
The first posthumous release following his death in 1984. A very delightful listen and I could see this as rather calming to a grieving fan base. Life’s Opera has also become one of my favorite tracks in his entire catalog.
8. In Our Lifetime - Strong 8/10
One of Marvin’s liveliest projects this album is full of groovy funk and soul that stands out in a discography full of it. Songs like Ego Tripping Out are some of the most unique in his catalog and remain some of his best.
One of Marvin’s liveliest projects this album is full of groovy funk and soul that stands out in a discography full of it. Songs like Ego Tripping Out are some of the most unique in his catalog and remain some of his best.
7. Midnight Love - Strong 8/10
Probably the funkiest release Gaye ever put out in this career. This album grooves and moves the listener and creates a vibe like you are riding through a city late night. I would love to highlight the song Sexual Healing an amazing cut of it.
Probably the funkiest release Gaye ever put out in this career. This album grooves and moves the listener and creates a vibe like you are riding through a city late night. I would love to highlight the song Sexual Healing an amazing cut of it.
6. I Want You - Strong 8/10
A beautifully smooth album this time around that is a joy to listen. The vocals all over this are smooth and sensual and are some of the best in his catalog.
A beautifully smooth album this time around that is a joy to listen. The vocals all over this are smooth and sensual and are some of the best in his catalog.
5. You’re The Man - Decent 9/10
The 4th and most recent posthumous release(2019) of his discography this albums exceeds expectations. Recorded as a follow up to What’s Going On?, this album shows Marvin at his creative peak. Amazing cuts front to back on this thing. Underrated.
The 4th and most recent posthumous release(2019) of his discography this albums exceeds expectations. Recorded as a follow up to What’s Going On?, this album shows Marvin at his creative peak. Amazing cuts front to back on this thing. Underrated.
4. Trouble Man - Decent 9/10
A soundtrack for a film of the same name this delivers on all fronts. From the cinematic instrumentals to the smooth calming singing this album is another master class in his discography.
A soundtrack for a film of the same name this delivers on all fronts. From the cinematic instrumentals to the smooth calming singing this album is another master class in his discography.
3. Let’s Get It On - Strong 9/10
What feels like a prequel to I Want You this album is sensual in all definition. With his most popular song the title track, know for a cliche love song. From front to back this is jam packed with amazing instrumentals and great song writing.
What feels like a prequel to I Want You this album is sensual in all definition. With his most popular song the title track, know for a cliche love song. From front to back this is jam packed with amazing instrumentals and great song writing.
2. Here, My Dear - Strong 9/10
Marvin’s longest record this is an opus in all regards. Grand in scale and expertly executed by Gaye and the instrumentals. Close to the same tier as the number one spot but not quite.
Marvin’s longest record this is an opus in all regards. Grand in scale and expertly executed by Gaye and the instrumentals. Close to the same tier as the number one spot but not quite.
1. What’s Going On? - 10/10
An absolute opus of its time and genre. From the vibrant instrumentals to the genius song writing this album never ceases for a minute to amaze. The pacing is incredible with almost each and every song flowing into each other perfectly. Gaye is at his
An absolute opus of its time and genre. From the vibrant instrumentals to the genius song writing this album never ceases for a minute to amaze. The pacing is incredible with almost each and every song flowing into each other perfectly. Gaye is at his
peak with his song writing speaking on current events from the view of a black man in America. The instrumental arrangements are diverse and wonderful in scope. One of the greatest albums of all time, truly incredible.
Thank you for reading. A longer thread for sure so I appreciate you making it this far. If you did consider retweeting or maybe even a follow : )