Customer Reviews

Vulnerable

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
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There are not enough adjectives in the English language to adequately describe this lost gem from one of the greatest talents of the twentieth century. Marvin Gaye, recognized as an innovator, always wanted to release an album of ballads, and these tracks were recorded over three decades ago. Contrary to common perception that Motown didn't deem them commercial enough, deviating too much from Gaye's trademark R & B renderings, the singer himself chose to keep them hidden from his audience.

Following his tragic death in 1984, they seemed to be lost forever. However, Candace Bond and Amy Herot, compiled and released this ten-cut collection in 1997 and it is a major addition to the artist's discography.

With the current trend toward singers doing their interpretations of standards from the past, "Vulnerable" finds its place among the best. Each of the tracks is a feast for the ears, with Gaye providing his own background vocals, thus, confirming his place among the best of his or any generation.

Although it's short at just less than thirty minutes, "Vulnerable" is nothing short of a masterpiece, highlighted by two awe-inspiring versions of "I Wish I Didn't Love You So."

I usually consider myself a Jazz/Rock head, carefully avoiding any unnecessary contact with R&B and soul music - Erykah Badu was the only exception prior my encounter with this fantastic record which really has pushed my musical awareness towards soul town. This is one of those rare pieces of music where you can listen to every number on it again and again and just feel in touch with life, the artist and generally complete.

Every composition has a dreamy timeless jazzy feel, very unlike the Marvin the radio usually plays and I am beyond baffled as to why I had to pick this CD up second hand - one would think that record people should know true art when they encounter it and release it for the rest of us to enjoy. I usually write my favorite tracks in a Amazon review but I am gonna skip this, because I simply love the entire record, it goes perfectly for a home evening, with a Gin/Tonic, a nice girl and a couple of candles. Enough said.

My favorite song on this hauntingly beautiful, jazzy work of music art is, Why Did I Choose You. But wait! All of the songs on this here mesmerizing album are my favorites. You can just hear the aching longing in his voice and, by the way, he had heaps of aching in his life. These songs are a testament to his range of vocal ability - from the heights of joy, to the depths of his wracked soul. He sang all the vocals - you can just hear him coming through - clear as a bell! I can't gush enough about this album! Though short and sweet - Marvin . . . we've never heard you better.

Ladies and gentlemen, this album is a treasure of songs Marvin recorded back in the 60's and 70's off and on...this is the type of music that he would say, "I loved the most". He wanted to be a crooner like Sinatra and Cole. Before there was "Here, My Dear" (the all time classic), there were these songs that Marvin wanted to release, but would the public buy them? People, "Vunerable" is a hit and Marvin speaks from the grave on this one. Big Ups to Motown for completing this record!! Marvin smiles on this vocal masterpiece. ..."if I had to choose again, I would still choose you". 5 Stars!!!!!

It's a wonder why this wasn't released while Marvin was still here, even though this was first recorded in the late 60s/early 70s! Marvin truly shines on these standards...highlights from this release are SHE NEEDS ME, I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU SO, and WHY DID I CHOOSE YOU. Don't over look this...this packaging is great!

I purchased this CD after reading several books about this outstanding artist. No matter how many times I listened to these songs, the reaction is always the same. A mixture of elation, yearning, beauty, appreciation and longing. He masterfully re-captured our hearts in his rendition these musical standards. Do not miss out on this experience.

Unfortunately, the majority of people and I dare say people that call themselves Marvin Gaye fans do not know the jazzy side of Marvin. This is one of the best CD's that I have ever heard, regardless of the genre of music. You will not be disappointed in the range and sheer beauty of Marvin's incredible voice. His voice can only be rivaled by the lyrics contained in this CD. I must, however, give one word of caution...do not listen to this CD alone

this is a brillant album period.this is the album that Marvin Gaye always wanted to make.he was told that he had to suffer to get the emotions of the material and did he ever? the genius of his voice and richness of the arrangements are pure.it's one of my favorites by him.and that's a few but this one is different.he was a genius of different styles.a must have.

ONE OF MARVIN'S BEST ALBUMS, EVERY TRACK IS GREAT, ESPECIALLY WITH THE AWESOME SHM AUDIO FORMAT. MUST HAVE FOR ANY CD COLLECTION, BUT DON'T PAY THESE RIDICULOUS OVER-INFLATED PRICES, I BOUGHT MINE FROM THE MUSIC SPECIALIST ON E BAY, THEY ALSO HAVE A STORE IN GEMM, ANTEATERMUSIC. SAVE YOURSELF A TON OF CASH.
CHEERS!

I cannot fathom for one moment why Motown has not re-released this amazing vocal project from Marvin Gaye. Gaye was a vocal master in every sense of the word, with his soaring, emotional vocals and 3 octave range. He is very simply one of the greatest singers to ever stand on stage. No one can deny the talent that Marvin had, he reinvented music numerous times throughout his career. First with "What's Going On" and last with "Midnight Love'.

As David Ritz'z bio on Marvin suggests, he always wanted to be known as a crooner, a ballad singer alongside the likes of Sinatra and Martin. He succeeds here and gives us a glimpse into what he wanted to accomplish as an artist. He takes these jazzy standards and makes them fresh and new by putting his own style on it.

My favorite cut from the album is "Why Did I Choose You". The amazing thing about this album is that Marvin is singing all the parts, and it is very beautiful. You won't be disappointed in this album. Buy a copy used here on the Amazon marketplace or search on Ebay. You'll nor regret it.

Ernie McHone II