The Marvin Gaye Collection
255 min · 81 tracks · funk
A rich tapestry of soul and rhythm and blues, blending heartfelt lyrics with vibrant grooves.
Top tracks — play these first
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What's Going On — This track stands as a poignant reflection of social upheaval and human compassion, showcasing Gaye's ability to blend personal introspection with broader societal issues.
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I Heard It Through the Grapevine — As one of Gaye's most recognizable songs, it exemplifies his mastery of emotional storytelling wrapped in a soulful melody that resonates across generations.
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Sexual Healing — This track highlights Gaye's smooth vocal delivery and sensual themes, marking a significant moment in the evolution of R&B and adult contemporary music.
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Ain't That Peculiar — With its catchy hook and relatable narrative about heartbreak, this song reflects Gaye's early Motown style while foreshadowing his lyrical depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This collection effectively showcases Gaye's diverse musical styles and significant contributions to soul music.
What we noticed
- The album features a chronological selection of tracks that highlight Marvin Gaye's stylistic evolution from early Motown to socially conscious themes.
- Many tracks utilize lush instrumentation, with prominent horns and strings that create a rich soundscape characteristic of Gaye's work.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
- dynamic collection for celebrations
- swaying to danceable grooves
- intimate moments of soulful reflection
- engaging tracks for mixed moods
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, conceptual pieces
- prefer modern production techniques
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — This compilation provides a comprehensive introduction to Gaye's influential work.
- Career context
- By the time The Marvin Gaye Collection was released in 1995, Gaye was a celebrated figure in music history, having passed away a year earlier. This compilation showcases his evolution from early Motown hits to profound social commentaries, marking his transition from a pop sensation to a revered artist committed to addressing deeper societal issues.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Al Green· Otis Redding· Curtis Mayfield
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Stubborn Kind of Fellow 2:51
- 2 Hitch Hike 2:33
- 3 Pride and Joy 2:30
- 4 Can I Get a Witness 2:49
- 5 You’re a Wonderful One 2:47
- 6 Try It Baby 3:00
- 7 How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You) 2:57
- 8 I’ll Be Doggone 2:49
- 9 Ain’t That Peculiar 2:58
- 10 I Heard It Through the Grapevine 3:14
- 11 Too Busy Thinking About My Baby 2:55
- 12 That’s the Way Love Is 3:40
- 13 What’s Going On 3:52
- 14 Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology) 3:14
- 15 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) 3:06
- 16 Trouble Man 3:51
- 17 Let’s Get It On 4:01
- 18 I Want You 3:58
- 19 Got to Give It Up 4:14
- 20 Sexual Healing 3:57
Disc 2
- 1 Once Upon a Time 2:34
- 2 What’s the Matter With You Baby 2:25
- 3 I’m Yours, You’re Mine 2:12
- 4 All I Got 3:17
- 5 You Can Dance 2:21
- 6 Rilleh 2:35
- 7 So Good to Be Loved by You 2:27
- 8 Was It a Dream 3:15
- 9 Steadies 2:28
- 10 It Takes Two 3:00
- 11 Exactly Like You 2:46
- 12 Teach Me Tonight 3:19
- 13 Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love) 2:26
- 14 It’s Me 2:53
- 15 Ain’t No Mountain High Enough 2:29
- 16 Your Precious Love 3:02
- 17 If I Could Build My Whole World Around You 2:24
- 18 If This World Were Mine 2:45
- 19 Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing 2:19
- 20 You’re All I Need to Get By 2:43
- 21 You Are Everything 3:11
- 22 You’re a Special Part of Me 4:39
- 23 My Mistake (Was to Love You) 3:06
- 24 Don’t Knock My Love 2:20
- 25 Pops, We Love You 3:51
Disc 3
- 1 Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide 3:05
- 2 Never Let You Go (Sha Lu Bop) 2:45
- 3 It’s Party Time 2:39
- 4 The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) (live) 2:24
- 5 Down and Under When You Limbo 2:45
- 6 My Girl 2:42
- 7 It’s Not Unusual 2:22
- 8 Sunny 2:56
- 9 Sweeter as the Days Go By 2:51
- 10 Sweet Thing 3:11
- 11 I Love You Secretly (aka My Last Chance) 4:35
- 12 I Want to Come Home for Christmas 4:43
- 13 5, 10, 15, 20 Years of Love 2:42
- 14 You’re My Everything (aka I’d Give My Life for You) 3:31
- 15 Come Get to This (live) 2:56
- 16 Distant Lover (live) 6:15
- 17 Jan (live) 3:11
- 18 ’60s Hits Medley (live) 8:52
- 19 Star Spangled Banner (live) 3:11
Disc 4
- 1 I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face 3:31
- 2 Straighten Up and Fly Right 2:24
- 3 Too Young 3:48
- 4 Mona Lisa 3:02
- 5 It’s Only a Paper Moon 2:26
- 6 What Kind of Fool Am I 3:42
- 7 The Days of Wine and Roses 3:37
- 8 Mack the Knife 2:58
- 9 Hello Young Lovers 2:36
- 10 Happy Days Are Here Again 2:50
- 11 Why Did I Choose You 2:37
- 12 She Needs Me 3:26
- 13 Funny 2:45
- 14 This Will Make You Laugh 2:54
- 15 The Shadow of Your Smile 3:03
- 16 I Wish I Didn’t Love You So 2:29
- 17 I Won’t Cry Anymore 2:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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