Marvin Gaye Albums (33)
'Marvin Gaye at the Copa'
Release Date 1/1/2005
Tracks 17
Label Hip-O Select/Motown
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What The Critics Say
Generally regarded as an iconic nightclub in the history of New York City, the Copa represented that and more to Motown owner Berry Gordy. For Gordy, the Copa was one of many benchmarks indicating that his little experiment called Motown was successful, and having his artists there was the ultimate symbol of how far he had come. The Supremes already had their shot at the Copa, and a live album was issued shortly thereafter. Next up was Gordy's rebellious but chart topping prodigy, Marvin Gaye. In many respects this was the ideal performance for Gaye, as many of the singers he grew to idolize shared the stage there at one point or another, with names like Sinatra and Cole. This was also Gaye's shot at branching out beyond the starched suit of formulaic (but highly successful and groundbreaking) songs that Gordy and Motown urged him to sing. In many instances, Gaye felt the material beneath him, and patiently waited for the day when he could croon his way to the top (a batch of unreleased recordings in this style would resurface in 1997's excellent Vulnerable compilation). The performances came and went, and everything was in place to release the results. However, this never came to pass (according to the outstanding liner notes, it was largely attributed to the tumultuous relationship between Gaye and Gordy; they had an ongoing feud that continued in one variation or another until the end of Gaye's life) and the project was ultimately shelved. Fast forward to 2005, and the folks at Motown Select had the good sense to remaster and release these recordings in a limited pressing. Marvin Gaye at the Copa is a survey of Gaye's finest performances during that two-night stint and the results are nothing short of striking. A balance of standards, ballads and Motown favorites in medley form comprise the 17 tracks on the disc, and with every performance Gaye's velvet-smooth delivery is more than evident; it's addicting. His longing to be out from under the contrived entertainment and choreography -- the juggernaut of the Motown formula -- bleeds through on tracks such as "The Shadow of Your Smile," "Strangers in the Night," and "The Song Is You." And if anything, the release of these tracks not only serve as a kind of vindication -- Gaye could not only capably sing in this fashion, he could do it better than Gordy would ever allow him credit for. It's somewhat liberating to have this collection readily available, but also somewhat sad that his career and his dreams never fully came to fruition. Of all Gaye's previously issued live works, this ranks with the best of them. For fans of Gaye's early years, this is musical manna from heaven. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
'Music Legends: Marvin Gaye in Concert'
Release Date 3/23/2004
Tracks 11
Label Brentwood
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'Rocking After Midnight: The Last Concert'
Release Date 4/29/2003
Tracks 13
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'North American Tour'
Release Date 1/28/2003
Tracks 11
Label Universe
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What The Critics Say
An impressively packaged Italian release, North American Tour was recorded at various unspecified stops during Marvin Gaye's 1983 spring-summer U.S. tour, offering up a powerful taste of an outing that was made all the more poignant in retrospect by the singer's murder the following year. Blistering through a set that includes massive renditions of crowd favorites "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "Let's Get It On," and "What's Going On," Gaye also delivers a dirty groove across "Come Get to This." And on it goes through "God Is Love" and "Joy," a stomping eight-minute medley that blends Ashford & Simpson's "Ain't Nothin' Like the Real Thing" with "If This World Were Mine" and "Your Precious Love"(among others), before the evening wraps up, of course, with "Sexual Healing." It's a breathless set. Indeed, although Gaye's own performance does fall into patchy shambles from time to time, the overall mood is so exuberant that any passing failings are readily forgiven. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? However, there is one gross flaw to this album that is inexcusable. Rather than presenting a seamless performance, the sound -- usually the roar of a delirious crowd -- cuts out between every individual track, seconds of silence that are absolutely disconcerting and completely spoil the experience. For the casual fan simply wanting a taste of Gaye in concert, there are many better albums to sample. However, for the collector, this late-era vibe should be spun. The 2002 Goldenlane Records Performance CD duplicates this same disc with the same flaws. ~ Amy Hanson, All Music Guide
'Live in Montreux 1980'
Release Date 10/28/2002
Tracks 17
Label Music Club International
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What The Critics Say
While not as emotionally potent or as historical a release in Marvin Gaye's live album catalog as others, Live in Montreux 1980 is a power-packed two-disc set capturing the man once again at the top of his game. Starting off with the classic "Got to Give It Up" (complete with a subtle nod to the Jacksons) and working his way through the much underrated "A Funky Space Reincarnation," Gaye ruthlessly tears through one hit after another before an audience that clearly is savoring every moment. A moving tribute medley to Tammi Terrell closes the first disc and leads Gaye into vintage territory before diving into classic hit after staggering hit that made What's Going On one of the most powerful albums of all time. Backed by a stellar band, Gaye exercises and stretches each song to its elastic limits, proving again why he was the yardstick by which all other live performers measured themselves, as well as further solidifying his reputation as one of the most consummate live entertainers of his generation. And though it's not as historically important as the Live at the London Palladium recording, Live in Montreux provides the kind of all-encompassing glimpse into his brilliant catalog that most live albums have failed to deliver accurately. Highly recommended, and arguably essential listening for anyone purporting to be a fan of Marvin Gaye. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Like Charlie Parker, Jimi Hendrix, and Hank Williams Sr., Marvin Gaye is a perfect example of a musical giant who became his own worst enemy and turned to drugs and/or alcohol to cope with his demons. Gaye didn't die from drug-related causes; he was shot and killed by his own father in 1984. But cocaine and severe depression did take their toll on the soul legend, and that is why his concerts could be erratic and inconsistent during the last few years of his life. Like various CDs that have come from The Right Stuff, Park South, and other labels, Performance focuses on Gaye's 1983 tour. This disc isn't without its problems. The sound quality is not great -- it isn't bad, but it isn't great -- and at times, Gaye's substance abuse is obviously affecting the quality of his work. But despite those things, the CD has more ups than downs. Even though Gaye had grown to dread touring and was fighting a losing battle with his demons in 1983, he manages to sound passionate more often than not. All of the songs that Gaye chooses are first-rate, and that includes "Sexual Healing," as well as "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and major '70s hits like "What's Going On," "Inner City Blues," and "Let's Get It On." However, not all of Gaye's performances are first-rate -- he sounds inspired more often than he sounds uninspired, but the CD (which contains insightful liner notes by singer Athan Maroulis) certainly isn't without its weak moments. Because of Performance's inconsistent, uneven nature and its imperfect sound quality, the disc is not recommended to casual listeners. Performance is strictly for collectors and hardcore fans, who will want to obtain this CD despite its shortcomings. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Released during Marvin Gaye's two-and-a-half-year sabbatical following the chart-topping success of Let's Get It On, Live! features the erratic soul superstar moving briskly through some of his biggest hits. The album-opening "Trouble Man" wields considerable weight, instantly establishing an engaging tone. From there Gaye moves toward an 11-minute medley of his '60s classics that comes across as almost a montage of nostalgia, evoking wistful memories of a more innocent and untainted Marvin. Following this medley, the album hits its fiery peak with versions of "Let's Get It On" and "What's Going On," his two biggest hits of the moment. Live! isn't quite as essential as 1977's Live at the London Palladium, lacking the scope and instrumentation of that double LP. Regardless, it's still a great snapshot of Gaye at a key point in his career -- the mid-'70s sabbatical from which he would never return quite the same. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
'Motown Remembers Marvin Gaye'
Release Date 1/1/1986
Tracks 12
Label Motown
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What The Critics Say
An odd collection of vault items, alternate takes, B-sides, and leftovers that the label issued in response to numerous bootleg sets that were running rampant in 1985, in the wake of Gaye's tragic death the year before at his father's hands. Many of these songs are quite flawed, yet Gaye's vocal treatments are seldom less than compelling, and sometimes unforgettable. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A flawed but intriguing set of vault items, unreleased performances, and alternate tracks. Some are sentimental and romantic, others are yearning or anguished. Almost anything Marvin Gaye released had some merit; this one has less than most, but still contains some gripping singing. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
