I've been listening to this album for a while now and I have to say it is sadly one of the most underrated albums in both Marvin's and Diana's recording output. Any fan of Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye should own this album. It has suffered from comparisons to Gaye's work with Tammi Terrell which is really unfair. (Marvin & Tammi may have been the greatest duet partners to ever grace the pop charts. Their chemistry has never been topped.) The album "Diana & Marvin" remains a fascinating portrait of two superstars whose personalities are never far removed from their music. The tension between the two that surfaced during the recording of the album is evident on the best tracks: "My Mistake (Was to Love You)," "Don't Knock My Love," and the glorious "Just Say, Just Say." "You Are Everything," and "Stop, Look,& Listen," also prove to be two fine showcases for the dueling vocalists. The song list is remarkably consistent. Gaye's intro to "Pledging My Love" is worth the price of admission alone. Many people have chosen to undermine the talents of Diana Ross. I suspect the criticism is rooted in her reputation of being a difficult diva. It's a shame her achievements are often overlooked. She was one of the first African-American performers to be embraced by the public. She paved the way for many young singers today. Her interpretive skills were at their peak during this time period. "Lady Sings the Blues," recorded just two years earlier, remains a remarkable testament of her talent and no one can erase the charm of her best singles with the Supremes. Many of the tracks on "Diana & Marvin" recall the early days of Motown. There is an endearing simplicity to these songs that invites repeated listens. Niether artist would go on to record music as light hearted as this again. The remastered CD features four bonus tracks that seem more tailored to Ross's singing style. You can hear Broadway calling on "The Things I Will Miss." Gaye still delievers the punch, especially on the disco version of "I'll Keep My Light In My Window." Overall, the album's charm rests in the performers themselves.

And yes, I know almost everyone knows about the drama between Marvin and Diana that immersed during the recording of this underrated, yet classic gem. During the sessions, Ross was pregnant with her second child and was naturally infuriated by Gaye excessivley smoking weed during the sessions. Gaye refused to budge! He saw Ross as being difficult and tempremental and if anything seemed to be amused by Ross being so aggriavated by him. But as I listened to the tracks on this record, I didn't really detect any tension or anger. It was just magic and soulful, even though they eventually decided to record their vocals seperately. Their performances blend wonderfully together, in the most shocking way. Anyone else remembers and/or loves this gem?

Great post silverchild Are you a writer?

I agree with you, it`s one hell of an album...

My favorite is "Stop, look & listen", the best version of the song. "I`ll keep my light in my window" is my favorite up-tempo track on the cd.

SunnySkies said:

Their cover of Stop, look, & Listen is 70's soul heaven, all the way. Most of the stuff on this album doesn't even sound like it was recorded at Motown. It sounds like Philadelphia soul, most def. Marvin and Diana were probably one of the most underrated duos in not only Motown history, but pop history and sadly it was Marv's last, "big" duet collaboration.
[Edited 8/7/07 10:09am]

I agree with SunnySkies! Great Post!

"My Mistake" and "Stop, Look & Listen" are on mp3 player right now! Classic greats from two of music's most dynamic greats!

I'm just surprised Diana ever sported an afro.

Great review. I really enjoy the reissued version of the cd with the bonus trax. It is a great cd.

GREAT WRITING!

sosgemini said:

Ummm, I couldn't understand you, say it again.

I've really got to sit down
and listen to this album all the way through
everytime I do... something happens
and I lose focus

This album is excellent! My favorite song is "My Mistake (Was To Love You)"

Nice sleeve.

They don't make 'em like they used to.

novabrkr said:

sure don't! The sleeve is beautiful and classy.

I'll have to go pick this up and give it a listen.

Love this album! The bonus tracks are great, too. "The Things I Will Not Miss" is my song.