Greatest Duets: A Love Songs Collection
Marvin Gaye sparked so convincingly with his singing partners that some listeners still believe he and platonic friendTammi Terrellhad a romantic relationship both on and off their records. So this collection is a natural, hanging together through a half-dozen partners and several production styles and eras. (Note: the Gaye-Betty Wright"duet" on "Distant Lover" is a mid-'90s trick of technology, no doubt well meant but tacky in sound quality at the very least.) The Marvin-and-Tammi tracks, including a looser alternate take of the fab "Keep On Lovin' Me Honey," are the highest points, but some less celebrated gems also stand out. "After the Lights Go Down Low," withMary Wells, is a ballad that outclasses the two sides of their single included here, while "I Want You 'Round" is a worthy confection for Gaye andKim Weston. Finally, while 1973'sDiana and MarvinLP was a somewhat slight, mercenary effort, the rare alternate of "Pledging My Love" that closes this set is sweet.--Rickey Wright