Motown US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Marvin Gaye's When I'm Alone I Cry reissue is full of the soulful legend's early aspirations to break into the jazz and pop markets. Recorded in 1964, Gaye's smooth, silky voice, draws clear inspiration from icons like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra and the album is a collection of jazz standards, demonstrating Marvin's deep passion for a more adult sound. The production on When I'm Alone I Cry is polished, with lush orchestrations that perfectly complement Marvin's gentle, emotive vocals, with tracks like 'I Was Telling Her About You', the title track and 'If My Heart Could Sing' particularly amazing, revealing Gaye's ability to convey deep emotion. Though the album didn't achieve the same commercial success as his later works, it's a treasure for those studying Marvin's artistry, highlighting his versatility and desire to explore different genres. Fans of Billie Holiday's Lady in Satin or Sinatra's In The Wee Small Hours will appreciate the album's tender, melancholic mood.

Review: Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, this iconic release, which was the UK's best-selling album of 2004, returns on a limited green edition coloured vinyl. Known for their eccentric style and high-energy, feel-good lyrics, the album's original release on February 2, 2004 propelled the band to global fame. Featuring fan favourites like 'Take Your Mama,' 'Laura,' and 'Filthy/Gorgeous,' the album has sold nearly four million copies worldwide, racked up 300 million streams and won 'Best International Album' at the 2005 Brits.

Review: Stevie Wonder's The Definitive Collection, now reissued on double vinyl, offers a broad overview of his remarkable career, initially compiled in 2002. . The collection highlights Wonder's versatilityipop, funk, soul, and jazz influences are all represented, with timeless tracks like 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours' and 'Sir Duke' standing out. While selections like 'Hey Love' and 'Overjoyed' may seem like odd inclusions when Stevie has had so many hits, the compilation still spans his career highlights, including smash hits like 'I Just Called to Say I Love You' and 'Part-Time Lover'. There are so many legendary songs, it's almost overwhelming - a great introduction to the breadth of Wonder's musical legacy.