Exquisite, masterful, poetic, timeless, majestic

There are not enough adjectives in the English language to adequately describe this lost gem from one of the greatest talents of the twentieth century. Marvin Gaye, recognized as an innovator, always wanted to release an album of ballads, and these tracks were recorded over three decades ago. Contrary to common perception that Motown didn't deem them commercial enough, deviating too much from Gaye's trademark R & B renderings, the singer himself chose to keep them hidden from his audience.



Following his tragic death in 1984, they seemed to be lost forever. However, Candace Bond and Amy Herot, compiled and released this ten-cut collection in 1997 and it is a major addition to the artist's discography.



With the current trend toward singers doing their interpretations of standards from the past, "Vulnerable" finds its place among the best. Each of the tracks is a feast for the ears, with Gaye providing his own background vocals, thus, confirming his place among the best of his or any generation.



Although it's short at just less than thirty minutes, "Vulnerable" is nothing short of a masterpiece, highlighted by two awe-inspiring versions of "I Wish I Didn't Love You So."

Marvin didn't want those releases 2 be made in public

I was more afraid that I wouldn't buy it 'cuz it ain't Marvin's work, but now I love it, I know all the details behind this lost/posthumous release. Those songs incl. the alternate versions were recorded 1966 thru 1976 or '77 until Berry Gordy announced his decision not to released it in the public. According to David Ritz on the book "Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye" saying that Marvin had actually 2 or 3 songs that he think which is his best work but the other 4 songs he didn't want on there. When it was released in public in '97, everybody thought they should buy y'know there were a lot of unreleased songs that Marvin had did before he passed which I would say 1984 the year I was born. Thank God it was released posthumously on CD the first time since his last 2 recordings that were releases right after are DREAM OF A LIFETIME and ROMANTICALLY YOURS (those I should pick up). I'd already have the album "The Soulful Sound of Marvin Gaye" that incl. those songs from those album incl. his best one Midnight Love.



'specially I like every song that he did on this album incl. the alternate versions which were very interesting. I recommend this who wants to hear the jazzy side of Marvin than they do with the R&B-pop side of Marvin. Y'know people called him the black Frank Sinatra of our time or Black Haunting Eyes which I'll say.

Marvin, Ahhhhhh!!!! Refreshing!!!!!

Marvin is all you need to help mend that broken heart! Marvin has to be the Greatest crooner in the Universe..... If you dont have this album you need to get it, it's a must have in your cd players rotaion constantly....... This deserves more that a simple 5 stars its more like 13 planets and a solar system!

One Luv