This CD issue pairs two of the labels giant names together during the early seventies resulting a couple of hit singles in the UK charts. Both Ross and Gaye had enjoyed mass success during the previous decade, Diana with the Supremes, and Marvin as a solo artist.

The teaming up with Diana Ross was nothing new to Marvin, he had already achieved success during the sixties firstly with the late Mary Wells, and Kim Weston, before massive success with the late Tammi Terrell. It is rumoured that Gaye had stated after Terrell’s death in 1971 that he would never record duets again, yet three years later he was back.

What a partnership that turned out to be with both their vocal styles blending beautifully together on a collection of songs that would melt hearts for years to come. The album issued in 1974 spawned two big hit singles from the pen of Linda Creed and Thom Bell whose songs for the legendary Philly International and AVCO labels, with the fabulous 'You Are Everything' and 'Stop Look Listen To Your Heart'. The on stage magic had returned with Diana where they convince the listener in 'Love Twins' that there really IS something going on as each tell each other 'I Love You' on this catchy mid tempo song.

Next up finds a toe tapping rendition of Wilson Pickett's 1972 hit 'Don't knock My Love' and whilst it is a strange choice it does comes across extremely well, whereas 'Pledging My Love' finds Marvin in a throwback to his early days at Motown with the opening lines " Forever My Darling - My Love Will Be True" and you just know your in for a treat as this gospel backed song bring out the best of both singers. Further evidence of hit material can be found in another smash in 'My Mistake' which took no time at all in establishing Ross & Gaye as the perfect partnership, with a song that will live with us forever and a day.

This CD boasts four extra bonus tracks the most striking being the well known 'I'll Keep A Light In My Window' often recorded by other Motown artists and this version is the most commercial one of them all standing head and shoulders above the rest. This whole album is centred around an immaculate production and vocal delivery as opposed to dance floor appeal, and it is a somewhat shame that this partnership was short lived. Of course both artists went onto greater things in the following years and this was the last of Marvin's duets which had spanned ten years since the early days with Mary Wells.

A great album that will be already tried and tested by Motown fans across the globe and with the inclusion of the four bonus tracks, makes this a sensible purchase to replace worn out vinyl copies.

It is a travesty that we will never see Marvin again as he remains one of the greatest musical losses this century.

Rating 7/10

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