Amy Grant’s “The 6th of January” Tells What’s Going On
Amy Grant’s “The 6th of January” burns the way the Ramones’ “Bonzo Goes to Bitburg” burned in denouncing Ronald Reagan’s visit to a Nazi cemetery.
Marvin Gaye
The Top 10 Definitive Breakup Albums
When you feel bombarded with overpriced consumerism disguised as love, here are ten albums that look at love's hangover.
Counterbalance No. 6: Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’
Marvin Gaye's What's Going On has been called the greatest soul album of all time. But is it truly "right on"—or maybe a little bit "jive"? Counterbalance’s Mendelsohn and Klinger find out what's happening, brother.
The Isley Brothers and Santana: Power of Peace
At a time of great political and social upheaval, Power of Peace positions itself as a message of love and unity over hate and division.
J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only
A deeply personal album 4 Your Eyez Only represents J. Cole's most mature and cohesive record to date.
Frank Ocean and a Short History of Spite Albums
Frank Ocean's Endless, the decidedly less commercial of his two recent releases, might just be a victory for artists who've been forced to release music to fulfill contractual obligations. Here's a look at some of history's more significant spite albums.
Why the “Blurred Lines” Lawsuit Verdict Was a Mistake
No matter how much one dislikes "Blurred Lines", it's hard to see how the victory of the Gaye estate will be beneficial to artists in the future.
Marvin Gaye and Mos Def: Yasiin Gaye: The Return (Side Two)
Yasiin Gaye swings back around for round two of the long-playing soul/hip-hop mashups. Nice.
Various Artists: The Motown 7s Box Volume 2
The second set of Northern Soul-flavored 7x7"-singles from the legendary soul label highlights just how tough it is to consider the Motown sound objectively these days.
Marvin Gaye: The Soul Legend
A few sweet lessons in life and love from a soul legend.