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."

I would actually give this album four-and-a-half stars. Marvin had been working on an album of standards since 1966, and, 12 years later, he had finally completed seven tracks that he was very pleased with. However, the album (which was then simply titled BALLADS) was not released until 1997. According to David Ritz, Marvin considered these songs to be his best work, however, he eventually decided against releasing them because he was afraid that his fans wouldn't except the change in material. Anyone who has heard the renditions of the standards that Marvin recorded in 1966 (much of which were eventually released on 1985's ROMANTICALLY YOURS) will instantly notice the tremendous growth in Marvin's voice and interpretations.

On the standards that he recorded in the sixties, Marvin sounds stiff and mechanical. However, on these 1978 recordings, Marvin finally found his niche as a ballad crooner. On VULNERABLE, his multi-layered vocals are pure, beautiful, and soulful. While I cannot call this his best work (really, could anything beat WHAT'S GOING ON or HERE, MY DEAR), I will say that this may contain his finest vocal performances. On every single track, it's clear that Marvin loves singing this material, and his passion seems to make his already incomparable voice sound even lovelier.

My only complaint with VULNERABLE is it's brief runtime. The 10 tracks (which consists of the seven songs, plus alternate versions of "Why Did I Choose You," "I Wish I Didn't Love You So," and "I Won't Cry Anymore") add up to less than 30 minutes, which is kind of skimpy even for record that was intended to be released in 1978. I personally feel that Motown should have issued this as an EP, however, the quality of the material (and it's historical significance) is more than enough to make it absolutely essential for any fan of Marvin.

I usually consider myself a Jazz/Rock head, carefully avoiding any unnecessary contact with R&B and soul music - Erykah Badu was the only exception prior my encounter with this fantastic record which really has pushed my musical awareness towards soul town. This is one of those rare pieces of music where you can listen to every number on it again and again and just feel in touch with life, the artist and generally complete.

Every composition has a dreamy timeless jazzy feel, very unlike the Marvin the radio usually plays and I am beyond baffled as to why I had to pick this CD up second hand - one would think that record people should know true art when they encounter it and release it for the rest of us to enjoy. I usually write my favorite tracks in a Amazon review but I am gonna skip this, because I simply love the entire record, it goes perfectly for a home evening, with a Gin/Tonic, a nice girl and a couple of candles. Enough said.

My favorite song on this hauntingly beautiful, jazzy work of music art is, Why Did I Choose You. But wait! All of the songs on this here mesmerizing album are my favorites. You can just hear the aching longing in his voice and, by the way, he had heaps of aching in his life. These songs are a testament to his range of vocal ability - from the heights of joy, to the depths of his wracked soul. He sang all the vocals - you can just hear him coming through - clear as a bell! I can't gush enough about this album! Though short and sweet - Marvin . . . we've never heard you better.

Ladies and gentlemen, this album is a treasure of songs Marvin recorded back in the 60's and 70's off and on...this is the type of music that he would say, "I loved the most". He wanted to be a crooner like Sinatra and Cole. Before there was "Here, My Dear" (the all time classic), there were these songs that Marvin wanted to release, but would the public buy them? People, "Vunerable" is a hit and Marvin speaks from the grave on this one. Big Ups to Motown for completing this record!! Marvin smiles on this vocal masterpiece. ..."if I had to choose again, I would still choose you". 5 Stars!!!!!