This is probably not a fair comparison, but Curtis Mayfield vs Marvin Gaye?
The father of Soul Train (Curtis played a big role in the beginning) and so much more pivotal to black culture, or the heavy hitter of Grapevine as a single and What's Going On.
Wow, with this and the Kendrick thread maybe the music forum is coming out of its slumber. Maybe not though
I’m listening to more of both these guys lately (as well as Stevie, Al Green and Diana Ross). Both completely great of course. Though I only know the two best known albums by each and some early things from compilations. Those four albums are all stone cold 5/5 classics. Maybe Ill go Marvin because he might have released the greatest album of all time. I’ll listen to more albums by them both in time. Abstain for now.
A few years ago I would've voted Marvin no questions asked, but recently I've been going deeper into Curtis' discography and he has some incredibly deep stuff. That said, Marvin's deeper discography is great too.
I think Curtis had a more impressive 60s career with the Impressions compared to Marvin's solo career in the 60s, but when both went solo, I think I'd hand it to Marvin. Their careers from there are quite similar, though I think Marvin was more successful past his prime of the early 70s, while Mayfield faded away despite living longer and releasing more albums.
They also have similar albums in their discography from the early 70s:
Curtis vs. What's Going On - solo debut, or at least the solo debut for each where the album was self-written and produced; concept album with themes regarding the political and social issues that black people face in America, while also made in a way that non-black and non-Americans can also appreciate and understand the plight and struggle
Curtis/Live! vs. What's Going On Live at the Kennedy Center - incredible solo live performances (though Gaye's wasn't released until after his death and isn't the best recording quality)
Roots vs. Let's Get It On - ok these are a little less similar, but both incredible follow-ups to their earlier albums, both get a little more funk-infused and upbeat soul, and both still continue on with themes of the early albums
Superfly vs. Trouble Man - soundtracks to blaxploitation films, in both cases the soundtrack eclipses the film itself by an incredible margin
I could go for more but the similarities become a little looser after that. These are also out of chronological order though they are all from the same 4-year time period. The critical consensus on the winner seems to be What's Going on, Curtis/Live!, Let's Get It On, and Superfly. My preference would probably be What's Going On, Curtis/Live!, Roots, and Trouble Man.
It's a close call but overall I gotta go with Marvin Gaye for 2 main reasons: his overall impact to the music industry and to American culture at large is greater than Curtis' in my opinion. That and Marvin Gaye is a hometown hero. My commute used to lead me past both the hospital where he was born and the high school he attended. Where I from or more familiar with Chicago, that might give the edge to pick Curtis. _________________ 51 Washington, D.C. albums!
Allegedly the script as written had The Beatles instead, but Mackie suggested Marvin Gaye. Not sure why they went with Trouble Man instead of What's Going On (maybe licensing fees to use a song?). Mackie and Daniel Brühl are 2 of my favorite actors involved in the Marvel movies/shows, and it was great to see their banter on this later on. _________________ 51 Washington, D.C. albums!
Curtis, he's got the 2 best albums of the bunch. Haven't delved too deep into either discography, so not sure how much my vote should count. _________________ Overall chart Fake overall chart
i haven't really heard quite enough from either to cast an honest vote, but from what i've heard from both, i'd lean curtis. _________________ follow me on the bandcamp.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
