1. Stevie Wonder
2. Marvin Gaye
3. Curtis Mayfield
4. Sly & the Family Stone
This is another case of rewarding artists for their good stuff but not punishing them for their bad stuff. Stevie has released a LOT of crap (and offhand, I can’t think of anything below-average released by Marvin), but I think he hit more, and higher, peaks. Also, count me in the camp that finds What’s Going On a little overrated.
I’m counting Curtis’ work with the Impressions. If we’re just basing this on his solo work, I might—might—drop him to #4…Sly was brilliant for a short period, but he’s hurt alongside this competition because of the early flameout.
1) Stevie Wonder
2) Marvin Gaye
3) Sly and the Family Stone
4) Curtis Mayfield
I had almost the same take on this as Schleuse except I think the peaks of Sly overtake the peaks of Curtis for the most part (even if I include the Impressions stuff). Stevie beats Marvin mostly because of his musical variety and overall technical prowess. And Marvin put out some crap, too, at times and it kind of equals out his good stuff much as Stevie's does. In the end, I think it comes down to me thinking that SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE> WHAT'S GOING ON?.
1. Marvin Gaye (all time rank #29)
2. Stevie Wonder (all time rank #34)
3. Sly and the Family Stone (all time rank #54)
4. Curtis Mayfield (just outside my top 100)
I haven't heard much Curtis Mayfield, so that my be a reason why I ranked him so low. What I have heard I do really like, but for the most part- I have a lack of knowledge about his music. :(
1. Stevie Wonder - In terms of pure ability to make music, I think Stevie Wonder may be either the first or second greatest of the 20th century. IMO the only person who is as virtuistic with so many instruments, so good at writing songs, and so good at singing is Paul McCartney. Stevie's 3 greatest albums (TB, IV, SKL) constitute fantastic peaks. Wonder was also incredibly innovative, creating a musical style that was distinctly his. He also gets points in my book for having an unconventional voice that borrows little from gospel.
2. Marvin Gaye - The second greatest male soul singer of all-time. Marvin combined his extraordinary vocal talents with thoughtful song writing to create some of my favorite songs. There is a very very small gap between Gaye and Wonder, and a very large one between 1-2 and 3-4.
3. Sly and the Family Stone - Two very good albums and some lesser work. A short career with some good peaks.
4. Curtis Mayfield - I'm not really much of a fan, but that could be becuase I don't know his solo stuff well enough.
My soul collection is deeply limited. Outside of Stevie, the only album I have represented by an artist here is What's Going On, which I like, but don't love. Stevie is otherworldly to me, though.
