Diana & Marvin

Released in October 1973, 'Diana & Marvin' was Motown's ambitious attempt to pair its two biggest solo stars in the tradition of Marvin Gaye's earlier successful duets with Tammi Terrell and Kim Weston. Recorded over a period of several months in 1972 and 1973, the album is famous for the fact that Ross and Gaye rarely shared the studio; Ross was pregnant and Gaye was reportedly uncomfortable with her presence, leading to their vocals being tracked separately and blended by producers like Hal Davis and Ashford & Simpson. Despite these logistical hurdles, the album reached the Top 30 on the Billboard 200 and was a major hit in the UK. Sonically, it leans into the 'sophisticated soul' sound of the early 70s, utilizing lush orchestral arrangements and a mix of original material and covers like Wilson Pickett's 'Don't Knock My Love.' It stands as a fascinating document of Motown's transition into the LA-based, high-gloss production era, showcasing the incredible technical skill of the label's engineers who crafted a cohesive-sounding duet album from isolated performances.