Product Description

Tenuous though it is, history books list it as a Marvin Gaye album. Those who did not see the film (from which this is a soundtrack) might unsuspectingly think Marvin might sing on it. In fact he does on one track, the title song. The filmwas another low-budget blaxploitation detective movie that fell short of both Superfly (Curtis Mayfield) and Shaft (Isaac Hayes). Musically, however, the remaining instrumental music is hard to fault, even though it sounds very much of itsera. Approach with some degree of caution, but expect to bepleasantly surprised.

Track Listing

1. Main Theme From Trouble Man
2. "T" Plays It Cool
3. Poor Abbey Walsh
4. The Break In (Police Shoot Big)
5. Cleo's Apartment
6. Trouble Man
7. Theme From Trouble Man
8. "T" Stands For Trouble
9. Main Theme From Trouble Man
10. Life Is A Gamble
11. Deep In It
12. Don't Mess With Mister "T"
13. Don't Mess With Mister "T"

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11561 in Music
• Released on: 1998-09-07
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Soundtrack, Original recording remastered
• Running time: 38 minutes

Customer Reviews

Amazing!! Too groovy for words!
As stated in a previous review, a very under rated album!

Any one who sits back and listens to this album will not be disappointed with the totally sensual jazzy sax, the up beat drums, the strange ambient sounds dotted with the faultless voice of Marvin Gaye.

A pure journey into sound due to the variety of moods this album will encapsulate!!

Enjoy this rare little masterpiece!

Proof of his genius
If you were to expect smooth love songs or message music, you'd be disappointed. "Trouble Man" is a funky, jazz tinged masterpiece, mainly instrumental, with each track running into the next. Where there are lyrics, they do seem to echo some of MGs own troubled soul and some see this album as autobiographical.

While the album rewards a listen all through, there are tracks which stand alone - the walking blues rhythym of the opener, the very funky "T plays it cool" and, of course, the title track.

As a demonstration of the genius that was Marvin, chronologically, this album sits between "Whats Going On" and "Lets Get It On", and there can have been few artists who have produced 3 succesive albums of such quality, let alone of such variety.

This is well worth your attention, then, representing, as it does, the peak of Marvin Gaye's Motown creativity - there was more to come, but after this it was his troubles which were in control.

Perhaps one of Marv�s Best?
The bubbling synth driven funk of 'T Plays it Cool' is pure compelling groove. Given that this is a soundtrack you get some pretty odd passages too, like the spooky atmospherics and lush orchestrations of 'Poor Abbey Walsh'. And poor old Mr T! The lovable rogue, you get the feeling Gaye cast himself in this role as a means of getting 'inside' the character and thereby creating a more plausible album.

Like Curtis Mayfield's Superfly, Trouble Man stands proud as a complete musical entity long after the film has disappeared, barely remembered.

The strange patchworks of textures throughout are well arranged and flawlessly executed, and lend the album its filmic 'mean-streets' vibe. 'Theme From Trouble Man' is a nice lush orchestral number, followed swiftly by the bongos, flutes and tymps of 'T Stands for Trouble', which eventually launches into a great groove. 'Life Is a Gamble' is beautifully languid.

In short, 'Don't Mess With Mr T'!