The one-pot reductive synthesis of aldehydes from carboxylic acids and their derivatives without the formation of alkanol intermediates, in a redox-economical fashion, is synthetically very intriguing yet practically very challenging. Recent advances in partial reductions of carboxylic acids, acyl halides, amides, esters, nitriles, acyl hydrazides, and miscellaneous materials are reviewed. The improved protocols based on modern techniques and concepts are highlighted.