Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and producer known as the "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul." Born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. on April 2, 1939, in Washington, D.C., he tragically died on April 1, 1984.
Gaye grew up in a strict Pentecostal household as the son of a church minister, where he first sang in the choir and learned drums and piano. He joined the Air Force in 1955 but was discharged early, then formed the doo-wop group the Marquees, which evolved into the Moonglows and recorded with Harvey Fuqua.
In 1960, Gaye moved to Detroit, signed with Motown's Tamla label, and worked as a session drummer and backup singer for acts like Stevie Wonder and the Supremes. His first solo hit, "Stubborn Kind of Fellow," came in 1962, followed by duets with Tammi Terrell like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."
Gaye's 1968 smash "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" topped charts, while his 1971 album What's Going On addressed social issues like Vietnam and poverty, marking his shift to self-production. Later hits included "Let's Get It On" (1973) and "Sexual Healing" (1982), earning him two Grammys.
Married to Berry Gordy's sister Anna from 1963 to 1977, Gaye battled addiction, depression, and financial woes; he left Motown in 1982 for Columbia. On the eve of his 45th birthday, he was shot and killed by his father during a family argument.
Dream Of A Lifetime
Written-By – G. Banks, M. Gaye
5:30
A2 Savage In The Sack
Written-By – M. Gaye
3:19
A3 Masochistic Beauty
Written-By – G. Banks, M. Gaye
4:39
A4 It's Madness
Written-By – M. Gaye
3:22
B1 Ain't It Funny (How Things Turn Around)
Written-By – M. Gaye
4:54
B2 Symphony
Written-By – M. Gaye, W. "Smokey" Robinson
2:49
B3 Life's Opera
Written-By – I.J. Hunter
7:41
B4 Dream Of A Lifetime
Written-By – M. Gaye
3:49
Label: CBS – CBS 26239
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
Every Great Motown Hit
Producer – Brian Holland & Lamont Dozier
Written-By – Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Edward Holland, Jr.
2:58
2 Marvin Gaye- I'll Be Doggone
Written-By - William Robinson Jr., Warren Moore and Marvin Tarplin
3:01
3 Marvin Gaye- Ain't That Peculiar
Written-By - Pete Moore, Smokey Robinson, Bobby Rogers & Marv Tarplin (as Marvin Tarplin)
2:50
4 Marvin Gaye With Tammi Terrell– Your Precious Love
Producer – Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol
Written-By – Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
3:02
5 Marvin Gaye With Tammi Terrell– If I Could Build My Whole World Around You
Producer – Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol
Written-By – Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock
2:18
6 Marvin Gaye– That's The Way Love Is
Producer – Norman Whitfield
Written-By – Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong
3:36
7 Marvin Gaye With Tammi Terrell– You're All I Need To Get By
Producer – Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson
Written-By – Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
2:48
8 Marvin Gaye– I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Producer – Norman Whitfield
Written-By – Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong
3:15
9 Marvin Gaye– Too Busy Thinking About My Baby
Producer – Norman Whitfield
Written-By – Janie Bradford, Norman Whitfield
2:57
10 Marvin Gaye– What's Going On
Producer – Marvin Gaye
Written-By – Alfred Cleveland, Marvin Gaye, Renaldo Benson
3:52
11 Marvin Gaye With Tammi Terrell– Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing
Producer – Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson
Written-By – Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
2:12
12 Marvin Gaye– Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Producer – Marvin Gaye
Written-By – James Nyx, Marvin Gaye
3:05
13 Marvin Gaye– Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
Producer – Marvin Gaye
Written-By – Marvin Gaye
3:13
14 Marvin Gaye– Trouble Man
Producer – Marvin Gaye
Written-By – Marvin Gaye
3:50
15 Marvin Gaye– Let's Get It On
Producer – Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye
Written-By – Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye
4:01
16 Marvin Gaye– Distant Lover
Producer – Marvin Gaye
Written-By – Gwen Gordy Fuqua, Marvin Gaye, Sandra Greene
4:13
17 Marvin Gaye– Got To Give It Up (Part 1)
Producer – Art Stewart
Written-By – Marvin Gaye
4:11
Label: Motown – 3746360582
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: Europe
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Soul, Motown
Here My Dear
Written-By – M. Gaye
2:48
A2 I Met A Little Girl
Written-By – M. Gaye
4:58
A3 When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You
Written-By – M. Gaye
6:11
A4 Anger
Written-By – D. Ashby, E. Townsend, M. Gaye
3:58
B1 Is That Enough
Written-By – M. Gaye
7:42
B2 Everybody Needs Love
Written-By – E. Townsend, M. Gaye
5:41
B3 Time To Get It Together
Written-By – M. Gaye
3:51
C1 Sparrow
Written-By – E. Townsend, M. Gaye
6:06
C2 Anna's Song
Written-By – M. Gaye
5:49
C3 When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You (Instrumental)
Written-By – M. Gaye
5:59
D1 A Funky Space Reincarnation
Written-By – M. Gaye
8:12
D2 You Can Leave, But It's Going To Cost You
Written-By – M. Gaye
5:27
D3 Falling In Love Again
Written-By – M. Gaye
4:36
D4 When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You (Reprise)
Written-By – M. Gaye
0:40
Label: Tamla – T 364 LP2
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul
In Our Lifetime
A2 Life Is For Learning 3:39
A3 Love Party 4:55
A4 Funk Me 5:32
B1 Far Cry 4:26
B2 Love Me Now Or Love Me Later 5:00
B3 Heavy Love Affair 3:46
B4 In Our Lifetime 6:56
Produced, Arranged and Written by Marvin Gaye
Label: Motown – STML 12149
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1981
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk
Let's Get It On
Written-By – Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye
4:44
A2 Please Don't Stay (Once You Go Away)
Written-By – Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye
3:32
A3 If I Should Die Tonight
Written-By – Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye
3:57
A4 Keep Gettin' It On
Written-By – Ed Townsend, Marvin Gaye
3:12
B1 Come Get To This
Written-By – Marvin Gaye
2:40
B2 Distant Lover
Written-By – Gwen Gordy Fuqua, Marvin Gaye, Sandra Greene
4:15
B3 You Sure Love To Ball
Voice – Fred Ross, Madeline Ross
Written-By – Marvin Gaye
4:43
B4 Just To Keep You Satisfied
Written-By – Anna Gaye, Elgie Stover, Marvin Gaye
4:35
Label: Tamla – T 329V1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
M.P.G.
Written-By – B. Strong, J. Bradford, N. Whitfield 2:57
A2 This Magic Moment
Written-By – Pomus, Shuman 2:39
A3 That's The Way Love Is
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield 3:40
A4 The End Of Our Road
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield, R. Penzabene 2:49
A5 Seek And You Shall Find
Written-By – I. Hunter, Wm. Stevenson 3:39
A6 Memories
Written-By – A. Story, H. Gordy, L. Brown, M. Johnson
Written-By [Uncredited] – Anna Gordy Gaye 2:44
B1 Only A Lonely Man Would Know
Written-By – B. Verdi, I. Hunter 2:55
B2 It's A Bitter Pill To Swallow
Written-By – Wm. Robinson, W. Moore 3:11
B3 More Than A Heart Can Stand
Written-By – I. Hunter, Wm. Robinson 2:55
B4 Try My True Love
Written-By – H. Cosby, J. Dean, S. Wonder 2:56
B5 I Got To Get To California
Written-By – I. Hunter, S. DeMell 2:51
B6 It Don't Take Much To Keep Me
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland 2:39
Label: Tamla – TS 292
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre:R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
Marvin Gaye's 1969 album, M.P.G. was a significant transitional record, showcasing his shift from pure pop to funkier, more assertive soul, featuring hits like "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" and "That's the Way Love Is," becoming his first #1 Soul album and a major Pop chart success, though sometimes seen as overlooked but containing strong tracks like the funk-infused "I Got to Get to California" and emotionally rich "The End of Our Road," bridging his earlier work with the deeper themes to come.
M.P.G. sits between classic Motown hits and his later socially conscious work, blending upbeat singles with deeper, funkier grooves and emerging lyrical depth. It produced major hits such as the pop-oriented "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" and the soulful, funky "That's the Way Love Is," notes AllMusic. Songs like "I Got to Get to California," "It's a Bitter Pill to Swallow," and "The End of Our Road" are praised for their driving momentum and emotional delivery.
Producer Norman Whitfield helped craft a sound that allowed Gaye's powerful vocals and evolving artistic vision to shine. While moderately received initially, retrospective reviews, like one from Rolling Stone and AllMusic, highlight its standout tracks and Gaye's stellar vocal performance.
Overall, M.P.G. is considered a strong, enjoyable album from a pivotal moment in Gaye's career, showcasing his versatility and setting the stage for his legendary 1970s output, even if some tracks lean towards standard Motown fare.
Marvin Gaye Live!
A2 Overture 2:24
A3 Trouble Man
Written-By – Marvin Gaye
6:33
A4 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Written-By – James Nyx, Marvin Gaye
3:23
A5 Distant Lover
Written-By – Gwen Gordy Fuqua, Marvin Gaye, Sandra Greene
6:20
A6 Jan
Written-By – Marvin Gaye
3:14
Fossil Medley (11:31)
B1a I'll Be Doggone
Written-By – Marv Tarplin, William Robinson, Warren Moore
B1b Try It Baby
Written-By – Berry Gordy
B1c Can I Get A Witness
Written-By – Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland,
B1d You're A Wonderful One
Written-By – Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland,
B1e Stubborn Kind Of Fellow
Written-By – George Gordy, Marvin Gaye, William Robinson,
B1f How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Written-By – Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland,
Now
B2 Let's Get It On
Written-By – Ed Townsend
4:49
B3 What's Going On
Written-By – Al Cleveland, Marvin Gaye, Renaldo Benson
4:53
Label: Tamla – T6-333S1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul
Midnight Love
Written-By – M. Gaye
5:17
A2 Sexual Healing
Written-By – M. Gaye, O. Brown
3:59
A3 Rockin' After Midnight
Written-By – M. Gaye
6:03
A4 'Til Tomorrow
Written-By – M. Gaye
4:58
B1 Turn On Some Music
Written-By – M. Gaye
5:08
B2 Third World Girl
Written-By – M. Gaye
4:35
B3 Joy
Written-By – M. Gaye
4:23
B4 My Love Is Waiting
Written-By – G. Banks
5:08
Label: Columbia – FC 38197
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Disco, Ballad
That's The Way Love Is
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong 3:10
A2 Yesterday
Written-By – Lennon & McCartney 3:17
A3 Groovin'
Written-By – E. Brigati, F. Cavaliere 2:56
A4 I Wish It Would Rain
Written-By – R. Penzabene, N. Whitfield, B. Strong 2:49
A5 That's The Way Love Is
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong 3:25
A6 How Can I Forget
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong 2:04
B1 Abraham, Martin And John
Written-By – D. Holler 4:30
B2 Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong 2:46
B3 No Time For Tears
Written-By – E. Holland, N. Whitfield 2:26
B4 Cloud Nine
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong 3:05
B5 Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby
Written-By – R. Penzabene, N. Whitfield, B. Strong 2:13
B5 So Long
Written-By – E. Holland, N. Whitfield, R. Dean Taylor 2:27
Label: Tamla – TS 299
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
Marvin Gaye's That's the Way Love Is (1970) is often seen as a transitional album, showcasing his classic Motown sound with strong singles like the title track and "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby," but also hinting at the deeper themes to come. Reviews note great vocals and infectious tunes, yet some find it a pleasant but less essential collection compared to his later, groundbreaking work, with a few covers noted as weaker, but overall a solid, enjoyable listen that paved the way for What's Going On.
It's praised as a strong collection of soulful Motown singles, featuring classic Gaye delivery, but reviewers often position it as a pleasant ride before his artistic explosion with What's Going On.
Tracks like the title song, "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby," and "The End of Our Road" are highlighted as standout, radio-friendly hits. Gaye's smooth, soulful voice shines, capturing the essence of the tracks, even on some less-loved songs.
While some filler tracks are enjoyable ("More Than a Heart Can Stand"), others, like "This Magic Moment," are considered weaker or unnecessary, typical for Motown albums of the era.
Released before his socially conscious masterpiece, it shows Gaye still in the Motown system, but with hints of the depth and personal feeling that would soon define his career.
That's the Way Love Is is recommended for fans wanting more classic Marvin Gaye, offering great singles and his signature voice, though it's generally considered a step before his ultimate artistic peak.
The Soulful Moods Of Marvin Gaye
Written By – Allie Wrubel
Written-By – Herbert Magidson 5:01
2 My Funny Valentine
Written-By – Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart 3:33
3 Witchcraft
Written By – Cy Coleman
Written-By – Carolyn Leigh 2:28
4 Easy Living
Written By – Ralph Rainger
Written-By – Leo Robin 3:08
5 How Deep Is The Ocean (How High Is The Sky)
Written-By – Irving Berlin 3:12
6 Love For Sale
Written-By – Cole Porter 2:58
7 Always
Written-By – Irving Berlin 3:02
8 How High The Moon
Written By – Nancy Hamilton
Written-By – Morgan Lewis 2:33
9 Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide
Written-By – Berry Gordy 3:05
10 Never Let You Go (Sha-Lu Bop)
Written By – Anna Gordy
Written-By – Harvey Fuqua 2:45
11 You Don't Know What Love Is
Written By – Gene DePaul
Written-By – Don Raye 3:58
Label: Tamla – TM-221
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1961
Genre: R&B Soul, Jazz
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye, his 1961 Tamla debut, is a fascinating but flawed album showing a young Gaye aiming to be a jazz-pop crooner like Nat King Cole, filled with Great American Songbook standards and light jazz arrangements, offering glimpses of his talent but contrasting sharply with his later R&B/soul stardom, making it more for diehard fans than a defining work.
While pleasant and showcasing his versatile voice and occasional piano/drumming, reviewers find it somewhat uninspired "background music" with weak production and forgettable moments, though standout tracks like "Easy Living" hint at the genius to come.
Gaye wanted to be a jazz/pop vocalist, leading to an album of standards ("My Funny Valentine," "Love for Sale") rather than R&B.
Produced by Berry Gordy, it features early Motown instrumentation but lacks the signature Motown punch, with some finding the arrangements bland or the musicianship subpar.
He plays piano and drums, showing versatility, but often sounds like he's trying to fit into a difficult genre rather than defining it.
The album is not a classic but reveals potential, with tracks like "Easy Living" being highlights, while some R&B numbers (like "Stubborn Kind of Fellow") hint at his true future.
In essence, The Soulful Moods is a worthwhile listen to track Gaye's early journey, but it's not where his iconic sound was forged; that would come later with true Motown innovation.
Trouble Man
2:30
A2 "T" Plays It Cool
4:29
A3 Poor Abbey Walsh 4:11
A4 Break In (Police Shoot Big) 2:01
A5 Cleo's Apartment 2:13
A6 Trouble Man
3:48
A7 Theme From Trouble Man
2:02
B1 "T" Stands For Trouble
4:50
B2 Main Theme From Trouble Man
3:54
B3 Life Is A Gamble
2:31
B4 Deep-In-It
1:25
B5 Don't Mess With Mister "T"
3:05
B6 There Goes Mister "T"
1:37
Label: Tamla – T322L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz, Soul, Jazz-Funk
Trouble Man (1972) is a critically acclaimed, dark, and moody jazz-funk soundtrack by Marvin Gaye that deviates from his soul hits to showcase his prowess as a composer, producer, and arranger. While the film itself was considered average, the album is highly regarded for its atmospheric, instrumental-heavy soundscapes, featuring notable tracks like "T Plays It Cool" and the title song.
The album is often described as a, sexy, and late-night soundtrack that successfully captures the gritty mood of 1970s Blaxploitation films. Following the massive success of What’s Going On, Trouble Man marked a pivot towards instrumental, jazz-based compositions, with Gaye heavily utilizing Moog synthesizers and piano.
Gaye handled the orchestration and production, utilizing a more varied, textured palette than typical soul records of the era. Key Tracks: The title track ("Trouble Man"), "T Plays It Cool", "Cleo's Apartment", and "T Stands For Trouble" are frequently highlighted.
Often compared to other great soundtracks like Superfly or Shaft, it is considered a deeply personal and underrated work in Gaye's catalog. Reviewers often point out that the soundtrack is far superior to the movie it was written for, which quickly faded into obscurity.
The expanded edition includes the original soundtrack, plus a second disc of the full film score, which provides deeper insight into the composition process.
What's Going On
Written-By – A. Cleveland, M. Gaye, R. Benson
3:50
A2 What's Happening Brother
Written-By – J. Nyx, M. Gaye
2:42
A3 Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)
Written-By – A. Gaye, E. Stover, M. Gaye
3:40
A4 Save The Children
Written-By – A. Cleveland, M. Gaye, R. Benson
4:06
A5 God Is Love
Written-By – A. Gaye, E. Stover, J. Nyx, M. Gaye
1:44
A6 Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
Written-By – M. Gaye
3:03
B1 Right On
Written-By – E. Derouen, M. Gaye
7:17
B2 Wholy Holy
Written-By – A. Cleveland, M. Gaye, R. Benson
3:12
B3 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Written-By – J. Nyx, M. Gaye
5:25
Marvin Gaye’s What's Going On (1971) is a monumental concept album and a masterpiece of soul music, celebrated for its cohesive, lush sound and poignant, socially conscious lyrics. Rising from personal turmoil and disillusionment, Gaye delivered a 35-minute, seamless suite that explores universal love, poverty, and environmentalism with timeless relevance.
The album serves as a poignant, poetic commentary on the world from a deeply personal perspective, moving away from Motown's typical love song formula.
It features a blend of jazz, soul, and classical orchestration (arranged by David Van De Pitte) layered over the Funk Brothers' instrumentation. The songs flow together seamlessly, creating a unified, immersive, and often dreamy listening experience.
Despite being released in 1971, the themes of police brutality, war, and environmental decay remain strikingly relevant.
Key Tracks:-
"What's Going On": An iconic, soulful opening that sets the tone for the entire project.
"Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)": A smooth, poignant reflection on environmental decline.
"Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)": A gritty, intense concluding track highlighting urban struggles.
Frequently ranked as one of the greatest albums ever, with Rolling Stone Magazine placing it at #1.
This album marked a significant shift where Gaye asserted his creative independence, defying his label’s demands for a conventional formula.
It is widely considered a "prog-soul" milestone that transformed R&B into a more serious, album-oriented art form.
What's Going On is essential listening, offering a powerful,, and enduring musical experience that, even decades later, continues to move listeners.