Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston
Marvin Pentz Gaye Jr. was born on April 2, 1939, in Washington, D.C. He was the son of Marvin Gay Sr. and Alberta Gay, with his father hailing from Kentucky and his mother being a native of North Carolina . Gaye grew up in a musical household, which influenced his career as he became a prominent American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and record producer.
His career began in the late 1950s, and he initially recorded with Motown Records as a session musician. Gaye achieved fame in the 1960s with hits such as "What's Going On," "Sexual Healing," and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," characterized by his smooth vocal style and emotive delivery. He was known for his collaborations with other Motown artists, including duet partnerships with Mary Wells, Kim Weston, and Tammi Terrell, which significantly contributed to his success.
Gaye's life was marked by both professional triumphs and personal struggles, including issues related to depression and his tumultuous relationship with his father. Tragically, he was shot and killed by his father on April 1, 1984, one day before his 45th birthday. His legacy endures as an influential figure in soul music, inspiring countless artists and earning him posthumous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Kim Weston, born Agatha Natalia Weston on December 20, 1939, is an American soul singer best known for her work with Motown Records. She gained notoriety in the 1960s, particularly with hit songs such as "Love Me All the Way" and "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)".
Weston became Marvin Gaye's duet partner after Mary Wells left Motown, showcasing their vocal chemistry on various tracks during their collaboration. Her contributions to the Motown sound helped define the era and cemented her status as a key figure in the soul genre. Her work remains celebrated for its emotional depth and vocal strength, establishing her as one of the noteworthy artists of her time.
Take Two
Written-By – S. Moy, Wm. Stevenson
2:53
A2 I Love You, Yes I Do
Written-By – H. Glover, S. Nix
2:18
A3 Baby I Need Your Loving
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland
3:09
A4 It's Got To Be A Miracle (This Thing Called Love)
Written-By – S. Moy, V. Bullock, Wm. Stevenson
3:27
A5 Baby Say Yes
Written-By – K. Weston, Wm. Stevenson
3:12
A6 What Good Am I Without You
Written-By – A. Higdon, Wm. Stevenson
2:50
B1 Till There Was You
Written-By – M. Willson
2:24
B2 Love Fell On Me
Written-By – S. Moy, Wm. Stevenson
2:25
B3 Secret Love
Written-By – P. Webster, S. Fain
2:44
B4 I Want You 'Round
Written-By – Wm. Robinson, Wm. Stevenson
2:24
B5 Heaven Sent You I Know
Written-By – H. Cosby, V. Bullock, Wm. Stevenson
3:01
B6 When We're Together
Written-By – S. Moy, V. Bullock
2:36
Label: Tamla – T 270
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1966
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Motown
Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston's Take Two (1966) is a solid Motown duet album known for its big hit, the classic "It Takes Two," but reviews are mixed, praising Gaye's voice but finding Weston a less dynamic partner, leading to a pleasant but sometimes disjointed sound balancing Motown grooves with mature standards; it's seen as a stepping stone for Gaye before his major solo works, featuring strong moments like the title track, though some critics found it lacking the magic of later duets.
The album's main success was the smash hit "It Takes Two," a quintessential Motown duet showcasing vocal interplay. While Gaye's voice shines, opinions on Weston's contribution vary; some find her voice "silky" and "school-trained," lacking sparks, while others appreciate her powerful vocals blending well.
The album blends upbeat Motown tracks with more adult-oriented standards, a move Berry Gordy thought would appeal to a broader audience, though it sometimes felt disjointed due to piecemeal recording.
Notable Tracks: Beyond the title track, "What Good Am I Without You?" was another modest hit, and jazzy ballads like "I Love You, Yes I Do" and "Secret Love" are often mentioned.
This was Gaye's second duet album (following Mary Wells), but Weston left Motown soon after over royalty disputes, paving the way for Tammi Terrell. It's considered a decent, solid album that added to Gaye's legacy, but not his most iconic work, offering a mix of classic Motown soul and crooner ballads.
In Summary: Take Two is a noteworthy album for its successful title track and Gaye's evolving artistry, but its inconsistent pairing and stylistic blend make it a pleasant, if not groundbreaking, listen for some.