| Funk, Soul |
A Deluxe edition, with 33 bonus tracks to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this album… with 33 unreleased tracks and sessions with Herbie Hancock, a real treat on many levels because the songs have been remastered, and the result truly lives up to expectations. It’s a 5-CD set, mainly due to the numerous bonuses that turn this new edition into a genuine historical documentary. It offers various studio takes of the same song, and even purely instrumental tracks, without Marvin’s voice, which we miss so much…
It’s also impressive to see how Marvin’s music has aged very little and remains relevant on many topics. Here, we completely immerse ourselves in the era of ‘Let’s Get It On.’ We are carried away by the warm basslines, the saxophones that sneak in here and there, and Marvin Gaye’s voice, which puts emotions at the forefront and sings about love like only Barry White could. These songs belong to another time that aimed to be more syrupy, and Marvin Gaye’s assassination also marked the end of that era.
The selection of songs is impressive and showcases the various facets of the artist. Marvin opens up here about his broken marriage, his spirituality, and the discovery of a new love story. This album feels more alive than ever. The fifth disc ends with ‘I Won’t Cry Anymore,’ providing something to satisfy everyone, track by track. The instrumental tracks are interesting on many levels and will please not only those who want to cover Marvin Gaye’s songs but also musicians and arrangers who want to learn from the craftsmanship of that era. Yes, Marvin Gaye is now a historical figure. His music outlives him and continues to attract new fans.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, September 4th 2023
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To buy this album https://classic.motown.com/release/?pid=1800&art=664
Tracklisting:
1 Let’s Get It On 4:54
2 Please Don’t Stay (Once You Go Away) 3:31
3 If I Should Die Tonight (Unedited Version) 4:01
4 Keep Gettin’ It On 3:11
5 Come Get To This 2:42
6 Distant Lover 4:17
7 You Sure Love To Ball 4:45
8 Just To Keep You Satisfied 4:26
9 Let’s Get It On (Single Version) 4:05
10 You Sure Love To Ball (Single Version) 3:35
11 If I Should Die Tonight 3:07
12 Let’s Get It On (Demo) 5:14
13 Let’s Get It On (Pt. II) 3:23
14 I Knew One Day My Day Would Come (Instrumental) 3:07
15 Interlude #1 0:57
16 Please Don’t Stay (Once You Go Away) (Alternate Mix 1) 3:59
17 Lovely Lady (Instrumental) 3:08
18 If I Should Die Tonight (Demo) 4:14
19 I Don’t Have To Get High To Do It (Instrumental) 3:37
20 Come Get To This (Alternate Mix 1) 3:06
21 Distant Lover (Alternate Mix 1) 4:46
22 You Sure Love To Ball (Alternate Mix 1 W/ Alternate Vocal) 5:11
23 Just To Keep You Satisfied (A Cappella W/ Alternative Vocal) 4:40
24 Interlude #2 0:35
25 If I Should Die Tonight (SaLaAm ReMi’s Piano Mix) 4:01
26 Just To Keep You Satisfied (John Morales’s Stripped Mix) 4:35
27 Song #1 (Instrumental) 4:20
28 Song #2 (Instrumental) 5:34
29 Song #3 (Instrumental) 5:27
30 Song #4 (Instrumental / Partial Vocal) 5:24
31 Shake Well (Instrumental) 4:37
32 Perfection (Instrumental) 5:31
33 Cakes (Instrumental) 3:30
34 My Love Is Growing 4:27
35 She Needs Me (1973 Version) 3:33
36 Why Did I Choose You (1973 Version) 2:38
37 Funny, Not Much (1973 Version) 2:46
38 This Will Make You Laugh (1973 Version) 2:55
39 The Shadow Of Your Smile (1973 Version) 3:09
40 I Wish I Didn’t Love You So (1973 Version) 2:41
41 I Won’t Cry Anymore (1973 Version) 2:59