Marvin gaye greatest

Marvin Gaye remains one of the most influential soul artists in music history, with a catalog that spans romantic ballads, socially conscious anthems, and sensual masterpieces.

The track’s improvisational structure and extended instrumental passages demonstrated Gaye’s confidence in exploring new sonic territories even as musical trends shifted around him.

Distant Lover (Live)

Recorded during his 1974 performance in Oakland and released on “Marvin Gaye Live!” this extended performance became one of soul music’s most passionate live recordings.

Smokey Robinson’s production and songwriting perfectly complemented Gaye’s ability to convey complex emotions while maintaining an irresistible groove.

Got to Give It Up

This 1977 disco-influenced track marked Gaye’s successful adaptation to the era’s dominant dance music trends while maintaining his unique artistic identity.

The song’s uplifting message about devotion and the chemistry between Gaye and Terrell created pure musical magic that transcended the recording studio. Taken from the Midnight Love album, it was a huge comeback for Marvin and something of a career renaissance.

Featuring whispers from Harvey Fuqua, the sexually-charged became one of his biggest and best known songs.

Explore the best Marvin Gaye songs of all time, a soulful collection I’ve meticulously assembled to honor the profound impact and timeless appeal of this musical genius.

“Let’s Get It On”

“Let’s Get It On” stands as one of Marvin Gaye’s most iconic and beloved songs, solidifying its place among his greatest hits.

This timeless classic is a sultry and soulful ballad that celebrates the pleasures of intimacy and the profound connection it brings.

From the rich and polished production to the heartfelt lyrics, “Let’s Get It On” exemplifies Marvin Gaye’s mastery of creating romantic and seductive music.

With its captivating rhythm and mesmerizing vocal performance, it’s no surprise that this song remains an enduring favorite, resonating with audiences even decades after its initial release.

For any music enthusiast, “Let’s Get It On” is an essential addition to your collection, a testament to Marvin Gaye’s unparalleled artistry.

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The sophisticated production techniques, complex arrangements, and honest emotional content give these songs a timeless quality that defies easy categorization by era.

Marvin Gaye's 10 greatest songs ever, ranked

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)

Marvin Gaye “How Sweet It Is” Live At Montreux Jazz Festival 1980 HD

Written by the famous Holland–Dozier–Holland trio at Motown, this gave Marvin Gaye his biggest hit at the time in 1964.

The song's title was inspired by one of Jackie Gleason's signature catchphrases: "How Sweet It Is!"

The love song was later recorded as a famous cover version by James Taylor in 1975.

It Takes Two (with Kim Weston)

Released on Motown's Tamla label in 1966, this duet between Marvin and Kim Weston describes various things in life - such as dreams, love and wishes - being far better with two people instead of one.

Read more: The tragic story of Marvin Gaye and the untimely death of a soul legend

In 1990, Rod Stewart and Tina Turner teamed up for a cover version, taking it to number five in the UK.

Abraham, Martin and John

Abraham, Martin & John

Originally by Dion, this song was a tribute to four iconic Americans who were assassinated: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr, John F Kennedy and Robert Kennedy.

Marvin Gaye covered the song in 1970, and was one of his first experiments in socially-conscious music, a year before his What's Going On?

album.

'Ain’t No Mountain High Enough' with Tammi Ferrell

Ain't No Mountain High Enough (extra HQ) - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

A truly seminal soul duet, 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' is a song that everyone knows, and everybody loves.

Written by Motown's husband-and-wife songwriting duo Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the ode to overcoming any obstacles was written by Ashford having struggled to make headway living in New York City, who wrote the song to inspire himself.

Whilst Marvin and Tammi's duet is no doubt the definitive version, Diana Ross' cover two years later propelled her to solo superstardom so has extra close ties to Motown alumni.

Quite ironically and cruelly, Diana's second husband Arne Næss, Jr.

died in 2004 while climbing a mountain.

'Let’s Get It On'

Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On

The song that marked Marvin Gaye's full transition into star-crossed, baby-making music: 'Let's Get It On'.

A re-write of Ed Townsend's 1958 single 'For Your Love', Marvin reworked the song's lyrics to fit his current infatuation with Janis Hunter, who'd later become his second wife.

The title track from his lauded album saw Gaye promote the perspective of sex and romance being a healing act, rather than sinful, in response to his harsh and faith-first upbringing by his father, Marvin Gay Snr.

Released in 1973, 'Let's Get It On' became Motown's most successful ever release at the time, hitting number one in the US Billboard charts and staying there for two weeks.

'Sexual Healing'

Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing (Official HD Video)

If Marvin believed sex was a healing at, he could've have been any more blunt about in his now-classic love-making anthem 'Sexual Healing'.

The song came after a self-imposed exile in Belgium where Gaye got clean, got himself together, and revitalised his creativity in the wake of diminishing returns, at least where the critics were concerned.

Reportedly inspired by writer David Ritz who commented Gaye needed some "sexual healing", the lyrics inspired a song which became the fulcrum of Marvin's 1982 comeback album, Midnight Love.

As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

With its toe-tapping rhythm and contagious chorus, it’s the perfect mix of soul and funk that has made it a fan favorite for decades.

The lyrics are clever and witty, with Gaye singing about the joys and struggles of a hitchhiker on his journey.

The instrumentation is tight and crisp, featuring a saxophone solo that will have you tapping your feet in no time.

There’s no doubt that this track was meant to be enjoyed by all, as it encapsulates everything that makes Marvin Gaye one of the greatest singers of all time.

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The song’s clever lyrics about a confusing romantic relationship resonated with audiences who recognized the contradictions and complications of love.

'Got To Give It Up' was also the subject of a lawsuit between the Gaye estate and the writers of Robin Thicke's 2013 single 'Blurred Lines', who were deemed to have ripped off Marvin's number according to the courts, awarding Gaye's family $7.3 million in damages.

His songs have become anthems for generations, and it’s no surprise that his music still resonates today.

I think it’s safe to say that Marvin Gaye left behind an impressive catalog of hits.

The song’s themes of longing and separation resonated deeply with the audience, creating a shared emotional experience that transcended the typical concert performance and became a legendary moment in music history.

Marvin Gaye Live! This enduring relevance demonstrates that truly great music addresses universal human experiences that remain constant across generations and cultural shifts.

For anyone exploring the history and evolution of soul music, Marvin Gaye’s catalog offers an essential education in the genre’s possibilities and power.

The song’s contemporary production incorporating synthesizers and drum machines demonstrated Gaye’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining his signature sensuality and emotional depth. It reached the top 10 in the UK.

You're All I Need To Get By (with Tammi Terrell)

You're All I Need To Get By

Written by Ashford & Simpson, this song became one of the few Motown recordings of the 1960s that did not use the familiar "Motown sound".

'What's Going On?'

It was inspired by the many racial injustices of the 1960s that had spilled over into the 1970s. Anniversary editions and remastered releases continue introducing new generations to Gaye’s timeless music while offering longtime fans fresh perspectives on familiar classics through improved sound quality and bonus content.

Author: Jewel Mabansag