Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On (1973)
[Album 156/1001]
If there’s a time for subtlety, it appears Marvin Gaye did not feel this was the time. Note the album name, the title track, and album tracks Keep Gettin’ It On and You Sure Love To Ball.
If the song names weren’t a clear enough signal of the musical content, the title track’s opening guitar walk-up says it all.
Bear in mind, the record-buying public in 1973 wasn’t quite so desensitized. At the time, this was bold. Considering its critical & commercial success at the time, to go along with its subsequent legacy, the bold move paid off.
The question quickly becomes, what film reference comes to mind upon hearing Let’s Get It On?
High Fidelity? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V_-iZYIofU
Austin Powers II? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNmB7HQmwv0
Or one of the likely many, many more?
Overall, I may still prefer What’s Going On but that’s like saying I prefer The Beatles to Abbey Road. Following up a big record is never easy. In this case, Gaye certainly didn’t repeat himself and definitely did not disappoint.
Whenever I think of Marvin Gay I can’t help but think of his tragic death. So sad.