Thursday, March 28, 2024

Marvin Gaye Was Killed 35 Years Ago Today, But He’s Still The Man with “Lost Album” Finally Released in Its Entirety

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Marvin Gaye was killed 35 years ago today. But he’s “still the man” as Motown has just released “You’re the Man,” his “lost album.” This collection was recorded in 1972 between the successes of “What’s Going On” and what turned out to be “Let’s Get it On.”

“You’re the Man” has been released before, at least some of it, in various incarnations. It was splintered off into box sets and b sides and Motown collections. But now it’s available it in its entirety. You can see why Marvin shelved it. Despite amazing vocals and terrific songs, it lacked cohesion as an album. After the high of “What’s Going On,” this album was pedestrian. There was no theme. In the past it would have sufficed. But to Marvin it must have sounded like a step backward.

But dip into “You’re the Man” anywhere and you’ll find gold. “The World is Rated X” is masterful, and could have fit into “What’s Going On” easily. “Piece of Clay,” had Marvin lived long enough to tour in his older years, would have been a show stopper. “You Are That Special One” is a slammin’ Motown masterpiece. “I’m Going Home” is Marvin at his funky best.

I can’t wait to have the physical CD in my car.

Many have tried to make Marvin Gaye movies without luck. I hope someone tries again, but just the Sixties through this period, when Marvin was a shining star. He deserves a polished legacy, and to be revered forever.

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.
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