When people think of old school R&B we think about R. Kelly, Ginuwine, Tyrese, but for old heads like myself, old school is two decades before these men were on. Marvin Gaye started out in the late 60's but dominated the 70's with his soul infused disco sounds, and his smooth voice over chilling instrumentals. As much as I enjoy Chris Brown and other artists of today's R&B scene, the critique on them is that they are too forward. Most singers today are like rappers, they leave nothing to imagination. Whether you like it or not, Marvin Gaye is the founder of these forward lyrics. With songs like Let's Get It On and Sexual Healing, there's no misconception about what kind of mood Marvin was in. But don't just categorize Gaye as just a risque singer. His content has many levels from fun songs like "Got to Give It Up," to motivational songs like "What's Going on?" While he may not have been the dramatic talent like a Luther Vandross, Gaye may have the smoothest vocals ever recorded on a microphone. Without further ado, the Top 10 Marvin Gaye songs.
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| The GOAT of R&B - Marvin Gaye |
10b. Come Live With Me Angel
A track off his album "I Want You," this song is more than likely to be remembered by G-Unit and Joe's "Wanna Get to Know You," because as soon as Marvin sings, "I want to be your lover" you'll find yourself instantly nostalgic.
10a. Heard It Through the Grapevine
This song is extremely popular and it's been covered so many times you're surprised that Marvin Gaye was the originator of the song. Marvin belches out soul as he battles the rumors of his woman potentially leaving him.
9. You're All I Need to Get By
Alongside Tami Terrell, Gaye punches out another hit declaring to his woman she's all he needs in this world. Continuing the trend, this song maybe noted more for a rendition of it. Method Man and Mary J. Blige made a hip hop classic sampling this song.
8. Trouble Man
Marvin shows his range in styles on this record when he speeds up the tempo of his lyrics in the middle of the song. He breaks it down like a singer Twista there at one point.
7. What's Going On
From the opening "Mother, mother," Marvin soothingly expresses all of his concerns of what is going on in the world. Marvin shows his conscious side, and expresses how he sees and feels the struggles of his people.
6. Ain't No Mountain High
Thank Remember The Titans, for the resurgence of popularity with this song. It'll take a lot of natural and man made barriers in order to keep Marvin away from the woman he loves. He teams up with Tammi Terrell again to make this classic.
5. Sexual Healing
"Wake up, wake up, wake up; get up, get up, get up." Don't think there's any misconception of what Marvin wants and needs on this track. The instrumental to this song is just as good, and while this maybe considered a lot of people's number 1, it's not a song I can just turn to at all times.
4. Let's Get It On
By far, this is Marvin Gaye's most popular song and for good reason. "Let's Get It On" can be heard on sitcoms, commercials, but best with your lover. Once again, the title is pretty forward about what's on Marvin's mind.
3. Got To Give It Up
Like you gots to give it up...... This is a family reunion classic. You wanna see your uncles and aunties get down, this is one of the jams to throw in your Frankie Beverly rotation. Clear the floor and make a soul train line for this one!
2. Distant Lover
Back when I had one of my boo thangs that lived a distance away from me this was my jam. I can literally feel the pain and the feelings of missing someone as Marvin melodically explains his love. While Gaye's main vocals are stupendous, his background vocals are insane. The whooooos at the end in the background are worth price of admission alone.
1. I Want You
I found this song in the middle of the summer last year, and man oh man was I upset with my father. All these years I've been on this Earth and he never once showed me this magnificence. From the vocals to the instrumental this is the phonetically best song I've ever heard.
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