Marvin Gaye’s 1972 previously shelved album ‘You’re The Man’ finally released
A collection of music that Marvin Gaye recorded in 1972 was released on vinyl for the first time this past Friday on a posthumous album titled You’re The Man.
Following the remarkable success of Gaye’s 1971 socially conscious masterpiece What’s Going On, the singer decided to work with a number of different emerging producers and arrangers on what was thought to be the follow-up album. Some of those producers and collaborators included Willie Hutch, Fonce Mizell, Gloria Jones, and established veterans Hal Davis, and Gene Page. Similar to What’s Going On and to the disliking of Motown, this material followed similar sociopolitical themes like the pains of the Vietnam War, the morning of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nixon’s ongoing exploits, along with African-American and women rights. In the end, Motown decided to not release the recording due to what was described by the label as “lack of quality singles,” however the record’s strong political commentary probably also played a major part in the album’s unfortunate shelving. Gaye eventually moved on and turned his focused toward a collaborative effort with singer Diana Ross, and Ivan Dixon-directed Trouble Man soundtrack.
Now 47 years later, this previously shelved material finally sees the light of the day. Released only a few days before what would have been Marvin Gaye’s 80th birthday, This brilliant seventeen-track album picks up where What’s Going On leaves off, both musically and from a message standpoint. From the very first note, the recording is oozing with soul, led by Gaye’s masterful vocals, while backed by funky rhythms and righteous head-nodding grooves. In a lot of ways their is a decent argument to be made that You’re The Man is a perfect bridge between What’s Going On and his 1972 blaxploitation classic Trouble Man.
Overall, the album is incredible from start to finish, with some of the highlights including the Mizell Brothers produced jazz-funk gems “Where Are We Going?” and “Women of the World,” Hal Davis’ produced groover “The World Is Rated X,” the heartfelt ballads “Piece of Clay” and “My Last Chance,” as well as the funky soulful cuts “You’re The Man,” “Try It, You’ll Like It,” and “You Are The Special One.”
Even though it has taken close to five decades for this recording to finally be released, this brilliant album still sounds and feels as relevant as the time it was recorded, only adding and enriching Marvin Gaye’s great everlasting legacy.
Marvin Gaye — ‘You’re The Man’
(Motown / Universal / Tamla)
1. You’re The Man
2. The World Is Rated X
3. Piece Of Clay
4. Where Are We Going?
5. I’m Gonna Give You Respect
6. Try It. You’ll Like It
7. You Are That Special One
8. We Can Make It Baby
9. My Last Chance
10. Symphony
11. I’d Give My Life For You
12. Woman Of The World
13. Christmas In The City (instrumental)
14. You’re The Man (Version 2)
15. I Wan’t To Come Home For Chistmas
16. I Going Home (Move)
17. Checking Out (Double Clutch)
