Artist: Marvin Gaye
Title: I Want You
Year: 1976
Label: Motown
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 5.0/5.0
Review
Arguably the BEST Marvin Gaye album within his discography. From my point of view, this is HANDS DOWN his best record. This was his first risque piece of work, that’s right, choir boy Marvin stepped outside of the box on this one, and succeeded in a MAJOR way. I Want You is an album that is synonymous with SEX, PASSION, LOVE, and LUST, amongst other things. It’s a series of “sexcapades” told through song in a sense, all of the lyrics are sneaky, one has to listen very closely to catch the subtle nuances of the writing.
Gaye teamed up with the legendary producer and songwriter Leon Ware on this one…I’m very sure that Ware influenced the nature of this album. His personality is to be FREE with any talks of sex, PERIOD. I think that Marvin felt this way all along (but blatant pillow talk on wax wasn’t excepted so much earlier in his career), he simply needed a co-pilot that was cut from the same cloth to help him feel more comfortable about expressing himself in such a way. In 1976, this was GROUNDBREAKING.
Again, I LOVE THIS RECORD.
Check out the sound!
Come Live With Me Angel
I Want You
Since I Had You
Feel My Love Inside
Soon I’ll Be Loving You Again
All the Way Round
After the Dance
Design
The Sugar Shack! This is a classic painting by the great Ernie Barnes. His style was unique, and riding in a lane of its own. I love the freedom in the poses, the exaggerated body forms, and the movement that these shapes create. It’s almost as if you’re in the painting, a part of the party. It captures a moment in an era where NOBODY stood on the wall at a party. I absolutely love this. An amazing piece of cover art for an amazing album!
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Additional info on Marvin Gaye
10 Comments
All I can say is… WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
I don’t own this. I’ve got a Marvin Gaye box set. I’ll have to check and see if some of these songs are included. One song that’s definitely included is one of my ALL time favorites, “After the Dance.” Absolutely LOVE it!
nice pick!
This is one of his finest moments. This record holds a special place in my collection. Most of these tracks were already completed by the time Marvin came into the picture though. Still a stunner after 33 years.
What a treat!
My favorite Marvin album!!! Thanks for that amazing post.
Actually, check out a cat named LEON WARE. He is actually the originator of most of the tracks on the I WANT YOU album….both writing and production.
There are actually original songs recorded with Leon Ware signing instead of Marvin. Word has it, after hearing the album, Berry Gordy felt like Marvin would better represent the album than Leon and make more money…so the deal was dun. Leon’s vocals arent quite as strong as Marvin, but you have to agree that HE DID PUT HIS ANKLE in the production and creativity
Flowink.com,
Yep, you’re right…I actually did a post about the ORIGINAL Leon Ware release a while back, here’s the link http://flwrpt.com/blog/?p=27
Yup thats right I Want You was supposed to be his debut album for Motown. I was told Marvin heard it, the rest his history. I worked with Leon on his last record had the privilege of spending a lot of time with him. Great guy. Are you guys up on Musical Massage by Leon Ware? Incredible Record a must have!!!!
Peace,
CAS
…Love this post! And I WANT YOU is one of my favorite MG albums.. alongside VULNERABLE. And Flowink is right too – Leon Ware is a master in his own right and did a great job with this album.