Few artists’ discographies can match that of Marvin Gaye’s run in the 1970s. From landmark releases like What’s Going On and Let’s Get it On in the earlier half of the decade, to his underrated 1978 divorce record, Here, My Dear, the ‘70s saw Gaye at his musical best and some of his personal worst. I Want You is the perfect centerpiece of this era. Here, Gaye, with the aid of Leon Ware’s cinematic production, fuses elements of pop, soul, funk, and disco into a smooth sound that’s both risque and risky. Although it resulted in mixed reviews at the time, Gaye’s adoption of the ARP Odyssey synthesizer on the album hints at the spacier tones used on his final record, Midnight Love. The downtempo funk on tracks like “I Want You,” “Come Live With Me Angel,” “Soon I’ll Be Loving You,” and “After The Dance” will make you groove out like you’re inside the Ernie Barnes painting “Sugar Shack” that adorns the cover. 11 tracks on 180g black vinyl.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
• music label: Tamla 2009

reviewed by SHH! 06/2021