Musication: Here, My Dear! by Marvin Gaye

Dr. Justin spoke a few weeks ago about the lack of substance in today’s music.  I responded by adding a section called “Musication,” where I would showcase 5 songs that I felt educated our readers/listeners.  Instead of that showcase, I thought I’d bring to our readers something extra.

Marvin Gaye had much success in the music industry, he was often thought of as the “King of R&B.”  He was known as a R&B/Soul Singer with some very sexy songs.  His albums and duets were some of the most successful on the Motown record label.  Although many of his albums were highly successful (critically and socially) there was one album that didn’t receive much acclaim.  In my opinion, it is one of the greatest albums ever recorded:  Here, My Dear.

Marvin Gaye married a much older Ana Gordy, sister to Berry Gordy (Motown founder), in 1964.  Their relationship had its ups and downs, like many marriages.  In the mid-1970’s Marvin fell in love with Janis Hunter.  If you listen closely to the end of the track “Soon I’ll Be Loving You Again” from the album “I Want You” he screams out “Oh, Janice!” as the song is fading out.  Obviously, Ana did not find this amusing, nor did the birth of Marvin & Janis’ son in 1975.  The marriage between Ana and Marvin ended in 1976.

During the time of the divorce, Marvin was in financial trouble.  He spent money foolishly and made some bad investments, and he was also addicted to cocaine.  Ana wanted $1 million in alimony, child support and more from Marvin.  He did not have that kind of money.  Marvin’s attorney made a proposal:  Marvin would give Ana $300k and the proceeds to his next album.  Marvin was the top R&B singer of his era, so Ana accepted.  What must have been a hard time for Marvin gave us a record that is beyond supreme!

Marvin wanted to make a bad record, so Ana wouldn’t receive any money.  Artistic integrity set in and Marvin recorded a biography of their marriage.  The entire album, except for the last track, is a retelling of their marriage; the good and especially the bad!  Even the album art goes into detail of their divorce case.

The album starts with the title track, “Here, My Dear.”  In this song he asks Ana, “You Don’t Have To Use the Son of Mine/To Keep Me In Line.”

Almost immediately the next track kicks in, “I Met A Little Girl,” which at first is a Doo-Wop style song.  But in the album’s true sound, Marvin retells how they met.  During the middle of the song he recites his wedding vows, then yells out the year “1964,” the year they were first married.  He sings about how they loved one another.  Then he yells out “1976” where sang about how they both changed.  Then I get chills when I hear the last few verses, “We thought our love/Would stand the test of time/But as I sing this song right now/I wonder/Today if you’re a friend of mine.”  He ends the song by singing “Hallelujah, I’m Free.”

The next track is probably his best and the most personal song I’ve ever heard.  I will admit that the jazzy musical instrumentation of the song might not be for everyone, but if you can get past that, then the song, “When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You” (Lyrics) will reveal a side of Marvin you wouldn’t expect.  I can not tell you how good this song is, you must hear it for yourself!  In it he sings “If you really loved me/You wouldn’t take $1 million to part.”

The album is filled with personal stories from their marriage and divorce.  It is truly a gem.  Most people haven’t hear of this album, because it wasn’t received well.  Most fans of Marvin wanted another sexy, love filled album.  In an era where disco was the prominent genre, critics did not know how to define the album.  Sales were poor and as a result the album was not re-issued to CD until the late 2000’s.  This album is his best work, in my opinion.  The album “What’s Going On” is equally amazing, but he sang about how society felt with the war.  That album reflects a time in society, but this album reflects a time that was personal and he let the world know what he was going through.  In the album he also talks about his own imperfections, so he is not just slamming his ex-wife.

Whoever reads this blog should actually go out and listen to this album.  People do not just listen to music anymore.  We don’t expect music to be masterpieces, so we expect mediocrity; this album is far from that.  This album has so many levels to it that I still here things in it that I had never heard before.  So class in session, your first homework assignment:  Listen to this album!