Marvin Gaye, You’re the Man | Album Review 💿

Marvin Gaye takes the listener back to vintage soulful sounds of the 70s with his enjoyable, socially-conscious ‘lost’ album, You’re the Man.

Sometimes, unreleased or lost albums are gems, while at other times, one comes to the conclusion there was clearly a reason why the project wasn’t released.  On You’re the Man, the ‘lost’ album by soul legend Marvin Gaye, more often than not, the reward surpasses mediocrity.  While You’re the Man doesn’t dare match the sheer brilliance and classicism of the likes of What’s Going On, Let’s Get it On, or I Want You (among others), but there’s some magic to be found in this compilation.

“You’re the Man, Pt. 1 & II (Single Version)”

“If you have a master plan / I got to, I got to vote for you / … You’re the man, woo.” You’re the Man gets off to a good start with the politically-charged ✓ “You’re the Man, Pt. 1 & II (Single Version).” The 70s soul ambience is in full force, with the robust bass line, that signature Gaye percussive groove, and buttery smooth vocals that still manage to pack a sizable punch. Further down the track list (track 14), “You’re the Man (Alternate Version)” appears, with the same progressive political tilt.  Interestingly, even if “You’re the Man” was applicable to the anti-Nixon sentiment of 1972, the points Gaye made back then are still relevant today.

Keeping You’re the Man going strong early on is another superb, socially-charged standout, ✓ “The World is Rated X.” The production is masterful, led by the agile, robust bass lines, and the lush, dramatic strings.  Arguably even more than “You’re the Man,” Marvin Gaye is locked-in, showing incredibly authenticity as he laments the corrupt state of the world.  Particularly at the end, Gaye is totally disturbed:

“Where’s the love? Where’s the peace?
Where’s the joy? Where’s the hope for us all?
God is watching, He knows where you’re at
Yes, he’s watching the situation, that’s a fact.”

“Piece of Clay”

From a world that is clearly “rated X,” Marvin Gaye moves onto a gorgeous soul ballad, ✓ “Piece of Clay.” The church vibes are evident from the start, with the prominent use of organ, piano, and a shift to compound meter (six-eight).  Gaye is in no rush, preaching a most thoughtful sermon over the course of five-minutes-plus. Lyrically, “Where Are We Going (Alternate Mix 2)” isn’t quite as deep as the three songs that precede it, but the message still fits a socially-conscious bill – “Oh, where are we headed? / With all that’s goin’ on where are we getting’?”  From a musical standpoint, You’re the Man remains a brilliant, 70s showcase.  Of course, it should be noted that “Where Are We Going (Alternate Mix 2)” was released as a single (with “Woman of the World”) back in 2015. 

“I’m Gonna Give You Respect” is one of the shorter numbers, but still quite effective.  Rather than dwell on the ills of the world, Gaye focuses on another songwriting forte, love.  The difference here, compared to how matters of ‘love’ are handled in urban contemporary music today is that Gaye is chivalrous – “You got what I need baby (Don’t wanna lose you) / …So I’m gon’ give you respect and I want to protect.”  As great as “Respect” is, one of the most elite numbers of You’re the Man follows, the infectious, love-touting ✓ “Try It, You’ll Like It.”  On this mid-tempo, groovy, locked-in soul joint, Mr. Gaye swears by the four-letter word:

“Oh, people
Try it, you’ll like it
What the world needs now’s
Just a little more love
Little more love.”

“You Are That Special One”

“You Are That Special One” keeps the groove at the forefront and the tempo cooking.  Marvin Gaye flaunts his falsetto, in all its timeless glory, sigh.  Listening to “You Are That Special One,” or even the marvelous follow up ✓ “We Can Make It Baby,” it’s amazing to observe just how much R&B/soul music has changed since its heyday.  “We Can Make It Baby” might not make a list of definitive Marvin Gaye hits, but it’s definitely patterned after some of the best.  Promo single ✓ “My Last Chance” remains a highlight, even if the ballad has serious competition with plenty of juggernauts featured throughout, You’re the Man.  Gaye is in great voice, a voice that definitely exemplifies the characterization of being ‘once in a lifetime.’

“My Last Chance” was dubbed as a SalaAm Remi remix.  The producer continues to put his personal touches on You’re the Man with “Symphony” as well as its follow-up, “I’d Give My Life for You.” Notably, the drums are pronounced on “Symphony,” a characteristic of Remi productions I’ve heard in the past. As for “I’d Give My Life for You,” like “Symphony,” it’s lush, idiomatic of the soul of the times.  Enjoyable, but won’t push the top of the Gaye catalogue for a spot.

“Woman of the World” 

The aforementioned “Woman of the World” was released as a single back in 2015 alongside “Where Are We Going.” The electric piano-fueled joint is an incredibly groovy, satisfying listen without question. “Woman of the World” will never be the ‘hit,’ even in the context of You’re the Man, but it’s definitely pleasant. The ear candy is real on the instrumental “Christmas in the City.” Following the alternate version of “You’re the Man,” another ‘Christmas’ number, “I Want to Come Home for Christmas,” follows, this time with lyrics. If You’re the Man didn’t show off it’s ‘compilation’ cards earlier, it certainly does with the inclusion of the Christmas songs.  That said, “Christmas in the City” is an epic soul instrumental, while Gaye’s pipes continue to shine in all their glory on “I Want to Come Home for Christmas” – “I want to hear jingle bells ringing, ringing.” 

The two final cuts from You’re the Man, “I’m Going Home” and “Checking Out (Double Clutch),” both push five minutes in duration. Also, both cuts were released previously on the 40^th anniversary edition of What’s Going On. The simple, minor-key penultimate cut “I’m Going Home” is about exactly what it says, ‘going home.’  It would’ve been the perfect fit for the playlist, 13 Songs That Embrace the Mantra, ‘No Place Like Home, sigh.  The funky “Checking Out (Double Clutch)” finds Gaye speaking over an ultra-funky backdrop.

Final Thoughts 

The best way to examine You’re the Man is as a compilation.  Those who do more research into some of the songs tacked on to the ‘lost’ album will see they’ve been previously released, which tempers some of the excitement for a true, unreleased album by a long-gone soul legend.  Still, You’re the Man has its fair share of gems, which makes it worthwhile.  Maybe 70 minutes is too much, particularly considering the way the album is being promoted, but it’s never a dull day hearing Marvin Gaye when it’s all said and done. 

✓ Gems: “You’re the Man, Pt. 1 & II (Single Version),” “The World is Rated X,” “Piece of Clay,” “Try It, You’ll Like It,” “We Can Make It Baby” & “My Last Chance”

Marvin Gaye • You’re the Man • Motown • Release: 3.29.19

Photo Credit: Motown