Release Date: 1978
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes

Impressions: There’s a unique backstory on this album. I know, most on this list have a story too, but this one is one of a kind. Marvin “gave” (half of the royalties) his ex-wife Anna Gordy in a weird divorce agreement. At first, Marvin tried to make a “lazy, bad” album for her, but then he got inspired by his conficting emotions from their distintegrated relationship and worked it into the fabric of a double album (even down to the title!) Let’s put it on…From the very beginning. his mix of funk, R&B, jazz and even some new-fangled synths all co-mingle together perfectly to support his songs that cover the beginning to the end of their relationship. I know this album isn’t full of “hits,” but it really hangs together as a unified piece. Even though the album is lacking it simple, catchy singles, themes, musical motifs and melodies wind and flow into each other beautifully. In many of the songs, he addresses his wife directly with spoken word intros that almost make you feel like you are eavesdropping on him talking with her rather than listening to a commercial album release. Then he stars singing in his beautiful, bittersweet voice on songs like “When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You” and “You Can Leave, But It’s Going to Cost You” an knocks each track out of the park.  This is powerful stuff, and the high-quality, sophisticated funky patented Marvin Gaye/Motown backdrop really keeps this from becoming too maudlin. After hearing this album, I pray that I never have to get divorced. I don’t think I’d be able to record an double album nearly this good for my ex-wife.

Starred Songs: “Here My Dear,” “Everybody Needs Love” “Falling In Love Again”
Sneaky Track: All of them, but “You Can Leave, But It’s Going To Cost You” snuck up me a little more.
Should this album be on the list? Yes.
Will you listen to this again? Yes
Verdict: Marvin Gaye bears his soul as part of perhaps the smoothest, funkiest divorce settlement known to man.

Rating:  ★★★★1/2