(Single from album, "Let's Get It On")
Ok, so, before I begin, two quick things. Firstly, this is a brief review; not for any noteworthy reason other than the fact that Marvin Gaye isn't especially a favourite of mine. Also, the genre of this song leaves me cold somewhat, making it rather difficult to write about, as I happen to know very little about soul. Secondly, the question as to the legitimacy behind the reason for writing this review should be explored. Though this has been denied, I cannot doubt, somewhat, that the request to review this particular song was something of a test of my own humility and gullible nature. He knows who he is, so it's all good. Regardless, here it is; a quick, but realistic and truthful review of this blog's first real soul record...
This 1973 soul/funk favourite opens up with the sound of a foxy clavinet (possibly an electric guitar and emulator, or maybe, the real thing), and this is followed quickly by the meandering entry from the status quo of soul music; the grooooovaaaaayyyyyy bass, the rolling drums, and the suave, toned depth of the vocal, hopelessly entwined in it's own romantic image of 'lurrrrrvvvveeeeeee'...
This is a classic funky soul record, right from extreme, overt lyrical sexuality to the hopelessly 70s production technique of including a jazz flute line at the end of the track. The song isn't of particularly high sonic quality, but, similarly actually to the previously reviewed City And Colour song from 2011, it has real character, and warmth; there's something very cosy about the whole feel of the sound. The lyrics are similarly written with the intention of drawing in sexual attention, but with the added quota of 'sophisticate' in the jazzy musical depth (allegedly), as the hinting choice of words, and suggestive vocal phrasing show. The song bears it's intention as a 'love-making' record from the offset, and for this reason, it is the ultimate 70's pop song. The era of love, was, apparently, the 60's but, come on, have heard this? If anything, Motown made the 70's the era of love! It's musical cheesiness at it's most pretentious!
I shouldn't be so harsh however. The instrumentation is really very good; even the vocal is very deep and full, and, alongside the warm buzz of the bass and guitar, with the added rhythmic commentary of the smooth and gentle drums, it's a great record to...I don't know...slow dance to? I jest. Honestly, it's quality song at heart, it just has an aura of flimsy meaning to it; in other words, it doesn't stand for much.
So, that basically, is it. I really don't mind the song, but it's generic sound (especially with regard to the lyrics) places it as a not-especially-significant song in the history of music. Some would argue that Marvin Gaye was the best inhis field, and to that, regardless of my own personal tastes, I would testify. This certainly is the best cheesy Motown you can get; at least in it's poppy, mainstream, lovestruck delivery it's accomplished musically. It does what it does, with the best possible sonic results, however lame it is...
★★★★
Versions of “Let's Get It On”
Single Version - 3:58
Album Version - 4:53