Most Popular Songs | Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye was a much-loved singer, songwriter, and musician from America. His impressive output stretched three decades, and his beautiful songs are still heard today on radio waves and vinyl grooves. More than anyone, Marvin Gaye shaped the influential Motown sound of the 1960s and ’70s. As he graduated from a talented session player to a solo star, he took music to new places and earned millions of adoring fans along the way.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the amazing songs created by this incredible artist. From R&B hits to smooth jazz and fresh funk, the “Prince of Soul” had a massive influence on the world of music. Check out Marvin Gaye’s most popular songs right here.
'What's Going On'
'What's Going On'
This list starts with an authentic masterpiece, “What’s Going On.” This iconic number was produced after the Vietnam War, with Gaye merging soul and social commentary to great effect. He witnessed poverty and brutality in his community and turned it into something truly special. This song is an open question to America, as a driving rhythm blooms into lush orchestration and heartfelt emotion. On the surface, “What’s Going On” seems like just another protest song. More than that, however, it’s an invitation to build compassion and move forward with empathy and love.
'Let's Get It On'
'Let's Get It On'
This list starts with an authentic masterpiece, “What’s Going On.” This iconic number was produced after the Vietnam War, with Gaye merging soul and social commentary to great effect. He witnessed poverty and brutality in his community and turned it into something truly special. This song is an open question to America, as a driving rhythm blooms into lush orchestration and heartfelt emotion. On the surface, “What’s Going On” seems like just another protest song. More than that, however, it’s an invitation to build compassion and move forward with empathy and love.
'Sexual Healing'
'Sexual Healing'
When it comes to Marvin Gaye’s most popular songs, this one is right up there. “Sexual Healing” was a massive hit in 1982, and it’s a radio favorite even today. This song was released very late in the singer’s career, and it shows a more personal and vulnerable side of the man. With a unique blend of disco, funk, and soul, “Sexual Healing” is a unique and futuristic musical vision. Not only did this song get the dance floor pumping, but it surely inspired lots of hot and steamy nights in the bedroom.
'I Heard It Through the Grapevine'
'I Heard It Through the Grapevine'
If you asked random people to name a single Marvin Gaye song, this one would probably top this list. Another huge hit, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” is about love, heartbreak, and ultimate betrayal. This song is the ultimate response to a cheating partner, and it hits all the right notes. With emotional strings, percussive accents, and a strong driving bass line, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” is memorable both musically and lyrically. This track was originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips, and it has also been recorded by Smokey Robinson, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Amy Winehouse.
'Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)'
'Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)'
As a love letter to the natural environment, this fantastic track was way ahead of its time. “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” was released on Gaye’s second studio album, What’s Going On, and in many ways, it was a departure from the surrounding material. While Motown songs were mostly concerned with love, romance, and heartbreak, this track had an entirely different ambition. On “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology),” Marvin Gaye sings of natural wonders, dirty pollution, and the urgency to change. Way back in 1971, the best among us were already aware that humanity needed to change.
'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' (with Tammi Terrell)
'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' (with Tammi Terrell)
Another radio classic, this energetic number is loved across the world. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is a duet with Tammi Terrell, and with her soaring vocals, it’s impossible not to feel moved. This song is an early Motown classic from 1967, which saw new life with Diana Ross’ 1970 release. Once again, this Marvin Gaye production finds the perfect balance between tight rhythms and emotional strings. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is a tribute to human resilience and personal triumph during tough times.
'Got to Give It Up (Part 1)'
'Got to Give It Up (Part 1)'
When it comes to songs by Marvin Gaye, “Got to Give It Up (Part 1)” is up there with the very best. This rollicking track was released in 1977, with its energetic party vibes becoming an instant hit. Like other disco numbers in the late ’70s, “Got to Give It Up (Part 1)” was originally released as an extended 12-minute dance floor mix. A much shorter 4-minute version was created for the radio, where it was heard constantly over the next 12 months.
'You're All I Need to Get By' (with Tammi Terrell)
'You're All I Need to Get By' (with Tammi Terrell)
Another duet with the fabulous Tammi Terrell, ” You’re All I Need to Get By” is one of Marvin Gaye’s most popular songs. This time around, Gaye and Terrell blend familiar pop and soul sounds with majestic gospel vibes. With powerful call-and-response vocals and beautiful, heartfelt lyrics, this song is a reminder of love and its life-changing power. Just like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” the chemistry between Gaye and Terrell is undeniable.
'How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)'
'How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)'
Another instantly recognizable pop classic, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” has much more sugar than spice. Released early in Gaye’s career in 1965, this song comes from his fifth studio album of the same name. Like many of Marvin Gaye’s early numbers, this song is about feeling good and living right. While the weight of the world was a familiar theme during the later years of his career, the radiance of youth definitely wins out here. Full of optimism and delivered with grace, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” is simple, memorable, and very effective.
'Ain't That Peculiar'
'Ain't That Peculiar'
Produced by the iconic Smokey Robinson, this great track is a penetrating dance floor number with the perfect amount of soul. Despite the insistent rollicking beat, however, “Ain’t That Peculiar” isn’t all good vibes. The lyrics are about the emotional torment of a failing relationship, with the singer unable to make peace with his girl. “Ain’t That Peculiar” was released in 1965, from Gaye’s seventh studio album, Moods of Marvin Gaye.
'It Takes Two' (with Kim Weston)
'It Takes Two' (with Kim Weston)
The year was 1966 and Marvin Gaye was fast becoming a household name. His fame was pushed higher with the release of “It Takes Two,” which also features the gorgeous vocals of Kim Weston. This was Gaye’s breakout track globally in many ways, making the top 20 in the UK and also back home in America. Lyrically, “It Takes Two” is about dreams, wishes, and the wonders of romance. You may recognize this song from the much-later 1990 version, where a crooning Rod Stewart joined an energetic Tina Turner to great success.
'Too Busy Thinking About My Baby'
'Too Busy Thinking About My Baby'
This memorable track is an automatic inclusion on any Marvin Gaye best songs list. It was released in 1969, sandwiched between “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “That’s the Way Love Is.” It was Marvin Gaye’s second-biggest release of the ’60s after “Grapevine,” reaching top position in the charts as more people discovered this great artist. “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby” is about the all-consuming nature of romantic love, with the singer unable to stop thinking about his woman.
'Can I Get a Witness'
'Can I Get a Witness'
This great track was released in 1963, which was very early in Marvin Gaye’s career. “Can I Get a Witness” was not included on any albums, but it definitely made a splash as a single. Musically, this track blends a driving boogie-woogie piano riff with gospel-style vocal harmonies. While Gaye sings most of the song in his tenor voice, he extends his vocal range by going up and down to falsetto and baritone territory.
'Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)'
'Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)'
This track is probably Marvin Gaye’s most famous protest song. As he croons and hollers against urban struggle, we get a haunting portrayal of poverty, injustice, and hardship in early ’70s America. This song was released on Gaye’s What’s Going On album as the final single and climatic album track. “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” may present a pessimistic picture of American life, but like many of Gaye’s tracks, it also makes you feel alive. Musically, it’s a groovy number with minimal instrumentation and building intensity throughout.
'If I Could Build My Whole World Around You' (with Tammi Terrell)
'If I Could Build My Whole World Around You' (with Tammi Terrell)
Once again, this song sees Marvin Gaye partner with the talented vocalist Tammi Terrell. Released in 1967, “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” was the duo’s third single together. Gaye and Terrell pull off some beautiful back-and-forth vocals in this number, and they hit all the right notes. Despite embracing the pop and soul sound of the late ’60s, this song also has a blues feel. It may only play for just over two minutes, but “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” stays in the memory much longer.
'Pride and Joy'
'Pride and Joy'
This fantastic song comes from Marvin Gaye’s early career, released in 1963. This track was in two separate versions, with the hit single differing significantly from the album version. The single was more of a gospel track, and the version on That Stubborn Kinda Fellow had more of a jazz feel. “Pride and Joy” is notable as the first Marvin Gaye song to hit top 10 in the charts. Background vocals on this song are by Martha and the Vandellas, and instrumentation is by The Funk Brothers, with both acts going on to do great things.
'Distant Lover'
'Distant Lover'
This track was released on Marvin Gaye’s 1973 album, Let’s Get It On. It was the B-side to “Come Get to This,” with a live version given its own release in 1974. “Distant Lover” has a dreamy composition featuring horn and strings, which are filled out by energetic drum fills, doo-wop vocals, and heartbroken croons. This is a romantic song with a big heart, and it’s also rather steamy. You may know this song from Kanye West’s “Spaceship” track, which sampled the studio version of “Distant Lover” for the College Dropout album.
'You're the Man'
'You're the Man'
In this song from 1972, Marvin Gaye shines a light on American politics, power, and corruption. It was supposed to be the lead single from an upcoming album of the same name, but unfortunately, he was forced to shelve it due to low sales. This track comes during Gaye’s socially conscious period, as the artist continued to push beyond the pop sounds of Motown. Marvin Gaye calls out presidential candidates in the lyrics, mocking them with chants of “you’re the man.” He multi-tracks vocals in falsetto and other registers as the music swirls and the rhythm drives you forward.
'Trouble Man'
'Trouble Man'
One of Marvin Gaye’s most popular songs, this track is a jazz and funk exploration. With strong lyrics and Gaye’s signature vocal delivery, “Trouble Man” manages to be both brooding and atmospheric. It has a dark yet soulful groove, and it paints a clear picture of corruption and violence in America gone wrong. “Trouble Man” is a lively and insistent number, with a funky bass line laying the ground for wailing horns and electric guitars. The instrumentation here is strong and minimal, as Marvin Gaye’s thoughtful lyrics and amazing voice take center stage.
'Stubborn Kind of Fellow'
'Stubborn Kind of Fellow'
“Stubborn Kind of Fellow” was released in 1962, when Marvin Gaye’s career was still taking off. As his first hit single, it turned many people on to this once-in-a-generation artist. While Gaye had just released his first album, The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye, that long-player was full of jazz and pop standards. “Stubborn Kind of Fellow” showcased the artist on his own terms, laying the groundwork for massive success and decades of great original music. This early track ends our best of Marvin Gaye songs list.
Final Thoughts
Marvin Gaye was an incredible artist responsible for some of the most recognizable music of the 20th century. For over three decades, he brought soul, funk, and jazz onto the dance floors and into the living rooms of a changing America. In a devastating climax to a life full of joy, Gaye was murdered by his father in 1984. Despite this tragic end, however, the music and legacy of this amazing artist will live on forever.
You’ll find his music and more on Oui Global Radio here at rBeatz.com.
