CLASSIC ALBUM: I WANT YOU

Marvin Gaye's 1976 smash hit single "I Want You" was a slick fusion of disco and quiet storm that ultimately confirmed his transition from social to sensual after his 1973 landmark album, "Let's Get It On" served as just an introduction into Marvin's new musical direction. Quincy Jones refers to this album as "musical ear candy," and it surely is.

The entire album has a light-rhythmic, slick quiet storm feel with lyrics about love-making and more love-making. Each track has a similar tranquil, cosmic sound element, and Marvin's layered and echoed, multi-harmonized vocal parts add a glaze to every track as well.

This piece of work is simply genius and speaks to Marvin's ability to interpret someone else's song in the case of this album just as well as he interprets his own. This entire album was produced and written by Leon Ware, long-time Motown contributor and rookie artist at the time, with additional contributions from Diana Ross' brother T-Boy Ross. It is rumored that Leon Ware presented this album completed to Motown president Berry Gordy, and he suggested that the young entertainer give the album to Marvin Gaye to record instead in return for a recording contract. Ware did so, and "I Want You" was brought to life. Nonetheless, Leon's contributions helped Marvin expand his artistry and Ware's influence on Marvin can be heard on subsequent works because Marvin's clear idea of quiet storm before Ware came was bluesy-esque ballads that reflected his days of singing Doo-wop with the Moonglows, ie. "Let's Get It On" and "Come Get This." In retrospect, in a way, Marvin made disco viable with this offering because of its duality to appeal to the dance floor listeners and soul and jazz purists since most of the album is cosmic yet rhythmic.