Let's get it on with the timeless allure of Marvin Gaye's iconic anthem of love and desire.
Overview
While Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" is celebrated as one of the most sensual and iconic songs in music history, it did not have a traditional music video upon its release in 1973. In that era, the concept of elaborate promotional music videos was still nascent. Instead, the song's impact was delivered primarily through its masterful audio production, Gaye's impassioned vocals, and widespread radio play. Any visual representation associated with the track at the time would have likely been limited to album artwork, live performances, or appearances on television programs.
The power of "Let's Get It On" lies in its ability to evoke vivid imagery through sound alone. Its smooth instrumentation, seductive rhythm, and explicit lyrical themes created an undeniable atmosphere of romance and intimacy, making a visual accompaniment largely unnecessary for its profound cultural resonance.
Background
"Let's Get It On" is the title track from Marvin Gaye's twelfth studio album, released on August 28, 1973, by Motown subsidiary label Tamla Records. The song itself was issued as a single on June 15, 1973. Co-written and produced by Gaye and Ed Townsend, the song marked a pivotal moment in Gaye's career, showcasing a shift towards more overtly sexual and romance-themed music after his socially conscious album What's Going On.
The recording sessions for the album spanned from June 1970 to July 1973, taking place in both Detroit (Hitsville U.S.A. and Golden World Studio) and Los Angeles (Hitsville West). The track features romantic and sexual lyricism, backed by the distinctive funk instrumentation of The Funk Brothers, who were the influential collective of studio musicians for Motown.
Why It Matters
"Let's Get It On" became Marvin Gaye's most successful single for Motown and one of his most well-known songs, solidifying his status as a sex icon and broadening his mainstream appeal. The song's sexually suggestive lyrics and smooth soul sound were groundbreaking, contributing to the pioneering of the "slow jam" and "quiet storm" formats that would heavily influence future R&B artists and producers. Critics often regard the album Let's Get It On as a landmark recording in soul music, showcasing Gaye's ability to blend intimacy with a spiritual yearning.
The song's enduring popularity and iconic status are a testament to its timeless appeal and its role in shaping the landscape of romantic music. It boldly explored themes of sexual liberation and love, transcending the boundaries of what was typically heard in mainstream music at the time.
Fun Facts
- "Let's Get It On" was initially conceived by co-writer Ed Townsend with a religious theme, intending it as a song about overcoming addiction and "getting on" with life. However, Marvin Gaye transformed it into a plea for sexual liberation and an ode to intimacy.
- Gaye's inspiration for the song's intimate lyrics was partly attributed to his infatuation with Janis Hunter, whom he met during the recording sessions and who would later become his second wife.
- The album Let's Get It On surpassed Gaye's previous critically acclaimed work, What's Going On, as the best-selling record of his tenure with Motown.
- The song features a signature wah-wah guitar line played by session musician Don Peake.
- Marvin Gaye himself contributed soulful lead vocals and multi-tracked background singing to the track, creating its rich, layered sound.
- A 2005 remix, "Let's Get It On (The Producers Mix)," brought the song back to the Billboard R&B charts, thirty years after its original release, and was certified Gold.