About this album

Sound: "A deeply personal exploration of love's complexities, wrapped in lush, soulful melodies and Gaye's signature vocal warmth."

Where they were

Released in 1970, 'Here, My Dear' was Marvin Gaye's first album after his landmark 'What’s Going On'. At this point, Gaye was navigating the fallout from his tumultuous marriage to Anna Gordy, which heavily influenced the album's themes and lyrical content. This album marked a pivotal moment in Gaye's career as he moved towards more introspective and confessional songwriting.

Why it matters

Upon its release, 'Here, My Dear' faced mixed reviews but has since been recognized for its candidness and emotional depth. It is often cited as one of the earliest concept albums focusing on personal relationships, influencing future artists to explore similar themes. The album's raw honesty paved the way for R&B artists to express vulnerability in their music.

Essential tracks

  • "Here, My Dear" — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its poignant reflection on love and heartbreak, showcasing Gaye's emotive vocal delivery.
  • "When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You" — This track stands out for its haunting melody and lyrics that confront the painful end of a relationship, revealing Gaye's profound vulnerability.
  • "Anger" — 'Anger' captures the raw emotional turmoil of Gaye’s experiences, blending funk rhythms with an intense lyrical narrative that resonates deeply.
  • "You Can Leave, but It’s Going to Cost You" — This track combines biting lyrics with infectious grooves, illustrating the consequences of love lost while maintaining an upbeat instrumental backdrop.

Release Date

January 1, 1970

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Here, My Dear 2:48
  2. 2 I Met a Little Girl 5:03
  3. 3 When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You 6:17
  4. 4 Anger 4:04
  5. 5 Is That Enough? 7:48
  6. 6 Everybody Needs Love 5:49
  7. 7 Time to Get It Together 3:55
  8. 8 Sparrow 6:12
  9. 9 Anna’s Song 5:56
  10. 10 When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You (instrumental) 6:03
  11. 11 A Funky Space Reincarnation 8:18
  12. 12 You Can Leave, but It’s Going to Cost You 5:32
  13. 13 Falling in Love Again 4:38
  14. 14 When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You (reprise) 0:44