#493: Here, My Dear (Marvin Gaye, 1978)

Never marry a musician. And if you do, don’t make the mistake of divorcing him in a strange settlement where the royalties of his next album go to you. Because then your ex might just destroy you on one of the most acclaimed albums of all time. That's the mistake that Anna Gordy made which led to Marvin Gaye's 15th album. Because of the strange conditions in which it was made, you might expect Gaye to phone this one in. Instead, Gaye bared his soul for the world to see, writing intricately detailed songs about his failed marriage. At times it can be uncomfortable, a voyeuristic look at a bitter ex. He denounces anger on track four, but cannot stop it seeping in on the opener. At other times he can be downright romantic. On A Funky Space Reincarnation, he imagines a sci-fi future where he can happily Get it On with his ex. On Falling in Love Again, he croons about his new love. On every song, Gaye’s voice soulfully twists and turns through its whole range. The saxophone and trumpet accompaniments are the perfect backdrop to his ruminations. 5/5.