Let's Get It On

Lore & Background

Following the breakthrough success of his socially conscious album What's Going On (1971), Gaye struggled with writer's block in spring 1972. Motown had renegotiated a new contract worth $1 million, making him the highest-earning soul artist at the time, and he was deciding whether to relocate to Los Angeles. Gaye was also coping with childhood abuse from his father Marvin Gay Sr., which had stunted his sexuality, leading to impotence and sadomasochistic fantasies. He infused ideas of spiritual healing into songs about sex and romance as a way to cope.

Reader's Guide

Let's Get It On is regarded as a landmark recording in soul music, increasing the popularity of funk during the 1970s and marking a change from Motown's earlier 'Motown Sound' formula. The album frequently appears on professional rankings of the greatest albums and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame as a historically important recording. Its success gave Gaye more creative control from Motown. In 2001, it was reissued as a two-CD deluxe edition, and in 2023, it was reissued with added material for its 50th anniversary. The album's exploration of sex as a metaphor for spiritual healing, combined with its commercial and critical success, cemented its legacy as a pivotal work in soul and R&B.

Did You Know?

• The bulk of the album was recorded from late 1972 to July 1973, with only an isolated session in June 1970.
• Gaye's childhood abuse by his father led him to infuse spiritual healing into songs about sex and romance.
• The title track was originally a secular love song, but Ed Townsend suggested adding more explicit sexual overtones.
• The album became the most commercially successful of Gaye's career at Motown and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.