A “lost” album by Marvin Gaye containing material recorded in Detroit and Los Angeles in 1971-72 is set for worldwide release March 29. Entitled You’re The Man, the 2LP package from Motown/UMe comprises 17 tracks, 15 of which are being made available on vinyl for the first time. Three tracks are newly mixed by SaLaAM ReMi, the producer known for his work with Amy Winehouse, the Fugees, Nas, Alicia Keys and Toni Braxton, among others.
The set’s politically-charged title song was recorded in 1972, and first released by Motown as a single that spring. Gaye cut this and other material on You’re The Man in the wake of his monumental album, What’s Going On. While the tracks have been previously issued on various collections and deluxe editions, this marks the first time they have been placed in their proper context.
You’re The Man contains songs written and produced by Gaye and other key Motown creators, including Willie Hutch, Hal Davis, Freddie Perren, Pam Sawyer and Gloria Jones. In particular, Sawyer and Jones wrote “Piece Of Clay,” a 1972 recording eventually released in 1995, and also featured the following year in the movie soundtrack of Phenomenon, starring John Travolta.
The 2LP set includes the rare, long version of Gaye’s cancelled seasonal single of 1972, “I Want To Come Home For Christmas,” and a rare songwriting collaboration between Gaye and Smokey Robinson, entitled “Symphony.”
You’re The Man includes a new essay by biographer David Ritz, author of Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye. The release coincides with the 60th anniversary of Motown Records, and also Gaye’s birthday on April 2.
You can pre-order You’re The Man from the Classic Motown store here.
