Episode 8: Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye

In this episode, Dan and Carl take on Here, My Dear, Marvin Gaye’s 1978 album that Rolling Stone ranks at #492 on its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. This record, infamous for being written as part of Gaye’s divorce settlement, is one of the most personal and emotionally raw works in music history. But does that make it good? The guys grapple with their conflicted feelings, breaking down the album’s unique concept, unfiltered lyrics, and unconventional production.

Key Points

• Marvin Gaye’s Legacy – A look at Gaye’s legendary career and why this album stands apart from his greatest hits.
• A Divorce Album Like No Other – How Here, My Dear was written to pay off Gaye’s alimony and became an intensely personal diary of heartbreak.
• Musical Experimentation or Mess? – A deep dive into the album’s unconventional song structures, meandering melodies, and unusual production choices.
• Rolling Stone, Are You Sure? – Why this album’s placement on the 500 Greatest Albums list is questionable.

 

Music Referenced

• Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
• Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye
• Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye
• I Want You by Marvin Gaye
• Soon I'll Be Loving You Again by Marvin Gaye
• Come Live With Me Angel by Marvin Gaye
• Distant Lover by Marvin Gaye
• Tammi Terrell
• Face Value by Phil Collins
• In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins
• The Police
• Stop Loving Me, Stop Loving You by Daryl Hall
• Joey Dosik
• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Jack Conti
• Ryan Lerman
• Scary Pockets
• Vulfpeck
• Jimi Hendrix
• Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield

 

Come back next week when we dig into Nick Of Time by Bonnie Raitt.