Best songs by marvin gaye
Marvin Gaye's 10 greatest songs ever, ranked
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Marvin Gaye “How Sweet It Is” Live At Montreux Jazz Festival 1980 HD
Written by the famous Holland–Dozier–Holland trio at Motown, this gave Marvin Gaye his biggest hit at the time in 1964.
The song's title was inspired by one of Jackie Gleason's signature catchphrases: "How Sweet It Is!"
The love song was later recorded as a famous cover version by James Taylor in 1975.
It Takes Two (with Kim Weston)
Released on Motown's Tamla label in 1966, this duet between Marvin and Kim Weston describes various things in life - such as dreams, love and wishes - being far better with two people instead of one.
Read more: The tragic story of Marvin Gaye and the untimely death of a spirit legend
In 1990, Rod Stewart and Tina Turner teamed up for a cover version, taking it to number five in the UK.
Abraham, Martin and John
Abraham, Martin & John
Originally by Dion, this song was a tribute to four iconic Americans who were assassinated: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr, John F Kennedy and Robert Kennedy.
Marvin Gaye covered the ballad in 1970, and was
Marvin Gaye’s 30 Top Songs on the Billboard Hot 100
On April 1, 1984, Marvin Gaye was killed, shot dead by his father Marvin Gay, Sr. in his Los Angeles home. Gaye was one of Motown’s most soulful and socially aware artists, standing tall amongst peers and label mates like Stevie Wonder by igniting spirits with politically charged cuts like “What’s Going On” and equally providing heat for intimate times with songs enjoy “Let’s Get It On.”
Unlike some of his Motown label mates, Marvin Gaye was not only a nuanced, soulful vocalist, but an expert songwriter, capable of crafting beautiful, meditative ballads as well as thumping dance floor numbers. His impact continues to be felt in R&B, hip-hop, rock and dance music decades after his death. Gaye was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his indelible impact on popular music and culture.
To celebrate his life, stellar output and the time he’s been away, here are his 30 top songs on the Warm 100 singles chart. Revisit Marvin’s classic and maybe (re)discover a forgotten gem.
This ranking is based on weekly performance on the Hot 100 (from its inception on Aug. 4
Marvin Gaye's 15 greatest songs, ranked
'How Adorable It Is’ (To Be Loved By You)'
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Marvin Gaye's second foremost ten hit under Motown was written by the label's songwriters Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland.
Riffing off the "how adorable it is!" catchphrase of television's biggest stars in Jackie Gleason, 'How Adorable It Is To Be Loved By You' established Gaye as a standalone talent.
One of Gaye's most saccharine songs, James Taylor recorded his own sugary rendition a decade later with his then-wife Carly Simon, bagging himself a top five punch in the US.
Oddly, Marvin also released a German-language version of the anthem entitled 'Wie Schön Das Ist'.
'It Takes Two' with Kim Weston
By 1966, Marvin was on his way to becoming a household label thanks to his series of hits on Motown.
However, he wasn't at all known overseas, which all changed with the let go of the duet 'It Takes Two' with Kim Weston, which was written by her then-husband William "Mickey" Stevenson, and Sylvia Moy.
The soulful ditty made the top 20 of both the UK and
Unveiling Marvin Gaye’s Most Widespread Songs
“Ain’t No Mountain Sky-high Enough”
Marvin Gaye’s Timeless Tale of Unwavering Love
Originally penned by the songwriting duo of Ashford & Simpson, “Ain’t No Mountain Elevated Enough” first found triumph in 1967 as a duet between Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The song’s infectious energy and soaring vocals cemented its status as a Motown classic. With its themes of unwavering love and triumph over adversity, it gained renewed popularity in 1970 with Diana Ross‘ soulful solo rendition.
Musically, the track is a research in contrasts. Lush orchestration and a driving rhythm section build a potent sonic foundation. Gaye and Terrell’s (and later Ross’s) passionate vocals rise above this backdrop, conveying the song’s message with both vulnerability and strength. The call-and-response sections and the unforgettable chorus create an anthem-like quality that has resonated with audiences across generations.
Beyond its musical brilliance, “Ain’t No Mountain Elevated Enough” is an enduring symbol of hope and perseverance. Its messa