Marvin Gaye's 1972 album will finally be released

Almost half a century later, Marvin Gaye’s album You’re the Man will finally be released. Originally recorded in 1972, the record is set to drop on March 29th, 2019, only four days before what would have been Gaye’s 80th birthday.

The album was supposed to be released by Motown as a follow up to Gaye’s critically acclaimed What’s Going On (1971). Only the titular track was originally released of the LP’s 17 songs, and most will only now be released on vinyl. Take a listen to the first single that’s been released from the upcoming album — a mix of “My Last Chance” from Nas and Amy Winehouse producer, SaLaAM ReMi:

The song “You’re the Man” was written quite directly at the political candidates of the 1972 presidential election (notably Democratic nominee George McGovern), pressing them on whether they could really “right all the wrongs” of the past administration. Additionally, in a third version of the track, Gaye offers the idea that “maybe we should have a lady president.” He finishes the song with a call for the decriminalization of marijuana. This album sure is timely.

There are few people who can captivate a listener as well as Marvin Gaye. His luscious falsetto and groovy ballads may be what we need to wake Americans up and rise out of the dark period we’re in.