What makes Got to Give It Up by Marvin Gaye notable?

'Got to Give It Up' became a significant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and establishing itself as a classic dance anthem. Its innovative blend of funk and disco influenced subsequent artists and solidified Gaye's legacy in popular music, contributing to the disco movement of the late 1970s. In 1977, Marvin Gaye was transitioning from the commercial success of his earlier albums, including 'What’s Going On' (1971). 'Got to Give It Up' marked his first major venture into disco and dance music, showcasing a shift in his creative direction. This release came at a time when Gaye was redefining his sound amidst personal struggles and industry pressures.

How many songs are on Got to Give It Up?

Got to Give It Up has 4 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

Got to Give It Up

Marvin Gaye · 1977

19 min · 4 tracks · funk

A sultry mix of funk grooves and soulful melodies that beckons listeners to the dance floor with its infectious rhythm.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Got to Give It Up (radio edit) — This track encapsulates the album's essence with its irresistible groove and smooth vocals, making it an iconic party anthem that resonates through decades.
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Got to Give It Up (TNT's House mix) — The extended version showcases Gaye's adaptability to the evolving dance music landscape, transforming a classic into a club favorite with a fresh production style.
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No Days Go By — This track highlights Gaye's lyrical depth and emotional vulnerability, contrasting the upbeat nature of the title track while maintaining a soulful essence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

74 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The single blends funk and disco with engaging grooves, making it a classic dance anthem.

What we noticed

The title track features a call-and-response vocal style, where Gaye interacts with the background singers, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
The song's structure includes extended instrumental breaks that emphasize the groove, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the rhythm.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 9/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Got to Give It Up (radio edit) 4:13
2 Got to Give It Up (TNT's House mix) 6:59
3 No Days Go By 4:41
4 Got to Give It Up (Tee's Freeze radio) 3:35

What to play next

Listen next

In Our Lifetime

1981

Go back to

I Want You

1976

Full Marvin Gaye discography Where to start with Marvin Gaye Artists like Marvin Gaye

funk soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata