What makes I'll Be Doggone by Marvin Gaye notable?

I'll Be Doggone was a commercial success, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcasing Gaye's growing popularity in the music industry. The title track became one of his signature songs, helping to define the sound of Motown during the mid-1960s and influencing countless artists in the soul genre. Released on February 26, 1965, I'll Be Doggone marked Marvin Gaye's third studio album during a period when he was transitioning from a Motown hopeful to a prominent star. Following the success of his earlier work, this album solidified his reputation as a versatile artist capable of blending rhythm and blues with pop sensibilities.

How many songs are on I'll Be Doggone?

I'll Be Doggone has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

I'll Be Doggone

Marvin Gaye · 1965

5 min · 2 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of soulful melodies and rhythmic grooves that encapsulate Marvin Gaye's early charm and vocal prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I’ll Be Doggone — This title track captures Gaye's signature vocal style and lyrical storytelling, presenting an engaging narrative of love and heartbreak that resonates throughout the album.
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You've Been a Long Time Coming — This track showcases Gaye's intricate vocal delivery and emotional depth, serving as a perfect complement to the album's themes of longing and desire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Strong grooves and vocal interplay define this single, showcasing Gaye's early funk sound.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent bass line that drives the rhythm, while horns punctuate the verses with sharp accents.
The vocal delivery is characterized by a call-and-response style, where Gaye's lead is often answered by background vocals.
The second track employs a slower tempo and emphasizes a smooth, soulful melody that contrasts with the upbeat nature of the first.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 I’ll Be Doggone 2:49
2 You've Been a Long Time Coming 2:16

What to play next

Listen next

How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You

1965

Go back to

Hello Broadway

1964

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

funk soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata