What makes That's the Way Love Is by Marvin Gaye notable?

This album is notable for its exploration of complex emotional themes within relationships, which resonated with a changing cultural landscape during the late 1960s. It solidified Gaye's reputation as a leading voice in soul music, influencing countless artists and contributing to the ongoing evolution of R&B and funk. Released on August 7, 1969, 'That's the Way Love Is' came during Marvin Gaye's transition from Motown star to a more personal and innovative artist. This album followed his acclaimed work on 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' and marked a significant moment in his evolution as he began to explore deeper themes in his music.

How many songs are on That's the Way Love Is?

That's the Way Love Is has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

That's the Way Love Is

Marvin Gaye · 1969

6 min · 2 tracks · funk

A smooth blend of soulful melodies and rhythmic grooves that embodies the complexity of love's emotions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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That’s the Way Love Is — The title track showcases Gaye's signature smooth vocals and intricate arrangements, effectively capturing the essence of love's trials and tribulations.
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Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love — This track highlights Gaye's determination and emotional depth, featuring a compelling rhythm that propels the narrative of perseverance in love.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends soulful ballads with rhythmic grooves, showcasing Gaye's vocal prowess and thematic depth.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate lush string arrangements that complement Gaye's vocal delivery, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The title track, 'That's the Way Love Is,' employs a call-and-response structure between Gaye's lead vocals and backing harmonies, creating an engaging dynamic.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

That’s the Way Love Is

The bridge shifts from a hopeful tone to a more resigned acceptance of love's challenges.

This structural contrast emphasizes the duality of love, showcasing Gaye's ability to convey complex emotional states through musical dynamics.

Tracklist

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

1 That’s the Way Love Is 3:15
2 Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love 2:52

What to play next

Listen next

Easy

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Go back to

In the Groove

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funk soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata