Fifty years after hitting the airwaves, “Let’s Get It On” finally receives a video treatment.
On Thursday (Nov 21), Motown/UMe debuted the first-ever official animated music video for Marvin Gaye’s classic signature staple, “Let’s Get It On.”
Directed by Monica Cordero and animated by Vania Chandrawidjaja and William Kusuma, the official clip from seductively expresses the psychedelic soul style of the era.
With its seventies-style color palette and psychedelic hues, the clip threads together sensual vignettes—a bitten apple and blossoming flowers. In between, a couple embraces, and the camera spotlights an animated depiction of a smiling Marvin Gaye clad in a recognizable knit hat.
It arrived on the heels of Motown/UMe’s 2023 release of Let’s Get It On: Deluxe Edition on the fiftieth anniversary of the seminal record’s original release.
Upon its arrival, Variety raved, “From the wah-wah guitar that opens the title track to the operatic closer “Just to Keep You Satisfied,” Marvin Gaye’s 1973 album Let’s Get It On expressed the joy — and complexity — of human sexuality like virtually none in popular music before it.” Consequence of Sound noted, “It was his first foray into funk, as he combined soul and doo-wop to establish himself as a sex icon and expand his mainstream appeal.” American Songwriter put it best, “The evergreen quality of the music hasn’t diminished in 50 years, still sounding as vibrant, sultry, and sexy as when it was recorded.”
Inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 2004, Let’s Get It On represents a pivotal moment not only in the career of Marvin Gaye but in the evolution of soul music. Gaye gave voice to intimate desire in a way that was lightning-charged. At the time, he claimed it was spiritually guided. Fifty years on, it’s never been more apparent that he was telling the truth.