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In Our Lifetime

by Marvin Gaye

Released: January 15, 1981

Soul, funk, jazz

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

The album was recorded amid multiple personal and professional challenges for Gaye, reflected in its deeper, more introspective lyrics. The album also went through multiple name changes throughout its development, originally named "Love Man", before "In Our Lifetime" was finally selected. "In Our Lifetime" is the sixteenth studio album by American Soul singer Marvin Gaye, released on January 15, 1981.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Notably, it was a departure from his usual…

Notably, it was a departure from his usual motif of romance and more about spirituality and the complexities of love.

Gaye had originally intended it as a "party"…

Gaye had originally intended it as a "party" album and had recorded several tracks in London.

Still, after moving production to Los Angeles, the…

Still, after moving production to Los Angeles, the singer shifted his focus to more serious themes.

These included his recent divorce, tax problems, drug…

These included his recent divorce, tax problems, drug abuse, and conflicts with his recording company.

This final album released before his death consists…

This final album released before his death consists of nine tracks, mainly in the genres of soul, funk, and jazz.

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Essential Tracks

Praise

The album includes hits like 'Praise' and 'Love Party'.

Love Party

The album includes hits like 'Praise' and 'Love Party'.

In Our Lifetime

The album also went through multiple name changes throughout its development, originally named "Love Man", before "In Our Lifetime" was finally selected.

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Explore the Album

Marvin Gaye - In Our Lifetime

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Reception

Even though it wasn't a significant commercial success upon its release, "In Our Lifetime" is now recognized as one of Gaye's critical triumphs in his later career. Despite the concurrent issues, "In Our Lifetime" received positive reviews for its expressive and innovative sound, with critics praising Gaye's raw and emotional performance.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"In Our Lifetime" is the sixteenth studio album by American Soul singer Marvin Gaye, released on January 15, 1981. This final album released before his death consists of nine tracks, mainly in the genres of soul, funk, and jazz. Notably, it was a departure from his usual motif of romance and more about spirituality and the complexities of love.

The album was recorded amid multiple personal and professional challenges for Gaye, reflected in its deeper, more introspective lyrics. These included his recent divorce, tax problems, drug abuse, and conflicts with his recording company. Despite the concurrent issues, "In Our Lifetime" received positive reviews for its expressive and innovative sound, with critics praising Gaye's raw and emotional performance.

The album includes hits like 'Praise' and 'Love Party'. Generally, the songs on the album explore the dualities of life and human nature, with themes of good vs. evil and love vs. lust. Even though it wasn't a significant commercial success upon its release, "In Our Lifetime" is now recognized as one of Gaye's critical triumphs in his later career.

However, the album's production was fraught with difficulties. Gaye had originally intended it as a "party" album and had recorded several tracks in London. Still, after moving production to Los Angeles, the singer shifted his focus to more serious themes. The album also went through multiple name changes throughout its development, originally named "Love Man", before "In Our Lifetime" was finally selected.