Marvin Gaye's Inner City Blues

I have always loved music who really doesn't for that matter? I was raised listening to the oldies, Motown, classic rock and everything in between. I have what I would consider an old soul when it comes to my music taste.

One of my favorite artists by far would have to be Marvin Gaye. His songs are pure classics and most of us have heard most of his popular tracks such as: Sexual healing, Ain't no Mountain High Enough, Let's Get It On, and What's Going On; just to name a few for example. I have always loved his music growing up as a young girl in the Mid-West.My mother loved the music that came from the motor city and both my parents had a very strong musical influence introducing me to artist a typical 5 year old really wouldn't listen to at least well willingly for lack of better terms. However the song I feel that I have especially connected to in the past year has been Inner City Blues. Even though compared to his other more popular tracks I felt with each word he sang which is a gift only Marvin can really give us when listening to any of his profound musical gems.

2020 has been quite an interesting year for us all and that is putting it lightly! As a nation we have had to not only deal with a pandemic but also the BLM movement. We have watched the news, we have seen family and friends post on social media about the current events the past year whether we agree or agree to disagree with them...I think we can all say 2020 surely has made us "wanna throw up our hands and holler!" There is always something new every day regarding the virus, riot and peaceful protests.

Amidst the pandemic especially in the beginning I reverted to my music as a way to cope. One night I came across this song for which I hadn't heard in a few years. Listening to lyrics even though written in 1971 and being released as the third and final single of his landmark album What's Going On; I find myself hanging on to the lyrics with every word and noticed has anything really changed?

Despite his other hits that we are frequently able to recall and recite word for word; I feel as though this song really truly doesn't get enough praise and credit. As I listen to the soft melody and catchy percussion I anticipate every lyric as he bellows it with such soul in his voice. You can feel what he feels. Even given to the least empathic person to listen to his master piece an overwhelming ability to not only hear his story but to truly feel it as well.

The song is 49 years old yet so relevant even in today's times and this why Marvin Gaye is one of the best artist in the past 100 years in my opinion. That's how you know a track will and will always be gold when it can still reach and touch those years after. I can't speak for others but this song has helped me heal and deal with the world right now and this "new normal" we are living. Though given the hard times we have faced thus far this year and endless nights of mediation, reflection and coping with it all this song spoke out to me the most. Speaking truth with each verse; If you haven't heard of the song or its been a while I suggest you sit and listen and see how it still applies to our lives today.