THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

723-Marvin Gaye-Got to Give It Up.

1977-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 1.39.The song was subject to a landmark court case in 2013 against the writers of ‘Blurred Lines,’ a song which had given Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams a Billboard, and UK Number 1 single. Gaye’s family argued that it sounded too similar to ‘Got to Give It Up,’ and the judgement awarded $7.3 million to the Gaye family, nice work if you can get it.

In the mid 1970’s Tamla Motown were feeling under pressure to keep up with the latest music trends, namely ‘Disco,’ so Marvin Gaye came up with this gem (see also best songs 183 and 114.)

Gaye was suffering financial problems in 1976, and in order to relieve the debt, he took on a lengthy tour of Europe, which included a performance at the London Paladium, on October 3rd, 1976, which was recorded, and released as a double album in 1977, the only studio recording was this track, which had been originally recorded at Gaye’s own studio called ‘Marvin’s Room,’ in Los Angeles, in December 1976.’Got to Give It Up’ was written by Marvin Gaye, and produced by Art Stewart, who on the back of that success, went on to produce albums by Rick James, and Teena Marie. Others to appear on the track were Gaye’s brother Frankie (1941-2001,) providing backing vocals, with Frankie Beverley also contributing to the track, along with Jack Ashford of the Funk Brothers. The song was a big influence on Michael Jackson, who based his debut hit ‘Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough’ on this, heavily influenced by Gaye’s percussion, and vocal delivery (see also best songs 812.)

‘I used to go out to parties, and stand around, ’cause I was too nervous to really get down.’