Marvin Gaye - I Wanna Be Where You Are / I Want You [South Street]

Marvin Gaye at his best! Two classics from Gaye’s esteemed catalogue, ‘I Wanna Be Where You Are’ and ‘I Want You’, featuring alternative mixes that have never before been released on 12-inch. Taken from the Deluxe Edition of the enthralling ‘I Want You’ album, mixed by Kevin Reeves and remastered by Ellen Fitton, these two tracks have always screamed for a strong, proud pressing on either side of a 12-inch.

First up, ‘I Wanna Be Where You Are’, written by the magical duo of Leon Ware and Arthur ‘T-Boy’ Ross, with Ware also on production duties. A shortened version of the Michael Jackson hit, it sees Gaye take a short breather from his usual sensual style to express his love for his family. Jackson would later return the favour, taking influence from Marvin’s 1977 hit ‘Got to Give it Up’ to create ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’.

Originally a 1:17 minute transition on the album, the unedited version runs at over 6 minutes, making it from a transitory passage into a standalone gem. Stretching out those delicious grooves, building and breaking with a sun-drenched sense of funk that washes over you like a warm wave. With the 7-inch version selling for £75+ on Discogs, this isn’t one to miss.

On the B-side, ‘I Want You’, written by the same duo as the A-side, with Leon Ware again on production and released as part of the same 1976 album. It was an LP that ushered in a change to Gaye’s musical styles, with songs such as this gaining him a disco audience thanks to Leon Ware. The Jam-Alternate version leaves Gaye’s vocals until the final section, allowing that sweet, soaring soundtrack to reach its emotional zenith. Daybreak or sundown, this one isn’t to be used lightly - tears of joy on the dancefloor guaranteed.