A Funky Space Reincarnation Explained

A Funky Space Reincarnation
Cover:Funkyspace.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Marvin Gaye
Album:Here, My Dear
B-Side:A Funky Space Reincarnation, Pt. 2
Released:February 11, 1979
Recorded:1977
Studio:Marvin's Room, Los Angeles
Genre:Funk
Length:8:17
Label:Tamla
Producer:Marvin Gaye
Prev Title:Pops, We Love You (A Tribute to Father)
Prev Year:1978
Next Title:Anger
Next Year:1979

"A Funky Space Reincarnation" is a 1978 jazz-funk single recorded and released in 1979 by Marvin Gaye on the Tamla label.

In the song, Gaye describes a parallel universe in the future where he is captain of a "space bed" and meets a woman that reminds him of his first wife, Anna. He then tells the woman that they would probably get "married in June" and tells her to "smoke a joint from out of Venus".

The song seems to have been inspired by the likes of funk musicians such as Parliament-Funkadelic and Earth, Wind & Fire. Its musical arrangement is a reprise of his song "Anger", found earlier on the album.

Record World said that "Gaye's characteristic smooth vocals adapt perfectly to this slick funk style with a driving beat and a message in the lyrics."[1]

The song became a modest hit on the R&B charts, where it peaked at No. 23. In the music video he wears a glittering red outfit and is surrounded by a band (presumably his own) and a duo of female dancers. His face is given several close-ups during the video.

Use in popular media

In 2007 the song was used in the advert for the Dior perfume J'adore starring Charlize Theron.

Singer Musiq Soulchild sampled the song in his song, "Until", featured on his OnMyRadio album, in 2009.

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. Record World. January 27, 1979. 2023-02-12. Hits of the Week. 1.