Album: Romantically Yours

Introduction
"Romantically Yours" is an album by the famous American soul vocalist Marvin Gaye, launched posthumously in 1985, a year after his tragic death. The collection includes love songs, both originals and cover variations, that perfectly match Marvin Gaye's smooth, sultry voice. "Romantically Yours" is a fascinating and tender insight into the oeuvre of an artist who, regardless of having already solidified his status as a musical genius, continued to develop and explore new musical realms even until his unforeseen death.

Background and Recording
"Romantically Yours" was initially intended as a part of a prepared double album titled "Love Man", which was later on ditched. The recordings of the album happened in between 1968 and 1983 in various studios, mainly in Los Angeles and Belgium. Along with the love ballads and covers, Gaye also taped numerous duets with female singers like Mary Wells and Kim Weston, though these excellent cooperations did not make the final cut for "Romantically Yours".

The album was produced by a host of gifted people, including Gaye himself, Richard Rudolph, and Gordon Banks. It was released by Columbia Records, with which Marvin Gaye had signed in the early 1980s following his departure from Motown Records.

Track Listing and Highlights
"Romantically Yours" includes 10 tracks, with a mix of cover variations and original structures. Some of the standout tracks on the album include:

1. More: A cover of the theme from the 1962 movie "Mondo Cane", this song is a perfect demonstration of Gaye's complex singing abilities as he passionately sings about desiring more from life and love.

2. Why Did I Choose You: A ballad initially from the 1965 musical "The Yearling", Gaye's performance imbues the track with his hallmark soulfulness and emotion.

3. Maria: A stirring cover of the timeless tune from the musical "West Side Story", Gaye transforms the track with a tender, nearly haunting quality tinged with his inimitable charisma.

4. I Live for You: An initial composition by Marvin Gaye, penned as an ode to his then-wife, Janis Gaye. Its heartfelt lyrics and Gaye's genuine delivery make it among the most poignant minutes on the album.

5. Happier: Another original, this upbeat tune showcases the flexibility of Gaye's musical design, as it delves into more pop-oriented territory.

Legacy and Reception
In the consequences of Marvin Gaye's tragic death, "Romantically Yours" functioned as a suggestion of his tremendous talent, spectacular singing variety, and unequaled capability to communicate deep emotion in his music. While the album did not attain the commercial success of his earlier works like "What's Going On" and "Let's Get It On", it gathered reputable evaluations from critics who acknowledged in this posthumous release an authentic love letter from the Prince of Soul to his fans.

Throughout the years, "Romantically Yours" has developed a cult following, particularly amongst Marvin Gaye enthusiasts seeking to fully value the depth and breadth of his talents. As a testament to the everlasting romantic within him and his indisputable proficiency of the love song, "Romantically Yours" remains a fitting send-off and a bittersweet goodbye to the legendary Marvin Gaye.