Grammy-nominated producer Salaam Remi’s Save The World: Remix Suite is released today as part of the ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On.
Remi is known and respected for his work with major names in hip-hop, pop, and R&B, and counts Gaye as a huge influences. The remix suite feature his new imaginings of the album’s “Save the Children,” its B-side “Sad Tomorrows,” an early version of “Flying High (In the Friendly Sky),” and the holiday cut, “I Want to Come Home for Christmas.” Also featured is the unreleased Marvin Gaye instrumental, “No Need,” from the “Sad Tomorrows” sessions. ReMi also contributed visually to the remix suite, creating a celebratory illustration for the album cover art.
“Marvin Gaye has been my favorite artist as his 70s LPs are unmatched as singular bodies of work,” says ReMi. “It was an honor to be able to look at the What’s Going On LP and to be able to create a remix suite to sit next to it. This is a dream come true. LoveLiveMPG.”
The suite connects the newly-presented tracks with skilful transitions, in the spirit of the original flow of the album concept. Remi’s interpretation of “Save The Children” enhances the song’s natural rhythm and groove, leading into a dynamic remix of “Sad Tomorrows” and then the impassioned “I Want To Come Home For Christmas,” for which a music video was recently shared. The “No Need” instrumental reworking completes the release.
Motown UMe will release the original What’s Going On album on January 28, 2022 in a 2LP, 180 gram anniversary edition, with the main album mastered from analog for the first time since its original release. An additional disc will include all the mono single mixes plus four rare tracks that will be making their vinyl debut.
The full Save The World: Remix Suite by Marvin Gaye x SaLaAM ReMi tracklist is:
1. Save the Children (Salaam Remi Remix)
2. Sad Tomorrows (Salaam Remi Remix)
3. I Want To Come Home For Christmas (Salaam Remi Remix)
4. No Need (Salaam Remi Remix)
Pre-order the What’s Going On 50th anniversary vinyl edition.