In the Groove is the eighth studio album by American soul singer Marvin Gaye, released August 15, 1968, on the Tamla label. It was later reissued as I Heard It Through the Grapevine after the success of the single of the same name.
The album primarily features soul and R&B music, showcasing Gaye's evolving vocal style and his collaborations with Motown songwriters and producers. It includes a mix of original compositions and covers.
The album's initial lack of commercial success prompted Motown to reconsider its marketing strategy. The single "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," initially a minor hit for Gladys Knight & the Pips, was re-recorded by Gaye and included on the album. Following its release as a single, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.
The album's title was subsequently changed to capitalize on the single's popularity. The re-released album, under the title I Heard It Through the Grapevine, experienced significantly higher sales and became one of Gaye's signature works.
In the Groove (as I Heard It Through the Grapevine) is considered a landmark album in Gaye's career, marking a turning point towards more socially conscious and artistically ambitious projects. It cemented his status as a leading figure in soul music.