In the Groove (Marvin Gaye album)

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.