On the eve of Valentine's Day, Trevor Nelson celebrates one of the more smooch-heavy soul records in all of pop. Released in autumn 1982, Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing marked the singer's solo return to the charts following a five-year absence, during which he eschewed his intense lifestyle for a three-year getaway in Belgium. Contributors include second wife Jan Gaye, ex-NME journalist Paulo Hewitt, editor Chris Wells, singer Sam Moore (ex-Sam and Dave), bassist Verdine White (Earth, Wind and Fire) and biographer David Ritz, who co-wrote the song and told Gaye he needed "sexual healing". Producer Devon Daley

Sexual Healing: Soul's Great Saga 8.30pm R2
Well, what did you expect? It's Valentine's Day tomorrow, so it's the perfect time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the song that's probably responsible for innumerable births. Sexual Healing marked soul giant Marvin Gaye's brief return to the charts in 1982 (his dad shot him three years later), and has been the cause of enormous controversy ever since. Whether it's the lascivious lyrics, or who got the credit for writing them, the song still has the ability to create a furore. Trevor Nelson hauls in some of the players, including Sam Moore of Sam and Dave, Gaye's second wife Jan, and David Ritz (uncredited co-writer of the song).

Frances Lass