Albums
what's going on - marvin gaye

What's Going On

Marvin Gaye

1971
9 tracks
35 min
motown

Album Description

Marvin Gaye's seminal album, 'What's Going On', released on 21 May 1971, is a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today. This iconic record marked a pivotal moment in Gaye's career, as he sought to exert more creative control over his music, shifting from pop-oriented productions to songs with profound social commentary. The album's conception was inspired by a police brutality incident witnessed by Renaldo 'Obie' Benson, and its release coincided with the height of the Vietnam War, making it a powerful plea for peace and love.

Featuring nine soul-stirring tracks, including the titular 'What's Going On', 'What's Happening Brother', 'Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)', 'Save The Children', 'God Is Love', 'Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)', 'Right On', 'Wholy Holy', and 'Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)', this album is a testament to Gaye's innovative spirit and artistic vision. Recorded at various studios, including Hitsville U.S.A. and The Sound Factory, 'What's Going On' showcases Gaye's exceptional vocal talent and his ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.

With its unique blend of Motown, soul, northern soul, and quiet storm genres, 'What's Going On' has become a landmark album in the history of music. Its impact was immediate, spawning three hit singles and becoming Gaye's first Top 10 LP. The album's enduring relevance is a testament to its timeless themes and Gaye's unwavering commitment to using his music as a force for positive change. Even today, 'What's Going On' remains a powerful and poignant statement, offering a message of hope and unity that continues to inspire and uplift listeners around the world.

Tracks

What's Going OnMarvin Gaye
3:53
What's Happening BrotherMarvin Gaye
2:43
Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)Marvin Gaye
3:49
Save The ChildrenMarvin Gaye
4:03
God Is LoveMarvin Gaye
1:41
Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)Marvin Gaye
3:13
Right OnMarvin Gaye
7:32
Wholy HolyMarvin Gaye
3:07
Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)Marvin Gaye
5:27

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About Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye, born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr., was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and musician who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Born in Washington D.C., Gaye's journey began in the gospel choirs of his father's church, eventually leading him to the vibrant world of Motown in the 1960s. As a session player and later a solo artist, he became known as the "Prince of Motown" and the "Prince of Soul," crafting a sound that defined an era. Gaye's career spanned multiple stylistic periods, from the smooth vocals of the 1960s to the socially conscious albums of the 1970s. His groundbreaking work, such as the seminal album "What's Going On," addressed controversial themes and pushed the boundaries of what black music could be, influencing generations of artists. Beyond his musical prowess, Gaye was a versatile instrumentalist and a producer who brought a unique emotional depth to his performances. His tragic end in 1984, at the hands of his father, cut short a life filled with both artistic brilliance and personal struggles, but his legacy endures as one of the most socially conscious and celebrated figures in 20th-century popular music.

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