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THE REVIEW
With this album, Marvin Gaye (1939-1984) set out in 1971 to forever change the course of American black music. Our Marvin came from a long apprenticeship at Motown, first as a session drummer (even for that kid Stevie Wonder, who, as a prodigy, could amaze more than him) and then as a simple and pure performer, churning out classic records with one or two hits written by seasoned producers and a handful of filler songs barely definable as leftovers. Due to lack of space, I won't dwell on this first part of his career, which, despite its ups and downs (a series of great successes in partnership with Tammi Terrell seemed to destine him for an enjoyable career until Terrell died prematurely), would bring him to the cusp of his thirties with the latest and greatest soul success of the era, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (1969). Then, with the "What’s Going On" project, comes the turning point. Marvin Gaye decides to leave behind the chart-topping soul-pop and create the first African-American concept album.
An album about “What's Going On” in the contemporary era, from the Vietnam War to the ecology issue, alternating celebrations of his religious sentiment (“God Is My Friend”) with flights of fancy into the unconscious, our imagination (“Flyin’ High In The Friendly Sky”), consumed in the tension between social commitment and escape into the inner world (see the grand finale of “Inner City Blues”). An album for which he convinced Motown to grant him full power over every stage of its creation. The result is a milestone of soul, creative and visionary, that knows how to degenerate from funk to Latin-flavored rock (“Right On”), experimenting, reminiscent of the artist's past, with magnificent vocal innovations (see the types of choirs) or rhythmic ones (the types of percussion); intended, of course, to be listened to in one go (almost all the tracks flow into one another) and perhaps in the dark and under the influence of narcotics (as Marvin did when conceiving the songs).
A jewel of not even 40 minutes. And fresh as a rose!
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Summary by Bot
Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' marks a turning point in his career and in American soul music. Released in 1971, it is the first African-American concept album, addressing social and political issues from the Vietnam War to ecology. The album features rich musical experimentation and vocal innovation, intended as a cohesive listening experience. It's a visionary milestone that remains fresh and impactful decades later.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye (1939–1984) was an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter and producer from Washington, D.C. A Motown star, he revolutionized soul with What’s Going On (1971), explored sensuality on Let’s Get It On (1973) and I Want You (1976), poured his divorce into Here, My Dear (1978), and returned with Sexual Healing on Midnight Love (1982). He died in 1984 after being shot by his father.06 Reviews
Other reviews
By Socrates
"What's Going On' marks a turning point for soul music, no more sugary singles, but the street, the ghetto, Vietnam, even ecology forcefully enter the songs.
Letting oneself be carried away by these enveloping, warm sounds... is a truly rewarding experience, capable of involving even the most cynical.
