4: WHAT'S GOING ON | MARVIN GAYE
The greatest soul album of all time was once not a good idea to the heads of Motown. Luckily, the success of the single, released behind Berry Gordy’s back convinced them otherwise. Gordy then gave Gaye full control to make this soul masterpiece. What's Going On was penned by Motown song writers like Al Cleveland. But Marvin's soulful scales and phrases were as big a part of the composing as the notes on paper. The entire record flows together as if it is one perfect song. There might never be another soul record that captures it's time and meaning so well.
John Bush @ AllMusic writes: What's Going On is not only Marvin Gaye's masterpiece, it's the most important and passionate record to come out of soul music, delivered by one of its finest voices, a man finally free to speak his mind and so move from R&B sex symbol to true recording artist. With What's Going On, Gaye meditated on what had happened to the American dream of the past -- as it related to urban decay, environmental woes, military turbulence, police brutality, unemployment, and poverty. These feelings had been bubbling up between 1967 and 1970, during which he felt increasingly caged by Motown's behind-the-times hit machine and restrained from expressing himself seriously through his music. Finally, late in 1970, Gaye decided to record a song that the Four Tops' Obie Benson had brought him, "What's Going On." When Berry Gordy decided not to issue the single, deeming it uncommercial, Gaye refused to record any more material until he relented. Confirmed by its tremendous commercial success in January 1971, he recorded the rest of the album over ten days in March, and Motown released it in late May. Besides cementing Marvin Gaye as one of the most important artists in pop music, What's Going On was far and away the best full-length to issue from the singles-dominated Motown factory, and arguably the best soul album of all time.
What’s Going On is a masterpiece of soul music by Marvin Gaye, released in 1971. It is a concept album that explores the social and political issues of the time, such as the Vietnam War, racism, poverty, drug abuse, and environmental degradation. The album is also a personal statement by Gaye, who was going through a difficult period in his life and career. He wanted to express his own views and feelings, as well as to challenge the expectations and limitations of his record label, Motown.
The album was recorded in various studios in Detroit and Los Angeles, with the help of Motown’s house band, the Funk Brothers, and other musicians and singers. Gaye produced the album himself, and used innovative techniques such as overdubbing, layering, and mixing to create a rich and complex sound. The album has a smooth and seamless flow, with most of the songs segueing into each other. The album also features a circular structure, with the title track reprised at the end.
The album opens with “What’s Going On”, a song that was inspired by Gaye’s brother Frankie, who had returned from Vietnam and told him about the horrors of war. The song is a plea for peace and understanding, and a critique of violence and injustice. The song features a conversational style, with Gaye singing as if he is talking to his friend. The song also has a distinctive saxophone intro by Eli Fontaine, and a crowd noise that simulates a party atmosphere.
The next song is “What’s Happening Brother”, which continues the theme of war and its effects on the soldiers and their families. The song is based on Gaye’s conversations with his brother, who asked him about the changes in America since he left. The song reflects the disillusionment and frustration of the veterans, who feel alienated and forgotten by society.
“Flyin’ High (In the Friendly Sky)” is a song about drug addiction, which Gaye had struggled with himself. The song describes the escape and euphoria that drugs provide, but also the pain and despair that they cause. The song features a haunting flute solo by Dayna Hartwick, and a gospel-style chorus by the Andantes.
“Save the Children” is a song that expresses Gaye’s concern for the future of humanity, especially the children who are suffering from poverty, hunger, and violence. The song urges people to take action and responsibility for the welfare of the next generation. The song features a spoken-word section by Gaye, who recites his lyrics as a poem.
“God Is Love” is a song that affirms Gaye’s faith in God and his belief that love is the solution to all problems. The song is a simple and uplifting gospel tune, with Gaye singing along with his own overdubbed vocals. The song also features his father, Marvin Gay Sr., who sings “don’t go and talk about my father” in the background.
“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” is a song that addresses the environmental crisis that was emerging in the early 1970s. The song laments the pollution and destruction of nature, and warns of the consequences for human health and survival. The song features a catchy chorus and a saxophone solo by Wild Bill Moore.
“Right On” is a song that celebrates the diversity and unity of people, especially the black community. The song is influenced by jazz and Latin music, and features a long instrumental section with solos by Earl DeRouen on conga and Bobbye Hall on bongos.
“Wholy Holy” is another gospel-inspired song that praises God and encourages people to seek spiritual enlightenment. The song features Gaye’s multi-tracked vocals harmonizing with themselves, creating a choir-like effect.
The album closes with “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”, which sums up the main themes of the album: the social and economic problems of urban life, such as unemployment, inflation, crime, and police brutality. The song is driven by a funky bass line by James Jamerson, and a piano riff by Marvin Gaye himself. The song ends with a fade-out that leads back to the title track, completing the cycle.
What’s Going On was an instant success, both commercially and critically. It reached number one on the Billboard Soul Albums chart, number six on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, and sold over two million copies in its first year. It also spawned three hit singles: “What’s Going On”, “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)”, and “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”, all of which reached the top ten on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Soul Singles charts.
The album was also widely praised by critics, who hailed it as one of the best albums of all time, and one of the most important artistic statements in popular music history. The album influenced many artists and genres, such as soul, funk, jazz, rock, pop, hip hop,