Review of Marvin Gaye - What's Going On 

Proclaimed by the record-buying public and critics alike as the greatest soul album of all time, What's Going On by Marvin Gayed a lot of minds to the full possibilities of soul music upon its released in 1971.

Before What's Going On, Gaye was Motown Record's secret weapon on the Singles chart. His 60's duets "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need" with Tammi Terrell, for example, are majestic heart stoppers that continue to tug on the heartstrings long after the last few bars have faded.

In 1970, however, Gaye rebelled against Motown's assembly line musical approach: he wanted to write and produce his own albums. Furthermore, it was going to be a protest album mocking everything from America's involvement in Vietnam ("What's Happening Brother") to the abuse of our environment ("Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)"). Motown's head Berry Gordy thought this topical concept album would be commercial suicide and initially refused to release it. The album's three Top 10 singles and a Top 5 chart placement proved otherwise. Gaye did not sacrifice his magical vocal touch just to prove a political point: his effortless falsetto soars high above the full arrangements and African rhythms. His tone is conversational, intimate, and observant. He isn't preaching, but merely questioning the world around him. Gaye's multi-tracked vocals create some complex, floating harmonies such as the call and response chorus of "Save The Children."
While there were a number of singles culled from the album, this is truly one song broken into nine movements to be digested in one sitting.

Released Date: 1998
Motown
Japan

Tracks:
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
Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

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