Artist: Marvin Gaye
Album: What's Going On?
Genre: Soul music, Rhythm and blues, Funk, Pop
Release date: May 21, 1971
Description: With a Soulful R&B feel, this work of instrumental wonder and lyrical mastery is a 70s classic. Built on the backbone of what was going on at the time, it tells the store of a Vietnam Vet that comes home to a county struggling with hatred, injustice, and suffering. The lyrics also explore the themes of drug abuse, poverty, and the war. It also was a revolutionary album, with “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” touching on environmental issues before that became common practice in music.
This album was a Motown success. Released under their subsidiary label Tamla, this album was an immediate success. Many considered this album a unique concept album. Being seen as a "Song Cycle," this was by far one of the most interesting albums to date. This album also was a first to credit Gaye as a producer and actually credit the Funk Brothers as the backing band.
Favorite Track: Right On!
Reason: The song is so groovy and out of sight! Coming in right away with the piano is this funk groove. Then the Guiro comes with Drums and bass Then there's the flute! Oh that flute is so different! I love the fact that this whole song just makes me want to join right in with the band and play along!
This song is about everyone taking whatever time and resources they have to help those around them. It really speaks of the every man that make sure to take care of others. It's funky latin groove really tells a story and sheds light on the subject of the best of our fellow man.
Album Rating: 9.6/10
This album is a must for everyone to hear. Whether you like country, blues, funk, jazz, classical, rock, pop, etc. you must listen to this ultimate SONG CYCLE of an album. The story told with this release is an eye-opener for all. The funky, yet soulful rhythms and melodies really capture the feelings and emotion being expressed by Gaye.
The idea of coming back to a country that you love so much to fight for, and see the social turmoil being expressed. The idea that you come home and see racial and social injustice, poverty, suffering, drug abuse, hatred, and a war of its own. To bring light to all of this in such a magnificent instrumental lineup. With leading Sax, Flute, Vocals, Latin rhythms, and the Funkiest backing band of all time, really speaks to a generation and those to come! Overall, whether you were around to hear this at release or haven't listened to this at all, PLEASE give this a full attention listening session. You won't be disappointed.
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