What's Going On

"But who really cares? Who's willing to try... to save our sweet world?" Shadows and light. Chiaroscuro, in painting. The bitter and the sweet, in chocolate. It's the stuff of melancholy, of regret, worry, dark times ahead. Marvin Gaye's human pleas, genuine and earnest... to save the babies, up against a symphony that's filmic, romantic, in an almost 1001 Strings kind of way. An orchestral setting that Berry Gordy thought was too old, outdated, the kids will never dig, etc. etc. But it's the perfect backdrop– nostalgia– that gives us context for Marvin's anguish about the future. It's also personal. It's an album about his brother's letters to him from Vietnam... the anti-war protests that Obie Benson saw firsthand which lead him to write "What's Going On?"... his own dark struggles with his family, addiction. A changing planet. And somehow Marvin is perfectly positioned to help us understand. He doesn't preach, he doesn't condescend. He brings you into his inner world, and doesn't count you out. And it's a Motown album? Impossible. I can't imagine the whiplash from the American public when this came out. Motown? Song cycles? Dark subject matter? *That* Marvin Gaye? An album for a coming storm... and one to put together the pieces from a few very real personal storms in the 1960s. An amazing album. The soundtrack to so many people's lives, their own anxieties and dark places and chances for redemption. Music for a sweet world. 5/5

Love the sound, but there’s a bit too much about Jesus.

So magnificent and bittersweet. You cannot listen to this album and not feel that sense of sweet sweet nostalgia. It's an album about living in the future, suddenly waking up one day and it's 1971, and there's this moment of clarity, like "wait, what's really going on here?" Somehow it perfectly captures that for me. So beautiful.

10/10 thanks, Marvin Gaye 👍 Inventor of Sex

Wow. This album puts you into such a specific mood. The rain on Marvin's face reflects today's weather accompanying my listen to this record. We start off this album with a political statement on "What's Going On" that is a very serious statement about police brutality hidden behind what sounds like jubilation and a very calming groovy bongo beat. Apparently when Marvin brought this to Motown they were appalled. Said it was way too political. I'm glad that Marvin stood his ground and argued that it was a very political time to be alive, pushing for the very real nature of this album. It feels visceral, like music that isn't made simply to make music. Lyrics like "Who Really Cares // Who's willing to try // To save a world that's destined to die?" are not the type of lyrics the label was expecting to hear, I'm sure. A lyric I deeply identified with. Save the damn babies. I absolutely love the way it flows, at least from the start through "God Is Love". Like I'm watching a movie. I will say that while the songs after "God Is Love" are still beautifully written and arranged, I wish that the entire album flowed together rather than dropping that concept midway through. Loved the drums on "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)". Loved all of the brass and woodwinds on "Right On". Loved the entirety of "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)". So many simple lines in this song that are just so great. "Panic is spreadin', God knows where we're headin'" As Marvin states on the final track, "this ain't livin'". We've made a lot of progress since 1971 but honestly this record could have been made yesterday and the themes Marvin's lyrics touch on would still be just as pertinent now as they were back then. The album cover makes sense to me now. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. 5/5.

An immaculate and storied album. I listened to it a lot in college. I’ve always loved Gaye’s lyrics, thematic focus, and vocals on this album, but what struck me most today was the production and musicianship exhibited behind the man. And how well these songs flow from one into another. They practically compose a suite from “What’s Happening” through “Mercy” and from “Right On” to “Holy.” Simply one of the great, grooviest albums ever.

Absolute classic from start to finish - such a beautiful unique sound

I want to like Marvin Gaye records more than I usually do after listening to them. I understand it…the cultural relevance, his fantastic voice…this is a great record, but I just don’t see myself listening to it very often.

Can't believe I've never listened to this album the whole way through. It's got a great feel to it and the whole thing is so cohesive. Reading the Wikipedia page about this album, here's one of the most random facts I've heard about a musician. "Around the spring of 1970, Gaye also began seriously pursuing a career in football with the professional football team the Detroit Lions of the NFL, even working out with the Eastern Michigan Eagles football team." That's insane - he would have been 31 and he just decided, ya know, I think I'm going to start playing professional football. Too bad it didn't work out, I'm sure my Lions could have used him. Anyway, back to the music. Going with 4 stars for this one.

9/10. Fellas, it is Gaye

This is one of the most powerful and heartfelt musical statements ever made, and would be a strong contender for greatest album of all time in my book. I have always admired the atmosphere he was able to capture and maintain throughout the record. Although it has its emotional ups and downs, it really is one big musical statement - like a symphony with different movements and recurring themes. The arrangements are bold and intricately layered, but never overdone. The tracks seem to effortlessly flow into one another in a way that just hypnotizes you. The music is obviously meticulously composed and constructed, yet it feels so natural and organic that it almost seems like it could have been miraculously collectively improvised somehow. As you know, right before our last jam, I listened to this on the way up and damn near had a religious experience in my car. I mean I had heard this album dozens of times before but for some reason this album, and everything he was saying on it, just seemed so relevant to what we're still experiencing today and it hit me so hard. I kept turning the volume up, and up, and up, and heard it in whole new way all these years later. This album is a cry for help in an increasingly complicated and difficult world, but it retains a distinct and heartbreakingly beautiful sense of optimism. An optimism that we so desperately need to hold on to.

I think this is so beloved more for being \"important\" than for sounding great. I bought this many years ago but I haven't listened to it in probably 10 years. There are 2 almost-bangers at the end of the album, tracks 7 and 9. The title track is also pretty great. But the album is not very musically diverse. The second track sounds like a copy of the first, and most of the rest has a similar, slow soul feel. I think if this album mixed things up more I would like it better. That said, the lyrics are good, and I've always like Marvin's singing a lot.

There aren't many albums better than this.

A beautifully arranged and produced album with a powerful message that unfortunately never seizes to be relevant despite being over 50 years old. The way Marvin harmonizes with his own voice on the layered vocals is sublime and I've yet to hear another artist being able to do it in the way he does here. I give it 5 broken unsynchronized clocks, because it is timeless! 🕣🕜🕛🕖🕐

It's smooth, it's epic and it's important. What more could you really ask for. Marvin's estate really needs to take it easy on trying to sue everyone under the sun though. It makes them look bad. It would be an extremely sad thing to ruin this dudes legacy with such crap. Amazing album though. Score: 80 Art: 70

it was ok, bit overhyped

"What's Goin' On" and "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" are great. The entire tone of the album is relaxed and enjoyable. However, I found the lack of transitions between songs and the consistent blurring of each song into the next as distracting and a weird choice. 3.4 stars rounded down.

this album really only has two good songs on it i mean they are realllly good songs i really like those songs

What's Going On? Not much honestly.

Nice voice but album bored me. I hate 'Save the Children'. I don't hate children and if a child needs saving then yeah, let's save them but this song half makes me think we should just leave the children if it's going to produce more songs like this

Marvin Gaye: the world is a mess Also Marvin Gaye: just love one another This album is seamless, a work of art.

What an album...!

A groovy yet emotionally charged album, Marvin Gaye looks around and watches society crumble apart, with songs about kids starving on the street, families being torn apart by the Vietnamese war, the aftermath trauma on those veterans, drug addiction, and the environment literally threatening human existence. The lyrics are simple enough that you can follow along and understand the messages he sends, never dragging too long or going on unnecessary tangents. Everything is relevant and to the point. It's hard to find a more consistent album. You really can't tell when one song ends and another begins. The mood flows perfectly and gradually shifts with the songs. Themes persist and are revisited but twisted. This creates a pretty fun experience, with the audience watching how the same melodies can be altered to create different effects and tell different stories. Marvin Gaye's vocals are top notch, smooth and sincere, easy to listen, clear, and yet has a lot to say. But not too much. The instrument is sparse and light enough to relax you and immerse you in the music, especially due to its atmospheric and diverse sounds, with all sorts of instruments (including woodwinds, brass, different percussions), synth effects, and back vocals. It's at times funky to sing or dance to, and at times like a beautifully happy or sad movie soundtrack. I'm also incredibly impressed by the production. Very few soul albums from the early 70s are up to par in terms of the clarity and mixing, as good as Stevie Wonder. This album flies by in 36 minutes. You couldn't argue that any track on here is unnecessary or could be cut. In fact, any less and you'd be complaining it was too short. Melodically, every song transitions well from one to the next. Of course, you got your hits ("What's Going On", "Mercy Mercy Me"). You got your interlude ("God Is Love"). You got your epic ("Right On"). And you got your satisfying closer ("Inner City Blues"). I don't have the faintest clue how you could improve this record.

I hadn’t heard this uninterrupted for over 20 years, and am thankful for being given a weekend for this. Perhaps the only song cycle/concept album that I consider flawless. A student flatmate once complained that the record was samey, which I worried over, but now doesn’t bother me. Its consistency is a marvel.

I've thought highly of this for a good while although don't really listen to it that much. Reading its back story, and that of Marvin Gaye in general, surprised me how radical this album actually was. Of course, it also contains some great tunes. A bit preachy but can't really ding it for that. And, what a piece of shit David Ruffin was! Full marks here

No need to write anything here, it's What's Going On by Marvin Gaye. People who don't like this are empirically wrong.

This is a MOOD

good album that kind of just played through without any repeats. If I see this on a top 5 of all time list, I’ll assume two things 1. I had to be alive at the time to fully get this album 2. This person will ask me to open a pdf.

This album has paces very well and plays like a seamless medley, in a good way. Not in the way that it all sounds the same, it just connects and flows very well between songs. On top of that, it has the two timeless hits that have been smooth R & B hits for decades.

Nothing bad about it it’s just not really my thing.

Reminded me of Ozzy Ozbourne

Very chill and enjoyable

Social and cultural significance: 5 stars. Musically, I’m just not that into it: 2 stars. I would seek this album out to listen to again like I would with Sgt. Peppers or Sticky Fingers.

I land somewhere between you two on this one. What’s Going On, Mercy Mercy Me and Inner City Blues are top tier soul classics, but they’re the tent poles that hold this up when in starts to drag. The arrangements are great, and the recurring motifs do make this feel like a concept album rather than a collection of tracks, but it starts to wear thin at times, like he’s just scatting new lyrics over the same backing music. Lyrically it’s of its time (Viet Nam, ecological worries, racism) but it tips into self-parody in places. A three-star, mainly on the strength of those three classic tracks.

It’s decent. A couple classic bangers, but there is a good amount of filler in there as well. Not a lot to say about it. Could be a 2.5, maybe? But I’m good with 3.

Whats going on 4 Whats happening brother 3 Flyin high 3 Save the children 3 God is love 3 Mercy mercy me 4 Right on 4 Wholy holy 2 Inter City blues 3 3.22

What's going on is iconic. I really disliked some of the songs though. Save the Children seems like a parody.

've never been able to get on with this album. Some definite classic Marvin in there, but Save the Children is so massively lame it drags the whole thing down

One of, if not the, greatest soul albums of all time

Very nice.

I don't *quite* hold this in the same gilded esteem as 25 years ago - it's a little over produced and some of the sentiment is a little cloying..however it still has enough quality for 5 stars as a bona fide Classic of its genre..

One of my all time favourite albums. Timeless classic!

It’s become overrated over the years but still hits hard. Borderline 5 stars.

This album has it going on.

Perfect in every way.

Smooth as eggs

PERFECT. what can i say that hasn't already been said

Absolutely lush and beautiful and timeless classic, despite how grounded it was in a specific time and place

it is a classic. Full of amazing songs. Keeps you from the first song to the last. Starts and ends powerfully

Street lights, a soft breeze on an autumn afternoon, a grey sky, a light drizzle, and a lot of hope...I don't think I can express how much I love this opening title track. It's really that ethereal, beyond-life string section in the second half that feels like the musical equivalent of going through life with perpetually teary eyes. And the way the core melody is flipped to the punchy 'What's Happening Brother', while still sounding wholly unique is something out of this world. And I think that's what Marvin Gaye's album here is, out of this world. Gaye's view on the planet, its state, and its people is refreshing - absolutist, but nothing short of genuine. He sounds like a man who cares, especially on a song like 'Save the Children' where he delivers a message so obvious, a message universally "accepted", yet time and time again, and 50 years after this album's release, we come to see that the obvious isn't actually all that obvious. If we start to perceive Marvin's "idealist" views on the world as shallow, or even "idealist" - then the bare minimum will always seem out of reach. God, there's so much love on this album, it burns. Not to mention how this sounds like it came out in the late '70s as opposed to the early '70s, music was not sounding this lush around this time. The keys, the harmonies, the bongo and conga-based rhythms, the seamless transitions, and, Marvin's soul-scratching vocals merge into one another so beautifully. This is an album that unveils life's deeply buried treasures. This is soul music, music that gives you hope for the impossible, and music that will make you feel seen.

Classic. Such a beautiful album

This album still brings me to tears.

In 1971, Marvin Gaye gave the world this beautiful album. The music and the vocals are uniformly amazing. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-whats-going-on-by-marvin?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

It's a good album. Possibly a great album. But the "best of all time"?? Come on, that's nonsense and you know it's nonsense. I'm not trying to detract from the fact that this is a really good piece of work, but. "Come. On". Lyrically groundbreaking sure, but musically quite safe. Some stand out songs but tonally and textually quite samey in between. The second track is almost a cover of the first track. Maybe intentionally, but it adds to the sense that it isn't breaking ground musically.

Me gusto

Every year since about the time I was born, me and my family would take a summer trip to Long Beach Island. It’s a little beach town on the east end of New Jersey, about a hour away from Atlantic City. Starting in the early 2000’s, my parents would have a mixtape of songs that would sedate us through the car ride to LBI. The first half consisted of songs that were more recent… at least for the early 2000’s. A hodgepodge of songs like I Try by Macy Gray, It Wasn’t Me by Shaggy, a censored The Real Slim Shady by Eminem and some other stuff. It’s the second half of the mixtape, however, that is relevant to the album. That side consisted of songs from the 60’s and 70’s, with the likes of the Carpenters, Dionne Warwick, The Fifth Dimension and more. It was when I heard songs like Rainy Days and Mondays, California Dreamin’, Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head, and even Sweet Caroline. But the first song of this side was always What’s Going On. Thanks in part to the song being a part of one of my School Spirit Days, where all the grades of my school had to perform a synchronized dance routine to a chosen song, I was always familiar with What’s Going On (the song). It has always been a part of my life, being played every year on that drive down to vacation. I mean, maybe a song denouncing police brutality isn’t the best song to hype up for some fun in the sun, but I didn’t make the mixtape. Besides, Marvin’s silky smooth vocals with the serenading orchestra behind him was always relaxing to me, no matter the mood the song carried. For more than 28 years, I have not ventured past that song to hear the other tracks on this album… until today. I can confidently say that, in my opinion, this is the pinnacle of soul in the 1970’s. I know I not giving a hot take by saying that, but it is 1000% true. Never has an album addressed multiple issues of the time, from the aftermath of the Vietnam War, to life in the ghettos and even to the environment, with a sense of concern and subtle optimism. The flow of the album is remarkable, as Marvin seamlessly travels from one track to the next, never missing a beat. There always a nostalgic feeling along the album as Marvin ponders what the future will hold, something that somehow still applies to this day. We all try to keep a sense of some optimism despite looking at the world around us and wondering what else can go wrong. And even though Marvin may be a bit too dependent on the power of God (which he probably does a little too much), his message for love is much needed for all people. As of today, me and my family still go down to Long Beach Island, though we now go down in September rather than in the midst of summer. And while things have certainly changed, we still listen to the same songs on the way down. And while we never know how many years we got, I know that every year I’ll be hearing that familiar Marvin Gaye song again, just as I have for the last 20-something years. Favorite track: What’s Going On Other hits: Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Wholy Holy, Save the Children, Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

Flawless

Heard before. What’s there to say?

Grew up thinking Marvin’s tunes were all just about ‘getting it on’ as he would put it. But he’s got far more depth to him. Is this the greatest protest album of all time? Greatest album of all time? Rolling Stone seem to think so, it sits on the top of their list. Which I remember being shocked by when I went to listen to the list a few years back. Listening to it this week, it does still seem very prescient and relevant. What is going on? The title track and Inner City Blues in particular are gorgeous. Simpsons: Yes

Man that intro just hooks me straight away. Nothing bad to say. Love soul, love good social commentary, just love love love.

I was excited to see this album when I got it today. It's a fantastic mix of funk, R&B and gospel music. Beautiful lyrics and Marvin's singing is so smooth and silky. Definitely an album someone should listen to at least once before they die.

obviously awesome

Stone cold classic.

♥️♥️

I remember first listening to What's Going On three years ago for the album's 40th anniversary. I can tell you from my experience then and now is that this album, even if it came from a time long before I was born, still resonates. There were protest songs here and there before Marvin Gaye and the Funk Brothers wrote and recorded in 1971 - you had the likes of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son", Buffalo Springfield "For What It's Worth", and the various acts of the Woodstock festival that protested the Vietnam war. What's Going On was also written as music in protest of that war, with the narrator as a veteran coming home to find is country in turmoil. But much like those great protest songs that have long endured, the language that Marvin and his songwriter collaborators conveyed are more universal and can be applied far beyond their time. Whether it is the pause and reflection of their surroundings on the title track, the despair at the destruction of the environment on "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", or the plead for compassion during hard times on "Right On", the narrator encourages people to be aware of the issues that are impacting the world they live in. Helping the message get across is Marvin's smooth vocal delivery that gets the word out in a manner that never felt overbearing. Pairing him with the Motown soul instrumentation that has aged like a fine wine resulted in an experience that feels timeless yet poignant. All this to say What's Going On deserves its place on this list, and I for one am glad to have revisited it. This album can be comforting during trying times, and I hope people continue to learn and spark conversation to better themselves and the people around them as music like this can inspire to.

Another perfect record. Gaye meditates on all aspects of a world he is trying to make sense of over a great groove. He expands the scope beyond the normal themes. He pushes into ecology too! This was a turbulent time for all in American history but especially black culture. Unfortunately, it seems just as relevant on the eve of the 2024 election as it was when he penned it.

- First real listens of Marvin Gaye - (7)/9 songs added to playlist - CONCEPT ALBUM!!!!!! - Soul is a such a beautiful genre - Grooving a lot - Could see this becoming a study album - Beautiful tone shifts and very cohesive

Such a gorgeous album with a beautiful message.

Super album

This is another big album in the Castagne family lore. Its one thats always been around in my life, but that I haven't sought out independently. Marvin did not disappoint. It has a very light, floating sound, and it all flows together as an album extremely well. My favorite songs: - Whats Going On - Mercy Mercy Me - Inner City Blues I do have to deduct points for Save The Children. I love a song where they stop singing and talk real slow and soft to you, but I also now know tha tI do not love a song where they holler "SAVE THE BABIES" at you over and over. I could not take that song seriously. Album cover: (A-) Marvin is a beautiful man and he really should come in from the rain. He'll catch a cold.

Initially found this via the /mu/ boards (lol) when I was ~15 and didn't fully appreciate it. In college, I learned from and listened to the album's bass player, James Jamerson, who has become one of my favorite bassists ever. Just listen to that MFer go -- and he does it all with 1 finger in his right hand. Some of the best basslines on the planet. This album has one of the most consistent senses of groove across it that I've ever listened to. I like the blend of percussion, backup vocals, and strings. Marvin's voice is beautiful. "The Detroit mix"' accents the masterful rhythm section (go check them out if you actually read this). There's so much to enjoy on this album and it's so easy for me to return to over time. It sounds like a party. An all-timer for me. 5/5

This album is fantastic. This is my first time listening to a full album by Marvin and he's delivering the goods. The first three songs flow into one another so well. They are all so layered and benefit immensely from a nice pair of headphones. I loved all three of them. "Save the Children" was a step back for me, I didn't like this one as much. Despite this I would like to affirm that I do support saving children. "God is Love" and "Mercy Me" are right back to the smooth flowing ways of the beginning of the album. I like "Mercy Me" a lot, it's got me moving in my seat. "Right On" is my favorite track yet. It's got a few tracks that are just OK, but many more that are excellent. 9/10

Not many times do I listen to an album and know within the first 5 seconds that I will love it.

One of my most treasured possessions is an original copy of this LP. I love every single second of this album. It is musical perfection to me. I listen to it regularly (not the original LP, that's too precious). Although only a few tracks were released as singles I feel like every single track stands on it's own and would have had success as a single release. The fact that it grows in popularity as time goes on is a mark of it's quality.

Ja tak!!! jeg har hørt det her virkelig meget. Selvom det er overspillet etc. Føler jeg at det er en klassiker af en grund. 4 eller 5/5!!!

This is my second, and therefore, last Marvin Gaye album to review. I listened to this album at some point before starting this project, but that’s the only time I listened to it. I loved Let’s Get It On, so I’m assuming I’m really going to love listening to this album again. Like Let’s Get It On, What’s Going On is fantastic. The orchestral arrangements were beautiful and served as the perfect background to Marvin Gaye’s smooth voice. Even though the strings and woodwinds were at the forefront of the sound, the bass and percussion provided a really great rhythm section that was fun to groove to. I loved the lyrics on this album as well, the social and political commentary they provided really captures the societal ills of the late sixties, while also capturing the forward motion of the seventies that looked to fix these societal problems. The old feel of the orchestral arrangements and the forward-looking lyrics stood in contrast to one another, but that contrast was absolutely beautiful, and made this a great sounding album. “Mercy Mercy Me” was my favorite song on the album. I loved the lyrics, and it had my favorite grooves of the whole album. What’s Going on is a piece of pure soul, executed to perfection by Marvin Gaye.

Genuinely excellent album that endures decades after its release. Truly a delight.

Incredible!

Easiest 5 stars of my life

Another titan we have been waiting for. A few years back I’d listen to this album while falling asleep. It’s so breezy yet the lyrics are very political. It’s a testament to Gaye that he was able to thread that line. I kept most of the songs but overall this is another five star.

Jajaja Schitterend

legendary

After a few sub-par albums in a row, the 1001 list is back with a bang! Absolute classic.

Sublime

One of the most important recordings of all time. A call to arms delivered in a positive, forward-thinking and soulful way.

Iconic album I've heard much about, didn't disappoint

Es gibt für mich die ganz ganz großen Alben. Alben die einfach die Nummer 1 in der Musikgeschichte sind. Davon habe ich einige. Und dazu gehört "Whats going in?" von Marvin Gaye. Ich lege die CD ein und bin eins mit dieser berauschenden Musik. Es ist in jeder Zelle der Musiknoten eine Offenbarung. So tief, so groovy, so kritisch, so melodisch, so leicht, so Niveauvoll, so rhythmisch, so prachtvoll Manchmal kann ich es nicht fassen, was es für große Musik gibt

Mercy mercy me always makes me cry!! Nobody makes albums about the world ending like this anymore 🙄

Unfathomably beautiful. Always leaves me a little more hopeful.

Now THIS is what I'm talking about. 5*. Amazing singer, great songs, timeless lyrics.

This album flies by. Serious stuff done in a super smooth way. What's going on is the ultimate protest song and is still relevant 50 years after Vietnam. Unlike previously thought, not shagging music.

Some of the best instrumentalists of their time come together to create the most boring album possible

Very smooth and good vibes

Truly one of the greatest pieces of acoustic art! Everything in and behind this album is so beautiful, unique, incredible, captivating and much more. Powerful and sad what happened in his life but this album will for sure live forever!

5 stars all the way!

Oh fuck yeh. Fever dream masterpiece. Yehhhh what’s happeniiiiiin

Only thing wrong with this album is that it is too short. It’s a beauty.

Peak Marvin. Peak Funk Bros.

Back to back 5 stars for maybe the first time, about 980 albums in Not much to say about this that hasn’t been said a thousand times over - it’s an immaculate master class of soul and a truly vital record

There isn’t one bad moment on this album. It’s about as close to perfection as a soul album can get. I’ve never heard an album flow as seamlessly as this; the only break was after Mercy Mercy Me, which made perfect sense in the context of the songs. That still didn’t disrupt the flow though. Even the last couple bars brings it back around to the opening themes. My goodness we lost a great one when we lost Marvin.