What's Going On

Felt like listening to a gospel album and not in a good way, has some good songs on it. Marvin is also a really good singer

Very jazzy and chill but overall a 7.5/10

Didn’t finish. I get it, it’s just not for me.

1. What's Going On - 10 Such a great track. Gaye's vocals are so smooth on the track and the instrumentals are just in perfect harmony with each other. It's all so subtle to allow Gaye to increase the tone and intensity of the lyrics when needed. Brilliant track. 2. What's Happening Brother - 8 Love the line about the ball club winning the pennant in on this track. Lyrically it's really good. Instrumentally it's right in line with What's Going On. Fun track. 3. Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky) - 5 I'm not as big a fan of this track as the others. It's very mellow but the whole track just feels like a bridge between What's Happening Brother and Save The Children. 4. Save The Children - 3 Listen I love the message but the track is just not great. It's speaking and singing and the tempo, pace, and pitch change too much to really get into the groove of enjoying the song. 5. God Is Love - 9 Great song. Great message, great lyrics, great instrumentals. It is a little bit like an interlude, especially give its short length, but its so enjoyable. 6. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) - 4 Instrumentally it's good but it is quite a filler/pass over track. It's just too simple and not really in line with how great the rest of the album has been so far. 7. Right On - 7 Great soul track. Instrumentally it's brilliant. Lyrically it's very strong in the opening part verse or two. The last about three minutes where it changes tone I didn't enjoy as much, but overall it's a fantastic track. 8. Wholy Holy - 2 It's not really a great track. Very spritiual and religious track but lyrically it's not as good as anything else on the album and the fun instrumentals are gone for a more melancholy taste that doesn't strike a great sense of rousing enjoyment. 9. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) - 8 Classic Marvin Gaye. This is exactly the kind of track you come to an album like this for. Absolutely awesome listen. Average Rating: 6.22 Adjusted to 5-Point Scale: 3.11 Rounded Down: 3 Stars

Pues en general bien, no es mi estilo, pero no me desagrado en ningún momento, al contrario, creo que el instrumental me hizo adentrarme

I'm not musical, so I can only speak to the vibes, which this album has. Enjoyed the smoothness of the songs.

me gustaron los sonidos y creo que es evidente q tiene una temática… algunas veces no distinguí el cambio d canción estuvo bien pero no me encantó

Habe ich 2005 als Gratisbeilage der Samstagszeitung bekommen.

Groovy, lovely.

Not what I expected, but again, was pleasantly surprised. A lot softer than I thought.

Couple of classic songs that deserve the praise but a the rest doesn't grab my attention. Owned the album for probably 30 years and listened to it a maybe a handful of times.

lo escucharía más a menudo si donde vivo lloviese pero estamos a riesgo de sequia asi que no

Not my thing, but I see how people would like him! Very vibey music

Kinda boring not gonna lie sorry Mr. Gaye. Also a lot of love and god in these songs so loses a star cause of that too.

Everything sounds the same. Is that the point?

Album No. 0119 on my list. I was really, really looking forward to finally listening to "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye. I had only ever known the title track (which I thoroughly enjoy), but was aware that this is considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time. I had really high hopes and expectations to be honest... ... well, and I can't deny that I'm just a little bit disappointed, frankly. My love for the title track has certainly not decreased, but honestly, there was not much more going on on the album (lol). It's not bad - really not at all. The thing is groovy, sexy, somewhat political, and sounds pretty good. But I've really expected more to be honest. Groovier, sexier, more political. None of the tracks really stood out or was memorable (I've listened to the album three times now, and still...). I think I get why this album is considered to be important and why people like it, but I'm afraid it's not really my cup of tea. I really want to like it very much and I guess it would look good on my album wall, but I just don't love it I guess... I'm sorry! "What's Going On", "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", and "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" will be added to my playlist. 3/5 stars.

Obviously the song "What's Going On" is a 10/10, but on average the songs are meh.

it was pretty good i had never heard of him before

Had heard of this artist in name only, and upon first listen soul music is not my typical style, but this was enjoyable enough. Upon second listen and closer review of the lyrics I was able to follow the narrative, but after 4-5 songs in a row around love/God it started to feel less interesting (as compared to the opening and closing tracks). Overall I recognize and appreciate the significance of this artist/album, the statements made, and was glad for the exposure.

Zuhause, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Ganz okay.

Listened casually as I wrote and generally enjoyed!

Veel christelijke verwijzingen

This is a difficult one to rate. It’s considered by many to be one of the greatest albums of all time. It’s pretty great, yes, but it’s far from the best Soul album I’ve heard so far. I don’t know, I can see why people love it. The most important thing I can do here at this point is at least recognize its greatness, which I do. The singing voice is the big draw here, in my opinion. If we’re talking about voice alone, it’s a 5. Damn, this man can sing beautifully, and does. Everything else is pretty good too, but after about 10 minutes you’ve really got the gist of the entire album already. It all starts sounding the exact same song to song and you don’t even know which song you’re on at parts. It’s great as a whole, and I can see why people consider this so good, but I can’t say I’d personally return to it, which is ok. My favorite song on this one is the titular opener, “What’s Going On”. This is the first of 3 Marvin Gaye albums I have rolled for this project, and I’m going to guess prematurely that if I gave this one a 3, they’re all likely to end up getting 3’s as well. I get the striking suspicion that the important messages this album provide are better than the music itself. Not a bad thing, just an observation. The themes are all moving and powerful, that much is true, but a lot of the music itself is forgettable and even a tad repetitive. It’s not really for me but I definitely respect it, and I would happily listen to it again if it came up naturally.

The rest of the album couldn't live up to the title track. Good listen just expected more.

167/1089 such a stunning opening/title track. His voice is so rich and smooth, accompanied by some complex and deep production/instrumentation. The album as a whole was pretty good and enjoyable but didn’t quite hold up to the first track for the full time imo Mercy Mercy Me and What’s Happening Brother were my other faves 69/100

Smooth and smooth say listening

I like it a bit, don't like the christianity in it, some songs are reallyyy good though so 6/10, might change my mind though I'm very subjective

what a hopeful album. also his voice? damn

I want to be the sort of guy who loves Marvin Gaye, but every time I listen to anything beyond one of his timeless classic, mega-hit songs, I’m just bored, even as he’s trying to preach important messages that he clearly feels passionately. “Save the Children” is a tedious drag. “God Is Love” feels completely empty. The musicianship here is incredible. The horns, the drums, the bass guitar (oh my GOD the bass guitar!), and of course the voice. It’s all great, it all melds incredibly well…and I’m just not that into it.

I enjoyed the lyrical composition of the album. I enjoyed the conversation surrounding social injustices and having a relationship with God. Overall I enjoyed the instrumentals, but felt the album was a bit "one note"

I wanted to give it higher, but the overtly religious tones in the middle were rough, and it just really falls flat at the end of the album. Can't go higher than 3 stars, and most of that is coming from the title track.

Still pretty solid! Much like his other album (Let's Get It On), I can tell it's pretty good, but it's just not really my style of music.

Smooth as hell, definitely no *bad* songs, and a good album overall, but I just do not understand its ranking as the best album of all time. Right On, however, is an awesome song.

This is perfectly fine. The transitions between songs are a joy, and you can't get much smoother than Marvin Gaye on the mic, but musically it does very little for me. Personally, I'm learning I prefer my Soul with a bit more Funk. I frankly don’t see what gets this to "best album of all time" status for so many. Countless 5* reviews on here bring up Marvin's social commentary as the key to its importance, and one even describes it as 'visceral' -- in its release context, sure, but it feels way overstated for what I'm hearing today. I respect Gaye's message immensely, but it just doesn’t land with the same punch on a fresh listen, and as a result I do not see the timelessness others see in it. I realize that, by writing this, I'll have to respect the opinion of someone saying the same about To Pimp a Butterfly in 50 years' time. I'll have to live with that. Let’s Get It On remains my favorite Marvin project. Standouts: What's Going On • Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) • Right On • Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

Perfectly cromulent album that is pretty good with some highlights here and there but definitely not the best album of all time. Stevie Wonder did more interesting social commentary during this period imo.

3.5. Nothing special

getting thee sacred souls vibes, mr. gaye i was unfamiliar w ur game

Swirling magical cyclic dreamsoul. 'A mind torn between apocalypse, sex, personal disaster·and reverie'. Favourite track; inner city blues for obvious reasons

Its definitely above average but the music itself gets a bit boring quickly. The mastering is impeccable though.

not my favorite, for sure a classic and some good songs on there that i enjoyed!

I love the flute! Very easy listen/ soul music. I had heard of Marvin Gaye but couldn't have told you what type of music he sang. Very soulful, though I don't much care for the religious undertones.

It's nice music to listen to. Really nice voice, the music is fine too, but half the time I miss more intensity, trumpets, guitars,.. more passion! It feels just too chill out for me. 3/5.

Not bad - i liked it mostly however the sounds were generally the same throughout so as i got halfway through i got a bit bored of it but the first few songs were fresh!

It was alright, I liked the first track the best. It was very smooth and classy. I can imagine a classy, jazzy character playing this in the background of a romantic, happy scene in a movie. Most of the album blended together. There was only one song that had a weird sound in the background that I really didn't like, which made me skip that song. Good otherwise and I'm glad I tried it out but I don't think I'll be reaching for it. It doesn't quite "sing" to me but feels pleasant to hear in the background. 3/5

Não entendo a fascinação em torno deste disco. Um hit e duas faixas interessantes: "Right On" e "Inner City Blues", apenas. No restante aquela chatice de cordas melosas e vocais lascivos cheios de yeah, yeah, yeah. Mesmo no universo da soul music existem discos bem mais interessantes.

We enjoyed the album but did only realised the song changed at the last song and the album was over!

Kind of weird to hear these socially conscious lyrics in a made for loving voice. I don't think this is as great as its reputation would suggest.

Best Song: Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler). There is a darker, more interesting energy here than in the rest of the album. Worst Song: Save The Children. I can't say I was a big fan of this call and response between the lyrics being spoken and then being sung. I can't help but feel the song would have worked better with just the sung parts. Overall: Not his best album. Everything feels like it comes and goes too quickly to really institute any sort of "vibe". Pleasant listening, but easily forgotten.

Whilst the many talents of Marvin Gaye are fully evident, listening to this album unfortunately just confirms that I simply do not like the majority of his work.

didn't caught my attention

This was good R&B I could chill with. Not my top genre, but I’m slowly finding more and more things I like, and What’s Going On has a few songs I think everyone enjoys. Solid album length, good vibes.

Slightly disappointed … It wasn’t bad but I expected more from such a classic album

I don't know if I've ever heard this version of 'What's Going On' before, which seems insane, but it's not familiar to me! I've definitely heard something other than the A Perfect Circle cover, though.... maybe one of the charity ones? This version is way more peppy and wispy than what I'm used to. It's a good song, but not what I expected! 'God Is Love' has a weirdly abrupt ending. I like that this album is so lyrically different (broadly: "global issues") from the other Marvin Gaye album we had (broadly: "getting it on"). Sometimes it's hard to tell if you're dealing with a concept album if you've only ever heard one album from an artist! Musically it's still, like, christian jazz(?), which is mellow and pleasant (modulo occasional weird percussion), but nothing all that revelatory. Highlights: 'Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)', the title 'Wholy holy'

Classic, and definitely has historical significance…but not something I’d venture back to often.

Decent. I know it gets a lot of love but I only found it alright. Can only give 3 stars

i love let's get it on but this album doesn't do much for me although i do like mercy mercy me

Broo, I actually thought the album was cool. I'm into soul music, but this particular album has some songs that are totally out of place, despite its fame. Now, if you want a top-notch experience listening to Marvin Gaye, I recommend another album of his, Let's Get It On. That one is fucking amazing

Two to three absolute belters not sure about the god songs so 3

An astoundingly beautiful voice in a horrifically prophetic context.

I can see why it's appreciated but a bit too smooth for me

I am a huge soul/R&B lover. I love motown, quiet storm, blue eyed soul and even new jack swing. I am a huge fan of Marvin Gaye and this album does have some bangers on it, but I have to say that I am not as impressed with the totality of this album as many others are. I know this often ranks high, if not at the very top, of many greatest album lists, but to me there is a lot of filler on this record that cannot be balanced out by stellar tracks like "What's going on", "Mercy, Mercy me" and "Inner city blues." I personally feel "Let's get it on" is an overall better album. I know this put's me in a small minority but her I am.

Soulful and with a message... BUT a bit repetitive. What's going on is a banger.

Pretty good . Better than I was expecting, but not good enough to enter my rotation

First listen

nöd wük aktiv glost aber relativ meh vo dem woni glost ha

The sentiment behind this album and Gaye's voice are beautiful. Musically I'm not into it, so while I can appreciate the album, I didn't really enjoy it. I just don't like this genre of soul/motown. The two hit songs are not much different than the rest of the album, which speaks to the cohesiveness of the concept.

Ha Gaaaaaaaaye

The title track is an absolute HEATER and is one of my favorite songs. The rest of this album………. Is maybe not great? There is far too little structure in most of these songs. Mercy mercy me is fine, inner city blues is fine. Rest is really forgettable. WOKE rolling stone said in their 2020ish reranking that this is the greatest album of all time, which I assume must be a sociopolitical statement because the message is ham-fisted and the music is boring.

Maybe the strongest contrast between the dark subject matter and music I've heard. Flows better than hot syrup. Marvin's voice is up there as an all time great.

not my kind of thing

The king of Gaye. Smooth as fuck. With a solid song list, I enjoyed this a fair bit. Like 7/10.

Smooth and easy to listen to. Enjoyable for sure.

Not bad. I like his voice. The music isn't right up my alley, but I try not to punish artists unless they make my ears bleed. Marvin does not. Would I seek this out? No. Would I get mad if it was on? No. 3.

Amazing voice and compositions, but it got just a tad boring after a while.

Not really my thing, but obviously still a great listen

Essential? Yeah, probably. Great listening? Far from it. What's going on Marv? This album drags.

Not my favorite Marvin Gaye album but decent

Pas mon album pref de sa part, ni le plus abouti selon moi (alors même qu’il est souvent classé comme son meilleur album, voire meilleur album de la décennie/de tous les temps, dans certains cas). J’aime bien le côté un peu floaty, un peu suspendu qui est une caractéristique commune des morceaux—et ressort surtout dans Save the children que j’ai vraiment apprécié (j’irais même jusqu’à dire qu’il s’agit de mon son préféré de l’album). Les paroles m’ont un peu rappelé l’incipit de La Peste de Camus, for some reason, avec ce petit côté poétique/dystopique sur fond calme. Une belle proposition qui pour moi vaut un 3,6 arrondi en-dessous : un album très agréable à écouter, un énorme projet derrière qui a laissé sa marque dans le paysage de la soul music, mais qu’il va me falloir réécouter pour arriver à plus l’apprécier que d’autres de ses albums. Ceci dit, je recommande d’aller lire un super article qui explique pourquoi cet album devrait être un 5 automatique (je me suis presque laissée convaincre) : “Why Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” may be the greatest album ever” (sur Medium).

Some bangers here, but pretty mid.

Calm and kinda chill. Relaxing

Not his best album

Feel like my reviews are slowly getting worse, but I just don’t have too much to say about it. Can appreciate that this is probably a top album for fans of this style, but just doesn’t really move me the same.

Der US-amerikanische Soul-Sänger Marvin Gaye veröffentlichte 1971 mit What’s Going On ein Werk, das sich deutlich von der bis dahin üblichen Motown-Ästhetik abhob. Die Aufnahmen entstanden in den Detroiter Studios Hitsville U.S.A., Golden World Studio und United Sound Systems sowie teilweise in den Sound Factory Studios in Los Angeles. Gaye produzierte das Album erstmals selbst und formte daraus eine zusammenhängende Suite aus Soul-, R&B- und Jazz-Elementen. Thematisch greift er Krieg, soziale Ungleichheit, Umweltfragen und Spiritualität auf. Zu den prägenden Titeln gehören „What’s Going On“, „Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)“ und „Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)“. Das Album verbindet elegante Streicherarrangements mit einem fließenden Rhythmusgefühl, das den introspektiven Ton der Texte unterstützt. What’s Going On gilt als künstlerischer Wendepunkt in Gayes Laufbahn. Seine Produktion ist ausgewogen und atmosphärisch dicht, ohne Pathos oder Übertreibung. Ein nachdenklich-menschliches Werk, das auch heute noch Relevanz besitzt.

good

This sound is so timeless, but I couldn’t help but feel like this record was just missing a little extra something in every song. Best Track: Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

5/10 Oof- I bought this on CD 20 years ago based on it's reputation. Didn't get it then, still don't get it. Just fiddly meandering, with songs that are instantly forgettable to mine ears. Marvin Gaye is one of my top three most overrated artists. At least it was better than Here, My Dear...

Controversial opinion,but Marvin Gaye is just alright. Estate of Marvin Gaye please don't sue me.

Pretty good

Is there a greater state of nihilism than not loving a Marvin Gaye record? I’m sorry world. But I suspect I might be in good company with my brother in song reviewing. It’s a protest record I suppose, but he sings about the wrongs of the world in such vague language that it feels meaningless. I feel like I’d legit enjoy the instrumentals somewhat more. All that said, I like the trifecta of tracks 6, 7 and 9. I’d give a higher rating to an EP that dispenses with the vague whingeing about the wrongs of the world and leans in to the groove of Mercy Mercy Me and Inner City Blues.

Behagelickt. Musikk fra ein legende Beste sang: What's going on

Fine. Another one that's easy listening without any real standouts. Almost want to drop it to a 2 for that but it's still probably a 3. Nothing really to dislike.

La verdad que me parece muy relajante melodicamente, y para que mentirnos, anima al folleteo, pero el de un dia fresco de lluvia que se vive lento.

So smooth it should come with a warning about operating heavy machinery.

It pains me to call this a three-star album... the title track and "Mercy, Mercy Me" are two of the greatest soul songs ever written and recorded, and the entire album has such a chill, sweet, spiritual, peaceful, joyous vibe... but the other songs are just largely not doing much for me. Kind of sounds like they just continued to play the "big" songs for another few minutes and Marvin vamped in some lyrics on other topics. These also-rans would surely be highlights for a lesser artist, but there you go, for me this is a couple of jaw-dropping singles and a bunch of filler.

Vocally superb, but not my cup of tea.

How about What’s Going On? Released in 1971, it wasn’t just Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece, it was a miracle it existed at all. Motown didn’t want it. Berry Gordy thought protest songs would tank sales. But Marvin had just lost his singing partner (Tammi Terrell), his brother had come back from Vietnam traumatized, and America was coming apart at the seams. He wasn’t interested in pop anymore. He wanted truth. So he made an album that felt like a single, continuous thought. The songs flow into each other like chapters in a sermon or movements in a suite. He’s mourning, questioning, and pleading, but he’s also making you move. That’s the trick: the groove saves the grief. Even “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)”—a lament for the planet—sways like it belongs at a summer block party. It’s protest you can dance to. Philosophy you can sing along with. And over 50 years later, it still sounds like the most beautiful cry for help ever pressed to vinyl. Spin it. Stream it. Listen to it or just dance. You’re rewarded any way it happens.

Solid

3,2/5

Dans le brouhaha et le fouillis de saint lazare j’ai pas trop réussi à me concentrer sur l’écoute

Sonically the album is perfect, the funky base lines, the jazz drums, and the gospel/soul vocals in the background blend perfectly together. Combined with the political lyrics about Vietnam War, Police Brutality, Poverty, Systemic Racism and Environmental Degradation, i think this album shows how you can blend mellow music with political decisions and that’s the beauty of humanity

This is a cool, soulful record with some gorgeous production. Not the sort of thing I'd listen to regularly and perhaps quite sonically similar overall, but it's decent for sure. Favourite tracks: What's Happening Brother, Wholy Holy, Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler).

Well I was expecting more of this album. There are some great songs in here (What's Going On/ Inner City Blues/Mercy Mercy Mercy) but the album feels a little bit all over the place. I can understand why this is on the list but it's a 3 for me

The titular track was one of mom's favourites so this hits a bit different. Very mum music. Would pair well with some Kennny G or Simply Red.

Not a bad album, it was pretty chill, enjoyed having it in the background while I was doing stuff.

This is one album that I’ve never quite been able to get. Not bad by any means, just now what I enjoy listening to.

Such an amazing voice but the album felt pretty uneven to me.

A legend and I know this one is top, but I love his older motown records more

Sings great. Good band. But it's a little boring.

Ja wat moet ik hier nou van zeggen, ik weet het niet zo goed. Opzich wel lekker, maar niet helemaal mijn genre. Wel een heerlijke stem en emotie.

This was good, but I wouldn't say it was better than that. It had soothing parts, fun parts, and deep parts. That said, much of it was just kinda boring/bland to me. Nothing here was bad, I just didn't find it very interesting as a whole. Right On was probably the track that stood out the most due to what it did with the instrumentation. Having more like that would've made me like it more. Overall, I enjoyed it but can't rate it super highly. Overall: 3.1/5

Some loungey hours that I looked. Quite preachy but it's his style. Best songs at the end that are less hits and more soul.

The most chilled political album of all time? Some great songs on here but also some filler. Save The Children is nothing short of awful and other tracks all pass you by without impact. Inner City, Mercy and the title track are excellent .

Decent album, but not much going on.

malo slabije od prošlog gejovog albuma, tu ima nekih brija, al i dalje solidno

Voice like honey, beautiful arrangements, and lyrics so vague as to be meaningless. Maybe this hit harder in 1971, but in 2025 it's too broad to work as protest music.

Listened Before: N This album was a strange one. There's a decent amount of good songs here - but the ones in between are terrible. Slow and boring. I can't believe the same album that contains a banger like Mercy Mercy Me contains a song like Right On. Rating this one a 4 for the good songs and a 2 for the bad. Averages out to a 3 I suppose. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: What's Going On

Such a classic voice. While not my favorite genre how can you not get pulled in by his smooth singing?

Pretty enjoyable.

Listenable.

Oh, I'm kinda excited to give this one a go. I mean, I was excited because it's nice to close a musical knowledge gap. and this was fine and I get why people like it but it's just not for me.

Still relevant today 5/10

As I read in another review on here: I can recognize a nicely made cup of tea, but I still prefer coffee.

I have mixed feelings about that album. I like some melodies but I don't find it cohesive. And it is so American sorry but I can't relate to it... 2,5/5

Pretty overrated for me but a couple good songs at least

tbh didn't caught me

basically socially aware(na 70tky)modern worship music-vacsina mi evokuje zhudobnene kazne nejakeho americkeho pastora tbh(gospel a soul v jednom,trochu jazzu).miesanie vokalov mi prislo zbytocne "zahmlene". trochu mi pripomina stevieho innervisions.pocuvala som to pri oberani broskyn u babky(nie idealne).sedenie na terase nejakej neo-brutalistickej vily v ZAR je jediny scenar,v ktorom si viem predstavit,ze si to vypocujem este raz

Nevedel som sa do toho ponorit. Paci sa mi velmi kontext vietnamskej vojny. Z albumu som si nedal do savenutych pesniciek nic, to ale neznamena ze celok je zly. Nepustil by som si ho znova, ale viem si predstavit pisat o nom esej na ulohu z hodin na anglicke eseje v prvom rocniku. Na moj vkus velmi religiozne, chapem vsak ze to je pointa albumu a to jedine co zostane vojakovi po navrate domov.

Perhaps this album suffered from high expectations because it always appears on top 5 of all time lists, but I was very excited to listen to it and wound up a bit disappointed. It seemed very meander-y.

I was initially intrigued by this offering. I liked what I knew of Marvin Gaye, and I was excited to listen to an entire album. But man, this has a lot of filler. That's what's going on: Meandering, there-are-a-lot-of-problems-in-the-world stuff that at times borders on comical. "Save the Children" is a prime example. Of course, there are great tunes on here too, but I'll probably stick to the top tracks when listening to Marvin Gaye in the future.

I think I need to listen to this a few more times before it sinks in. But, at first blush, I like it well enough...even with some of the dated 70s studio sound.

7/10

I did not use a private spotify session for this one. Never sat down and listened to a complete Marvin Gaye album but I did know several of the songs off of it. I liked the flow of the album.

This was okay

Standouts What's Going On Mercy Mercy Me Inner City Blues

Toujours agréable à écouter Mais c’est un mindset particulier : Album assez calme

I forgot that the first few songs string together. This is an album that is renowned but I find it good, not great. The title track is tots obvi great but everything seems pretty derivative of that. Top tracks: "What's Going On," "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," "Inner City Blues"

Good songs on its own. As an album I was bored.

A nice soul offering. No song really stood out for me, but it’s well crafted enough as a whole, the music flows smoothly from start to finish. As usual with Marvin Gaye, it’s oozing with sweetness to the point you sometimes feel like you’re drowning in corn syrup – but since it’s clearly his forte, I can’t really hold it againt him, and anyone probably knows what to expect when playing a Marvin Gaye record. As often with soul music, Jesus is also involved at some point, which I always find a bit weird – but I understand it comes from the gospel roots of the genre, so why not. Not really my kind of soul music (Marvin Gaye has always been a tad too much on the soft & sweet side for me, I like my soul a bit groovier). But it’s still a good record overall.

Again, not one I'll return to, but fun enough.

The love/save the children’s side merges beautifully in the Soul. Shitty lyrics, but overall, quite a nice vibe.

6.5/10 Highlights: Mercy Mercy Me Whats Going On Inner City Blues

Slow soul. Political compared to previous popular soul music. Some jazz elements too in Save the Children. Not my cup of tea but okay. Not many hooks, mostly ballady. Tracks flow together which is nice Best track - Mercy Mercy Me, Right On 3 stars

27/07/2025 The music was just very samey....

Good backround music for web surfing, but not my first choice

I respect the concept and the meaningful lyrics, but I just struggle getting into this style of music.

Good album. I was expecting legendary, and it fell short of my expectations. 6.4/10

Really thought I’d like this more

Classic, no doubt, just not my cup of tea.

Good but very forgettable... I'm writing this after a few hours and already have a hard time to recall anything... I did not hate it, and the bass was cool and overall sound was good, so yeah, it's ok...

I wanted to give it more stars but for some reason I just wasn't feeling it. It's good, but not great. I did like Right On better than the hits on the album.

This is a landmark that you should probably read other people's opinions on. This type of music, and Gaye in particular, is often so smooth and pleasant that it fails to catch on any part of my subconscious attention. This makes it pass right through my brain as if it hadn't been there. Marvin Gaye is like weather so pleasant that you could be convinced that air doesn't exist (which, as a Canadian, is rare; the air is usually biting and occasionally violent). My rating doesn't matter -- you should listen to What's Going On on reputation alone, on someone else's recommendation. For me, this is 3/5, but that's highly personal and probably says more about me than it does about the album.

Good

Best one yet! Definitely recommend

Good

Not exactly what I expected but damn close. I thought it was going to be more about banging. Still good. But won’t listen again. I’d like to give 3.5 but alas just a three.

Heard before. Some nice track. I like the overall feeling of the album more than any specific track. Good for background listening.

Cover 6 Good album. I know some people love this one. I wouldn't say I love it. The theme is consistent throughout but not one I would listen to often. Marvin has a lot of "great" songs spread out over a lot of "good" albums.

Started well, then... Best track-What's Going On

A smoothly glowing album to listen to in the Italian sun. I’ll listen again as I feel it may be a grower!

Lite väl gospel ahh texter för min del. Men nice vibe att ha typ under en middag om det inte var för texterna. Smörigt men ändå bra!

Me imagino que esto voló un par de cráneos en su momento. Meh meh, pero mejor que el anterior. Nota: 2.9

Konačno da me nešto natjera da odslušam ovaj album. Definitivno nisam očekivala ovakvu apokaliptičnu atmosferu, ni da je u pitanju koncept album. Nešto mi fali. Nemam pojma zbog čega, ali nisam oduševljena. Ovo ću morati opet odslušati da odlučim zvaničnu ocjenu. Kao da se sve previše pomiješali zajedno pa nema efekta.

J - 3/5 Best Track - "What's Going On?" F - DNL

Nice album with a message that resounds today. Percussion on his works is always a centerpiece which I enjoy.

Ik kon hier erg goed naar luisteren, alles voelde erg zwoel aan en dat kon ik zeker goed gebruiken tijdens deze warme zomernachten. Er zijn niet echt nummers die er voor mij uitschieten. Wel leuke muziekelementen, zoals de fluit op right on.

Fijne muziek, sommige nummers zijn een beetje te Jesus-heavy voor mij.

What’s Going On and Mercy Mercy Me are amazing, but I find it hard to really connect with the other songs. They need some sort of hook or recognizability that the other two songs have

Good album. Love the transitions.

Hm, this gets a lot of praise but maybe this album just didn't click with me. Good musicality, Gaye is an icon, but the album was ok for me, 3*

A cool dude.

Really good album!

- super soulful ballads - jazzy elements - nice hand drum beats - easy to listen too and super catchy - no song that stood out in particular - „Inner Child“: probably favorite song

Kind of boring but nothing wrong with it

Good, languid tones, but it starts getting real preachy fast. I do feel like Gaye was trying to address the ills of the world in his own way, but perhaps looking back on it in 2025, it comes across as a bit sanctimonious.

Curiously it seems as though all the songs seamlessly transition, it makes for a nice uninterrupted listen. The sentiments of the songs are in the right place but not all the lyrics hit home, especially on save the children. Marvin has a great singing voice.

El disco tiene música genial, llena de soul y de ritmos envolventes. Obviamente me encanta la voz de Marvin Gaye, pero el álbum me pareció que tiene letras que un tanto flojas o más bien, no tanto lo que esperaba en un disco de soul y amor. Temas de religión, naturaleza, etc. que me sonaron más a querer quedar bien con algunos sectores que a predicar el dulce amor del soul.

Points for the undeniable talent on show. But the music does nothing for me

Good album, but a little too soft from time to time.

at it's best it's beautiful soul, but there are a few slow patches and it can feel a bit samey at times too.

I’ve tried hard over the years. It’s fine but not mine.

It is a decent record I guess but in no way can I connect with it. Too much love and jesus for my taste

Amazing voice and grooves, though didn't connect with a lot of the songs.. kind of like it more as background. Standouts: What's Going On, Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

I absolutely love a concept record, and this one is more relevant than ever, even if it was made some 50 years ago. The connections between each song are so beautiful and masterfully done, keeping the flow of the story clear in the listeners ears. The instrumentals were impeccable, fitting the tone of each song, but also the album as a whole, perfectly. I especially enjoyed the back and forth nature of the song "Save the Children," which provided an interesting but beautiful structure. The thing that held this album back for me was it's mellow and laid-back vibe, whereas I'm one who is partial to albums that pack an auditory punch. For this reason, I at times felt bored or out of touch to the album if I weren't to be actively the lyrics. This doesn't mean it isn't a great album, I just appreciate something a little louder and more aggressive. Overall, this was great. 3/5 stars

Fave track: Mercy mercy me. Would I revisit this: no.

Cinquante-quatre ans après sa sortie en mai 1971, "What's Going On" de Marvin Gaye demeure une oeuvre d'une pertinence saisissante, un chef-d'oeuvre qui a non seulement redéfini la musique soul, mais a également offert une chronique sociale et politique d'une Amérique en pleine mutation. Cet album concept, porté par la voix suave et poignante de Gaye, reste une écoute essentielle, un voyage musical et émotionnel qui transcende les générations. Dès les premières notes de la chanson-titre, "What's Going On", on est enveloppé par une atmosphère à la fois douce et mélancolique. Les arrangements orchestraux luxuriants, mêlant cordes, cuivres discrets et percussions subtiles, créent un écrin sonore d'une richesse inouïe. La production, assurée par Marvin Gaye lui-même, est d'une finesse remarquable, chaque instrument trouvant sa place avec une clarté et une chaleur qui servent magnifiquement le propos. C'est une rupture stylistique audacieuse avec le son Motown plus calibré pour les hits radio auquel le public était habitué de la part de l'artiste. L'album se déroule comme une suite de réflexions, une conversation intime et universelle. Marvin Gaye, inspiré notamment par le retour de son frère Frankie du Vietnam et par les troubles sociaux qui secouaient les États-Unis, abandonne les thèmes romantiques habituels pour aborder des sujets graves et urgents. La guerre du Vietnam, la pauvreté, les inégalités raciales, la brutalité policière, la toxicomanie et, de manière pionnière, l'écologie, sont au cœur de ses préoccupations. Ce qui frappe à l'écoute de "What's Going On", c'est la manière dont les chansons s'enchaînent de manière fluide, créant une narration continue. Les transitions sont soignées, les motifs musicaux se répondent, renforçant l'impression d'une oeuvre unifiée, d'une véritable symphonie soul. La voix de Marvin Gaye, multiple, capable de passer d'un falsetto éthéré à des intonations plus graves et directes, est l'instrument principal de cette narration. Il ne chante pas seulement, il témoigne, il interroge, il supplie. En conclusion, "What's Going On" n'est pas seulement le meilleur album de Marvin Gaye ; c'est l'un des albums les plus importants et les plus touchants du XXe siècle. C'est un appel à la compassion, à la réflexion et à l'action, porté par une musique d'une beauté transcendante. Un 3 sur 5 pour un album majeur.

# 479 : What's Going On : 13/05/2025 It’s decent. A couple classic bangers, and a great soul album, but there is a good amount of filler in there as well. Not sure why it's ranked as number 1, or why there is so much hype, more for it's importance I guess than it actually sounding good. Lack of transition between songs made this album drag on into one big boring mash. Title track was the best for mind. Number 1 in Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums of All Time! Number 17 in Apple Music 100 Best Albums

I actually don’t rate this album, at least within his body of work. IITA here?

3 stars Feels controversial because this was listed as the #1 album of all time by Rolling Stone. And maybe I’m ignorant. I like the title track and generally like the album. But it’s more of a vibe than an album and it feels one note that is a good note but still just that. I wanted to get it and like it more than I did, but playing it through a handful of times maintained my feeling.

Good but underwhelming. I like the strings, background sax, flute, and the atmospheric vibes. The vocals are strong. Nothing particularly piques my interest though.

Vibing to this. No standout tracks on first listen

great but not the best

At first I thought this might be a 1 (just because of the genre?) but I do not hate it, it could be playing in the background.

Chilled soul but no standouts

Gaye tackles a variety of social, political, and racial topics throughout this record. You can hear the anguish in his voice. Timeless, in a somewhat chilling way.

Oooh hello Marvin okay let's go. Marvin another guy that I've listened to THE HITS and I love them, but I don't think I've ever really listened to an album front-to-back. Something I'm really appreciating about this 1001 albums exercise is that I am very much a SINGLES guy. I listen to SONGS, and rarely listen to ALBUMS. I think it's because I crave the vibe shift, the mood shift, eclectic arrangements, etc. It's nice to commit to a mood or vibe of an album for 30+ minutes, and need to do it more often in my casual listening habits. Inner City Blues Make Me Wanna Holler > Right On > What's Going On > Mercy Mercy Me The Ecology > Save the Children > What's Happening Brother > God Is Love > Flying High In The Friendly Sky > Wholy Holy These animations that Spotify has linked to every track on this album are annoying as hell. Who told the music streaming industry that songs need looping animations attached to them, they are so annoying especially when it's retroactively added to an album from 1971. Get over yourself. But that is not Marvin's fault. This album is p good. I didn't like how earnest it was at first then it really grew on me haha. I do agree we need to get together and work together and save the children. I agree with you Marvin! We should love one another! I don't think any song really slapped me in the heart, though. Maybe "Make me wanna holler, throw up my hands" on the last track, that lyric made me go "Oh hellooo" and then all the vocal vamping in the back half. That track the standout gem for me, but overall this album is all perfectly fine, but is it GREAT? It doesn't seem to be the case. It's prob a high 3 I think, not quite cracking a 4? Maybe it's a low 4? It's riding that edge.

I like how the songs blended into each other. But not a big fan.

Only words like lustrous and sublime apply here. Rich, deep, silken sounds dripping with soul. Maximalist Motown production sweet and smooth like honey. I could listen to Marvin sing the phone book - in fact that would be pretty cool.

I liked this, kinda repetitive but that’s ok! He knows what he does best

Marvin Gaye is a man of many questions

Couldn’t really get into it. Not really my thing.

Critics love this album. I find it boring.

An alright album.

The threat the children are facing in "Save the Children" is too nebulous and undefined. Save them from what, exactly? What's going on? What's happening brother? An okay album overall.

Too religious and a little too mellow for me, but it’s still pretty good. Marvin sounds great and keeps things simple (none of the pretentious vibrato that some soul music has), and there are some solid sax parts in a few songs.

Meh. Het is wel goed, maar het is ook duidelijk dat het niet voor mij gemaakt is

Didn't really hit like the reputation would suggest. 3/5, nothing bad, but songs toward the start ran together too much for me

3.5

I didn't like this as much as I expected to. The title track is great, but the rest of it all blurred together for me.

Smoooooooooooooooth

A great opening song but the rest is just average in my opinion. 3 stars or C.

I like this album because it sounds very classical. The meaning behind the lyrics are very interesting.

i like the songs i like the beat i like how he sounds . But i think all the songs sound the same . i guess i recomend it

the first song i like sounds good it sounds like my style of music and the backround music is not that much so i like the lyrics i dont really like. so i give it 3

The first song started off good his voice is actually good and the lyrics are good. I can only understand a few of them but from what i can hear it sounds good the background music is good. the second song is good ig its like something his voice is good and the background music is good but its kinda sounds weird

Why is he in the rain? I thought "What's Going On" was okay. I thought the singing voice was strange but the music was good. "Mercy Mercy Me" was also okay. I like the lyrics because they deliver a good message but the music and singing aren't the best. "Inner City" was the best. The music and singing were better. I would not recommend this album.

the first song is okay I don't really like it that much there is not much to say about it. the next song is also kinda the same there is also not much to say about it it is okay. the last song is still the same there is not much to say about it either. overall I don't really like the album.

What is he looking at on the album cover? I thought "What's going on" was pretty good. It wasn't anything special but it wasn't bad. It sounded kind of older because of how slow the song was but it wasn't too slow that it wasn't enjoyable. "Mercy mercy me" was also pretty good. I liked the lyrics and the message through the song. It was the same kind of slow as the song before. "Inner city blues" was the same as the other two. Not bad but not the best song I've ever heard. I would rate this album a good four stars and I would reccomend this album for anyone to try because you never know if your going to like it unless you try.

The songs are composed well, and I can appreciate the historical context. Lyrically, it's interesting, especially given the concept Gaye focuses everything on. Maybe it's just my taste, or maybe I wasn't in the right mood for it, but I'm not especially impressed by it on a first listen. Certainly not enough to deem it one of the greatest albums ever. It's all listenable, but it also fades into the background after a while. Perhaps I'll circle back to it later to see if I feel differently, but for now at least I've heard it.

Grooves, vibes, and honest beauty. Obviously opening with WHAT'S GOING ON might go down as one of greatest album openers. My album highlights are MERCY MERCY ME (THE ECOLOGY), INNER CITY BLUES (MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER)

3.5 - fantastically made album just not really my style and the lyrics didn’t resonate with me

3/5

Some of these songs are magical. Others are just a bit too much "talking" singing, and I really don't like that.

Classic

"Who's willing to save a world that is destined to die?" I think I need to give this a re-listen. Not because it's not good (I think it's a wonderful album), but because I probably didn't appreciate it enough to understand why it's considered one of the greatest. I will say this, however, that the production of this album is gorgeous. It doesn't go a volume too high or too low. And, obviously, Marvin Gaye's vocals are unmatched. Hidden instruments, background voices, connecting songs — they're the blueprints that inspired the greatest albums of today, from Frank Ocean's Blonde to Kdot's TPAB. Again, I just think I need to give this a re-listen. Maybe it was the lyrics? It lacked poetry? I don't know.

Nothing much, how about you?

There’s no denying the cultural importance of What’s Going On. It’s a landmark soul album with a social conscience, smooth arrangements, and Marvin Gaye’s signature velvet voice tying it all together. But as an actual listening experience? It doesn’t quite hit me the way it seems to hit others. The grooves are mellow and often beautiful, but they can also blend together a bit too easily, making the album feel a little samey by the halfway point. The lyrics are thoughtful and heartfelt, tackling war, poverty, and environmental concerns with sincerity, but musically it stays in one gentle gear—never really lifting off or surprising. Songs like the title track and Mercy Mercy Me stand out, but the rest can drift past without leaving a strong impression. It’s an album I respect a lot more than I truly enjoy, and while it’s undeniably well made and meaningful, it doesn’t quite move me enough to call it great.

Too happy for me, if that's a legitimate critic. I feel like it totally is. In every single song I feel the need for a progression that highlights a major chord turning minor. But Marvin Gaye is no Shmulik Kraus. It's a good album, but it's not something I'll choose to put on. I'll choose The High Windows (very very weird how I decided to compare these two albums that have absolutely 0 correlation. And, well, that's exactly why I did.) I now read the description of the album on the site. Oh! I guess I didn't listen to the words haha... apply my review to the music solely (don't. He could've still made a "Soldat De Chocolate"...)

Couple huge hits. Pretty good music.

Another good Marvin Gaye album. I think I like this one a bit better than Let's Get It On. 3.25/5

Mr Gaye is pretty good, but just not really my style. I enjoyed this ok, but overall I'm not feeling like putting this back on. 3/5

Definitely not an album made for me to hear. It definitely has it moments but not something that I enjoy nor really like to hear. Probably for who it refers and what it tries to do it's fantastic but yeah. I would give it around a 6/10.

Most songs I knew. I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I would be

Well, I guess it’s time for me to admit I don’t really like this album very much. It’s overproduced, overorchestrated, and most of the songs kind of float around and don’t go anywhere. The sociopolitical messaging is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

Good album - some classics.

Funky, soulful, iconic, a slice of history that should be paid attention to (because it seems we're entering that kind of time again). What's going on? What's happening brother? What's happening my man? Who the fuck even knows? And who's going to do anything about it? I appreciate these kind of messages and these albums. But they can get preachy. It's a fine line to walk. A whole album of this isn't necessarily something I'd want to return to much. I like the song segues. It makes the whole project seem like a complete movement. This is the definition of an album-composed and thought out Bangers-What's Going On, What's Happening Brother, God is Love, Mercy Mercy Me, Inner City Blues Skip-Right On, Wholly Holy

I like this but it’s far from the best album ever made (if the Rolling Stone top 500 list is to be believed). No album can be at the top of any list if one of its songs is “Save the Children”. But if you listen to the amazing title track and it gets you amped up, you can get absorbed in this albums unique sound n’ vision for the brisk run time. Standouts: “What’s Going On”, “Right On”, “Inner City Blues” Outside homework: The Strokes cover of “Mercy Mercy Me”

Meh hab ma mehr erwartet

Was excited to listen to this full album, but came away a little underwhelmed. Some really good highs, but overall, came away feeling like it all blended together and wasn’t super memorable.

Sehr entspannend, aber nichts zum einfach so hören

It was fine. It sounded like Marvin Gaye. Other than that I don't really remember much about it. I didn't even realize when the album looped because it all just blended together.

Solid...though not really my cup of tea.

Classic. Beautiful, though doesn't touch the magic of Stevie Wonder's Innervisions.

I preferred this to Let's Get It On but I'm not vibing with Marvin Gaye. Favourite Track: Added to Playlist: 'What's Happening Brother'

3 really good songs. The rest is meh 1001 album worthy: Yes - 47/83

The popular tracks are popular for a reason- great songs. Deep with significance to the political climate of the time. The more obscure tracks are obscure for a reason also. Something about a jazz flute solo that just sends me to a dark place.

What’s Going On? Honestly, not much.

I made the choice to read a review of this album before posting my own, and it cements my quandary. This is hailed as Gaye's "masterwork, the most perfect expression of an artist's hope, anger, and concern ever recorded." And somehow, I have always been left feeling like this is an album whose songs are somewhat indistinguishable from one another. Gaye's vocals are silken, his sentiments raw, the arrangements impeccable, yet the material — as I hear it — all blends together in a sultry vibe, which seems at odds with the bold statement this album is. So... I feel like an imposter that I don't find the album as life-altering as other listeners and critics. It's cited as "the best work of [the Funk Brothers] careers," the moment Gaye stopped being an R&B sex symbol and became a true artist, and the "most important and passionate record to come out of soul music." I simply hear sweet vocals and sexy grooves and one long song.

It’s pretty good but it’s not my style of music.

Marvin being Marvin. What a cool album. Marvin has a relaxed, smooth and seemingly effortless delivery.

Classic and great

This album has powerful moments and some good songs. I can see why it's considered important. It's got beautiful sounds. There's a lot of emotion here and it makes me feel a lot when I'm listening. But the songs aren't truly grabbing me, they aren't changing me. Which is a shame I think.

so this is the new No.1 in the 2020 version of the 500 greatest album of all time? Funny. The only reason that I can see that made the critics put this, instead of “Sgt.Peppers” on top, is that it is an album of PROTEST SONGS. AND ITS SO OVERRATED. 3/5

Basically one long, connected recording where each track bleeds into the next. What's Going On Mercy Mercy Me Right On (a rare moment with a distinct change of feel from.the previous track)

I enjoyed the feel of this, except for the multiple songs about God. I also didn't care for the spoken word followed immediately by singing those same words.

I like hygge vibey. Lidt for meget af det hele intet der virkelig fangede mig. 3

Repetitive music. But good songs.

Soooorry I let you down und hab einfach keine (fun) facts für Afrika bambaataa geliefert. Aber danke Timon für die Wertschätzung 🫶. Dafür wird jetzt hier nachgeliefert, weil die wichtigsten Infos zu Marvin Gayes wildem Leben hab ich ja schon beim ersten Album zusammengetragen. Jetzt zu Afrika Bambaataa: Er und p Diddy haben wohl leider eine Sache gemeinsam - nicht so geil. Ansonsten check ich auch nicht, wieso er das Album Planet Rock nennt, wenn er bekannt für seine "Genre defining electro tracks" ist, die auch noch vom hip hop beeinflusst sind. Jaaa ansonsten wird er halt noch als father of hip hop bezeichnet und war Begründer der Universal Zulu Nation, die schon sehr cool klingt. Die haben sich dann von ihm abgewendet, als die sexual abuses allegations gegen ihn aufkamen. Macht sie noch sympathischer.

Better background music to be honest…

Is it safe to say I was disappointed? It seemed like he was working with rough drafts on some of these songs. The ones where he locked in though… masterpieces.

This is a great soul album and Marvin is a marvelous singer. That said, I am not at all a fan of the genre - but props to the talent, work, and accomplishment.

Not interesting to me

Da ist eine Menge Soul zu hören. love it

This album by Marvin Gaye is definitely in the same vein as Let's Get It On and Here, My Dear. Similar style, same emotions rising up in the air,great vocal and quite boring overall package. I didn't find anything interesting on What's Going On, just few average to solid tracks and I don't remember any of them few hours after listening to the whole record. I'm a bit surprised this is the most famous album by Marvin - it feels like he was getting better over the next releases. This one, in comparison, was pretty average.

Smoot music, but onlythree stars.

Super nice rhythms/melodies throughout. Marvin Gaye has a very significant voice in soul music and the 1970s. I think even when I wasn't 100% hooked on a song from this tracklist, the importance of this project maintains a high score. Overall a nice display of cool and important messages, with good vocals, production and rhythm. (7/10)

Nice and chill. 6/10

There's some really great material here including the title track, but some really tedious religious stuff too. Great overall soul style, though.

It was ok. I think it’s a great body of work but not something I would have on repeat.

I wanted to like it more that I really did. I love me some soul music but this just did not connect with me

What the hell is going on with the animations on Spotify for this album. There’s like a T. Rex on God is Love? Like what? Anyway. This is fine. It doesn’t really click with me? It’s fine. The hits are good. But it’s a little preachy in a way that doesn’t accomplish anything. Yeah sure love and all that woo.

Pretty good, not really exemplary.

Nice classic

Pretty consistent album, nothing spectacular but Marvin's voice is really good

6/10 I get why people love this. What's going on is a great song. The rest of the album put me to sleep. Can't when them all 12-21-2024

I feel like I should like this more but there are some pretty bad songs on here.

Short, sweet and sultry

Really cool sociopolitical commentary - not my style of music at all though. I get why it’s a classic but not for me!

Easy classic

No es de mi total gusto, prefiero a Barry White

Chill vibes

The whole album a bit too one paced for me, seems to be 2-3 good songs and the rest filler. Concept album. 3 stars

Catchy as hell, but very, very Jesusy.

God this feels like sacrilege. It’s just… it’s sounds like very same-y songs with good lyrics and a very cool suite-like theme of the songs blending into one another for at least most of the album. And that’s it. I’m sure I’m in the wrong here. This isn’t even my first Marvin Gaye album! I had Here My Dear (AKA the divorce album) and I gave that four stars! Am I just having an off day? What’s wrong with me? Am I malfunctioning?

Joya absoluta. Disco imprencindible. Otros discos del 71: Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV, David Bowie - Hunky Dory, The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers, The Who - Who's Next, Don Mclean- American Pie, John Lennon – Imagine, T. Rex - Electric Warrior, Sly and the Family Stone - There's a Riot Goin' On, The Allman Brothers Band - At Fillmore East, Nick Drake - Bryter Layter, Can - Tago Mago, Black Sabbath - Master of Reality, Rod Stewart - Every Picture Tells a Story, Carole King - Tapestry, Leonard Cohen - Songs of Love and Hate, Paul and Linda McCartney - Ram, Funkadelic - Maggot Brain Flamin' Groovies - Teenage Head, Faces - A Nod Is As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse, The Doors - L.A. Woman, The Beach Boys - Surf's Up RORY GALLAGHER - Deuce, NINA SIMONE - Here comes the sun, IKE & TINA TURNER - Workin' together, BADFINGER - Straight up ,Jethro Tull - Aqualung, Janis Joplin - Pearl, David Crosby - If I Could Only Remember My Name, Pete Dello and Friends - Into your ears, Santana - Santana III Gene Clark - Gene Clark/White Light, Van Morrison - Tupelo Honey Joni Mitchell- Blue, Nilsson - Nilsson Schmilsson, Elton John - Madman Across the Water, Al Green-Al Green Gets Next to You, Kevin Ayers – Whatevershebringswesing, Sixto Rodriguez - Coming From Reality...

A good, cohesive and heartfelt album with a smooth and soulful sound. I'm not sure I'll be going back to it very often though, it's not really for me at this point in my life.

This is basically impossible to hate, but I feel like I'm going to hell for not truly loving it - it's just alright. I think that mostly comes from the fact that I find like 99% of soul very samey. Nothing here really stands out music-wise. Great rainy day vibes though.

Solid album, but just not my vibe. I can greatly respect the technical ability, but I will be rating it based on my enjoyment. I enjoyed the title track a lot, along with Mercy Mercy Me.

Artist, album, title song & album cover that everyone knows and has long been considered a Top 1001 album in the pantheon of music. I've been told the album encapsulated the tension and times for not only black America but for 1970's America. Classic title track, the message is strong but the groove is relaxed not political. There's definitely a theme and continuity throughout this album. \"Wake up and listen to the people\" is what I'm hearing. The next highlight was \"Mercy Mercy Me\", which is such an iconic track & my favorite on this album. Strong finish with \"Inner City Blues\" which is the funky MG sound that was missing from much of this album. Some of the songs felt wordy, the message was overpowering the melody & standard songwriting/hit making. \"Save The Children\" is a prime example, I had a hard time listening to that one. \"Right On\" is a close second. The spiritual/religious overtones aren't my thing either. Overall, it's a good album. I understand its significance & influence on artists to follow & the cultural impact it had. Just not quite a masterpiece for me.

Ja ganz okay, nicht so verführerisch wie dad andere Gaye Album. Songs der Playlist hinzugefügt: keine

Soul, 1971 -> 3

molto piacevole.. si fa ascoltare

I kind of like What’s Happening Brother, God Is Love; I almost like Right On

Not my taste.

This was fine, but it made me want to go to sleep.

It was fine, solid 3.

It was really easy to listen to. I liked "Mercy Mercy Me" the most, it's a solid entry on this list.

Who doesn't like Marvin Gaye?

I like this album, although I don't think I'd really make a point to listen to it much. A good album to throw on in the background for a chill cocktail party. I feel like this album might be a bit overrated, it's not spectacular but it's certainly enjoyable. I don't really find myself focusing on it much though, just sort of letting it pass in the background. Inner City Blues is probably my favorite from this record, I've always really loved that song (that bass!). All in all a solid album but maybe not one I like as much as everyone says I should. 3/5

Cool 70s record.

At times a bit too smooth