Reviews (page 7 of 13)
So smooth. The title track is, of course, essential. Several other songs approach that quality. But there’s some real treacle on the album here and there, too.
4 / 5 stars thoughts while listening: - gaye has a very beautiful voice! - the instrumentation on this album is so fun and vibrant - i don't resonate really strongly with some of the messages in this album because i'm not really religious, but that's okay!
what's going on 1971 united states soul
That was beautiful, man.
Fine album. Great to relax to, it's groovy and full of sentiment. Might have to listen more than one time to digest the lyrics, which are the highlight of the album, considering when it was released.
Good overall but definitely some odd ones on here
4/5 Instrumentação linda: baixo e orquestra brilham. Os vocais de Marvin são, como sempre, primorosos.
Ja det här är bra! Som basist måste man ju nästan älska allt James Jamerson medverkar på. Gillar de sömlösa övergångarna också. Jag är inte är helt förtjust i God is love eller Save the children, men Whats going on och Mercy mercy me är ju verkligen bangers!
Bitvis enkelspårig ljudbild men overall är det nice, sweet smooth upplyftande
Silky smooth! Men är det världens bästa album någonsin som många hävdar? Nä.
Imbecill! Kättare! Grobian! Sötvattenspirat! Odåga! Blotare! Bondlurk! Dårhushjon! Enögda kannibal! Grottmänniska! Vrålapa! Pestråtta! Sabotör! Huuuuuur kan du bara he en stark fyra till världens bästa album?! Fuuuuuuuuuuu
Never listened to Marvin Gaye, so might as well start with his........11th album. Jesus. I really liked the concept of songs running into each other as it really helps to stay in the groove of what is a very aware album. I'm not a huge fan of motown, but i'll admit that somehow the motown beats with Marvin's vocals works really well and isn't AS annoying as a lot of R&B. The album covers a range of social problems plaguing the world and the US from Vietnam vets struggling after coming home, to environmental issues. Marvin had to have been one of the first artists to express concern about the changing environment. It's a nice album that touches on issues. My main problem with it is that all the songs are half thoughts and just come across as vapid. It feels like Miss America type statements that initially sound awesome......but dissolve as they continue. Save The Children starts with a great concept of the overall pointlessness of everything when the planet is eventually going to die anyway, but if we really care, we should at least take care of things for future generations (the children). From there the song just devolves into generic cries about saving the children, saving the babies. What's Happening Brother suffers the same fate with a great concept of the issues vets face when coming home with homelessness and unemployment etc and he touches on this........and then the song peters out as if he had a great thought but didn't know enough about it to expand. I dunno, the album sounds good, but the writing is lacking for me. This kind of musing may have been revolutionary in 1971, but today it just sounds like pandering or virtue signaling on social media. "I'll just throw out a #savethechildren and there, i've done my part." Obviously that is reductive, and I know Marvin was a sensitive soul that did actually care about people and has done a lot of good through his music, but I just wanted a bit more from these songs.
The great songs on here are among the best ever. What’s Going On, Mercy Mercy Me, Inner City Blues. Man, how appropriate for our times today, too.
Amazing album, felt immediately moved from the first track. Powerful and way ahead of it's time. 9.5/10. Only wish it had more songs to listen to.
In za zaključek tedna, Marvin Gaye! Dober teden. Tale album sm leta nazaj že poslušala, ampak se slabo spomnim. "What's Going On" - dober in še vedno relevanten. U, lep seamless prehod med drugim in tretjim komadom. In med tretjim in četrtim. In še tako naprej. Najs. (Taka napol distopična misel, ampak kokr k najdeš youtube kanal, kjer nekdo vrti plošče neke pol ure in ni nobenih reklam.) "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" mi je mogoč pikico ljubši k prvi komad. In to zaključi prvo polovico albuma. Drugi komad ( "What's Happening Brother") mogoč mal preveč spominja na prvega in nasplošno je mogoč celo preveč tight celotna kohezija albuma. Sicer pa, čudovit album.
As pertinent today as it was when it was first released.
Listened to it on repeat SEVERAL times because I got a bit distracted lol. Kind of preachy but I liked it.
I like this because it feels different from this list.
Yes, of course, obviously.
I feel like this was the first album in a minute that I've really enjoyed like in at least a week. I was still exhausted when I listened, but there's such a warm and inviting tone to the album that really just feels very comfortable. Favorites: Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky), Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
"What's Going On" is one of the all-time great songs. The background chatter makes it feel like you've walked into an ongoing conversation at a party. There's sax, bass, soul, jazz, and even scatting building up a pretty vibrant blend of sound. But it's the shifts just after the chorus that really define the song. These jazz-fuelled diversions pull the music slightly off balance, like a musical representation of the turmoil on the streets at the time, the civil unrest that begged the question what's going on? It's a testament to this song, and equally depressing, that the lyrics work so well when applied to the goings on of today still. The whole album is centered around the title track, intentionally so. It's apparently soul music's first concept album, with each song flowing into the next, with a singular lyrical and musical vision throughout. The musical themes of the title song echo through "Mercy Mercy Me" and "Inner City Blues" (coincidentally the other two standout tracks on the record). Rolling Stone have named this as the best album of all time. I wouldn't go that far. A lot of the songs here don't really stand up too well on their own. But as a complete piece, those weaker songs work to supplement and build the impact of the title track and the themes that it introduced. It all comes together to create a politically charged piece, that (unfortunately) is still very relevant today.
So good
I LOVEEEE I LOVEEE I LOVE I LOVE I LOVE
Good, chilled out vibe.
This is such a heartfelt, soulful album with a great groove throughout. Marvin's voice is 👌 The songs segue into one another nicely too, making it feel like one 35-minute-long musical experience. My top song on the album is Wholy Holy. It's so peaceful.
This was such a smooth album
Marvin got groove, but also talks about Jesus a bit too much... Just let me enjoy the tunes man, save it for Sunday. I could see this one growing on me over time though though, some of the instrumental sections were tight.
beautiful but edgy
Honestly, 3 great tunes and the rest just riding on vibes. Thought this was going to be a slam dunk 5 but ended up middle of the road 4
This entire album feels like one continues amazing song. Such a vibe.
Probably it would be three on first listen but i think i would really like it if i listened again for some time. Also love the intro and the unusual percussions
amazing listen from start to finish
This album made me feel like I was flying
very nice. album that flows, didnt know when songs were changing. beautiful
Probably the most sonically cohesive album I’ve listened to so far with this, but this album didn’t really get any emotional response out of me so I can’t give it any higher than a 4
This album is incredible. I feel so much soul and groove from marvin's voice and instrumentals. wow. Loved the first track, what a great start to the album! The use of strings, saxaphone, flutes throughout this album in contrast with these chord progressions scratch an itch in my brain. it just works.
Marvin Gaye has a phenomenal voice and it’s so cool how all the songs flow into each other in the album. Favorite song was What’s Going On and What’s Happening Brother was a close second.
A lot of enjoyable tracks.
This was the vibe, ohhh I loved it
vibey, good album. i listen with the overlay thing where the songs overlap for a couple seconds or whatever and this is one of the best albumbs i've listened to with that. like, save the children into god is love??? crazy favorite song: flyin' high
4.499999/5 stars
Nice and beautiful album of one of the greatest soul musicians.
Muito bom
ima prelep glas, sviđa mi se kako gradi melodije i harmonije instrumenti, i produkcija generalno, super zvuče ovaj žanr, neki soul/r&b, je uvek lep za slušanje, opusti me prosto peva, koliko sam pokupila, o svetu i ljudima i društvu i to je lepa promena, za mene barem sviđa mi se kako skoro svaka pesma prelazi u drugu skoro neprimetno u right on u desnom uvu mi drka neki kao narezani lenjir i to mi smeta ali sem toga nemam neke kritike omiljena pesma možda inner city blues? ne razlikuju se previše pesme pa nisam nešto pamtila po nazivima, ali mi je to skroz ok, ovo je više kao jedna pesma od pola sata nego album, sviđa mi se to
BEAUTIFUL. I thought it was well done for something of its time. It gave a funky groovy vibe which i enjoyed but at some moments it felt repetitive to me. Other than that, i most enjoyed save the children
Too drunk to comment
Incredible album ! Was blown away by the musicianship Marvin’s vocals are just gorgeous particularly on mercy mercy , what’s going on Right on They seem to dance beautifully around James Jamersons bass lines notably on the opener what’s going on Save the children had some great string section moments and Marvin displayed such emotion in his vocals The jam on the track right on I loved Some interesting chords kept me so interested in where the music was going next Will be giving this many more listens in the future
Album was really good. I had already heard the hits off this album growing up! I really like how the entire album blended together into one big song. Marvin’s voice is majestic as always.
What a way to start the album. Save the Children - love the effect of having the calls to action vocalised as an echo such an effective choice. As cohesive as albums get this is IT. There is an eerie sound that runs through all of the tracks it's calming but stands out making you pay attention to what he is actually saying. In a way I interpret it as a sound of hope - it is calms us but is so uncertain. The flow between tracks is so seamless when you recognise it changing I genuinely was like "what's going on". Fav song - What's Going On Overall 7.5/10
Sympa. À réécouter
1/8/26, 9:08 PM, Algebra 2 HW 1. What's Going On - 8/10: Really nice, soft, relaxing and smooth track. 2. What's Happening Brother - 7/10: Relatively similar to the first. 3. Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky) - 6.7/10 - Forgettable, but still not bad. 4. Save the Children - 8.3 / 10 - Really like the talking in between singing. 5. God Is Love - Just an interlude, so too short to rate. Seems forgettable. 6. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) - 6.5/10 : Forgettable, but easy on the ears. 7. Right On - 6/10 : Too long for me, sounds like the rest of the album. 8 Wholy Holy - 7/10 : Not bad track either, but sounds like the rest of the album. 9. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) - 7/10 : I mean, it's not bad. It just sounds literally the same as everything else.
Me siento sacada de una romcom o una serie de los noventa,aunque el álbum se sienta un poco corto son puros temazos,pero que triste que lo mató su padre( Es un poco irónico por algunas partes de god is love).
4 just for the title track and Mercy Mercy Me. Rest of the album is good but not quite up to those singles
If I’m truthful, Marvin Gaye’s music has never been very interesting to me. It all kind of sounds the same, so I was excited to listen to this one because I’m determined to acquire a taste for it. I used to feel the same about Frank Ocean. I couldn’t really hear what made it unique until I listened to it a lot, and now he’s one of my favorite artists. I think this album was a good introduction; it’s short and sweet. His lyrics are genuine, hopeful, and call for peace- the accompaniment reflects that. Whatever instruments I’m hearing (flutes, strings etc.) create a really magical sound at times. He also just has a really soothing voice. This album brought to mind a few artists that I think may have been influenced by Marvin Gaye including the aforementioned Frank Ocean and Michael Kiwanuka. Fave tracks: What’s Going On, What’s Happening Brother, Right On, Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Chill stuff
7/10, enjoyable but not my deal
Marvin’s got the vibes.
Suitable for; reading; sleeping; working; drinking wine and chatting.
First few seconds of the first song 'What's going on' my first thought was: not for me. BUT WOAH it switched up. On the third song right now and it's got a really nice flow. Fucking love these instruments too and his voice too like DAMN. Still the instruments are so whimsical. Very chill album and I will definitely save this to listen to it again.
Well as ive heard from the entire world this should be a slam dunk and to me its good but its not perfect. And that shocked me a bit. This is always lauded as one of the best records of all time. And everything here is very good but only the big ones grab me. The title track, mercy me, and inner city blues got me. And the funny thing is looking at the most listened songs on his page its these 3. Im basic as hell I guess. The other songs are all good too just not that noteworthy to me at least. And thats just kinda disappointing. Thats the undertones of the record as a whole for me. It should get me much more than it does. Not that the 4 is a bad look but still has a bad feeling about it
Première écoute de ce classique, le son est très semblable à l'idée que je m'en était fait. C'est agréable à écouter, une musique toujours jazz et parfois funk.
A great album to get in the mood for NYE
Impecável 4/5 estrelas Destaque para a percussão de Right On
It's funny, because just recently I saw a Spotify playlist called "Marvin Gaye's clueless ass" with song titles asking questions including the first two here. ("What's Going On" and "What's Happening Brother") Old Soul, R&B, is not something that normally appeals to me, but this is good stuff. Very evocative of the times and yet timeless. It's easy-going but in a pleasant way.
gezellig, groovy, happy
This album feels like listening to a preacher but ironically enough you don’t want to leave cuz you’re actually intrigued but whatever he’s saying so you keep listening you’re trying to figure out why the way he talks makes you oscillating between states you feel now joy and happiness but after you fall into despair and anguish towards the world you stay till the end but when you leave you find yourself thinking about what he meant when he said a place when love is king
Nice and relaxing to listen to whilst recovering from a hectic Christmas. Really enjoyed this one
Bueno, pero la diferencia entre What's Going On y el resto de canciones es muy grande
Good stuff
I liked the overall vibes in this one.
I love this guy's voice. It is soulful and creates a mood beautifully. The album made a great soundtrack to the post Christmas recovery in our house.
Impactful.
This is a good album. Very refreshing to hear a full album lacking any romantic love songs. Four stars. (Favorite track: What's Going On.)
A classic, but not quite an all-time listen for me
8,5/10
Very nice songs😽 Really like them because they're sometimes relaxed but also catchy at the same time 🙏🏼 Jazz like (I don't really know😔)
SOUL. There's no genre quite like it, and Marvin Gaye delivers on its promise in spades.
This is a great album. I love the loose feel of the playing and wow, can Marvin sing! The political themes are (sadly) even more relevant today. He'd still be asking what's going on if he were around today.
marvin gaye my goat
I like this album because I’m a big fan of Marvin Gaye
Not what i normally listen to but i enjoyed it a lot
Jazz flute!
i like the jazzy bits
Respect.
This album is a 3.5, but because of the title song, it gets the nudge.
This album is difficult to rate, because the title song is one of the best soul songs ever, but the album loses steam as it goes along. The first few songs are 5 stars, the end of the album is 3 stars. I'll take the average on this and call it a 4 star album.
Did we not already do this? The irony of giving three 5s in a row to then not give one of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time one is not lost on me. I just don’t think I vibe with soul music. The concept of this album is incredible, the lyricism is as well, smooth as hell, I just wouldn’t reach for this to listen to it outside of the list.
easy on the ears like the political aspect of the lyrics especially with what was going on at the time, also giving an escape from reality.
soulzy
Suave
A classic.
Obviously, one of the most heralded albums of all time. My only issue with is it is that there is so much oversinging that it's hard to suss out what is being sung at any time. It's an album requiring multiple listens to really get the feel of the musicality. Message-wise, it seems to be a solid fare. I get tones of civil unrest and pining for something better. I'm sure when it came out it was revolutionary. Hell, it even rings true these days as well. I can see myself going back to this. Nothing about it is offensive and largely a beautiful offering.
4 out of 5. I see why this album is so highly regarded now, what an experience.
1. What's Going On - Very pleasant. Not the biggest fan of the background talking and the onomatopeia stuff in the latter part 2. What's Happening Brother - This was an even more pleasant listening experience all the way through than the last one 3. Flyin' High - Another very nice track. More moody than the last two which I like a lot. Forerunner for favorite track. 4. Save the Children - Continuing with the moody atmosphere. Not as much to my taste as the previous one. Except that the instrumental gets reeeally nice at the end 5. God is Love - Don't really have a lot to say about this one. It's a short one and the religious themes don't really appeal to me. 6. Mercy Mercy Me - Even though this one could also be seen as a pretty religious song, it's more subdued than the last one, and all in all, this is another very pleasant listening experience. Another possible favorite. 7. Right On - Pretty fun. It's a longer one, but has interesting enough sound and distinct parts to keep me engaged all the way through. 8. Wholy Holy - Veeery calming. Again, the explicit religious stuff is a bit off-putting for me. 9. Inner City Blues - I like this a lot! Another fave contender definitely. Summary: A very pleasant and nice listening experience. Marvin Gaye is one of those artists that I have heard of a lot and of course has some recognizable songs (though I had to check the discography, couldn't name any off the top of my head), but all of the song in this album were new to me. I could see myself tuning into his discography again in the future if the mood strikes me.
I really enjoyed this one. Marvin’s voice is unctuous. The arrangements and backing harmonies are first class. Hopefully I’ll remember to pull this one out for a dinner party sometime soon.
Classic soul from the master awesome vocals on this man
Pretty outstanding - even an atheist can dig Marvin Gaye’s gospel inspired sound.
This is one of those super influential and experimental albums that everyone should have to listen to from start to finish. It's such a shame Marvin Gaye was taken from us so young. It would have been amazing to see what his musical journey would have looked like.
Two Marvin Gaye albums in a row. This one is a fair bit better than "Here, My Dear" that I listened to yesterday. That being said, a couple tracks really fell flat for me ("Save the Children" and "Wholly Holy"), and "What's Happening Brother?" felt so much like just a variation of "What's Going On?" that I thought I had accidentally hit the replay button...so it still *only* ranks as a 4/5 for me.
A classic. still solid. A little too polished and intentional for it to be a 5 for me, but still great.
It's just very, very good.
4 stars, totally my jam
Man, when you talk about albums with high expectations - this is definitely considered in the top 10 best albums of all time on nearly every list I've ever seen. I guess that's why say never meet your heroes, because this was certainly not as good as I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, every song on here is fantastic, though I was a bit bored during Flyin High, but it's just missing that pizzazz that inclines me to giving this a 5. Maybe I need to listen to it a couple more times but I just don't feel what makes this album "perfect". I think I'm going to put a spoke in this review and relisten in a few months, since I feel like this will grow on me. Regardless, awesome album and great listen, will certainly be coming back to see if I can get it to the 5 I'm sure it deserves.
Im not gay, i just wanna boogie to some Marvin
3.5
This album is a departure from Marvin’s earlier Motown pop music, as he moved into singing about social and climate issues with this album. One track leads into the next, so it seems the album is connected by the music and the stories he is telling. Good music.
Very chill vibe, amazing for city walls on a winter morning, or just music to chill, overall a solid 7/10
Love this, particularly last track inner city blues. Simple, elegant, cohesive, really captured the essence of the time.
Arrasou, sinto muito
I really liked the vocals on save the children. The whole album has a gospel feel. I always enjoy a good saxophone too.
Yes
good but a bit repetitive
I am alright, thanks, Marvin the Homosexual. What's up?
Peak
3.5
I have Let's Get It On, the other Marvin Gaye album I've heard for this already for this project, just a smidge higher than this one. I do think though the message on this is King it is actually message wise one of the best protest albums ever written. My personal favorite song of his all around is "Mercy Me" which absolutely Shines on this even with its kind of orchestral psychedelia that it does towards the end. It's too dark to be Soul strings but really fits the mood of the conflict. If I got to say why this one's probably a little bit less it's mainly because most of the sounds sound very similar on this whereas on let's get it on there's more of a variety but I do think on this one the message is King and it is a good album even even though it's a bit samey at times. 9.6 ★★★★½
A really nice and important soul album. The bass playing is especially great. 4.5 stars
I think this is a really good album. The title track, "Mercy Mercy Me", and "Inner City Blues" are all great, but some of the deeper cuts like "Save the Children" and "Wholy Holy" I'm much less high on. 4 stars.
4.5
Very luscious, soul-searching, mankind-saving vibes on this one and an outright classic fo sure in lots of ways. It would be a 5/5 for vibes but maybe only a 3.5/5 in terms of actual iconic, heavy hitting bangers. There are 3 different ones (oink) - one right at the start with the title track, right in the middle with Mercy, Mercy, Me and right and the end with Inner City Blues. The other tracks tend to blend together into this groovy but gloopy elevator motown gravy. First side is a suite of increasingly elevatorish versions of the same song and on side two you have Wholy Holy as the most elevatorish nadir. Despite the elevatorish drawbacks I have to say because of the high points this is still a quite splendid listen.
Anyone who gives this fewer than four starts is either racist or dead inside—or, sure, has some incisive and thoughtful critique that eludes me because I don't really know shit about music. To that point, I don't think I ever realized before today that this album is kind of just one long amazing song. That's neat.
Anymore I get annoyed when the albums are this obviously "save the world", "everybody love everybody", and "will someone please think of the children", but when it sounds this damn good with peak Motown productions and put through Marvin Gaye's sultry voice it plays. Orchestras add such depth to anything they're on (see Gordon Lightfoot before and after stringed production). Half-assed internet research also reveals that three Detroit Lions sang backing vocals on the title track. How about that.
Can't go wrong with mr Gaye, no bad songs but a few didn't hit as much as his more popular songs did
This cat knew EXACTLY what was going on. Highlight was "right on" even though everything here was silky and soulful. My one off put was the more religious leaning parts, not that the content was bad, just felt like they didn't hit quite the same. 4.5
Got to listen to this in Spatial Audio. A true masterpiece. Wow his voice is so good.
Very soothing with some powerful messaging.
Very Christian
The king of baby making music
Very chill and groovy, with great messages/lyrics. What is actually going on??
This dude is confused asf Favorite Track: Inner City Blues
i enjoyed this it was nice and smooth and he has a really good voice - don’t know if i’ll listen to it again but i thought it was a really enjoyable listen
Lovely
Just a great unified progressive soul soundscape, almost a play of progressive soul
01) What's Going On - 10,0 02) What's Happening Brother - 8,0 03) Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky) - 7,0 04) Save the Children - 7,0 05) God Is Love - 7,0 06) Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) - 10,0 07) Right On - 7,5 08) Wholy Holy - 7,0 09) Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) - 8,0 TOTAL: 7,94 (79/100) Current ranking: 220/714
First listen, but listened to it again later in the day. I think I'm a lot worse at describing what I do like about an album than what I do like about it. What's Going On has been on my list for a while, and I'm glad it was recommended; it's a stunning record! Gaye's voice, and the harmonies on the strings are absolutely beautiful. The sound overall is measured, and tasteful, but not to the extent that it becomes dull in the slightest. I also love the contrast between the haunting, angelic sonic palate, and the often plaintive lyrics. There's an intensely bittersweet yearning to the whole thing, and although it overflows just as readily with faith, and hope for a better future, it never comes across as naive about the sorry state of the world it is criticizing. What's Going On is also superbly paced. The first six tracks flow into each other nicely (I love it when an album does that, it's so exciting!), and Right On being a groovier, more rhythmic track than the ones that precede it saves the whole thing from becoming perhaps a little bit too languorous. Overall, the last three songs are certainly more understated than the rest, I feel, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, though I do like the first six a smidge more. I actually enjoyed my first listen better than the second, which is kind of rare for me. For that reason, I'm not sure if it'll grow on me over time to the extent that most albums do; but thankfully, I already like it a lot. Fav. Track: What's Going On
I like Marvin Gaye for the cultural relevance, the emotion and depth of the lyrics and his fantastic voice. This is a great album, but I just don’t see myself listening to it very often. 4⭐️
Hard not to bump this one up based on his talent alone
Already knew the artist and part of the album. Relaxing, souly, the lyrics are kind of cringey sometimes. Nothing really bad to say about this one though. Not the best album I've ever heard, too.
A bona fide classic. Not much else to say.
it all flows together perfectly like a big orchestral piece and feels more like a meditation on the thesis of the album as defined by the opening titular track, than it does an album with many distinct songs. for that reason many of them blended together and i couldn't always tell that the song had ended and changed to a new one, but once i let go of the expectation that it would be a conventional album like that, then i really enjoyed it and appreciated it as a whole. this definitely has to be listened to in full and in order. Fav tracks: What's Going On, Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
A good album that's a nice listen with messages that are honestly still relevant today. Can't deny that Marvin Gaye is an icon, but through no fault of his own this isn't really my type of music so it's not quite 5 stars for me.
A little too religious at times but a great album
Fun, timeless soul. As always, still relevant. Great singer and artist. Gone too soon.
This album is a 35-minute-long song in the best and worst sense possible. It is a kick-ass song indeed, but it lacks the tonal diversity that I believe all five-star records require. I'm ranking this as a four-and-a-half-star album because of its musical excellence. However, I must admit that I believe that its social relevance has a greater weight than its music when we think about this album. It is not bad per se, just felt it was something important to point out.
This is a short album, but somehow it still starts out stronger than it finishes. It's a great album, but not a 5.
Enjoyable overall, but doesn't do enough to absolutely love it.
What's Going On is a very good album worthy of many accolades. However, I do have one bone to pick which is with "Save The Children," which contains one of my most disliked song topics: children. I will simply have to defer to Norm Macdonald for the rest of this review: When I was a child, they said 'The children are our future.' Then I grew up and they said, 'No, actually, it's these other children.' I know a Ponzi scheme when I see it.
C'est étonnant la décontraction de cette album Le mec est trop chill mais les sons sont oufs et politiques (parfois)
I have dipped in and out if this before and found some of the production quite overblown... However...when it hits its groove it's incredible.
Smooth easy listening, no standouts though.
Really cool love the music and the vibe the only thing that’s holds it back for me it how much religious songs there were
Captures the mood of the early seventies with some great vocals and arrangements. The title track is still the standout for me on a very soulful album.
Very good album
Still missing you, Marvin ♾️ What's Going On ♾️ Mercy, Mercy Me
This was a nice classic sound. Felt like i was sat in a conversation pit having a cocktail
Nice. Very mellow protest album
excellent listen
His eleventh album. Soul. The themes are powerful and Gaye seems very heartfelt. The album is cohesive and the vocals are wonderful. There's no stand out track for me. Theis album requires listening to as a whole. Beautifully done !
Classic for a reason, really love the production and songwriting, the voice at times a bit too melodramatic for me.
This man’s voice is absolutely gorgeous. Mercy Mercy is one of my favorites of his. That said, there are some tracks on this album that I don’t enjoy all that much, which stops it from getting all 5 stars.
Great voice, needs another go.
Marvin Gaye singing about praying is surprisingly almost as compelling as Marvin Gaye singing about fucking.
4 stars
Slightly weaker than other Marvin Gaye albums, but still really good.
Great album full of soul 4.5⭐️
It is a classic for sure. I didn't want to replay it as soon as it was over, and a little bit too much Jesus for me. 4.5 stars.
I mean it's Marvin Gaye. How could this not get four stars?
was good. this one should probably be on this list.
Smooth music. Good sound.
Always hits
Still holding out for the same optimism now. I enjoyed it but it wouldn’t be an album I’d listen to a lot but great singles off it.
Starts on an incredible high and kinda floats along musically at this blissful high point for the whole album. It delivers when it touches on explicitly political elements, the commentary is moving and doesn't take you out of the music at all. It really does feel (perhaps unfortunately for us) like everything talked about here could be relevant for today. While that's very depressing it seems like this record will be timeless.
A truly remarkable album by one of the most attractive voices to ever pick up a microphone. It might sound corny but as I hear the first lyrics of "What's Going On", I feel parts of me start to calm and melt a bit; I feel a warmth and a joy and my early morning restless leg shake start to relax. As the song builds and energizes, I'm feeling my eyes wander away from my work laptop and onto the album art of this beautiful man sharing his craft. This music is taking me away from my stresses, and I am thankful. I love the jammy "Right On". It's a great little laid back track to groove to. This album has a nice blend of songs that groove on by and then songs that stick around in your head. This is a difficult one to rate for me. "What's Going On" is a really special song, and there are no other weak points on the record as far as I'm concerned. Marvin Gaye was a special artist, but I feel that this isn't his best work- and that "United" is. With that being said, I think this is a strong 4, and just short of being high enough for a round up to 5/5.
Great, easy-listening album
Marvin Gaye always trying to grasp what is happening... Love it
So light and deft while also being socially conscious - and interesting mix
I loved the song “What’s Going On” as a kid. I remember my Dad explaining what he was singing about to me, and learning that music could be political and have important messaging.
Sublime. 4/5
Это отличный альбом и я его буду точно переслушивать еще много раз. Такую кайфовую музыку мало кто может сделать! Закрываешь глаза и вот ты едешь по серпантину вдоль лазурного побережья средиземного моря на красном кабриолете. Это прекрасно. Тем не менее, темы в текстах затрагиваются серьезные и за это тоже выражаю респект. Отличная запись.
How the hell did we go from this to what passes for music in 2 generations? Pure Motown. Is it the greatest album of all time (per Rilling Stone) no, but it is damned fine and thoroughly enjoyable, as well as historically relevant.
It's definitely good, I'm a little dubious on being #1 all time Will I listen to again: 84%
Classic. Bought this at the Rideau place mall (?)
Good soul album
Absolutely amazing!
Great stuff, didn't realize it was kind of a theme album
Muy lindo.
226/1089 - Very lush and rich, a bit too much sometimes with the strings and choir. Singing is impeccable and the backing band is great, especially the bass player.
Not so long ago, about four and five months, I listened to the track 'Ain't no Mountain High Enough'. An incredibly sweet track, but I thought it sounded a bit crispy, probably because the technological limitations from that time. This made me wonder if this album could suffer from the same issues. Nothing could prepare me for how good this album sounds. In fact, it sounds so good, it made me question if this record was produced in heaven. Everything is so clear and beautiful. The singing, the bells, the choirs... The lyrics too! with the main subject being to love and care for everyone. A very sweet and groovy album. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because there is still room for it to grow on me and I don't think it hit me like other records in the 'favourite' category did.
It's a seminal and massively influential album, full of soaring melodies and layers of beautiful instrumentation. It does stray into the "cheesy" from time to time, that's for sure. I don't think it's Gaye's strongest work, even if it is his most famous and praised.
Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On is more than just a collection of songs, it’s a full damn experience. The tracks flow seamlessly into one another, pulling you into a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. It’s no wonder this album is often called one of the greatest of all time, as these are some of his most iconic songs, and they showcase his genius as both a vocalist and storyteller. You can feel his passion and purpose in every note.
Good album. Despite how bad the world can get, just spread love where you can.
4/5 - I needed to hear this because I know it’s one of those “soundtrack to people’s lives” albums, and it has a beautiful, smooth sound with darker subject matter than the earlier Motown records. Enjoyable listen for me, but I hadn’t listened all the way through before, and I didn’t really connect with it.
I enjoyed this. Cheesy at times, but he's a good singer.
Here we go, the "why is he so clueless?" album... Jokes aside, Marvin Gaye's What's Going On is a (still) brutally modern album in its themes. To think that in 1971 he was preaching for the end of atrocities such as war, environmental destruction and financial struggle and none of these themes got even remotely better in 2025 makes me sad. This album is a love letter to love (no pun intended) and should be a manifesto for a better world. Marvin has one of the purest and most angelic voices I have ever heard, capable of soothing you even if he's really singing about horrible things. The arrangements are relatively simple yet so lush. The bells (or I at least think these are bells) that accompany almost every song create a Christmas-like vibe which makes you develope hope in humanity while listening to the album, all of this while adding nice texture to the songs while never really being out of context. This album also has an incredible pacing, for sure it is short (35) minutes, but in such a short time (time that absolutely flies by the way) he manages to pack SO much thematically and does so while having the songs flow into each other seamlessly, adding to the the album a nice consistency and, again, a great pacing. My only "problems" with this album are the "aaahhhhh" choirs being slightly overused and the entirety of "Wholy Moly": a slow tempo song that doesn't add anything to the album, musically, vocally or even thematically (we already had God is Love about religion), but other than that, this is really a flawless album. One last thing I noticed is that the album feels recursive to me, let me explain: the ending of Inner City Blues mimics the sound and the lyrics of What's Going On. To me this is Marvin Gaye's way of saying that all of the problems he talks about seem to have no end and, like history, the evil in the world is cyclical. It's like he knew the world was not gonna change for the better, but he decided to bless our ears and try to purify everyone's hearts nonetheless. Either way, this is just my opinion. So try not to pay too much attention to it.
FANTASTIC! One of the few albums on this list that you really should listen to before you die.
awesome
i like 👍
Smooth anti-war music is a big thumbs up from me. Unlikely that I’ll listen to this again but definitely worthy of being on this list.
4*
Jako mi je drag ovaj album, onako smirujuć i wavy 🤗 4/5, 8/10
The album flew by. After I finished it I went back to listen to the title track again and ended up letting most of the album play through a second time.
god what a beautiful album. he’s got an incredible voice. keeping this one. still relevant, which always hurts my feelings
Très chill, des tubes connus, good vibe, king
#1 album of all time??? Not quite. It’s good but come on, people.
It sounds like a soft blanket and a hot mug of chocolate in a cold day.
It's a classic. I don't generally listen to soul, especially from this era, and I've still heard What's Going On and Mercy Mercy Me, both of which are all time great songs. But it gets a little preachy, and I just wasn't feeling half the tracks, so it's a 4 instead of a 5. What was the deal with Save the Children? Good message, really bad song.
This album proves that I don't always listen closely enough to the lyrics which are a lot more interresting than I at first. Did know Mercy Mercy Me but never really listened to the lyrics. As an atheist the frequent referals to God and Jesus seem like a cop-out to me but if it helps you navigate this life then who am I to judge.
A classic
Not my favourite, but great vibe, some great songs, definitely see why it’s here
Very pleasant listen. The overall messages of the album are very straightforward, and the music is delightfully smooth. "Whats Going On" and What's Happening Brother" were my favorites, both from a musical and a thematic standpoint. Makes me think I probably like soul music in general.
Great
I think that there's a difference between having lived in the time and listening to this when it was new and playing on the radio and listening to this same music now. I'm looking at this through the lens of when this used to be the vibe of the day but it plays well both then and now. I liked how the songs blended into one another though there was a span where I was thinking that it was a very long song but 2-3 songs had actually passed. Overall, excellent stuff!
Incredible passionate work, I’m not the biggest fan but man is this album gorgeous. Emotionally the lyrics hit and I resonate with the message. Unfortunately, the music doesn’t resonate much but I think that could change with more listens. 4 for now but could improve!
Has some amazing tracks and the whole album flows very well. Found the middle tracks a bit hit and miss so might find myself skipping them.
This one's tough. Knew it by reputation. Don't think I've ever listened to it. Feels familiar because I think I've heard it sampled in a million rap songs. Great performances and message. Inner City Blues is a highlight. It's great but I don't know that I'll revisit it much
Already got this
Never been super familiar with Marvin Gaye before listening to this. What's Going on is not exactly the song I thought it would be. More energy than I expected! There's no real standout songs on this albums but everything flows together beautifully and on the whole makes for a cohesive, well put together album.
abwechslungsreich, cooler Rhythmus, bisschen an Stevie Wonder erinnert, aber nicht das, was ich sonst höre und sehr viel Gott
Low 4, great vibes, vocals, grooves
he’s so right. what IS going on
honestly thought this was gunna be a hard five -- but it gets a little rambly preachy at times
нормалек, но я бы его на 1 место не поставил.
Sexy Jesus
Good stuff. Too much religion for my taste but not so much as to ruin it
Have never heard the album before—just the hits. Very enjoyable.
I am not too found of the music, melody and arrangements but love the texts and sometiemes the voice.
Pretty great r&b/soul music
Just a gorgeous album. Marvin Gaye pointing out and sometimes solving the world's problems in the most beautiful soulful way.
4/5
Just a very good album! 4/5
Voor luisteren: het eerste album in dit project dat ik al heb gehoord. Ik vond dit een paar jaar geleden heel goed maar ik heb er al lang niet meer naar geluisterd. Tijdens luisteren: begint heel goed, verliest het dan een beetje, vindt het dan bijna onmenselijk hard terug, verliest het dan iets meer dan de eerste keer (die ratel brrr), en vindt het dan terug op een mindere manier. Opgedeeld in 5 delen rank ik het zo: 3>>>1>>>>>>>>>>>>>5>>>2>>>>>4
I’d heard many good things about this album but had never listened to it. They were all true, this album is great!
A beautifully crafted album, Marvin Gaye delivers a short but varied selection of songs where his voice and songwriting steal the show. Top Three Tracks: What’s Going On, Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Least Fav Track: Wholly Holy
Enjoyed this. Don’t think I would, but I did.
so groovy
sad that I wasn’t blown away by this, but still really enjoyed it
fuck them kids
Smooth
Great album 👌
very chill but powerfull lyrics
It’s a nice album, nice to listen to whilst your doing things like cooking. I don’t think this would be one of sit down and listen to. It’s pleasant but I don’t find it to be amazing, better as background music in my opinion. Fav tracks - What’s going on? - What’s happening brother? - Mercy Mercy Me - Right on - Inner City Blues
Amazing. The instrumentals, backing vocals and lead vocals are perfect. They make you move no matter wherever you are and however you feel. Despite the album only being 39 mins long i think it still suffices.
Toll
Marvin Gaye on a Friday? Lucky me ! What's Going On is arguably one of the most influencial albums to come out of the 70s and you can clearly see why. Beautiful 70s Soul music, it has everything you need, funky basslines, backed by incredible drums, flairs of brass and strings, all brought together with Marvin Gaye's almost heavenly vocals. The title track starts this album off with a bang, with everything in the 70s Soul formula included. This album is said to have "Revolutionised Black Music" and you can see the impact this album had on Progressive Soul, in famous albums to follow. It's subtle use of orchestral pieces fits in exceptionally well with every track. This is easily a multiple listen type album and I'd be doing something criminal to rate it any lower than a 5. Marvin Gaye, gone too soon but left us with arguably one of the greatest albums of all time before he went. 5/5 MTW Fuming at his dad for killing him. Near perfect record. Baby making music. 4.9/5
This is a pretty decent album. I enjoyed his voice and the instrumentals.
It's like a mega-mix, but with socially conscious anthems instead of party bops. Don't know why I never listened to this before, it absolutely lives up to the hype.
Should be a 4.5, maybe a 4.75
Je me suis régalé pendant 35min (il y a 32 secondes que j’ai pas trop aimé mais ça reste ok) Après meilleur album du 20ème siècle c’est pas ce que je dirais même si c’est excellent
Du petit miel pour les oreilles
Dad- 10 Mom- 8.5 Mike- 8 Lori- 8.5 Michael- 8.5 Miles- 7 Cole- 7 Avg- 8.21
Truly a triumph. Top notch crooner tackles social issues, big and small, with so much emotion. It's captivating.
Classic. Such a socially conscious album. I knew What’s Going On and Mercy Mercy Me going in.
Better than Let's Get it On. A good listen all the way through
Ron burgundy is great on the backing jazz flute
Favorites: What's Going On, What's Happening Brother, Save The Children, Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
4/1001 :: Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 7.5 Fav Tracks: Mercy Me, What’s Going On I’ve been looking at this album for years wondering if I should buy it on vinyl even though I had never listened to it. It’s easily considered one of the greatest albums of all time and it’s something I should like right? Well, I thought it was really good but frankly I’m not sure I would ever listen to it again… First of all the production is quite impressive. I feel like Abbey Road inspired this type of album where the songs flow seamlessly into each other. Also, with Vietnam in full swing, Marvin’s approach to political commentary makes this one really special. Capped off with his lush voice and all the beautiful jazzy instrumentation it’s a graceful record. All that said, it’s something I can appreciate but not something I would generally reach for and that’s OK.
Sounds so good. I don't care much for the entire "Save the children, love each other" kind of preaching, but I can't deny the fact that I really enjoyed listening to it. The albums flows really well from track to track.
What's Going On 4.3 What's Happening Brother 4 Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky) 3.4 Save the Children 3.2 God Is Love 3.5 Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) 4 Right On 3.6 Wholy Holy 3.4 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) 3.5 Score: 3.655555556
Soul när det är som bäst.
opens with a quiet cacophony of voices, giving the impression of an intimate club set and fades into the title track, drawing me right into the groove
Loooooooove. Eternal.
4 stars only because Save the Children is about 2.5 minutes too long.
“save the children” is HAUNTINGLY beautiful. even though the rest didn’t really catch my eye, so to speak, i did mess with this album. very chill and laid back, yet it made an important statement. i can definitely see why this is in apple music’s top 100 albums. 4/5.
Love this album. 4.5 if I could, this is where not being able to give .5 ratings sucks. Oh well. Still love it
Virkelig lækkert produceret plade med et meget godt flow.
Really great sounding album. Meaningful and important lyrics.
An iconic album that is a pleasant listen start to finish.
Niet genoeg geluisterd nog maar zeer nice. Conceptueel sterk en vrij direct maar niet perse opdringerig (los van wat praise-Jesussy nummers) Aangename productie, heel lush allemaal. Daardoor voelen de drums wel erg zachtjes waardoor er (misschien naast Right On) niks echt knalt. Hoeft ook niet altijd, maar ik mis toch soms een snappy snare drum. Er zijn wel veel leuke percussie elementen die wat meer die rol overnemen soms. Verder natuurlijk een goeie stem, coole transities tussen de nummers voor een seamless listen. Ik ga hier nog wel eens meer induiken. Beste: Whats Going On? / What’s Happening Brother / Wholy Holy / Mercy Mercy Me Minste: Save the Children Albumhoes: Ja, de vampierkraag in de regen + dat medieval lettertype = 5/5
Cool, eigenlijk veel meer mijn ding dan ik had verwacht
This motherfucker don’t know nothing about nothin 9/10
good stuff
really liked it!
70's soul and a concept album. Life story is tragic. I wonder if my parents listened to Marvin? I hope so.
It was pretty good. He’s a hip hop legend
An interesting listen. The well-known songs are the best ones. With a few exceptions this album is like a long EP.
Groundbreaking!
I listened this album quite heavily a few decades ago. The album has really original atmosphere and I really like how the songs are connected together. Vocals are really great and there are many interesting vocal arrangements. Lyrics paint a quite pessimistic view of where things were going in a turn of a decade (60's/70's). Regardless of that, the overall impression is still hopeful.
peak produção!!!!!! que voz, que homem!!!! 4,5
The Hits are awesome but overplayed tbh. Really good though
4/5.
From the first listen, love the funky vibes of this lp. I feel like a fool for not listening to this earlier; wow! I'm swimming in a pool of lush instrumentation that sounds better as the record progresses. Thoroughly enjoyed this and felt Marvin pouring his heart out on 'Wholy Holy'.
Fascinating bit of soul music. Meanders a bit, but that's rewarding if you just let yourself follow the movement. The singles still stand out to me more than the rest of the tracks, but it's solid.
Iconic album but with a some amazing songs. 4.5 stars
Perfection of the expression of the soul.
A beautiful album
Приятное, текучее звучание
The top end of this is as good as anything in his catalogue. Like, "Trouble Man" good. But I forgot how much preachy meandering he stuffs in between the beauty.
A classic album one long prayer in my mind and done in such a soulful way. Got to listen to it in the order it was designed.
Good stuff!
Good
Yah I had very mixed feelings about this album. Like genuinely strong feelings both positive and negative. Like right off the back, I totally prefer the b sides. Like the second half of the album I like way more than the first half. Really the only songs I actively didn’t enjoy was the religious songs. But I don't have constructive criticism for that, I just don’t like religious songs. But there’s literally nothing else you could even possibly criticize. The instrumentation is heavenly and buttery smooth which could also describe his perfect vocals. I totally understand why this album is always in lists of greatest albums of all time, it’s so endearing. I didn’t love it immediately, it did grow on me over time, but man this is an all time classic.
A true classic. Nothing more to say.
Groovy, meaningful. The definition of soul music. 4/5
Can't deny that this is inherently good music, however I just couldn't help feeling bored during parts of it. Overall really solid, but not 5-star solid.
Classic
At one point I've disconnected my headphones and didn't realize. Never knew that this is the original for Ecology. Pretty okay.
Great album
It's Motown, it's Marvin Gaye. A good combination for a good record, especially if it's Blues and Soul. Inner City Blues is my favorite, and still as relevant as it was 50 years ago. Most other tracks are too religious for my taste.
Impeccable. Important. Too much religion for me and “Save the Children “ is a bit much for the modern ear. But still , a masterpiece nonetheless.
4/5 Cries for Help That Sound Like Heaven Review: This album is a velvet-wrapped scream. Marvin Gaye doesn’t just sing—he testifies. Every track feels like a sacred moment in a conversation humanity keeps avoiding. It’s soul music with actual soul—bleeding, grieving, loving. You think you’re just vibing, but halfway through, you realize your heart’s being rearranged. And it still manages to sound cooler than any other album in its wake.