What's Going On

Me likey

This is a definite step up on other MG albums I've had on the list. The greatest album of all time? Not sure about that.

This album preceded Let's Get It On by only three years?! Marvin Gaye is truly a legend.

Definitely a classic-album. Definitely an exceptional-album. Definitely an album that deserves listen after listen after listen. But definitely not ‘The Greatest Album of All Time.’

Classic

Exactly what Marvin Gaye should be.

One of the smoothest, greatest vocalists of all time. Exceptional soul/r&b songwriting, with some era defining lyrics that paved the way for social justice anthems in all genres. I read Motown sat on "Whats Goin On" for months because it wasn't a love song and they didn't understand it. Marvin threatened to leave the label if they didn't release it. Once they did, and it exploded, it paved the way for artists like Stevie Wonder to write with complete artistic freedom. Legendary.

Fantastic album. wonderful melodies, one of the best, most recognized soul voices, and great instrumentation.

Great album. The music seems very influenced by gospel. Strong cultural message in many of these tracks. Good listening and deep meaning behind the lyrics.

Definitely the best Marvin Gaye album. Amazingly relevant, even now.

It was soothing

Great!!

Really good but the strongest tracks rise above and the way they blend together makes it a slight slog

As good as soul gets. It's clean, honest and overall a great album, by one of the best soul singers of all time.

Great album!

4-4.5 “What’s Going On” was stuck in my head all day, and I think catchy-ness wise, nothing on the album compares. But there are fantastic socially conscious songs that give this album so much depth, and of course Marvin Gaye’s voice isn’t a chore to listen to. I think if I were more into soul this would be the perfect album for me.

Classic album, of course. Not quite a 5 for me personally but maybe I’ll wish I gave it one in the future. Also, James Jamerson tears it up on this album!

Blassic

Album 244 of 1001 Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Favorite Tracks : Mercy Mercy Me While it is unarguably an excellent album, I don't find it to be the "best album ever recorded" as is proclaimed by so many. It was very relevant for the time it was released. Still relevant if you want it to be. A very, very good album, no doubt but I won't put it on that pedestal. I will recommend it to anyone who hasn't listened. While it may not be at the top of my list, it is, no doubt required listening for any serious melophile.

Romantische Musik für einen kuscheligen Abend.

7/10 coffee shop vibes

Still sounds fresh in 2023. The bass and percussion drives everything forward, strings are lush. Mercy Mercy Me stands out and the 7 1/2 minute Right On.

Loved this album! Was quite a bit of a bummer. Talked to social and political themes still applicable to today.

this is my cup of tea

This is really good album. Of course I prefer rap and maybe heavy metal but this album is kind and beautiful

Already heard this one :) really good love it

Some amazing five star tracks on here, and then some overly saccharine preachy schmaltzy ones, and I suspect everyone would draw the dividing line in a different place, heh. "Save the Children" and "Wholy Holy" are on the bad side for me, and probably cost this album a star over all. Fave tracks - "What's Going On", "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", and "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" from the original album. "I'm Going Home (Move)" was a highlight from the bonus tracks...

His vocals are amazing and he has an original sound that so many try to imitate. And then there are the percussion instruments.

Wonderful voice and beautiful musicianship

8/10

Good, classic.

You know I always forget about soul music then listen to an album like this and remember it. Good for just chillin’ or basically any type of mood. 4/5

Very solid album. The hits are top tier although I did get a bit bored with some of the in-between. Love me some Marvin G. though.

Really good stuff. A couple of weird things that I just didn't vibe with, but for the most part, a really quality album with some really good vocals and instrumentation. I also loved that each track flowed into the next, made for a really enjoyable listening experience. Could have done without Save the Children. That was just weird.

Pretty decent! Very relaxing sounding, though the music is not very interesting. But still it's not extremely predictable, so that's good.

Maybe this is a victim of its status as one of the great albums but I didn’t come away as blown away as I expected It’s good Very good Not sure I quite saw what puts it in the top echelon though

Good album, enjoyed almost all the songs.

I like this one but don't love it. Very familiar with it and have listened to it lots in the past. Musicianship is excellent throughout; I particularly like the bass, percussion (incl glockenspiel), backing vocals, flute. My least favourite element of the production is Gaye himself. I'm not that keen on his voice and although he's singing about worthy causes it just comes across as a bit naff. I'd rather hear some sleaze or blaxploitation lyrics to be honest! Nice to spot the hip hop samples throughout and I'll still score it well because the music is so good.

No new gems here. The usual songs are still amazing though.

Beautiful soul album - short and sweet. I probably don’t have much more to say that what had already been said by others on this record.

Classic for a reason. An iconic voice. If I'm 100% honest, I'm not totally on board with some of the vocal affectations and broad lyrical focus, so I know I'm gonna be blasphemously low to some. I think as I listen more through the years I'll warm further. Fave track: Mercy Mercy Me

Nearly gave this 5 - it’s an amazingly well produced album where nearly all songs flow together - and some fantastic songs on here too. A couple of the songs get a bit “annoying” though which has knocked one star off. Brilliant album though and listened to it three times yesterday!

listened to again an american postwar classic

I was very impressed by this album I am almost considering giving it a 5 but I think i’d hav to become very familiar i with it but I think this album sounded beautiful and had a clear impact but also a great sound.

Classic! The title song adds a full star on its own. I feel however that there is no single album by Marvin Gaye that reaches far enough. He has so many incredible songs that a compilation would almost reach perfection exept it would feel disjointed. Anyway, as it is this is great album and wonderful concept.

Feels like I now understand a whole slew of cultural, musical references I didn't get before. It's such a sincere album, wrapped in all this smoke and jazz flute. Definitely enjoying the latter tracks more than the earlier. I have to keep reminding myself that "What's going on" pre-dates all the "We are the world" stuff. Maybe it was just more possible to make this kind of cri de coeur back then?

Banger of a classic. Great vibes.

Knocked a whole star off for the song Right On because the grindy percussion element was an assault on the ears. Was loving the album up until then, each track flowed seamlessly into the next. Great musicality, even for a genre I'm not immediately a fan of

Some great songs I hadn't heard of, the the single takes all of the attention

not bad

Een banger 1e klas, smooth tunes en diepe soal. Je moet er wel echt zin in hebben. Ik mis wel een beetje de “sexy” tone die Marvin Gaye zijn latere jaren heeft geschreven, maar het voelt daardoor wel een stuk “puurder” aan.

Nice but a lot of churchy stuff

Good easy listening. Faded well into some background music but there was never really a moment where I was particularly grabbed by it. However for something to have on in the background for a vibe I like it.

Really liked this album. So vibey, listened to it twice in a row. Lauren loved it too. Really like the instruments and the way Marvin sings so softly

Classic. Moving. Sad. Inspiring. Bass with all that movement. Harmonious strings and backing vocals. Spacious Atmos mix on iTunes. Why did we lose this feeling?

There is a reason this album is iconic. It's cohesive and addresses issues that were plaguing society then, and even more so now. This should be an album that everyone listens to regularly.

Very groovy, songs flow well from one another. Got a bit bored by the end.

very smooth i enjoy had it in the background tho and didn't feel invested enough to give it a good hard listen. got a couple good songs offa it

Waking up on a good Wednesday morning not feeling a single worry and thanking god for all the good things in this small world kind of vibe, (4.3/5)

A smooth album overall, not my style, but still a great album.

Nice listening

Very nice, elegant, meaningful, but I do not get the 'best record ever' vibe.

Love some Marvin Gaye great album got to be in the right mood

Beautiful album where the songs just flow into each. 50+ years later Marvin Gaye may just be the coolest person who ever existed.

Marvin Gaye is a treat, What’s going on is such a directed emotional album, puts you in a certain mood listening through it.

i dont love marvin gaye, but whether or not its your favorite, you can tell he crafted this with love and care. bells ruminating in the background, songs blend into the next song flawlessly. its a great album. i just dont love slow soul. no offense. excellent.

Je connaissais cet album avant mais le fait qu'il ne soit pas dans ma rotationest révélateur : c'est un excellent album mais étonnamment je reste à quai un peu trop souvent. Je pourrais écouter plus souvent "What's going on", "Mercy, mercy" et sans doute redonner sa chance. La voix, l'orchestration, le groove de l'ensemble, ça mériterait d'y revenir quand même

Really nice touch imho

What it lacks in punctuation it makes up for in pleather collars. Would be a 5 but for the lack of a question mark and the God stuff

Smooth

Short and sweet! Some highly played songs that I didn't really recognize which was interesting.

very chill jazzy and vibey; i feel like i could fall asleep to it a lot of the songs sound very similar but i still enjoyed listening to them all

Short, solid, quality album that takes you on a journey. I only knew a couple of the tracks, but it felt very complete.

classique. y retourner pour sûr. 8.5/10

nice of him to ask. thank you marvin

Good album - too much god/religion - slightly annoying.

Let’s Marvin gaye and get it on

Rating: 4.3

Marvin Gaye and Incubus being on the same list is pretty bad. Those two things don't belong on the same planet. Man, the high points on this album are like nothing else.

Not sure I can add anything that hasn't been said before. Even my personal reflections feel a bit moot. There's a great biography out there called something like His Divided Self, a window into the sad, strange life of Marvin Gaye.

This was a more morose affair than I anticipated, but yeah - classic for a reason. Surprised by how many versions there were on Apple Music. Anybody listen to "The Detroit mix"?

Good album as a cohesive whole

22nd August 2023 Listened in the morning in bed while having a sleepy baby on me. Who knows how we fill our days now! Powerfully political soul, the title of the album perfectly captures the laid back friendly engagement with the political cry.

damn, no one did soul like marvin gaye. his voice is remarkably smooth, a great accompaniment to the music. i don't think he was capable of making a bad song. his music creates such a sense of calm and contentment, almost making it easy to not pay attention to his significant lyrics. and speaking of--i'd be a fool if i didn't mention the over-arching theme on this album. what's going on reflects issues in society and gaye's changing perspective, a definite turning point of his career. all of the topics are important, even to this day, and gaye gives a lot of social issues significant time on this album, all while making great music. gosh, who knew soul could sound so political yet remain easy listening?

It's a really good album but I just don't like high pitched male vocals. Figure I better give one of his three 1001 offerings a rating above 3

I know this is an important album, the greatest of all time on some lists, and possibly the first Motown protest LP. I like the hits, especially Inner City and the title track, though I agree with the critic who said the party sounds in the background are out of place. Right On has a nice jazzy latin vibe but the remainder of the LP is a bit soft for me.

I get that this is supposed to be a concept album and the songs segue into each other but the entire first side dragged a bit for me. What’s going on is indeed a classic song though. Side two was a bit of a relief because it added a little bit more variety and it ended with the best song in the album in my opinion - Inner city blues. I know this was the “top album of all time” on a few lists, but it got a bit too preachy for me and dare I say it… over produced.

Marvin Gaye is rightly consider a, if not the legend of soul. His voice is so distinctive and evokes pure emotion. I only became aware of the context after listening to the album but the themes of global and social destruction and despair definitely felt prescient

Alright, some Marvin Gaye. Can't go wrong there. What a nice smooth voice. Very nice. 4 stars.

Aaaaaahhh. That's better. Cheers Marvin.

It's got some great tracks ... it's got some alright tracks.

Really enjoyed listening to this album. Seems that the world hasn't changed much since Marvin was singing about "What's going on"

Highlights: What's Going On Leave Em's: Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky) Overall Thoughts: I am a big proponent for this album as a whole as I think the messages that it pushes are great. This album seems pertinent to today as well and it would be good if more people deeply listened to this record. This album lost points in my book for not having very much replay value, or my thinking that many songs individually were nothing too special. None of the songs were poor per say, but some were slightly boring musically. Marvin's delivery is really good and the instrumentation does a good job or not inhibiting the goal of the album. There is wisdom laden throughout this project but I won't be taking a lot of the individual songs with me when I go. Score Breakdown: 3.700 & 5 -> 4.350

it's what's going on, duh it's good. obvious picks are the opener and closer, but it's generally pretty solid throughout.

Как мне показалось, мы послушали просто мужскую версию Эрики Баду. Разве что аранжировки более симфонические, тогда ещё не придумали ни синтов, ни семплов, ни драмки. Блин, ну кайф-кайфный, мне прям понравилось: особенно, что он не затянут. С удовольствием переслушал ещё пару раз. Прям хорошо.

Fabulous album. I was working the entire time on something and the lyrics kept pulling me back to focus on them. Great empathetic messages the still ring true. Very groovy music. Great all around

An utter classic. Few things sound as good as this album. A watertight backing band and Marvin at the peak of his vocal prowess. The kind of love this album has is interesting-- it's sensual, but not sexual. It's love for your family, your kin, your siblings, your community. A love that there's hopefully a better world down the line, somewhere. Marvin, I really want to be able to say we were able to bring about that better world. I wish I could have more time to digest this album. A high 4/5.

Good soul album that lyrically touches on lots of heavy topics. Gaye's voice is so easy on the ears. No major standout tracks but no duds either.

4.4 Not quite enough to round it up but MWAH. fave songs: whats going on, mercy mercy me

La musique coule de source, on se laisse emporter, si bien qu'il est facile de perdre de vue les messages sociaux importants qui sous-tendent cet album.

4/5. It’s almost a perfect album but some of the songs meander a little too long. The content is so important but I find myself waiting for certain songs to finish to get to the next one. It’s still quite a good album, with a wonderful message and beautiful singing and instrumentation. Just not perfect songwriting.

Some absolute all timers but a slightly soft middle.

This is one of the great socially conscious albums, a thoughtful, elegant rumination on troubled times. It's the greatest work of Marvin Gaye's career, one that still has resonance 50 years later. These songs come across as a series of conversations on war, the environment, faith and social struggle, all expressed with great thoughtfulness and pathos. You can really feel the uncertainty and sadness in Gaye's voice, who has never sounded better. The songs are artful and soulful and a pleasure to listen to. The middle of the album is a little weak, which keeps this from being a solid 5. But it's a unique and unforgettable work, a high water mark of its genre and its time. Fave Songs: What's Going On, Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler), Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Right On, What's Happening Brother

One of my favourites and part of the soundtrack to a lot of my teens.

A little altruistic, but that's what the times called for.

Echt een prachtig album!! Zie dit al helemaal opstaan in de auto naar vakantie oid. N.b: hadden we maar naar Marvin geluisterd in de jaren 70 dat de wereld naar de ju zou gaan 😢😢

Soulful and socially conscious, this album is full of joyful music Trojan Horsing a not so subtle plea for equality, peace, and racial harmony. It’s a cool stylish way of delivering an impactful message.

It's fun to see, at some point, the album tying itself up in a full circle. Otherwise, nice jams. Something I could and would listen to again.

Smooth and an easily approachable sound. The title track and Inner City Blues stand out the most for me... both soulful with a an amazing melodic and groove. Enough of the rest keep the cool vibe going that the album is very enjoyable.

Stronger all the way through than some of his other ones. Good continuous theme as well.

The title track is one of my favorite songs. Such and easy, loose, relaxed tone for kind of a heavy song. Then the second song sounds like it was a demo for What’s Going On… so, ok it’s good but he already captured that on track 1. Mercy, Mercy Me is a near perfect song and another of my all time favorites all the way to the sax solo at the end followed by the unsettling choral bit. The rest of the record is quite good as well.

Really liked it. the title track is a classic.

Considering how much I didn't care for the other Marvin Gaye album we got, I was shocked by how much I liked this one. Great songs and messages and extreemly well made. It's pretty good.

Over-rated, a few good funk tracks, but too much of the album sounds similar, like one very long song. Excellent bass playing and beautiful noble, if naive message. Lovely sound, but just not The Best Album In The World as so many critics claim. Very good all the same.

Another great Marvin Gaye album

Muy interesante tanto en su mensaje como sus melodias. Relisten

Politiek conceptalbum van Marvin Gaye. Het album vertelt het verdeelde Amerika ten tijde van Vietnam door de ogen van een terugkerende veteraan. Hoge productiewaarde en mooie boodschap, met nummers die wel lekker klinken. leukste nummer: Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) Gaye was een voorloper van natuuractivisme door de milieucrisis te behandelen in het nummer "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)". Volgens een verhaal zou producer Berry Gordy niet hebben geweten wat "ecology" betekent.

I always found this album to be a little bit overrated. Yes it has some very good songs (What’s Going On, Mercy Mercy Me, Inner City Blues) and it’s strong evidence of the mastery of Gaye, but what about the stuff in between those 3 songs? Maybe I’m missing something, but it’s a lot of filler in my mind. Also, Save the Children is not a good song. Going against the grain here and giving out a 4.

Very mellow and enjoyable. It would be a great record to put on and relax to. I'm excited for his other albums. My favourite songs were What's Happening Brother, Save the Children, and Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).

Quite an experience, short enough to listen multiple time in a row. I don't know what it was but I like it... A lot. The musicalities are not too different but there is variety in beats and productions. Not very rememberable... Solid 3.5, leaning on 4.

I liked it, lovely voice

R&B/Soul. Me ha gustado. Un 4.

A bit too much call and response, but it's smooth as hell. Best track: What's Going On

Cool

Always awesome. Chill and cool.

Nice smooth tunes. Nothing particularly outstanding to me on that listen, but I enjoyed the whole groove throughout.

A solid groove with very politically conscious lyrics. Hard not to enjoy, even on a surface level. Favorite tracks: "What's Going On", "Mercy Mercy Me"

хороший. вечером пришлось кино про Бакли смотреть

I wouldn't say I'm an actual fan of soul music, but fuck it's a nice fun easy listen. I'm already most of the way through and it hasn't annoyed me at all. The vocal lines go on weird detours at times, but that's about the biggest criticism I have. 4/5.

Got to give Marvin a lot of credit for attempting to change the world with a single album. Everything flows together extremely well and the songs are both musically listenable as well as being lyrically important. It's hard to be lectured at for that long though, so I can't give it a full 5 stars even though it might deserve it simply for its importance in musical history. 4.5 stars

I think this exists as less of an album and more a shot in time that weaves together the malaise of the black community in the early 70's. I'll never be able to fully appreciate this album for that. Looking back at this from 2023 and listening to it with my limited knowledge of MG, I do find it eerie and haunting. Like something is gently tugging at me to wake up to something I don't want.

"What's Going On" is iconic, but I actually prefer "Mercy, Mercy, Me." Overall, this album packs such a strong statement, and that message stands as its legacy and warrants its inclusion here, even despite a few weaker tracks and a bit too much praise and gospel for my taste.

Brilliant application of leit motif to a contemporary music album.

It’s amazing in hindsight how wrong people in power can be, to the detriment of their own interests. I’m referring to the struggles Marvin Gaye went through to get this album made, one rated as the greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone and highly regarded by many. Motown executive Berry Gordy didn’t even want to support What’s Going On, one of, if not, the most famous soul songs ever. Gordy reacted somewhere between “that’s the worst thing I‘ve ever heard” to “the sound is out of date.” Motown’s quality control board also turned the song down too. Another Motown exec believed in the song and released it without Gordy’s knowledge. As we now know, it sold absurdly quickly, which finally led Gordy to approve Gaye to write and record his proposed protest album. The obstructions to getting this album concept off the ground is eye opening. The album itself is a good time. The famous songs are famous for good reason. I could do without Save The Children.

Wat een geweldige en sfeervolle plaat. Voor herhaling vatbaar.

Dit vind ik een erg fijn album!

I'm well over 700 albums into this thing and this is the first time I've wondered if it's a mistake to dock an album points for the sins of the genre. What Mr. Gaye has created here is an undeniably great record. The lyrical content is deep and nuanced, heavy and beautiful. His delivery is, by and large, top-notch. The performances by the Funk Brothers are every bit as fantastic as one would expect from some of the greatest studio musicians ever. And yet, I can't quite dig it. There are a lot of elements to this album that just make me shudder. But everything that I dislike about "What's Going On" are staples of the genre and not specific to Marvin Gaye. It's the jazz flutes and the saxophone solos and the weird speaking/singing echo and a dozen more little things that are classic markers of 70s soul. I hate them so much. But should that be counted against Gaye? He's created a masterpiece here. It's exceptional for the genre. But it's also exceptional despite the genre. At the end of the day, I think I still have to count the sins of the genre against the album to some degree. The artist chooses their genre, after all, and they choose what elements of the genre to keep. Marvin Gaye chose this and, while it's an exceptional example of the genre, it still has the cheesy stink of 70s soul.

Very good soul album with great sociopolitical commentary on USA's state at the time. A classic album through and through.

Vietnam war sucks

Really nice album! Perhaps not all songs stand out that much to me, but the overall feel of the album is very nice, and it's something I can definitely see myself revisting, it gives a certain mood for sure - in a good way! In addition, it feels very nicely produced and Marvin is a killer singer!

If I wrote an album about radiation, war, protests, racial tensions and how the world seems to be ending, this would not be it. This album touches on all these subject matters and still manages to feel positive or melancholic at the very least. Enjoyed the album thoroughly as a mood piece and I feel this could become a favorite after a few more listens.

Extreem smooth, hele album is vloeiend.

It’s certainly very very good. I think it’s reached the #1 spot on Rolling Stone due to it just be so timeless and unworthy of any hate. At the same time it touches on many sensitive topics which are still relevant today. I’ll give it an 8 for now but I won’t be surprised if I regret not giving it a 9 or 10. 8/10

He still doesn't know what's going on

Marvin's got soul, there's no denying that. A couple of songs were a little leaning, but overall a great album.

Great album, great voice and emotion

The five-star tracks really are five stars, but this does drop a fraction on side two until the final track. Also think Let's get It On is the better album, so have to be able to recognise that. Definitely a 4.5.

I enjoyed this, rather relaxing and groovy

Excellent piece of Soul that you can sit and chill to.

Wow this Marvin Gaye guy can really sing. That shit was beautiful.

Podświetlenia: Co się tutej dzieje? Wewnętrzny miasto niebieskie (Robi mi chcieć wyć)

The well-known songs on this album are just magnificent. It’s not a perfect album, but it’s pretty good.

Smooth as all hell. A very "loving" album for sure, first time I heard it all in succession and it's quite cohesive in tone and messaging. Not one I wanna listen to all the time, but can't deny it's greatness.

Now this is the best of Marvin Gaye for me. An album through and through. Even though not every song is amazing, I love how all the songs feel so connected.

I’ve listened to this album before but it was assigned so i’ll just listen to it again! I’m pretty sure rolling stones rates it as the best album of all time. I agree even though it isn’t my favorite. I kinda understand it’s significance and for that I know it is deserving. I think i rated it 9/10 on my list last year. I never did finish that list. I gave up around august. Or well I didn’t give up. I just forgot. It was a fun undertaking of mine. I’m kinda doing it again with this thing. 1001 Days. Wow. 3 Years!! We’ll see how I do. That’s the end of this prologue. Here starts the review. 1 - What’s Going On 3:53 — As an opener it’s simply beautiful. It does a good job of introducing me to what this album is going to be about sonically. I didn’t hear the lyrics but I’m about to do that for the rest. 8/10 2 - What’s Happening Brother 2:43 — Initially I didn’t like it because it sounded really similar to the first track but as it’s fleshed out it’s different. It’s its own track. I’m not sure what to call it so i’ll call it decrescendos but for notes (dbfn). These dbfns are absolutely beautiful. They provide a down turning aspect to the song that keeps it unique as it hasn’t been seen on the project yet. It’s a good track. It’s beautiful lyrics and vocals effectively immerse me. 8/10 3 - Flying’ High (In The Friendly Sky) 3:49 — The bass guitar messes me up. It’s not just that though. The entire instrumental and vocals. It creates a sense of despair but also hope. I’m not sure if that’s the intended effect but that’s what it achieves. It makes me picture a dove flying in a war zone. It’s peaceful but it can be shot down at any moment. It scares me but for that it’s beautiful. I’m getting some hints of like anti cold war message. I’m not sure if it is though. Gaye is calling someone or something stupid. I’d like to know what that thing is. 8/10 4 - Save The Children 4:03 —Anti war message. That’s what this is. Or maybe global warming. If so he’s a trailblazer. But as that reddit comment pointed out this song highlights hopelessness. What is being done to help the children of tomorrow. Nothing is being done that’s what. “Such a bad way to live” It is. “Who is to blame when we can’t stop living” Maybe a criticism of capitalism? Or maybe something else. As the song nears its end it begins picking up an aura of action. It calls on people to save the children. Save the babies. Give them a tomorrow. But then thee song back tracks. “Who really cares?” “Who’s willing to try?” No one. No one is. 10/10 5 - God Is Love 1:41 — Already it’s beautiful. It sounds beautiful. It is beautiful. This one promotes religion. Or at least Gaye’s beliefs. The song sings a gospel of love but also respect. Love everyone but also respect what they believe in. That might not be the intended tone as I doubt that’s peoples interpretation but that’s what I pick up. The song ends abruptly though. 8/10. 6 - Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) 3:13 — Alright this one had to be about climate change. Or well that’s what my 21st century mind picks up. He sings about other issues such as radiation and the poison of the planet. These issues very much still exist today. But I interpret this as climate change for that is the pressing issue of today. I think it’s fine. My interpretation is defiantly different but still the same. We both speak about saving the planet. Different issues same problem. It has a nice ending. Good chimes. Good choir. Good jazz. Good song. 10/10. 7 - Right On 7:32 — I’m not sure what this one’s about. Maybe my immersion was broken by responding to a text. Probably. This one doesn’t hit the same though. Nice instrumentals but the vocals seem meaningless so far. Oh alright. Things are starting to pick up. Seems like it’s about the american dream. Or well the american way. It sings about different ways people live their lives here. I think. Oh hey El Classico is on. Yeah no I lost the immersion. The songs alright but kinda long. I find myself constantly checking the time seeing how much I have to endure. “Love, love, sweet love, loveee, wonderful love, ohhh true love, loveee, love for your brother, and love love for —- love ohhh — love.” Heavy love message. Give love and you get love! That’s the message! Is that what i’m getting? I am getting love from the love I give. I think I know but I don’t! I love her though. I hope she loves me. 7/10 8 - Wholy Holy 3:07 — Come together! That’s a The Beatles Song. “Get together, one another, Wholy Holy” Spirituality within a community. “Jesus left a long time ago said he would return he left us a book to believe in and we’ve got a lot to learn”. Interesting the dbfns remind me of that one song by FKA twigs. It’s beautiful. Wholy holy. Salvation in God. Believe in God. 7/10 9 - Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) 5:27 — The last track and it feels that way. Kinda. But that’s just me having stupid expectations. I want the last track to be a victory lap and this isn’t it. Maybe not obviously. Oh woah. Conscription??? A government that has failed you. What has it done for anyone. Nothing. I need to read more about the album before coming to a conclusion. Too bad i’m lazy. Can’t pay taxes. The man who moved to the city only to fail and be hit by reality. Sounds like the cities getting worse. What’s going to happen? Ohhhh racism. Police brutality. I think. Rodney king? No it’s too early. It’s about injustice though. Idk. It’s confusing and I couldn’t catch on. Sorry Marvin Gaye. 6/10. 19/3/23 What’s Going on 35:32 - Marvin Gaye - 8/10

Still fun, still sexy. Well, maybe a little less fun.

Today's album is a concept album by Marvin Gaye surrounding themes of the Vietnam war, and veterans returning home, and the state of the world around that time. The whole album flows together like it is one big 35 minute song. Marvin is a phenomenal soul singer, and the overall message of this album was deep, and real. As applicable to today's society as it was to 1970's America. Overall, a great album today. I got this on St. Patrick's Day, which is traditionally known as a partying/drinking day, so it was kind of a hard day to fully digest this album like it deserves because my mind just wasn't in the mood for mournful, Slow music. I can, however, appreciate the talent that is on this album, and will absolutely revisit this one on a better day to give it the appreciation it deserves! Favourite songs: What's Going On, What's Happening Brother, God is Love, Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Right On, Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Least favourite songs: Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky) 4/5

Not a soul fan, but there are great tracks here.

marvin gaye <3

Absolutely beautiful sound but a lot of the tracks blur together. I appreciate the intent of the project more than the actual music of it. But the title track remains iconic for good reason. Rating: 3

Album #206 Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On I know it’s sacrilegious, but I’ve always found this album to be overrated. It’s not that I don’t understand the meaning behind the album; I think it’s great that a soul artist decided to focus on politics and real-world issues rather than sex, but I just think that the music itself is somewhat of a letdown. The first half is pretty great and ethereal, with each song seamlessly transitioning to the next, and had Marvin kept up this form, this album would rank quite highly for me. But the second half seems to drag, almost not even registering in my head as music at times. Sure, the sounds are quite pleasant, but I sort of get lulled into a trance by What’s Going On, to the point where I forget what I’m listening to. For an album that is rather short, this is a bit of a concern. I can understand the praise, however, and I’m certain that the problem lies with me, but I’d be lying if I said this blew me away on the same level as other classic albums. Best Songs: What’s Going On, Mercy Mercy Me, Flyin’ High Worst Song: Wholy Holy Score out of 10: 7

Le estuve prestando especial atención a la percusión. Es sublime. La voz del chabon también es buenisima, y las canciones se complementan de buena forma: cuando hay buena percusión, la voz acompaña suave... y cuando hay buenos coros la percusión acompaña y no destaca demasiado, dandole protagonismo a la voz. Aún así no es mucho mi estilo, pero se nota la gran calidad del artista. un 3.5/5

I've always felt something was wrong with me because I never got into this album.

nunca tinha escutado nada do Marvin Gaye, não é muito meu estilo de música, mas não é ruim não, provavelmente tentarei escutar outro albúm algum dia.

Not really my thing but I can understand why it's considered one of the greatest albums of all time. It has a really chill vibe and very well-written affecting lyrics.

Might be being harsh because it’s considered a masterpiece but 3.5/5 for me. Is objectively a good album but a bit samey but gets away with it because it’s quite short. What’s Going On and Mercy Mercy Me do a lot of the heavy lifting. Save The Children is fucking annoying!

What a lovely album. I wish I could conjure up more words for the Title track of this album. I'm sure better people have said better things than me.

Not my fave - a little boring

It’s fine. I don’t get the hype and high ratings. Maybe you had to be there.

I'm not a huge Marvin Gaye fan, but this is better than his other album I've already heard.

Great album. Always enjoy listening to Marvin.

Good for a few

Partially known. Iconic, but a bit too Jesus-y for me.

Very cool, very casual. I liked it but it didn't blow me away.

Bit dated, but influential and still relevant.

I think this is a bit overrated, it’s not bad or anything, it’s all very enjoyable but I don’t think it’s as special as it’s made out to be Also, how tf are you going to have a song called “Save the Children” and then impregnate your 16 year old niece? Like you’re the one they need saving from bro 3.5

it's really beautiful, not really what i usually listen to, but it sheds light on many problems in the US and the world and how we need to love and empathize with one another I wasn't really into with the loving jesus and follow God of it all cuz I'm not religious but it's still good :)

What’s Going On - 3/5 What’s Happening Brother - 3.5/5 Fly in’ High (In The Friendly Sky) -3/5 Save The Children - 4/5 God Is Love - 3.5/5 Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) - 4/5 Right On - 3/5 Wholy Holy - 3/5 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) - 2.5/5

So this is actually a record I’ve had in my collection for years. Popping up as the first album in this series felt a little like drudgery I’ve always thought this record a bit repetitive. Digging deeper I come to find out the repeating motifs were how it was intended to be, more like a classical music suite than an album made for singles. Gives me a new respect for the album but didn’t fundamentally alter my opinion of it.

Was really excited to check this one out but was left a bit cold. Musically it's great, but the way it's structured it feels very samey from track to track. Whoever mixed the guiro so hot on Inner City Blues needs to reevaluate their life choices. It's fine but I wasn't blown away by it.

Significant album. Absolutely! But, unfortunately, there's a lot of time spent transitioning between the three brilliant songs on the album with some marginal and/or lackluster tunes that, ultimately, lessen the album's impact for me. I hate to say that because What's Going On, Mercy Mercy Me and Inner City Blues are so perfect.

I recommend this album to some who like soulful singing. I liked the lyrics of the songs but the songs themselves not so much.

Felt like this was one continuous story. After coming back from war, Marvin longs for a world of peace, a world of freedom, a world of love for G-d and a world of joy. However he never seems to find what this as he continuously repeats the same longing to G-d/Jesus over and over to a point where it’s redundant. I found the melodic portions of songs awfully similar and would have liked more dramatic beats. Marvin’s longing for a better world didn’t completely land with me as it appears to come off as a drunken spew of repetitiveness by the 4th or 5th song.

I love the approche that he took for this album. i'm such that during this time this was a revolutionary album where younger folks felt seen and heard. I think this is just not an album made for me, which is perfectly fine, but i cant remember any melodies or songs. It was not a bad listen by any means, i was dancing to it at some point in the street but i dont have any strong feelings about it. Like a lot of these albums i love the historical value of this album i just don't really care for it. It's one of those albums where you had to be there :)

Some classic tunes on there

Wegweisend etc

I know I should like this more, but I found this very boring

Det påstås vara Gates stora politiska album. Ett album är det. Ljudmässigt och textmässigt håller det ihop. Men textmässigt är det platt och tråkigt. Det är inte i närheten av Curtis Mayfield. Öpnningspåret och avslutande Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) är riktigt bra. Däremellan är det helt ok cocktailsoul.

Another classic album performed by a soul legend.

Як і минулий альбом, який мені випав (Leonard Cohen - You Want It Darker,) це не моя музика. Я розумію, що це якісний, культурно важливий альбом. І тут є ціла купа хороших пісень (особливо перша і остання), але це не те музло до якого схочеться повертатись. Це альбом настрій, а в мене до нього настрою немає( Оцінка: середня-висока 7

Just a 3. Good voice, good instrumentals. Just didn’t do anything to impress me past that.

It’s aight I guess

What's Going On

So much that’s so good but at times it veers too far into “we gotta save the children and listen more to Jesus”

I know I am supposed to go Gaga for this album. I get the concept. I appreciate his greatness. After What’s Going On it was ok

Fine

More religious than I would've thought, but hell, its good music

Siempre he tenido la muy heterodoxa impresión de que el soul está un pelín sobrevalorado. Buen disco, pero esa atmósfera es un poco confusa.

Räppisämplejä all around

Porno sex music, hell yeah. Fucking, baby

This album is like a nice warm hug. Beautiful R&B. Favorite track: Mercy Mercy Me

Some very strong songs, some not so much

Would I listen again: sure, but not my first pick. It was chill. Very ambivalent about this. He sounded nice in a way that I don’t really remember much of the album after listening

Honestly quite boring which was not what I expecting. Most tracks didn't go anywhere and a lack of hooks.

a good listen

No change from the previous album. It's good, but not for me.

I love the whiplash of going from the horny Marvin Gaye of Let's Get It On a couple days ago into the socially conscious one of What's Going On. The best moments of this are justifiably lauded (the title track, "Mercy Mercy Me"), but "Save the Children" and, to a lesser extent, "God is Love" are clunkers. I didn't know "Right On," though, so that was a fun new discovery. This is a mixed bag, but Marvin Gaye is an icon, so what do you want? 3.75 stars.

It’s ok

Delightful & GAY(e)!

Enjoyable album, but easily fades into background music.

There are some killer tunes here. This isn't my general jam, and there's plenty here I don't love. And there are some killer tunes here.

loved his voice more than i loved the songs but also the music gets really good at times

Pretty good not necessarily my type of music but i can appreciate it

The title track and Mercy, Mercy Me are both beautiful tracks, and there are a couple of other high points on this album, but I found it a little saccharine all in all, far more so than I remembered from my late teens.

Buena musica

The definition of true talent, I just happened to not care much for songs

No strong feelings, nice as background music at work

People think this is the best album of all time kinda ruins your expectations. 3/5

Someone once made me a CD mixtape and What's Going On was the first song on the mix. That song has had a dreamy nostalgic tint for me ever since, and I was so happy to find it here again. This whole album is smooth.

This was okay it was hard to listen in 2026. Not because of the music or singing but just that he's enumerating all of the worlds problems in 1971 and we still have all of those problems only it's worse. I'm glad Marvin Gaye isn't here to see it because he would definitely be asking 'What's going on'

i would say this album is not what i usually listen to, but it was nice and quite a different pace of music

I thought the album was pretty good, all the songs were nice, nothing I would ever go out of my way to listen to again, but nothingbad.

I didn't realise Marvin Gaye was such a religious man. Overall a remarkably generic album musically

Buen álbum, no es para mí

Wow, first song of the album, "Whats going on"listened on Ytube like 97 Million times. Yet i first time heard this. I like how he s making melodies with background music. I tend to like when there is orcheastral element of song. Is this 70's? Second song, i like he s siging out of key like jazz. I like when music is unpredictable and free. I can feel his feelings, he is not pretending. There was so many colours in this area of music. So many instrument, crossing each other but all of them jamming fine. I bit got bored with "Flying high" and "save the children". "God is love" was pretty rich, ı like the sound of it. "Mercy mercy me" was okay, but ı m not sure i would wanna search it to play again, "right on" i like this kind of intrumental sound at the background. It was fresh. And last one is "wholy holy" i like it. The music sounds like movie scene. Or personal written poem to himself.

This is objectively a Good album, but it's surely a bit too Christian-specific worship heavy to class as a album EVERYONE must listen to before they die... Right? Or is this list trying to save my soul?

A lot jazzier than I thought it would be. Unbeatable voice. Really good.

70’s Soul ⭐️Mercy Mercy Me

6/10 The title track was really good. The rest of the album is a perfectly pleasant listen, nothing more

Nice but not my cup of tea

Pretty chill album with very calming and relaxing songs. It is an enjoyable listen but kinda forgettable. All the songs blend in together and sounds the same after a while.

Marvin Gaye gör helt klart den här grejen bra, men kanske inte ett album jag skulle dra igång när som helst.

Coolt chill.

Bueno para salir de tu comfort zone, y escuchar algo nuevo. No lo amé, pero tampoco estuvo mal.

Um just not my cup of tea I guess. Well it’s not really bad I just don’t feel anything about that

Great but not much variation in the vibe

Fun but meh

I don't Know what's going on...

Todo el álbum se siente como una gran canción, conecta perfectamente una con la otra si se escucha en orden, es un buen álbum para poner de fondo mientras se hace algo más.

edit: I haven't thought about this album at all after an prop won't revisit it. The album almost sounds like a prayer. Even though there is a lot of mentioning of what man is doing badly there is still a hopeful tone throughout the songs. It feels fresh compared to the other art i've consumed recently who has either been jokingly nihilistic or about escapism, trying to cope with the state of the world right now. The Album talks a lot about love for each other and for god. My top songs are: Save The Children and Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

Good but is not my vine 3/5

Solid Album musically, a little too much praising the Lord, imo. Fav: What‘s going on

I was familiar with the singles and loved "What's Going On" and "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" for their all time groove, and I was looking forward to hearing the rest of this album hoping for more of that. But unfortunately, whilst the performances and production are well done, the song arrangements and edits of the non-singles don't really hold up to the pacing and brilliance of the singles. Marvin has a great voice, but even with his great voice the album becomes a bit uneven between "What's Going On" and "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", and then after truly enters a morass and becomes thoroughly listless on the back half of the album. The groove of "Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)", with its reprisal of harmonies and melodies from "What's Going On", almost redeems the back half of the album. While its cultural relevance probably once made it a 4 or 5, I feel like it has not held up to time and now feels like a solid 3 in my book.

The lyrics are very political and deep which I really liked but I can't connect at all as it's not a rhythm i listen usually. The album is good but i wouldn't listen to it daily

chill vibes but not going into my playlists

yupppp

It’s pretty good, but I think I would appreciate it more if it were more standout tracks. I mean it literally segues between songs, but it does feel a bit samey overall, to me at least. It could be that I’m just not connecting with it that much. The fact remains that he has a great voice, and I still like the orchestral elements very much. I think I’m more of a casual fan of particular tracks, rather than his general discography. 3.5 rounded down.

Por lo general no tengo mucha música de este tipo, del genero soul (tuve que investigar sobre el artista y su estilo de música) . Pero este en particular me encanto, siento que acompaña cualquier actividad que uno este haciendo en el momento, y si uno tiene ganas de relajarse y entrar en un ambiente elegante incluso, viene bien.

Lekker achtergrond muziekje, niet echt iets dat ik actief zou luisteren. 3/5

chill and cool, great music to listen to while being creative

The brilliance of this album is not lost on me. It's smooth and upbeat while taking on difficult and complex issues of the 70's. The Vietnam war, poverty and civil rights weren't simple but Marvin Gaye made them sound pretty good. It goes without saying that it's not really my thing, but it is good to visit this once in a while.

Flight of the Conchords are geniuses. I couldn't listen to this album without thinking about junkies with monkeys diseases. Sorry Marvin, lovely album, very soulful, just too well spoofed. Preferred Think About It by FOTC.

wins jobda

As is typical I’m finding from this genre, this was pleasant enough, smooth, easy listening, but simply nothing more than that. Quite bland, didn’t leave a lasting impression, but completely inoffensive. Alright.

A pretty solid soul album. The man has some amazing pipes. A perfectly acceptable album, but not one I'm likely to return to.

album muy chill, para cocinar o para garchar diria

I know it's number 1 album ever.. but not for me? Maybe one day.

Highlights: What’s Going On, Mercy Mercy Me and Inner City Blues. 3.9

I did really like this one, a bit samey so an almost 4

I felt like I was being seduced by this album. The album made me feel comfortable and it talked to me sweetly and like I was the only person in the world listening to it when I was. Solid 3.

Pretty solid! All Right was a bit long for my taste, but thats just preference.

high 3 truly a pretty enjoyable listen and flows well but doesn’t tire don’t care for lyrics

Great album all the way through, but I am not really an avid religious music listener. I liked it tho.

3/5 This was a good album, but as an avid Jesus-hater I can't in good conscience give it a 4/5. Marvin Gaye has a great voice, but the Christianity really put me off this album.

Classic soul for sure, but outside of the title track I wasn’t really that impressed

I enjoyed this album but I wasn’t drawn in as much as I would have liked. It’s nice to have playing but I wanted to be more captivated by it even with the hits that were there.

Tää levy on tullut kuunneltua joskus aiemminkin. Marvinin ääni on upea, mutta tämän levyn biisit on aika tasapaksuja, eikä näistä jäänyt mitään erityistä mieleen.

Was nice to listen to but nothing really jumped out at me like “wow I’ve never heard this before”. Neutral good rating.

#166 - Here, My Dear (3/5) #555 - Let's Get It On (3/5) ********************************* Album #1,054 Marvin Gaye is a great soul singer. I'm just not big on soul or message music. This was the best of his three on this list though. Best track: Mercy Mercy Me

It's got a lot going on

Emm sacando la parte que se menciona un poco mucho a Jesús y conociendo el contexto histórico de este artista, es un álbum que movió mucho la conciencia en ese tiempo, básicamente sin Marvin Gaye no habría la libertad como la conocemos al día de hoy pero respecto como ha envejecido el album,la verdad que no muy bien..pasa a ser un soul muuuuuuy positivo mas de la lista..por eso esta bueno googlear el contexto antes de dar la opinión

Celkom pekný album. Som rád, že som ho konečne počul. Ale či si ho ešte niekedy cielene vypočujem, to je otázne ...

Pleasant to listen to.

This is some old cheesy easy stuff and his voice was great but I think I was just expecting a bit more. chill.

Smooth tunes with hard hitting social commentary lyrics.

Good timing for recommending this on Valentine’s Day

A few classics but not enough to rate high.

It's a classic for sure, but just doesn't resonate with me

The music is great, sounds like something that would play in a quiet, expensive bar. Also good music to put on while you make love to someone. There are some standouts on this album such as “Whats going on” and “Come Get To This” i absolutely adore the instrumentation throughout this record, however some of the songs were blending in with each other and i couldnt tell the difference between them, i was also expecting a little more.

Good but wasn’t in the mood for it unfortunately

I had high hopes but a little disappointed. Good to have on in the background but few stand out tracks for me.

Don't have anything to say, pretty nice

I like the Anchorman jazz flute in "Right On." Also like "Inner City Blues." This is obviously good (Rolling Stone has it #1 all time) and socially important and profound but also just not my thing.

I know this is supposed to the greatest album of all time according to some lists. I find it kind of not so great. It may be over hyped and a product of its time. It's not bad, it just doesn't have much to hold my interest for repeated listenings.

Giod

There's no real catchy tunes here but the vibe it gives off is nice after awhile. Might grow to love it work more listens

Y'all five star mafia making me feel like a cretin here. I can appreciate the talent and I recognize the cultural and historical significance, I just didn't think it was that fun to listen to.

Remember hearing this on the smooth jazz radio before i was old enough to switch channels, so sadly I can't stand this album

While I recognize how talented he was, and what an incredible voice he had, and can appreciate the music, I don't feel an urge to listen to this again. And by that measure, it gets no more than a 3/5 for me.

Surprising in some respects; a little too Jesus-y in others.

NOT FINISHED!!

Tunes

очень приятный альбом, если поставить на фон в доме то вообще будет супер расслабляюще. по сравнению с прошлым альбомом это была терапия

What's going on Marvin?

Some classic tracks. They don run together at times.

started of really strong, definitely has some good songs, but halfway throught just got a little bored.

Ok easy listening

Respect, but not my cuppa tea.

better than i expected