Marvin Gaye - 'What's Going On?' Turns 50 today

50 years ago today (January 20, 1971), Marvin Gaye released easily his most groundbreaking and influential single til that point, 'What's Going On?'. Against the wishes of Motown CEO Berry Gordy, the single was a far cry from the company's reputation of carefully crafted love songs and ballads. It went on to peak at #2 in the United States behind another Motown classic, 'Just My Imagination', by The Temptations.



Thoughts on this classic soul tune?

 

Utter excellence, the greatest soul album to be released. IMO

 

It’s one of the best songs ever recorded. I think it was only last week the Temptations’ song Just My Imagination was also celebrating its 50th anniversary, which makes me envy anyone who lived through 1971.

Edit: Oops, someone didn’t read the full OP and notice you mention Just My Imagination. Sorry.

 

Extraordinary album. Title song is perfect.

 

Three excellent Billboard Top Ten singles ....but I really don't find the rest of the album all that engaging.
Nevertheless a groundbreaking work.

 

I was there. Everyone I knew back then was worried about getting drafted and going to ‘Nam.

 

dig it...

 

In 1971? Wow I thought that fear would have been over by then, didn't Nixon pull troops like the next year...

 

Can't believe there is not a super deluxe 50th anniversary box set for this, mixing vinyl and Cds of course. Their all the trend right now.

 

I have listened to this album on a regular basis for 50 years now. It is rare to find an album that you never take out of your listening rotation.

Two thoughts, it's a great work, and I'm getting old.

 

The Inner City Blues imo remains timeless!

 

An incredible, legendary album, and still as relevant as ever in these times. I'm gonna spin this later when I get home.

 

People often misattribute it as “What’s Going On?” but it’s “What’s Going On”. Marvin was not confused about what’s going on. He’s about to tell you what’s going on.

 

Yikes. Being British, and 37, that’s not the immediate thought in my mind when I think back to the early seventies, apologies.

 

i get what you mean , i had initially the same feeling and it took me years to finally get it . The key was listening to the Detroit Mix , full album on CD , no interruption, just a magical experience .
the instruments , vocals , arrangements and overall vibes , fantastic

 

Quite possible my favourite album of all time. It's pretty much perfect.

 

Stone-cold classic. One of the few albums that, once it's on, I can't switch off.

Marvin's voice, the playing, the arrangements, the flow - the whole mood of it - is incredible. Wish there were more albums like this (and I'm happy to take recommendations!)

 

This album has grown on me so much over the years. It is a beautiful album and it still feels of it's time today.

 

The song never gets 'dated'.

 

50 years later and it's still in constant rotation. I obviously didn't have the collection I have now, but it found a place in my Top 5 right away and has stayed there ever since.

 

It is great you posting the Video which emphasises a certain sound (instrument) I could not previously name.

Güiro
King Crimson – Formentera Lady includes a Güiro

Happy Birthday and don’t Spill the Wine

 

And what an absolute fine fifty it is...



Marvin Gaye ‎– What's Going On
Label:
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab ‎– UDSACD 2038, Tamla ‎– UDSACD 2038
Series:
Original Master Recording – , Ultradisc UHR –
Format:
SACD, Hybrid, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Reissue, Remastered
Country:
US
Released:
2008
Genre:
Funk / Soul
Style:
Soul

 

Stunning record, phenomenal productions. Very little, if anything dates it. It deserves every bit of the praise it gets.

5/5

 

Hate to be a pedant but it's 50 years since the single was released...and here it is:



Funny, I prefer the 45 version to the album one.

 

Timeless.