What's Going On

the take

One of the greatest albums of all time. A true turning point in Marvin’s career and in the evolution of soul music. Gaye used this album to confront the social and political issues affecting America at the time (war, poverty, and police brutality). All of which we still struggle with today in America. One of my favorite details of the album is that the record label pressured him into not releasing the album due to potential backlash. The albums flows like one continuous piece of music, with tracks transitioning seamlessly into each other blending soul, jazz, gospel, and orchestral arrangements into a cohesive sound. The production of the entire album is sophisticated yet warm, making the album feel intimate. My personal favorite track, Mercy Mercy Me, focuses on the damage humans are causing to the Earth. Calling attention to oils spills, pollution, and radiation, Marvin paints a picture of a planet being slowly harmed by industrial activity. What’s Going On is more than just an album but rather a musical statement about humanity. The albums emotional honesty and powerful message creates a record that still feels relevant to this day.