Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

Another album I think music fanatics should check out is Marvin Gaye's What's Going On. It is one of the most important records to come out of soul music. It spoke out about "urban decay, environmental woes, military turbulence, police brutality, unemployment, and poverty." This album was also one of the best full-length soul albums from Motown. (Bush).

Marvin Gaye was born in Washington DC from a strict, Christian household. He began his singing career at the age of three at his church's choir, and also learned how to play the piano and drums. (Ankeny). After high school and the Air Force, Gaye joined several doo wop groups. He was soon discovered by Berry Gordy Jr, who picked him up for a solo career at Motown Records. (Marvin Gaye). After three failed singles, Gaye began finding success, and soon hit the Top 10 charts. He experienced a lot of great success. (Ankeny)

Marvin Gaye began to involve himself with the social changes happening in the nation, and wanted to write material about it.  He spent a year in seclusion writing What's Going On. The album had jazz and classical elements, and a sophisticated soul sound. It touched on the topics of poverty, discrimination, environmental issues, drug abuse, political corruptions, and other things that were plaguing the nation at the time. (Ankeny). Gaye drew inspiration from his brother Frankie, who had been a soldier in the Vietnam War and told him of his experiences. (Bush). 

Berry Gordy refused to release the album. He though the single was uncommercial. In retaliation, Gaye refused to record anymore. When Gordy finally broke, the single became a huge hit. (Marvin Gaye). The album's success allowed Gaye to have artistic control on his work, and helped Motown loosen the reins on their artists. (Ankeny). 

This album was like no other before it. It was languid, dark, jazzy with relaxed grooves, a heavy bottom, thick baselines, and filled with bongos, conga, and other percussion. In one song, Gaye had Eli Fountain improve on his alto sax, and one of the warm up session takes ended up being what was used. (Bush).  This album was a perfect mix of funk and jazz, and the lyrical content was very political compared to other albums being released at the time. (Marvin Gaye). 

This album opened the doors up for Motown artists to have more artistic freedom. Marvin Gaye stood his ground, and as a listener, I love hearing the truth in his lyrics. It takes guts to expose an artist's anger, opinion, concern for the nation, and hope to the public, and then stand ground against a label refusing to release his work. Gaye is credited for being an inspiration and allowing musicians the opportunity to express themselves completely. As an industry professional, I have nothing but respect for him.