Our Favorite Albums #8

8. Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On [1971]

Nominated by DJ Deni of Lovin’ the 70’s, Leith of The Light Fandango, Rob of Chocolate Cake, and Michael Benson of 75% Folk.

Rob says: Please tell me I don’t have to explain this to you…..

Michael Benson says: Amazing album and still relevant to today’s society.

What’s Going On is a concept album with most of its songs segueing into the next and has been categorized as a song cycle; the album ends with a reprise of the album’s opening theme. The narrative established by the songs is told from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to his home country to witness hatred, suffering, and injustice. Gaye’s introspective lyrics explore themes of drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War. He has also been credited with promoting awareness of ecological issues before the public outcry over them had become prominent.

“In 1969 or 1970, I began to re-evaluate my whole concept of what I wanted my music to say … I was very much affected by letters my brother was sending me from Vietnam, as well as the social situation here at home. I realized that I had to put my own fantasies behind me if I wanted to write songs that would reach the souls of people. I wanted them to take a look at what was happening in the world.”— Marvin Gaye (wikipedia.org)