Here is another album I revisited recently while I complete my top 200 albums project. A classic in every sense of the word. I shouldn't have to write a description because of how famous Marvin is, but I know some people out there still do not know him, and that's okay. You'll learn now. Here is my super short summary bio of Marvin (I highly suggest reading about his career because it really is an interesting read):
Marvin Gaye is arguably the most famous Motown singer of all time. His rendition of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" with Tammi Terrell is probably the most famous version of the classic song. His early albums were mostly classic R&B, but as his career progressed, he developed a more modern R&B sound and his lyrics were more sexually driven. However, during his later career, his first marriage ended and he escaped to Europe because he feared imprisonment for tax evasion. He died in 1984, one day before his birthday, where his father shot him after an altercation.
What's Going On is probably his most critically acclaimed album and is my favorite album by him. The album covers social issues of the time, particularly effects from the Vietnam War, as Marvin assumes the role of a soldier coming home from Vietnam. Marvin's singing on this record is so beautiful and so grand that it's captivating. The orchestral elements to the album build these amazing climaxes or tensions in the songs, it's hard not to get a little emotional with each listen. The title track alone has this beautiful climax in the middle of the song, I get misty-eyed with each listen. It's even better on vinyl if you're into record collecting.
Track list:
1. What's Going On
2. What's Happening Brother
3. Flyin' High (In The Sky)
4. Save the Children
5. God Is Love
6. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
7. Right On
8. Wholy Holy
9. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Mother, mother, everybody thinks we're wrong,
but who are they to judge us simply because our hair is long?
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