What's Going On (Marvin Gaye)

• 18 Aug 13:37
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The best soul album in the world, for always. Prior to this monumental release, albums recorded for Tamla/Motown were largely adjuncts to successful singles, rather than independent projects. Despite pressure to conform, Marvin Gaye was determined not only to break with tradition but also to comment on social topics. Through a seamless suite of songs the singer addressed issues including ecology, poverty and the Vietnam War, yet polemics did not deflect his artistic strengths, and ‘Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)’ and ‘Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)’ boast hypnotic melodies and vocals. Gaye’s sinewy voice retained its distinctive qualities and his vision was rewarded with both critical and commercial success. In turn the course of black music was irrevocably changed.

Tracks: What’s Going On; What’s Happening Brother; Flyin’ High (In The Friendly Sky); Save The Children; God Is Love; Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology); Right On; Wholy Holy; Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)....

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