50 Years of Soul Power

Posted February 20, 2013 by J Matthew Cobb in Features

Marvin Gaye
What’s Going On
(Tamla; 1971)

Berry Gordy opposed the idea of a protest record, but Gaye wanted to put his musical prowess to the test. The first experiment ended up becoming the soul singer’s magnum opus. What’s Going On does it all: it preaches the gospel (“What’s Going On,” “God Is Love”), it celebrates life (“Save the Children”); it glorifies hope even in the midst of uncertainty (“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)”). Above all, the mystery of the album creates a paranoia that ultimately defined the persona of Marvin Gaye’s inner struggles, embedded in the dramatic closer, “Inner City Blues.” This is the inspired work of a modern-day prophet, and should’ve been biblical.