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0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Classic, if not a tad overrated. May 21, 2010
Gaye's "message" album pointed another way, away from the sameness of mass-produced R&B - and for this it deserves Classic status. Musically, it's a great listen. But honest reviewers will admit that, lyrically, this is trite stuff, even by its own day's standard, the bar having already been set stratospherically high during the singer-songwriter revolution that commenced years ago in the prior decade.
"Save the Children" and other bumper-sticker-deep platitudes fail to challenge, and are all the more cringe-worthy today. Contrast this writing to Dylan's, which spoke to social issues like racism without direct and obvious platitudes ("The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll", "Only A Pawn in their Game") employing brilliant structure, set-ups, and pay-offs. It's the difference between showing and merely telling, that basic tenet of writers.
For all that, there's so much to be enjoyed here that its best to accept it for what it is and not get so critical. The music is fantastic, the message well-intentioned, so why pick it apart? Recommended.
 CLASSIC MARVIN! May 11, 2010
You just can't be a Marvin Gaye fan and not own this one! This brother was soooo before his time.
Nobody has a voice like his. (....though Sam Cooke does come to mind, actually. Not that they sound alike so much, but there is a PURE MUSICAL QUALITY to their voices that few others had then or have now.)
This project is the bomb! Though written several years ago, the message in the music
is still very relevant today! And Marvin delivers like no one else can!
FABULOUS
No Serious Soul Music collection Is Complete Without The Presence Of This Album! Apr 28, 2010
The utter genius and legendary Marvin Gaye, rightly hailed as the king of Motown, remains one of the most outstanding, influential and innovative artist's in Soul music - infact Popular music in general. His unparalled, undisputed talents set standards for generations. What's Going On is, arguably, his most ever-green work.
'What's Going On' nearly didn't happen. It seems so inconceivable now but Motown boss Berry Gordy didn't understand or appreciate the songs depth upon first hearing, adament that it wouldn't be a commercial success. Gordy initially even refused to release the single, convinced it would flop. In retaliation to this, Gaye refused to record any more material for Motown until Gordy finally (and reluctantly) relented and in January 1971, the single hit record stores. Well, Gaye's gut instinct proved to be spot on - the single flew up to No.2 on the US Pop Billboard Chart. Gaye then proceeded to record the remainder of the album of the same name, which was completed within ten days in March'71 and the release being in May of the same year. The album was quickly recognised and acknowledged as a universal masterpiece, swiftly dispelling any reservation Berry Gordy may have had.
Unlike before he recorded this project, Gaye was allowed the full artistic and creative freedom to write and produce material about issue's of the world he cared deeply about. His work on here came straight from the heart. Gaye meditated and reflected on the American dream of the past, conveying often poetic-like lyrics that related to the escalating urban decy, spiralling environmental problems, police brutality, poverty and unemployment - issue's that had touched Gaye's soul.
The majestic title track is a pure masterpiece and one of the upmost greatest Soul/Pop recordings ever made. A glorious backing arrangement, including a beautifully understated Saxophone interlude on the track's magical opening, intertwine effectively with Gaye's pure emotive and soulful performance. The lyrics are thought-provoking throughout; if you take a listen, the song is sadly just as relevant today as it was back in 1971.
The remainder of this project is sublime. The beautifully soulful, atmospheric mood are entwined with alternately warm, optimistic, angry and at time depressed vocals from this musical visionary. Without a doubt this is Gaye's all-time greatest work, among a long list of top-quality albums that he was to record following this.
'What's Happening Brother' continues in a similar vein to 'What's Going On', the tone and mood sombre and thoughtful. Erratic, divine sax interludes are encapsulated by thick, pulsating basslines and deep, relaxed grooves that becomes contagious. The song depicts the total despair of poverty and unemployment, complemented by Marvin's simply magnificent vocals.
'Flyin High (In The Friendly Sky)', dealing with environmental topics, is set to a smooth, slow beat, filled with bongo's against a gently pounding percussion. The devastatingly poignant 'Save The Children' is deeply profound, reflecting on our rapidly deterioating climate and desperate, abandoned children in the world.
The spiritual 'God Is Love' is an effective forerunner to one of Gaye's definitive classics, the compelling 'Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)' capturing an inspired performance from Gaye while the 8-minute epic of 'Right On', with a winding arrangement, highlighted by repetitive precussion, a sensual piano backdrop, tinkling flutes and conga's, is another outstanding masterpiece that once more explores relevant political issue's.
'Whole Holy' is even more dreamy and mellow flowing seamlessly with a striking blend of instruments. Gaye's relaxed yet strongly emotive vocals enhance the beautifully sparse production. This steadily leads up to the final track and another of Gaye's essential classics, 'Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)' which is utterly captivating. Gaye's unique, distinct voice surfs along the sweeping musical landscapes and just listen to the delightful sounds of Motown's hero's The Funk Brother's (Motown's in-house muscians) masterful, well-crafted, dynamic playing in what has to be one of their most startling and memroable sessions.
What's Going On' was Marvin Gaye's haunting, heartfelt and beautiful, profound expressions of hope, anger and concern. This has stood the time impeccably well, remaining one of the very best, most stylish, accomplished and thought-provoking Soul albums of all time - if not THE best! Essential to any record collection.
Ian Phillips
April 2010
New and True and Gaye! Apr 22, 2010
I am really impressed with the sound quality. However, the album data is not there. I'm use to seeing CD info pop up when I insert CD's. Well is is all about the music.
The CD artwork was another alluring factor. But, I soon discovered that I could only appreciate the graphics on the cover. That really took me back to the 70's. I'm not so sure I like that experience. I'm an avid iTunes user :-)
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Continues to leave an indelible impression Apr 09, 2010
I finally picked up "What's Going On" at age thirty, and I can now easily say that the old maxim that we become less impressionable to getting into new music after college is a fallacy. I quite literally have had this album in my laptop at work for eight months with barely a break. "WGO" is a true concept album, about all the social problems of the 70s; problems that continue to plague us today: war, pollution, poverty, child neglect, religious issues, drugs, racism...did I forget anything? Gaye's soulful poetry is as pertinent today as it was in those days of Vietnam, cocaine and rampant environmental destruction.
The album was responsible in many ways for soul music's message spreading to the community at large. I also enjoy it a lot for the variety of emotions that Gaye displays (and you can't help getting into his groove), ranging from an almost-disco hipness on the title track to the ethereal air of "Flying High", and the plaintive sadness of "Mercy Mercy Me" and "Save the Children." I can't help feeling sad and angry whenever I hear "Mercy," with the lyrics about oil spillage, fish full of mercury, animals and birds dying in the face of choking pollution; Gaye implored that the world do something about it, but it has not gone away.
However, neither has Gaye's message gone away, and it is because of great musical bards like him that we will forever be reminded that the problems of the past and the struggles of the human condition have always been the same.
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