Description
**THIS IS A VINYL LP**
Release Date: 2012
Label: Tamla
Track List
Side A
- 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)
Side B
- Right On
- Wholy Holy
- Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Notes
Originally released in 1971, What’s Going On is widely considered to be Marvin Gaye’s master work. A social commentary on American life that remains poignant 30 + years later, Berry Gordy was initially dead set against its release, calling the single “uncommercial”. Thankfully the Motown execs eventually relented and the song soon became a huge hit, going down in history as one of the greatest R&B songs of all time.
“In 1969 or 1970, I began to re-evaluate my whole concept of what I wanted my music to say,” Gaye once said about the creation of What’s Going On. “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.” The last thing Motown wanted its fans to think about, however, was “what was happening in the world.” So with Gaye determined to shatter the label’s hugely successful pop formula and address issues such as the Vietnam War, civil rights and the environment, Motown founder Berry Gordy was not pleased, to say the least. He claimed that “What’s Going On” was the worst song he had ever heard. “ – www.rollingstone.com
Universal’s ‘Back To Black’ Series
Premium Audiophile Pressing
Heavyweight 180 Gram Vinyl
Gatefold Jacket
Printed Sleeves
All Original Packaging
