What's Going On

What's Going On is an album by American soul singer Marvin Gaye. Released on 20 May 1971 (see 1971 in music), What's Going On reflected the beginning of a new trend in soul music. With introspective lyrics about drug abuse, poverty and the Vietnam War, the album was an immediate sensation and has endured as a classic of early-70s soul.

Gaye had recorded the single "What's Going On" already, and wanted to release it. Motown head Berry Gordy had refused, however, calling the single "uncommercial". Gaye refused to record any more until Gordy gave in, and the song became a surprise hit in January of 1971.

What's Going On is a unified album, consisting of songs from the point-of-view of a Vietnam War veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for, and seeing nothing but injustice, suffering and hatred. Gaye's brother, Frankie, had returned from a three-year stint in the Army in 1970.

In addition, the title track is the only song which Motown Record's main studio band, The Funk Brothers, got an official credit.

Track listing

1. "What's Going On" (Benson/Cleveland/Gaye) - 3:52
2. "What's Happening Brother" (Gaye/Nyx) - 2:44
3. "Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky)" (Gaye/Gaye/Stover) - 3:49
4. "Save the Children" (Benson/Cleveland/Gaye) - 4:03
5. "God Is Love" (Gaye/Gaye/Nyx/Stover) - 1:41
6. "Mercy Mercy Me" (The Ecology) (Gaye) - 3:13
7. "Right On" (Derouen/Gaye) - 7:31
8. "Wholy Holy" (Benson/Cleveland/Gaye) - 3:08
9. "Inner City Blues" (Make Me Wanna Holler) (Gaye/Nyx) - 5:26

Personnel

• Marvin Gaye - Piano, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals, Producer
• Bob Babbitt - Bass
• Eli Fountain - Sax (Alto)
• James Jamerson - Bass
• Joe Messina - Guitar
• David Van De Pitte - Arranger, Conductor
• Earl Van Dyke - Guitar
• Wild Bill Moore - Sax (Tenor)
• Chet Forest - Drums
• Katherine Marking - Design
• Alana Coghlan - Design
• John Matousek - Mastering
• Robert White - Guitar
• Hendin - Photography
• Curtis McNair - Art Direction

Chart positions

Billboard Music Charts (North America) - albums

 1971      What's Going On        Pop Albums                       No. 6
 1971   What's Going On        Black Albums                     No. 1
 1984   What s Going On        The Billboard 200                No. 154

Billboard Music Charts (North America) - singles

 1971      Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)      Pop Singles        No. 9
 1971   Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)      Black Singles      No. 1