1971
1971 · Marvin Gaye · USA
What's Going On
SoulR&BProtest 3:55 Iconic Psychedelia & Protest
AlbumWhat's Going On
LabelTamla/Motown
Gaye fought Motown's Berry Gordy to release this anti-war, pro-environment concept album. Gordy initially refused, calling it 'the worst thing I've ever heard.' It became Motown's best-selling album to date. Rolling Stone ranked it #1 greatest album of all time.
Musical Significance
Proved that Black pop music could engage with politics and philosophy without sacrificing commercial appeal. The album's suite-like construction influenced R&B production for decades. Gaye wrote it after his brother Frankie returned traumatized from Vietnam.
Historical Context
Released in 1971, as the Vietnam War was killing 50,000+ Americans per year and the anti-war movement was reaching its peak. The Kent State shootings had occurred a year before.