Marvin Gaye — What's Going On (1971)
Length 35:38
In the late 1960s, American soul singer Marvin Gaye saw many problems around him— war, poverty, homelessness, the negative effects of drug use felt the need to make a statement what's Going On is written from the perspective of a war veteran,2 and the songs comment on social problems in a way that soul music never had before. Gaye's record company was sure the record—his 11th—would fail, but the title track was very successful , and so was the record. What's Going On was the first of many soul records to take on social issues. In short: This is an important record for any music fan. Focus your attention on the lyrics to really understand the music.