What's Going On

Before Marvin Gaye released What’s Going On he had a very different image.  Early in his career his music was influenced by gospel as he worked for Motown.  Before he began his career as a professional musician and songwriter he learned music at his father’s church.  Marvin eventually moved away from his gospel roots and began singing mostly love songs with Tammi Terrel launching a semi-successful career.  Before What’s Going On Marvin never really dabbled into political songs.   

            The Vietnam War was the influence of What’s Going On.  Marvin sings lines such as “war is not the answer” and “don’t punish me with brutality” to prove his anti-war points.  Although I am against war in any aspect, I feel that Marvin was hypocritical having previously served and being discharged. 

Marvin Gaye’s main obstacle in the release of What’s Going On was the Motown head Berry Gordy.  Berry did not care for What’s Going On at all and mentioned to Marvin that it was not commercial enough.  Motown mainly made revenue on the singles market and an non-commercial political son was not ideal.  Marvin told Berry that he would no longer release or record songs with Motown until the song was released.  Marvin’s stubbornness succeeded and he released his hit What’s Going On. 

What’s Going On was particularly interesting because of it’s anti-war message.  Although protest songs were common at the time, Marvin’s song is of a very different genre.  I feel like there were no other soul/funk protest songs of the time and that there were mostly just psychedelic rock and roll songs.  What’s Going On’s song format is also very interesting.  It is noncommercial and a surprising release from Motown.   What’s Going On may be the reason why Motown began to open their doors and minds.     

My opinion on What’s Going On is skewed.  I feel that it was entirely fake form Marvin Gaye to find fame off of a peace songs after being in the Air Force.  The best and most effective motto of protest is to not let them use your body to fuel their war machine.  Meaning that you shouldn’t fight murder or kill in any situation.  Marvin may have not killed anyone, but he fueled the machine.  As for a professional standpoint I feel that the song was correctly executed.  Marvin sings excellently and is very pitch accurate.  The song also has a really groovy funky feel to it that is very appealing.   The entire mix is clean and balanced.