My favorite fact of What’s Going On is that James Jameson recorded the bass part lying on the floor because he was so incredibly drunk. Gaye had someone go out and find him late at night just because know one else would’ve had just the right sound.
@@bernardosantos8020 Jamerson was just an absolute killer bassist, he played on hundreds of tracks and number one tracks and when he wasn’t in the studio for his day job with Motown he played jazz in the Detroit clubs at night. I don’t think there’s another bassist who has shaped the instrument as much. It’s an absolute shame his drinking got him in the end.
Last year, Rolling Stone finally put "What's Going On" at the top of its 500 Greatest Albums list. Long overdue for this incredible, timeless masterpiece.
@@robgorney the only artists that make it hard to say he’s THE best are Stevie and Aretha. They’re all fantastic, and you could ask thirty people to rank them 1-3 and get every conceivable combination.
@@robgorney that upper echelon is nearly impossible to fully gauge due to the subjective nature of music. I’ve said that you could ask 100 people their top 10 MoTown songs and get 600 different songs (accounting for overlap)
@@robgorney this is a remarkably civil conversation on a subjective topic in a youtube comment section. It’s impossible to deny legends of their legend status. All three of the folks we’ve mentioned are game changers in terms of music. Of course, a lot of credit has to go to Barry Gordie as well
The transition from song to song is what made this album so beautifully made. One of a kind....but you are right....from up tempo and the flute mellowing the mood into his spiritual aspirations...lovely transition.
'Save The Children' pains me every time i hear it. The hopeless feeling when he repeats "Who really cares.." is a feeling Ive had each day in the past year. While this album has its raw moments, the moments of hope are reassuring as well. Theres a song for every mood, on a personal and macro-level. Marvin truly created something timeless with this album
I'm getting this album. I never heard the song. It's interesting and ironic that a first wife would wear a coat that says, *"I don't really care, do you?"* says a lot about that administration. Marvin was prophetic. Perhaps that's why he suffered so with what I call, "self medicating" from what he saw was and was still coming... and 50yrs later, we're still seeing this, "don't punish me with brutality..." I'm tearing up as I write this. And what he said in "Mercy, mercy me" climate change... smh I was born in '68. When I was in grade school, there was a little black girl also named, "Lisa". She came up to me and took my hand and we walked together. How I wish and hope that MLK saw it from heaven. We had no idea what a statement it was. All I know is that after that, the blonde teacher was highly abusive to me. I took refuge from the Teacher's assistant, Mrs. Hodges. She was a sweet, humble (not that she needed to be, but she was spiritual in her humility) black woman that treated me with so much love. I remember my thermos' lid wasn't put on right and it spilled everywhere. The white teacher screamed at me like it was done on purpose. When Mrs Hodges tried to help me clean it up, she yelled at her and demanded I do it myself. She did a lot of horrible things, even though I was blue eyed, strawberry blonde hair and I think it was because I was taught black people were just like me and treated them so. (One of the few decent things my Mom did teach me) Anyway... 50yrs. latet and the whole album is still relevant, maybe more. And that is just sad. I get your struggle. I am suffering from PTSD and depression. Every day I wonder who really cares about the children or the growing injustices. This past year was hell for me. My eyes were opened though! Come to the Ben Dxion show, "like it or not" live stream from 8:30 am on to... well, it changes daily. lol Or look up "Ben Dixon" it will show you videos of the live stream uploaded. But! The live chat is awesome!! Very loving people!! I have learned so much history and news not talked about on the corporate channels!! I wish you well and hope you're doing ok. You are not alone, I promise you this.
That song literally will take you to another place. Asking you questions about your life and the world around you. With a climatic suggestion that u can celebrate. Very emotional song.
Came here to post the same comment as you. This track brings tears to my eye on every conscious listen of the album. Especially, his „Save the Babies“ shout gives me goosebumps. Just such a fantastic album!
The Rolling Stones named it the best album ever just a while ago. They released their top 500 albums of all time, and what’s going is in their number 1 spot. I highly agree with their choice.
@@Rahz57 I mean it's not that odd. To understand the exact context you'd need some knowledge on both the history of the US during that time period and Marvin Gaye's career. This song had impact because it broke the mold for him as an artist. Also, I just don't get why the comment was necessary. Why criticize someone for realizing the power in a song later than you rather than celebrate that they've come to appreciate it to the same degree as you?
Why?....It's always been in their top 5 or 10 since inception of their list. It was well deserved. And there's the entire component of how this music was composed/how great it sounds, which goes on top of what this video talks about.
He released this album to confront the social injustices he faced half a century ago that are still present today. I really do hope his dream of loving your fellow man comes true and we no longer face them half a century from now.
It is an emotional masterpiece, I still get emotions listening to it having discovered it only about a decade ago. The CD version has a sound titles “Sad Tomorrows” that is a gem. I wish Marvin had stayed longer in this vein of music, but I still love the love songs.
I can’t really understand why viewership of this channel isn’t in the millions for every video. The research, the quality, the message have only improved over the years. And if anything deserves some serious traffic it’s this channel and especially this video. While i know your vids aren’t getting millions every time, please know how much we love your content and how important it is in a lot of ways. Keep creating brother
An absolutely brilliant record. Quite possibly the greatest R&B record there ever was. It's amazing (and tragic) to think that Inner City Blues (give or take a lyric about inflation) is absolutely as relevant now as it was then.
I hope one day we get to a point where this album is no longer relevant at all to the modern day. As amazing as it is I dont think this one should be timeless in regards to it's lyrical themes. Truly an incredibly powerful piece of protest music.
Rolling Stone's #1 Greatest Album of All Time 🔥🔥 The first album where a Motown artist directly challenged the control of Berry Gordy's pop machine to make a cohesive masterpiece. Seminal album
The 2020 list sucks though, any list with taylor swift in the top 100 albums should not be taken seriously. I prefer the 2012 list a lot more where its still on an impressive number 6 spot.
@@DanielBuschkens The 2009 list is my favorite. They include albums that had an actual impact on music rather than what is popular. There are a few duds, but including Sgt. Pepper’s as #1 is reasonable as it had the most impact on music and the whole world, being the most influential album on music history.
@@DanielBuschkens Agreed, although I don't take the Taylor Swift placement at 99 seriously considering she was a voter on the damn selection committee. But I did find there was a lot more inclusion of great artists in the 2020 list not previously present on the 2003/2012, like Sade.
@@thomasnelson5758 yes i also look forward listening too all the new artists on the new list (except taylor swift) but still gotta finish the old one still :p
One way you can tell how great something is is by realizing and measuring how many things it directly influenced after its debut. "What's Going On" is one of those markers in history where you can say, this was R&B before What's Going On, and this is R&B after its release.
The album is spiritual. Blew me away listening to it for the first time in 1978 when a friend had the tape in his car. I stayed in the cold car while they were in the pub just to hear the full album. Still moves me every time I listen to it. I always suggest this album to anyone who has not heard it as everyone seems to be blown away with the message and the music. Spent 8 hours with Ed Wolfram who was a sound engineer with Motown, he played us some alternate takes of what's going on, shear magic.
probably won't catch this comment which is cool honestly - i need to comment not just for the algorithm & the attention this video deserves // i'd like to attempt to express my gratitude for this video contextualizing the social matters surrounding this album making it relevant yesterday, today, & tomorrow alongside the musicianship (the hard & soft, the gorgeousness & severity // the transitions ALONE) i'm 33 & this album was my life in my ear when i was born, coming of age yearning to be a musician with the inability to have eyes closed to what is going in on this world thank you, thank you so much for this!
The best R&B album. Period. And remember, Mercy Mercy Me was not removed from the downtrodden experience. Pollution is mainly deposited where people are powerless to defy it.
I started listening to this album lately and was so disheartened to find there's no commentary on the album and it's context on UA-cam. Lo and behold Polyphonic delivers the goods! It would be great to see you visit more top albums from the 60s/70s etc
@@darkkiss7247 Yeah, my dad wasn't the nicest person to me, but I will say he had a great taste in music, but Poly has definately helped me expand my taste, and I am very glad for that
When I am feeling down about the world (usually through an over-consumption of social media I have to admit), I go a quick car ride and sing along to the album. It's amazing.
This is my all time favorite album. It wasn't because of the social message, but the music and vocal arrangements..of all time is a big statement, but that's what it is.
Yes please, this would be a natural follow up to this video. As he also made a lot of music which politically was and still is relevant. Also if you do not know it, listen to Haron's cover of intercity blues. Very worth while, as most of is work really is. Always wondered why he is not better known, his music sure was influential.
Thank you so much. This is on my desert island disc list. I was listening to What's Going On with a friend, who, knowing my political inclinations, asked if we couldn't just keep politics out of our discussion of that song. Uhhh, bro - have you listened to the lyrics?? Marvin was prescient - most of the issues he addresses in this album are still with us. I think he would be shocked to see so little progress for 50 years. Racial issues have boiled up after a long time simmering. We are still fighting for clean water and clean air, even though it's been decades since Rachel Carson wrote Silent Spring, bringing attention to the pesticides we were eating and drinking and the chemicals used in manufacturing of pretty much everything. It often feels like the road is getting steeper, but I will never give up on things that matter. As long as I have great music, I'll be okay.
I really love this album, I got a 2001 remastered double CD that has the "Detroit Mix" of "What's Going On" and it is by far the best version of this iconic album, totally different than the commercial release. Most folks never listened to this version of the album and it makes me wonder why! Thanks for this retrospective of one of my favorite albums of all time!
In those early years, Berry Gordy and Motown were trying to make that money and break racial barriers musically. I can't blame him. But Marvin Gaye made quite a statement with "What's Going On". And thank God for Gaye creating this amazing work. (Edit: I need to go back and listen to this album again.)
Great video! Someone probably mentioned this already, but that wasn't a picture of the Four Tops Obie Benson. That was Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs, the voice of Audrey 2 from Little Shop of Horrors.
Are you interested in learning how to make your own video essays? If so, I've got some exciting news. I'm exploring the possibility of putting together a cohort based course where I can teach video essay skills. This would involve working directly with me and a small group of your peers to put together your own video essay. It would be a hands on class where we would have live sessions learning skills and analyzing other video essays. This would be less about hard skills like editing in After Effects, and more about high concept knowledge like ideation, creating and sticking to a schedule, writing scripts, and finding visual inspiration. If this is the sort of thing that seems interesting to you, please apply here: ozbx00t5id9.typeform.com/to/afkCTkw3 The more interest this gets, the more likely it is that this course will come to fruition, so please share this link around as well. Thanks, Polyphonic
The timing for this video is just perfect. Here in Colombia we are going through a very rough situation. I'm just trying to be a refugee in "What's going on?" Because I'm asking myself that same question. Thanks for the video!!
This song is timeless. It has an atmosphere with a breezy latin feel that always makes me feel good, even though the lyrics are serious and prophetic. This song, along with Mercy Mercy Me show where Mr Gaye could have gone if he was still with us.
Right on, indeed.💜💜💜💜💜 Every fan of music should have this album in his or her collection (along with "Kind of Blue", "Dark Side of the Moon" and "Sign O' The Times"...)
Live this album, living this album, learning from this album? Just lucky to be born before it’s creation and it existence as art. Uniquely connected to the body of work.
I was five years old when "What's Going On" was released. My mom played it so much that I remember most of the songs' beat lines. "Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)" at the end where the female voice wailed in this haunting vocal sent chills down my spine and spooked me. But to deny the power of this album is to deny the messages that it conveyed be it then or in our times right now. The Beatles made their "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heartclub Band" transforming what Rock albums could be; "What's Going On" is R & B's answer to The Beatles for future R&B/Soul artist like Steve Wonder (Songs in the Key of Life), Janet Jackson (Rhythm Nation) and Lauryn Hill (The Mis-Education of Lauryn Hill) to name a few. The idea that a central theme, message, and iconic songs speak to where listeners owe a debt of gratitude to Marvin's persistence and the musicianship created on that album. Thanks for bringing this point to light and for a new generation of activists and music lovers to give it a listen.
I have a very particular story with this song. I had a social studies teacher in middle school, and everyone Wednesday we had “What’s going on Wednesday” predictability my teacher played this song well we wrote about whatever we wanted. The first time we did this he told us the original context for the song and everything. He was my favorite teacher as he made me enjoy history and think about it more critically. He also started my school’s GSA. Unfortunately he left the school when I was in 8th grade. But still I always think about that year or so during middle school where everything was working out. This song makes even more sense when we include the fact that I spent half of my middle school career in quarantine. Anyway cool Video, I love this song.
THIS SONG IS STILL AS RELEVANT AS IT WAS IN THE 70'S MAYBE EVEN MORE SO. THAT WAS ON POINT COMMENT FROM "The3121" HE WAS TELLING IT LIKE IT IS NOT ASKING THE QUESTION. MARVIN'S MUSIC (ESPECIALLY THE ONES HE WROTE AND PRODUCED FOR HIMSELF) WAS THE EQUIVALANT OF A MUSICAL REMRANT OR PICASSO!!
Great piece! One small critical observation. When you correctly stated that "What's Going On" was written by Renaldo "Obie"Benson of the Four Tops you incorrectly showed a picture of lead singer Levi Stubbs.
Thank you!!! It's a big nit and I wrote something similar. Glad I scrolled down to see you noticed, too, It really invalidates the speaker's knowledge of the duo when he doesn't know her name. Kinda like referring to R.E.M. as Rim or Jay Z as Jazzy.
Another great video, expertly done, about a subject that means a lot to me, and expands upon it. Insightful, Interesting, and moving. I used to work at a mini golf/go cart place that had a muzac and it was filled with many songs I couldn't stand, and What's Going On. I would get so excited I would sing the lyrics loud and proud. It didn't matter that I had a terrible voice. I felt it in my bones. Every 87 min, around the clock. :)
Marvin Gaye had been suicidal for a long time before his death. His father, Marvin Sr. was abusive towards his wife and children, and so, there was some speculation that by giving his father a gun and escalating a fight with him, Marvin Gaye succesfully accomplished three things: ended his life which was full of addiction and suffering, freed his mother from her abusive husband, and made sure that the rest of his father's life was going to be miserable. We carry his memory within us.
Idiscovered this record in 1989, at first i liked the music and didn't care about the lyrics because my english was not strong enough. This show described the album in detail, great done. Today,i love this record even more and i put it in Top 20 of all times
Geza, interesting you got it during the tumultuous era in your native country. the message is timely but you'll find enough whites listening to this but still not understanding that police brutality then and now is the same.
@@PHlophe i was 20 at that time,i saw the world thru different lenses. I can see clearlly now,the record only grows with time. I love his other work too,LET'S GET IT ON or HERE MY DEAR are both great musically,but WHAT'S GOING ON has heavyness
You always make great essays but this one is transcendent. You also could have shy-ed away from the truth of What's Going On both then and how it applies today. Great job.
My favorite fact of What’s Going On is that James Jameson recorded the bass part lying on the floor because he was so incredibly drunk. Gaye had someone go out and find him late at night just because know one else would’ve had just the right sound.
I'm so glad someone mentioned this.
No way. How the hell can he keep shit that tight whilst being batshit drunk?
@@bernardosantos8020 - right? But at the same time, that bassline is pretty simple for James Jamerson. He probably went on autopilot haha
@@bernardosantos8020 Jamerson was just an absolute killer bassist, he played on hundreds of tracks and number one tracks and when he wasn’t in the studio for his day job with Motown he played jazz in the Detroit clubs at night. I don’t think there’s another bassist who has shaped the instrument as much. It’s an absolute shame his drinking got him in the end.
@@bernardosantos8020 because it’s James fucking jamerson
It's like listening to one 35 minute song. It's so perfectly cohesive.
It's like one contiguous thought. That's why it's my favorite soul album of all time. Like one great painting made up of several.
Exactly 💯
Last year, Rolling Stone finally put "What's Going On" at the top of its 500 Greatest Albums list. Long overdue for this incredible, timeless masterpiece.
It's always been on their Top 500 list (usually in the top 5 or 10).
You must have meant #1, where it is now.
@@msl5253 it was #6 on the past list
What's Going On is probably one of the best soul/R&B of the 20th century, maybe ever
@@robgorney Stevie muddies that argument
@@robgorney the only artists that make it hard to say he’s THE best are Stevie and Aretha. They’re all fantastic, and you could ask thirty people to rank them 1-3 and get every conceivable combination.
@@robgorney that upper echelon is nearly impossible to fully gauge due to the subjective nature of music. I’ve said that you could ask 100 people their top 10 MoTown songs and get 600 different songs (accounting for overlap)
@@robgorney this is a remarkably civil conversation on a subjective topic in a youtube comment section. It’s impossible to deny legends of their legend status. All three of the folks we’ve mentioned are game changers in terms of music. Of course, a lot of credit has to go to Barry Gordie as well
SLY STONE had the right answer with his sinister masterpiece THERE'S THE RIOT GOING ON
The transition from Right On to Wholy Holy is simply golden. Marvin will always be the man✊🏾
The transition from song to song is what made this album so beautifully made. One of a kind....but you are right....from up tempo and the flute mellowing the mood into his spiritual aspirations...lovely transition.
Coltrane pfp? Based as hell
'Save The Children' pains me every time i hear it. The hopeless feeling when he repeats "Who really cares.." is a feeling Ive had each day in the past year. While this album has its raw moments, the moments of hope are reassuring as well.
Theres a song for every mood, on a personal and macro-level. Marvin truly created something timeless with this album
Powerful song....very powerful
I'm getting this album. I never heard the song. It's interesting and ironic that a first wife would wear a coat that says, *"I don't really care, do you?"* says a lot about that administration. Marvin was prophetic. Perhaps that's why he suffered so with what I call, "self medicating" from what he saw was and was still coming... and 50yrs later, we're still seeing this, "don't punish me with brutality..." I'm tearing up as I write this. And what he said in "Mercy, mercy me" climate change... smh
I was born in '68. When I was in grade school, there was a little black girl also named, "Lisa". She came up to me and took my hand and we walked together. How I wish and hope that MLK saw it from heaven. We had no idea what a statement it was. All I know is that after that, the blonde teacher was highly abusive to me. I took refuge from the Teacher's assistant, Mrs. Hodges. She was a sweet, humble (not that she needed to be, but she was spiritual in her humility) black woman that treated me with so much love. I remember my thermos' lid wasn't put on right and it spilled everywhere. The white teacher screamed at me like it was done on purpose. When Mrs Hodges tried to help me clean it up, she yelled at her and demanded I do it myself. She did a lot of horrible things, even though I was blue eyed, strawberry blonde hair and I think it was because I was taught black people were just like me and treated them so. (One of the few decent things my Mom did teach me)
Anyway... 50yrs. latet and the whole album is still relevant, maybe more. And that is just sad. I get your struggle. I am suffering from PTSD and depression. Every day I wonder who really cares about the children or the growing injustices. This past year was hell for me. My eyes were opened though! Come to the Ben Dxion show, "like it or not" live stream from 8:30 am on to... well, it changes daily. lol Or look up "Ben Dixon" it will show you videos of the live stream uploaded. But! The live chat is awesome!! Very loving people!! I have learned so much history and news not talked about on the corporate channels!!
I wish you well and hope you're doing ok. You are not alone, I promise you this.
That song literally will take you to another place. Asking you questions about your life and the world around you. With a climatic suggestion that u can celebrate. Very emotional song.
dang, I gotta give that track a thorough listen then.
Came here to post the same comment as you. This track brings tears to my eye on every conscious listen of the album. Especially, his „Save the Babies“ shout gives me goosebumps. Just such a fantastic album!
Can we just take a minute to appreciate the typography and satisfying voice this man has. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
This is a legit album that still sounds great now. The production is complex, full, and dynamic...a true classic.
The Rolling Stones named it the best album ever just a while ago. They released their top 500 albums of all time, and what’s going is in their number 1 spot. I highly agree with their choice.
Entirely possible, THE greatest album of all time, ever.
Marven Gaye is the GOAT of Motown. He made the best protest album 50 years counting. Great Video, Polyphonic.
Listened to the album for the first time today to commemorate it's 50th anniversary. What a record...
Same!
Well man, what's going on?
Welcome to the enlightened POV of Marvin💔
Listen to the Detroit mix of the album!
Not even starting watching this yet ... but I know it's gonna be ace. The Polyphonic channel is quality every time.
When Rolling Stone put "What's Going On" at the top of the list I thought they were crazy. This video helped me understand why it deserves that spot.
I'm surprised you didn't understand after you listened to it. You needed a video to convince you?
@@Rahz57 I mean it's not that odd. To understand the exact context you'd need some knowledge on both the history of the US during that time period and Marvin Gaye's career. This song had impact because it broke the mold for him as an artist.
Also, I just don't get why the comment was necessary. Why criticize someone for realizing the power in a song later than you rather than celebrate that they've come to appreciate it to the same degree as you?
Why?....It's always been in their top 5 or 10 since inception of their list.
It was well deserved.
And there's the entire component of how this music was composed/how great it sounds, which goes on top of what this video talks about.
He released this album to confront the social injustices he faced half a century ago that are still present today. I really do hope his dream of loving your fellow man comes true and we no longer face them half a century from now.
Amen!
It is an emotional masterpiece, I still get emotions listening to it having discovered it only about a decade ago. The CD version has a sound titles “Sad Tomorrows” that is a gem. I wish Marvin had stayed longer in this vein of music, but I still love the love songs.
Isn’t an earlier version of Flying High?
Pedro Villela it sounds like an early take to be me, I think the vocals are more early 60’s for lack of a better description
@@tlister67 “i did the best i could ,nobody understood”
One of the top 5 American albums ever. Arguably as good as anything the British put out. That record is brilliant from start to finish. Brilliant.
I can’t really understand why viewership of this channel isn’t in the millions for every video. The research, the quality, the message have only improved over the years. And if anything deserves some serious traffic it’s this channel and especially this video. While i know your vids aren’t getting millions every time, please know how much we love your content and how important it is in a lot of ways. Keep creating brother
An absolutely brilliant record. Quite possibly the greatest R&B record there ever was.
It's amazing (and tragic) to think that Inner City Blues (give or take a lyric about inflation) is absolutely as relevant now as it was then.
I hope one day we get to a point where this album is no longer relevant at all to the modern day. As amazing as it is I dont think this one should be timeless in regards to it's lyrical themes. Truly an incredibly powerful piece of protest music.
The themes of this album are very relevant to things we are facing in this country today as well. It is a beautiful album.
Will you cover Bill Withers? Everytime I hear "Lean on me" I think to myself, "this has to be one of the greatest soul songs ever written".
Rolling Stone's #1 Greatest Album of All Time 🔥🔥 The first album where a Motown artist directly challenged the control of Berry Gordy's pop machine to make a cohesive masterpiece. Seminal album
The 2020 list sucks though, any list with taylor swift in the top 100 albums should not be taken seriously. I prefer the 2012 list a lot more where its still on an impressive number 6 spot.
@@DanielBuschkens The 2009 list is my favorite. They include albums that had an actual impact on music rather than what is popular. There are a few duds, but including Sgt. Pepper’s as #1 is reasonable as it had the most impact on music and the whole world, being the most influential album on music history.
@@DanielBuschkens Agreed, although I don't take the Taylor Swift placement at 99 seriously considering she was a voter on the damn selection committee. But I did find there was a lot more inclusion of great artists in the 2020 list not previously present on the 2003/2012, like Sade.
@@thomasnelson5758 yes i also look forward listening too all the new artists on the new list (except taylor swift) but still gotta finish the old one still :p
Marvin opened the door to another top 5 album of all time... Stevie Wonder's Songs in the key of life.
One way you can tell how great something is is by realizing and measuring how many things it directly influenced after its debut. "What's Going On" is one of those markers in history where you can say, this was R&B before What's Going On, and this is R&B after its release.
The album is spiritual. Blew me away listening to it for the first time in 1978 when a friend had the tape in his car. I stayed in the cold car while they were in the pub just to hear the full album. Still moves me every time I listen to it. I always suggest this album to anyone who has not heard it as everyone seems to be blown away with the message and the music. Spent 8 hours with Ed Wolfram who was a sound engineer with Motown, he played us some alternate takes of what's going on, shear magic.
probably won't catch this comment which is cool honestly - i need to comment not just for the algorithm & the attention this video deserves // i'd like to attempt to express my gratitude for this video contextualizing the social matters surrounding this album making it relevant yesterday, today, & tomorrow alongside the musicianship (the hard & soft, the gorgeousness & severity // the transitions ALONE)
i'm 33 & this album was my life in my ear when i was born, coming of age yearning to be a musician with the inability to have eyes closed to what is going in on this world
thank you, thank you so much for this!
The best R&B album. Period. And remember, Mercy Mercy Me was not removed from the downtrodden experience. Pollution is mainly deposited where people are powerless to defy it.
I started listening to this album lately and was so disheartened to find there's no commentary on the album and it's context on UA-cam. Lo and behold Polyphonic delivers the goods! It would be great to see you visit more top albums from the 60s/70s etc
Fun fact: He actually tried out for the Detroit Lions in 1970. A few Lions then went on to sing backup on "What's Going On".
Right on, man. This was well made and damn well a worthy tribute.
Favorite album of all time. Playing it all throughout today to celebrate
you know, I never really listened to this, I grew up in a Prog/heavy rock house, but now this is one of my favorite albums.
I grew up listening to Prog and Heavy rock music, but I also listened to r&b. Marvin was one of the best.
@@darkkiss7247 Yeah, my dad wasn't the nicest person to me, but I will say he had a great taste in music, but Poly has definately helped me expand my taste, and I am very glad for that
Well it should be with BLMs going on!
That's my father on the opening sax on what's going on RIP dad.
Your dad was a legend
When I am feeling down about the world (usually through an over-consumption of social media I have to admit), I go a quick car ride and sing along to the album. It's amazing.
The Dope Antidote ; )
ooo, i think i'm going to have to steal that
@@burgesssam Please do! 😊
This is my all time favorite album. It wasn't because of the social message, but the music and vocal arrangements..of all time is a big statement, but that's what it is.
Please follow it up with a piece on Gil Scott Heron
I think you got to request it via Patreon.
Yes! I was just thinking this
Yes please, this would be a natural follow up to this video. As he also made a lot of music which politically was and still is relevant.
Also if you do not know it, listen to Haron's cover of intercity blues. Very worth while, as most of is work really is.
Always wondered why he is not better known, his music sure was influential.
This is my favorite album ever made, it just means so much to me that I can't nearly fully express my love for this album
Thank you for all your appreciation and documentation.
"Whitey's on the Moon" by Gil Scott Heron would be interesting to elaborate too.
that has aged hilariously. the message is almost literally "technical innovation and exploration is gay"
Loved this album my whole life. First listened when I was 13.
Thank you so much. This is on my desert island disc list.
I was listening to What's Going On with a friend, who, knowing my political inclinations, asked if we couldn't just keep politics out of our discussion of that song. Uhhh, bro - have you listened to the lyrics??
Marvin was prescient - most of the issues he addresses in this album are still with us. I think he would be shocked to see so little progress for 50 years.
Racial issues have boiled up after a long time simmering. We are still fighting for clean water and clean air, even though it's been decades since Rachel Carson wrote Silent Spring, bringing attention to the pesticides we were eating and drinking and the chemicals used in manufacturing of pretty much everything.
It often feels like the road is getting steeper, but I will never give up on things that matter. As long as I have great music, I'll be okay.
I watched Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” a few weeks ago and since then I’ve been relistening to this album more and more
I really love this album, I got a 2001 remastered double CD that has the "Detroit Mix" of "What's Going On" and it is by far the best version of this iconic album, totally different than the commercial release. Most folks never listened to this version of the album and it makes me wonder why! Thanks for this retrospective of one of my favorite albums of all time!
In those early years, Berry Gordy and Motown were trying to make that money and break racial barriers musically. I can't blame him.
But Marvin Gaye made quite a statement with "What's Going On". And thank God for Gaye creating this amazing work.
(Edit: I need to go back and listen to this album again.)
Watching this looking at my what’s going poster on my ceiling and my supreme what’s going on hoodie RIP Marvin really love him
Great video! Someone probably mentioned this already, but that wasn't a picture of the Four Tops Obie Benson. That was Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs, the voice of Audrey 2 from Little Shop of Horrors.
I was going to mention that.
Superbly done. Hope that this soon gets exponentially more views. We need this.
I absolutely love the topics that your videos cover and the unique style that goes into each of them. Amazing
I am always impressed with the quality of this channel. The design. The voice. The content. Absolutely stunning
Man, this record is just timeless and a national treasure! Cheers from Macedonia, Europe!
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Thanks,
Polyphonic
I want to ask, if this 80s song callled,
The most mysterious song on the internet
Gets solved can you make a video about it?
YES
The timing for this video is just perfect. Here in Colombia we are going through a very rough situation. I'm just trying to be a refugee in "What's going on?" Because I'm asking myself that same question.
Thanks for the video!!
It's a concept album!
Why did nobody mention that?
Time will bear out that this is one of the most important pieces of music ever created. Excellent video.
Just watched a documentary series where it appeared, "1971: The Year Music Changed Everything", it's well worth checking out.
This is one of the greatest videos I've ever watched. Your editing and script are well informed and incredible. Keep up the great work.
I just can't fathom that exactly the same things that Marvin Gaye was singing about 50 years ago are still haunting this world today.
This song is timeless. It has an atmosphere with a breezy latin feel
that always makes me feel good, even though the lyrics are serious and prophetic. This song, along with Mercy Mercy Me show where Mr Gaye
could have gone if he was still with us.
Right on, indeed.💜💜💜💜💜
Every fan of music should have this album in his or her collection (along with "Kind of Blue", "Dark Side of the Moon" and "Sign O' The Times"...)
Live this album, living this album, learning from this album? Just lucky to be born before it’s creation and it existence as art. Uniquely connected to the body of work.
How can someone dislike such a beautiful video??? Keep it up man this was incredible!!!!!
Great vid... one correction: that pic is NOT Obie Benson. That’s Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops
It's by far my favorite album of all time and I'm glad I found someone covering it.
I was five years old when "What's Going On" was released. My mom played it so much that I remember most of the songs' beat lines. "Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)" at the end where the female voice wailed in this haunting vocal sent chills down my spine and spooked me. But to deny the power of this album is to deny the messages that it conveyed be it then or in our times right now.
The Beatles made their "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heartclub Band" transforming what Rock albums could be; "What's Going On" is R & B's answer to The Beatles for future R&B/Soul artist like Steve Wonder (Songs in the Key of Life), Janet Jackson (Rhythm Nation) and Lauryn Hill (The Mis-Education of Lauryn Hill) to name a few. The idea that a central theme, message, and iconic songs speak to where listeners owe a debt of gratitude to Marvin's persistence and the musicianship created on that album.
Thanks for bringing this point to light and for a new generation of activists and music lovers to give it a listen.
Wow, such a well researched piece of music journalism 😎
Hands down one of the greatest albums ever made.
The 73 people that disliked this video are a part of the very reason why this album was and is necessary.
I have a very particular story with this song. I had a social studies teacher in middle school, and everyone Wednesday we had “What’s going on Wednesday” predictability my teacher played this song well we wrote about whatever we wanted. The first time we did this he told us the original context for the song and everything. He was my favorite teacher as he made me enjoy history and think about it more critically. He also started my school’s GSA. Unfortunately he left the school when I was in 8th grade. But still I always think about that year or so during middle school where everything was working out. This song makes even more sense when we include the fact that I spent half of my middle school career in quarantine. Anyway cool Video, I love this song.
Thank you I'm 27 years old and you reminded me of how much I love Marvin Gaye. 💘
Oh, god, I love you. You bring out the important takes every damn time!
THIS SONG IS STILL AS RELEVANT AS IT WAS IN THE 70'S MAYBE EVEN MORE SO. THAT WAS ON POINT COMMENT FROM "The3121" HE WAS TELLING IT LIKE IT IS NOT ASKING THE QUESTION. MARVIN'S MUSIC (ESPECIALLY THE ONES HE WROTE AND PRODUCED FOR HIMSELF) WAS THE EQUIVALANT OF A MUSICAL REMRANT OR PICASSO!!
Great video man!!
EXCELLENT!! Great essay... one of your finest. Thank you!
I keep thinking I’ve found my favorite video of yours and you CONSTANTLY prove me wrong with new, fantastic uploads. This was a beautiful video.
The most remarkable album of all time, It's messages still hold up to this day
Haven't even watched it yet and just automatic thumbs up right away. What's Going On automatically gets that thumbs up no matter what.
Quick note. That wasn’t Obie Benson, that was Levi Stubbs.
Couldn’t wait to watch. Couldn’t have been more touched. ty.
this for me is the best album ever made
Fantastic work yet again
Great piece! One small critical observation. When you correctly stated that "What's Going On" was written by Renaldo "Obie"Benson of the Four Tops you incorrectly showed a picture of lead singer Levi Stubbs.
One tiny nit--Tammi Terrell's last name was pronounced with the accent on the second syllable (tuh-RELL).
Thank you!!! It's a big nit and I wrote something similar. Glad I scrolled down to see you noticed, too, It really invalidates the speaker's knowledge of the duo when he doesn't know her name. Kinda like referring to R.E.M. as Rim or Jay Z as Jazzy.
Another great video, expertly done, about a subject that means a lot to me, and expands upon it. Insightful, Interesting, and moving. I used to work at a mini golf/go cart place that had a muzac and it was filled with many songs I couldn't stand, and What's Going On. I would get so excited I would sing the lyrics loud and proud. It didn't matter that I had a terrible voice. I felt it in my bones. Every 87 min, around the clock. :)
One of the greatest albums ever
And then his own father shot him. SMH. His passing was an incalculable loss.
Marvin Gaye had been suicidal for a long time before his death. His father, Marvin Sr. was abusive towards his wife and children, and so, there was some speculation that by giving his father a gun and escalating a fight with him, Marvin Gaye succesfully accomplished three things: ended his life which was full of addiction and suffering, freed his mother from her abusive husband, and made sure that the rest of his father's life was going to be miserable. We carry his memory within us.
I would agree.
@@iwogoryca2684 woah.
@@iwogoryca2684 damn that's depressing
What a great video and a fitting tribute to such a beautiful and precious abum
I really appreciate the course you chose to highlight for your sponsorship. It could've undercut your message, but you pulled it off!
I think this might be my favorite video of yours so far. Keep up the good work
Greatest album ever. Love it. Relevant and timeless
Idiscovered this record in 1989, at first i liked the music and didn't care about the lyrics because my english was not strong enough. This show described the album in detail, great done. Today,i love this record even more and i put it in Top 20 of all times
Geza, interesting you got it during the tumultuous era in your native country. the message is timely but you'll find enough whites listening to this but still not understanding that police brutality then and now is the same.
@@PHlophe i was 20 at that time,i saw the world thru different lenses. I can see clearlly now,the record only grows with time. I love his other work too,LET'S GET IT ON or HERE MY DEAR are both great musically,but WHAT'S GOING ON has heavyness
Over the last year, I half expecting this video was needed
You’re The Man was meant to be the follow up to What’s Goin On, and the songs that were part of that album are even greater than the ones on WGO.
Absolutely brilliant dude 🙌🏼
A change truly is going to come, but it is we, as the people, who are going to make that happen 🤍
Thank you for the passion and work you put into your videos.
You always make great essays but this one is transcendent. You also could have shy-ed away from the truth of What's Going On both then and how it applies today. Great job.
When I watch your videos, I know to open my spodify so I can listen to these artists more in depth afterward. Love your videos!
Beautiful video, the analysis and the editing is top tier.
More of these video masterpieces, please!
Marvin was great man, sad the way he died
Do you know anything about his life?
@@dondamon4669 find and read the book Divided Soul by David Ritz. Haunting and tragic book.
Excellent commentary on an excellent album. Thank you.
Sad thing is we're still asking the same questions today
Much worst on what's going on today.
Great video Polyphonic, thank you so much!