I want to clarify this as well. This is not my first listening to Marvin Gaye, merely my first listen to this particular. I've heard the popular songs such as Sexual Healing, Let's Get It On. And my favorite Marvin Gaye songs have always been Distant Lover I Want You and Just To Keep You Satisfied. So don't misconstrue. But I will be doing some more Marvin songs that I haven't heard in the future.
i wish you'd do some earlier stuff like "doggone" and "ain't that peculiar" and "that's the way love is". and of course, my very favorite: "if i could build my whole world around you" with tammi terrell
One of the greatest albums ever made. As relevant today as it was back then (Unfortunately) At the time Berry Gordy didn't want to release the album saying it was too controversial compared to anything Motown had released up until that point. Finally Gordy gave in and thank GOD he did because not only did it send out a message that needed to be heard but it opened the door for Stevie Wonder & The Temptations to write & release their own socially conscious masterpieces. ✌
It's funny because Marvin told Motown (Owner Berry Gordy and others) "put this album out or I'm gone." Motown didn't want to put this album out because it didn't fit the Motown "formula." Marvin had to basically force them to release it. 1971.
Hello from Texas, I am a white guy who grew up in a small town in central Kansas. I am 63 (even though in my mind, I still think I’m in my 30’s). This song came out just as I was entering high school and I have heard it many, many times and yet the impact of it has never lessened, and it remains one of my all-time favorite songs, both musically and in regards to the message. As you so eloquently put, it’s a very finely-written, produced and performed work of art. The song was released in 1971, and we were still very much involved in the Vietnam war at that time. All of us guys in high school were terrified of being drafted. The mandatory draft was dropped only 3 years before I would have turned 18, and therefore eligible to be sent to Vietnam. Having lived in that time period, to me the song not only addresses the black experience in America at the time, but also all of the needless fighting and killing in Vietnam. There was an absolute feeling all around the country at that time, of “what’s going on“? Even though I grew up on rock ‘n’ roll, I am also very much a fan of Motown and have had the pleasure of seeing several of the top Motown legends in concert, as well as several other soulful singers that recorded for other record labels. Several of the artists are no longer with us. So far, the list of those amazing artists that I have seen in concert includes: ▫️Aretha Franklin ▫️Stevie Wonder ▫️Etta James ▫️Al Green ▫️Gladys Knight ▫️Diana Ross (I had a ticket to see the amazing Smokey Robinson before the pandemic hit, and unfortunately the concert was canceled and has not yet been rescheduled) I thought I would send you a link to a similarly-themed song of universal acceptance, by the late great artist Robert Palmer, that I think you might enjoy. In addition to having similar themes, it also has the same slow-groove vibe, with a bit of an optimistic backbeat. The song is called “Every Kinda People”, released in 1978, just seven years after Marvin Gaye’s classic. ua-cam.com/video/fhB_ZthG55g/v-deo.html Keep up the great reactions, and wishing you continued success with your channel. ☮️ Steve in Dallas
Back in the day... had this on cassette and it could be played on “loop”. Unless you listen to the whole album like this, you can’t appreciate how the last track, Inner City Blues, fades back in to the first track, which we are listening to now. It is truly a masterpiece.
I am 64 year old white male and I come to tears every time I hear this song for a couple of reasons!! The lyrics really hit home and it is amazing that 50 years after this song was released the lyrics are still relevant!! Thanks for this reaction!!
It’s hard to describe how important this song was back when it was released and then how relevant it is still today. I think the message of this song is that we will never solve our problems without honest dialogue and communication. I think back to this last summer when I hear this song.
Rolling Stone magazine listed this album as the number 1 album of all time in 2020. "Only Love Can Conquer Hate"...... would love to get that word out to the young people today. They don't have a clue! War is NOT the answer.
Interesting trivia. The Motown Records people (higher ups) did not want him to do this. They only wanted "feel good" songs about love, etc. He won, of course and the rest is history.
Shows you that way before, during the time he released the album and up to this day, the higher-ups are clueless and wanting to suppress anything that doesn't fit their agenda.
The one you can start asking the people your age young people to get out and vote you can do that that's where you can start at using that as a moderate ambulance or whatever you want to call it you can talk to the young people we need their boat we really need all of the votes that we possibly can get @@Nico_Tena
This song makes me shed tears. I like how he has people talking to show that he wants healing for the neighborhood. He also speaks about people who have long hair (like white guys in the 60s) who were insulted for their long hair among peaceniks.
Oh yes. The fabulous James Jamerson played bass on the majority of songs on this album, especially every song on Side 1 except the last one ("Mercy, Mercy Me, The Ecology").
This my brother is my favorite album of all time. Marvin hit a level of consciousness thats still relevant today. In the recording, Marvin overdubs his own vocals. Also, there were members of the Detroit Lions football team. The musicans were one of, if not the greatest group of musicians, on literally every Motown recording. They were the fabulous Funk Brothers. This was some of their best work. Legend has it that Marvin had it in his mind at a time and needed to get what was in his mind on tape. He went and found the bass player James Jamison. James was a bit under the influence but came and layed down this track. By the way, the idea for the album came from Marvin's conversations with his brother Frankie when he came back from serving in the Vietnam War. As well as the climate and social atmosphere within the country. Listen to the entire album, start to finish. It's a true masterpiece! Peace to All !!!
Go look up the story about how they had to get James Jamerson from a bar to record this. He was hammered drunk, and couldn’t even sit on a stool. He had to lay on his back with his eyes closed on the studio floor, and played one of the greatest bass lines ever. What a legend.
One of the greatest singers I love this man’s voice straight up from a Mexican like me this song makes me cry I think of my past of a girl I loved even though this song has nothing to do with that Angelical voice
Everyone acknowledges that this song is a Motown classic, but man, the production was on another level. They were doing stuff with this song that was on par with what George Martin was doing with The Beatles at the same time across the pond. Totally different genres, but similar genius.
Yes!!! A GREAT comparison between the producer and artists!!! And what I put on the HIGHEST pedestal pertaining to music is both “Soul Music” and The Beatles!!! They both go the same distance for me!!! They are both the greatest melodies and vibes to have EVER rocked this earth!!!!!
Grew up with this song. I read / heard recently that it was about the devastation of the Vietnam War & all the men we were losing. The ratio of young black vs white men that were being killed was difficult not to notice. Powerful tune, truly gorgeous!
Yup. President Johnson was big on escalating. He passed a lot of civil rights legislation and worked with Martin Luther king, but the black losses in Vietnam nam divided them. Amazing song. Amazing voice
Yes my dad too. I know all Motown songs because of my dad passing them down. Hes gone now but my memories of listening to this music with my dad is not.
What's Goin' On is rightly placed among the Top Five albums of the entire classic rock era records, right at the very top with the Beatles' and Jimi Hendrix's landmark albums. And well What's Goin' On should be. Marvin Gaye's astonishing symphonic concept album single-handedly invented néo-soul, laid the basis for Spoken Word, provided a template for social consciousness-concept albums in rock, soul, funk, R&B, Hip Hop, Rap, everything. And the sheer heartbreaking prescience of Gaye's visionary, humanist explorations: anti-militarism, pro-environmentalism, anti-racism, anti-police brutality, income/class inequality, One World, et al.--the issues that are so relevant and resonate so clearly TODAY. And Jay Rah, dig your Visions. Let's see some more!
Hell yeah! 'Bout damn time. This whole album is so ridiculously good. Composition, arrangement, the message, and, oh yeah, James Jamerson. Hard to top it.
I can't hear this song without crying. The opening line was meant to be about the Vietnam War. However, it is just as meaningful today when you consider the reactions you have so beautifully included in your reaction ... probably the best reaction I've ever heard on UA-cam. The entire album is amazing and, recently, CNN did a very good tribute to Gaye and his work and horrible death. Thank you!!!
I bought this in ‘71 when it came out and it’s still on my Iphone today. The whole album is really one piece . Music and lyrics are next level . The message resonates today
Gone too soon but put a lifetime of music into 44 years. Being a white kid, in Iowa, born in 83, fuck....I heard a lot of Marvin growing up, his music reminds me of being a kid. Great review Jay
Welcome to my youth! I’m a rocker, and a Motown fanatic! In the real music world, there is no racism. All are welcome! I’m white Irish. My mother loves soul music. I’ve liked harder rock since I was 6. Still do at 63. Still love Motown. Prog, grunge YES & AIC are my favs. Marvin Gaye was an incredible artist.
Bro, your assessment of this song is just as magical as this song. This song was released in 1971. Now those first 2 lyrics in this song still rings true now in 2021. This clearly suggests that Marvin was way ahead of his time.
The most influential songs I believe of my generation,as a teen back then,and sadly this world isn't changing. Marvin was a genius. Melissa Ward here. I miss all his music that was on the radio 24/7. A terrible loss,when we lost this man. He had a way about him that everyone followed and understood.
Listen to the entire album start to finish at least once. His masterpiece!! ULTRA HIP!! Perspective: this song came out when I was 11 or 12. I’m 62 now.
Last week was the 50th Anniversary of this song and album released........check out the long version of "What's Going On".....all the songs on the album are relevant for today's current events.
The song, arrangement and lyrics are all so good, that you sometimes barely notice that you're listening to one of the 10 greatest male singers to have ever walked this earth. I'm not arguing against Pavarotti, Caruso, Freddie Mercury, Sinatra, etc - I'm just including him in their company
Well said! It's like comparing apples and oranges, they're completely different. All are great, all have their own unique greatness. Marvin was a genius.
PLEASE listen and react to this whole album. It's revolutionary and just as relevant today as it was when it dropped. I was in high school. Love me some Marvin 💋
You are the first reactor I have heard react to the actual words and depth of this song. Thank you for that! You must listen to the entire album. This was Marvin Gaye's social consciousness album that Berry Gordy didn't think would be a success and refused to support. Rolling Stone magazine has named this as the number one greatest album of all time. It is a timeless album that addresses the Vietnam War, his drug addiction, and social ills. It must be listened to as an entire album, preferably in one sitting. Thank you again.
This song made a big impression when it came out. Marvin Gaye made a statement about making a difference on how racism and changing it. Bringing all walks of life together. A great man with so much heart and talent. One beautiful soothing soulful voice. Gone to soon
Thank you for THIS reaction, the greatest art is able to capture you totally and to transcend you into another world. This one also makes you cry from anger and also lifts you up. I shared many of your feelings. I am a 58 year old white from Germany and isn‘‘t it beautiful that we share the love for this music!
Grüß Gott aus Amiland -- und gut gesagt. Es zeigt dass wir eigentlich eine einzige menschliche Familie sind, die alle untrennbar in Ewigkeit verbunden.
I was born and raised in Detroit during the 60s and 70s and you're right about Motown and Marvin Gaye. It was part of Detroit's fabric and I was blessed to have Motown part of my DNA.
Marvin grew up in Detroit doing Mo town with people like Stevie Wonder , he started as a drummer then started singing , this song became the theme for Black Lives Matter , it represents everything that happened with black history back then and now
Around 1981 Marvin Gaye moved to Belgium. He was addicted, down and out. He became clean and healthy, and lived a good life by the sea. There he wrote ‘Sexual Healing’ and everybody wanted him to come back to the US. He did come back but in no time he was addicted again and things went south very quickly. In 1984, one day before his 45th birthday he was shot dead by his father with whom he’d had a bad relationship almost his whole adult life. Please listen to Sam Cooke, ‘A change is gonna come’……goosebumps!
I want to clarify this as well. This is not my first listening to Marvin Gaye, merely my first listen to this particular. I've heard the popular songs such as Sexual Healing, Let's Get It On. And my favorite Marvin Gaye songs have always been Distant Lover I Want You and Just To Keep You Satisfied. So don't misconstrue. But I will be doing some more Marvin songs that I haven't heard in the future.
i wish you'd do some earlier stuff like "doggone" and "ain't that peculiar" and "that's the way love is". and of course, my very favorite: "if i could build my whole world around you" with tammi terrell
One of the greatest albums ever made. As relevant today as it was back then (Unfortunately) At the time Berry Gordy didn't want to release the album saying it was too controversial compared to anything Motown had released up until that point. Finally Gordy gave in and thank GOD he did because not only did it send out a message that needed to be heard but it opened the door for Stevie Wonder & The Temptations to write & release their own socially conscious masterpieces. ✌
Every song on this album is awesome but this one is one of the best songs ever written
It's funny because Marvin told Motown (Owner Berry Gordy and others) "put this album out or I'm gone." Motown didn't want to put this album out because it didn't fit the Motown "formula." Marvin had to basically force them to release it. 1971.
Please add Mercy, Mercy Me to your list to listen to. Thanks.
Hello from Texas,
I am a white guy who grew up in a small town in central Kansas. I am 63 (even though in my mind, I still think I’m in my 30’s). This song came out just as I was entering high school and I have heard it many, many times and yet the impact of it has never lessened, and it remains one of my all-time favorite songs, both musically and in regards to the message.
As you so eloquently put, it’s a very finely-written, produced and performed work of art. The song was released in 1971, and we were still very much involved in the Vietnam war at that time. All of us guys in high school were terrified of being drafted. The mandatory draft was dropped only 3 years before I would have turned 18, and therefore eligible to be sent to Vietnam.
Having lived in that time period, to me the song not only addresses the black experience in America at the time, but also all of the needless fighting and killing in Vietnam. There was an absolute feeling all around the country at that time, of “what’s going on“?
Even though I grew up on rock ‘n’ roll, I am also very much a fan of Motown and have had the pleasure of seeing several of the top Motown legends in concert, as well as several other soulful singers that recorded for other record labels. Several of the artists are no longer with us. So far, the list of those amazing artists that I have seen in concert includes:
▫️Aretha Franklin
▫️Stevie Wonder
▫️Etta James
▫️Al Green
▫️Gladys Knight
▫️Diana Ross
(I had a ticket to see the amazing Smokey Robinson before the pandemic hit, and unfortunately the concert was canceled and has not yet been rescheduled)
I thought I would send you a link to a similarly-themed song of universal acceptance, by the late great artist Robert Palmer, that I think you might enjoy.
In addition to having similar themes, it also has the same slow-groove vibe, with a bit of an optimistic backbeat. The song is called “Every Kinda People”, released in 1978, just seven years after Marvin Gaye’s classic.
ua-cam.com/video/fhB_ZthG55g/v-deo.html
Keep up the great reactions, and wishing you continued success with your channel.
☮️ Steve in Dallas
This song is eternally timely and sadly still too relevant.
ETA: we all reacted to this just like you did. Marvin was a genius.
Wait? You never heard this???? This whole album is a masterpiece. It has to be listened to in whole, just like Dark Side of the Moon.
Add Blood On The Tracks/Dylan
And the Moody Blues "Days of Future Past".
And the original “concept album” Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Back in the day... had this on cassette and it could be played on “loop”. Unless you listen to the whole album like this, you can’t appreciate how the last track, Inner City Blues, fades back in to the first track, which we are listening to now. It is truly a masterpiece.
He's heard it. He was just pretending he hadn't heard it for clicks.
I am 64 year old white male and I come to tears every time I hear this song for a couple of reasons!! The lyrics really hit home and it is amazing that 50 years after this song was released the lyrics are still relevant!! Thanks for this reaction!!
It's sad, we haven't learned much all these years later.
Yessssssss !!! If you have a chance to find my comment I just made it I said the exact same thing
Ditto! On all fronts!
I'm 75, and never heard anything from him I didn't appreciate.
marvin sang ALL the parts, background included...he was the very 1st person to layer his own voice, he came up with it....and everyone uses it today
It’s hard to describe how important this song was back when it was released and then how relevant it is still today. I think the message of this song is that we will never solve our problems without honest dialogue and communication. I think back to this last summer when I hear this song.
Marvin was the Master of Motown. At the time this song came out is was considered a protest against the Vietnam War and a Civil Rights anthem.
Rolling Stone magazine listed this album as the number 1 album of all time in 2020. "Only Love Can Conquer Hate"...... would love to get that word out to the young people today. They don't have a clue! War is NOT the answer.
That line is Martin Luther King. So cool to put that to music so powerfully
Marvin Gaye- Mercy Me
A masterpiece, for all ages!
Marvin Gaye my man!!👌👌🔥🔥🔥♥️🔥🔥👑🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
Interesting trivia. The Motown Records people (higher ups) did not want him to do this. They only wanted "feel good" songs about love, etc. He won, of course and the rest is history.
Isn't this often rated as the greatest album ever made, in various polls?
I'm guessing that "Mercy, Mercy Me" (the ecology") was also not popular with the higher-ups...
Shows you that way before, during the time he released the album and up to this day, the higher-ups are clueless and wanting to suppress anything that doesn't fit their agenda.
The one you can start asking the people your age young people to get out and vote you can do that that's where you can start at using that as a moderate ambulance or whatever you want to call it you can talk to the young people we need their boat we really need all of the votes that we possibly can get @@Nico_Tena
This song makes me shed tears. I like how he has people talking to show that he wants healing for the neighborhood. He also speaks about people who have long hair (like white guys in the 60s) who were insulted for their long hair among peaceniks.
A song you don't just hear. This is a song you feel. ❤
I’ll tell where to begin brother. Track 1 and right to the end. Please listen to this entire masterpiece. Please.
For me this was Marvin Gaye at his best.
You really need to listen to the whole album. Its perfection. The genius of Marvin Gaye RIP. 🙏 There will never be another like him.😥
Easily one of the best albums of all time 🙌
Marvin was a gift to this world. 💜💚💛✌️
must here mercy mercy me The ecology I LOVE Marvin Gaye RIP
One of the best albums of all time
This song is just in my personal Top 10 of all time.
Marvin had the best bass player ever!
Oh yes. The fabulous James Jamerson played bass on the majority of songs on this album, especially every song on Side 1 except the last one ("Mercy, Mercy Me, The Ecology").
This my brother is my favorite album of all time. Marvin hit a level of consciousness thats still relevant today.
In the recording, Marvin overdubs his own vocals. Also, there were members of the Detroit Lions football team. The musicans were one of, if not the greatest group of musicians, on literally every Motown recording. They were the fabulous Funk Brothers. This was some of their best work. Legend has it that Marvin had it in his mind at a time and needed to get what was in his mind on tape. He went and found the bass player James Jamison. James was a bit under the influence but came and layed down this track. By the way, the idea for the album came from Marvin's conversations with his brother Frankie when he came back from serving in the Vietnam War. As well as the climate and social atmosphere within the country. Listen to the entire album, start to finish. It's a true masterpiece!
Peace to All !!!
Inner city blues is a must! Distant lover feels like being sandwiched between velvet sheets!!!!!
I’m 72,and all my years Marvin Gaye is one of the most soulful singers
Go look up the story about how they had to get James Jamerson from a bar to record this. He was hammered drunk, and couldn’t even sit on a stool. He had to lay on his back with his eyes closed on the studio floor, and played one of the greatest bass lines ever. What a legend.
Mother mother, there are too many of you crying.
Brother brother, there’s far too many of you dying.
Marvin had one of the smoothest voices ever. We lost him way too soon. May he forever ride that night train.
The sixties had some of the greatest music 🎶
Marvin was a genius and visionary.
This song needs to be reintroduced to the world.
Berry Gordy told Marvin this album was unreleaseable...it was tue biggest selling album in Motown history..Marvin was a genius
Marvin's voice was like champagne in a glass and silk on your body.
One of the greatest singers I love this man’s voice straight up from a Mexican like me this song makes me cry I think of my past of a girl I loved even though this song has nothing to do with that Angelical voice
Next is Mercy Mercy Me another signature song of Marvin Gaye👏
Im a 65 year old white guy. I can tell you without a doubt, Motown is the greatest music of all time. It will live forever!
Listen to this bass line. Bassist James Jamerson was the foundation of Motown. RIP James Jamerson.
Marvin had a gift and his name is Jesus you can't go wrong if you have him in you life
This song makes my soul weep. This is when Marvin started singing socially conscious songs.
Everyone acknowledges that this song is a Motown classic, but man, the production was on another level. They were doing stuff with this song that was on par with what George Martin was doing with The Beatles at the same time across the pond. Totally different genres, but similar genius.
Yes!!! A GREAT comparison between the producer and artists!!! And what I put on the HIGHEST pedestal pertaining to music is both “Soul Music” and The Beatles!!! They both go the same distance for me!!! They are both the greatest melodies and vibes to have EVER rocked this earth!!!!!
Yes and interestingly, McCartney has often said James Jamerson of The Funk Brothers was his bass inspiration.
Quite simply one of the greatest songs ever written
A timeless, relevant track. Incredible.
This song is so relevant today. That whole album was one of the best EVER made.
Still relevant today. Marvin Gaye was awesome. RIP
Grew up with this song. I read / heard recently that it was about the devastation of the Vietnam War & all the men we were losing. The ratio of young black vs white men that were being killed was difficult not to notice. Powerful tune, truly gorgeous!
Yup. President Johnson was big on escalating. He passed a lot of civil rights legislation and worked with Martin Luther king, but the black losses in Vietnam nam divided them. Amazing song. Amazing voice
Marvin It's Marvin, when you discover him, he won't let you go until the end of your life.
One of the most inspirational songs of all time. 🙏
RIP to Marvin Gaye. Sadly missed 🌹
One of the greatest songs from one of the greatest albums from one of the greatest artists of all time ❤️
This song will never not be relevant. One of the greatest songs ever written.
I like watching this with my dad. He always talks about what was going on around this time.
Yes my dad too. I know all Motown songs because of my dad passing them down. Hes gone now but my memories of listening to this music with my dad is not.
What's Goin' On is rightly placed among the Top Five albums of the entire classic rock era records, right at the very top with the Beatles' and Jimi Hendrix's landmark albums.
And well What's Goin' On should be.
Marvin Gaye's astonishing symphonic concept album single-handedly invented néo-soul, laid the basis for Spoken Word, provided a template for social consciousness-concept albums in rock, soul, funk, R&B, Hip Hop, Rap, everything. And the sheer heartbreaking prescience of Gaye's visionary, humanist explorations: anti-militarism, pro-environmentalism, anti-racism, anti-police brutality, income/class inequality, One World, et al.--the issues that are so relevant and resonate so clearly TODAY.
And Jay Rah, dig your Visions. Let's see some more!
Hell yeah! 'Bout damn time. This whole album is so ridiculously good. Composition, arrangement, the message, and, oh yeah, James Jamerson. Hard to top it.
Came out 50 years ago. So relevant today. R.I.P. Marvin
A true Legend. This song is still so very important & relevant today.
I can't hear this song without crying. The opening line was meant to be about the Vietnam War. However, it is just as meaningful today when you consider the reactions you have so beautifully included in your reaction ... probably the best reaction I've ever heard on UA-cam. The entire album is amazing and, recently, CNN did a very good tribute to Gaye and his work and horrible death. Thank you!!!
Love Marvin Gaye's music (RIP Brother)
"What's Going on" "Inner City Blues" and "Mercy, Mercy Me" all have the same echo across time that echoes with today
I am from Detroit when Marvin was alive and singing this song. He was the pulse of our generation. You had to be there.
I bought this in ‘71 when it came out and it’s still on my Iphone today. The whole album is really one piece . Music and lyrics are next level . The message resonates today
Gone too soon but put a lifetime of music into 44 years. Being a white kid, in Iowa, born in 83, fuck....I heard a lot of Marvin growing up, his music reminds me of being a kid. Great review Jay
Listen to inter city blues!!!! Marvin Gaye was magic to me for so many years now. I get it!
This song is a masterpiece.
The Song touched your Soul & your Heart. Sadly the message I still pertinent today as it was in 1970 when this came out. Timeless Track
Such an iconic track and an iconic album, too.
This is as powerful and relevant today as it was then.
There is a reason this song is always at or near the top of the "best songs ever" lists. It was incredibly important. still is.
James Jamerson on bass, guy is a legend in bass player world and anyone can hear why, this song is genuine next level
Welcome to my youth! I’m a rocker, and a Motown fanatic! In the real music world, there is no racism. All are welcome! I’m white Irish. My mother loves soul music. I’ve liked harder rock since I was 6. Still do at 63. Still love Motown. Prog, grunge YES & AIC are my favs. Marvin Gaye was an incredible artist.
Bro, your assessment of this song is just as magical as this song. This song was released in 1971. Now those first 2 lyrics in this song still rings true now in 2021. This clearly suggests that Marvin was way ahead of his time.
Marvin is still missed
Love can conquer hate is so simple, yet so powerful
The most influential songs I believe of my generation,as a teen back then,and sadly this world isn't changing. Marvin was a genius. Melissa Ward here. I miss all his music that was on the radio 24/7. A terrible loss,when we lost this man. He had a way about him that everyone followed and understood.
ALL vocals are courtesy of Marvin himself.
Listen to the entire album start to finish at least once.
His masterpiece!!
ULTRA HIP!!
Perspective: this song came out when I was 11 or 12. I’m 62 now.
Marvin Gaye has been one of my favorite singers my whole life.
Everyone on Earth should own this album!
Last week was the 50th Anniversary of this song and album released........check out the long version of "What's Going On".....all the songs on the album are relevant for today's current events.
2:57 Ah yes, the power of Marvin Gaye struck you dead on!
The song, arrangement and lyrics are all so good, that you sometimes barely notice that you're listening to one of the 10 greatest male singers to have ever walked this earth. I'm not arguing against Pavarotti, Caruso, Freddie Mercury, Sinatra, etc - I'm just including him in their company
Oh, yeah - different singers/sounds - but all amazing! (I'd go with Freddie, though - lol)
In my opinion the others do not rate with marvin, they good in their own rate. Marvin on a whole other level
Well said! It's like comparing apples and oranges, they're completely different. All are great, all have their own unique greatness. Marvin was a genius.
Marvin gaye what a man what a singer what a genius in my opinion the greatest soul singer of the Motown era,god bless his soul.🇬🇧🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏
PLEASE listen and react to this whole album. It's revolutionary and just as relevant today as it was when it dropped. I was in high school. Love me some Marvin 💋
That whole album is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 straight 70s Pimp soul
I was so affected when I first heard this. Profound!
You are the first reactor I have heard react to the actual words and depth of this song. Thank you for that! You must listen to the entire album. This was Marvin Gaye's social consciousness album that Berry Gordy didn't think would be a success and refused to support. Rolling Stone magazine has named this as the number one greatest album of all time. It is a timeless album that addresses the Vietnam War, his drug addiction, and social ills. It must be listened to as an entire album, preferably in one sitting. Thank you again.
I grew up at a time when this was on the radio… so glad you discovered it! 😀
Thank you for such a deep expression of one of my favorite singers . You are very thoughtful. Thanks again!!
The 'entire' album Whats Going On is the greatest album ever made.
Thank you for your reaction to this timeless masterpiece.
And Marvin the Entertainer became Marvin the Activist and displayed his genius and talent in the process.
This song made a big impression when it came out. Marvin Gaye made a statement about making a difference on how racism and changing it. Bringing all walks of life together. A great man with so much heart and talent. One beautiful soothing soulful voice. Gone to soon
Thank you for THIS reaction, the greatest art is able to capture you totally and to transcend you into another world. This one also makes you cry from anger and also lifts you up. I shared many of your feelings. I am a 58 year old white from Germany and isn‘‘t it beautiful that we share the love for this music!
Grüß Gott aus Amiland -- und gut gesagt. Es zeigt dass wir eigentlich eine einzige menschliche Familie sind, die alle untrennbar in Ewigkeit verbunden.
I was born and raised in Detroit during the 60s and 70s and you're right about Motown and Marvin Gaye. It was part of Detroit's fabric and I was blessed to have Motown part of my DNA.
Man, that whole album is perfection on so many levels.
Marvin grew up in Detroit doing Mo town with people like Stevie Wonder , he started as a drummer then started singing , this song became the theme for Black Lives Matter , it represents everything that happened with black history back then and now
What a classic!
Marvin Gaye is a legendary soul singer, such a great voice. Goosebumps all over. 💕💕
This is not only a song but the best album ever!
Around 1981 Marvin Gaye moved to Belgium. He was addicted, down and out. He became clean and healthy, and lived a good life by the sea. There he wrote ‘Sexual Healing’ and everybody wanted him to come back to the US. He did come back but in no time he was addicted again and things went south very quickly. In 1984, one day before his 45th birthday he was shot dead by his father with whom he’d had a bad relationship almost his whole adult life.
Please listen to Sam Cooke, ‘A change is gonna come’……goosebumps!