When people talk about the greatest albums ever made, What’s Going On is always part of the conversation. Released in 1971, this album was not just a collection of songs. It was a powerful message about the world, about pain, and about hope.
At the time, Marvin Gaye was already a star at Motown. He had many hit love songs and was known for his smooth voice. But the world around him was changing. The Vietnam War was still going on. Many cities in America were dealing with poverty and racial injustice. The environment was becoming a growing concern. Gaye felt all of this deeply, especially after his brother returned from the war and after the death of his close friend and singing partner Tammi Terrell.
Instead of making another romantic album, Gaye decided to speak about what was happening in society. That decision was risky. Motown was not sure that political songs would sell. But Gaye believed in the project so strongly that he refused to record anything else until the label agreed to release it. That bold move changed his career — and music history.
The album opens with the gentle but emotional title track, “What’s Going On.” It feels like a conversation. Gaye’s voice is soft, almost like he is asking a real question: What is happening to our world? Why are we hurting each other? The song does not shout. It asks us to think.
Other songs go even deeper. “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” talks about damage to the planet, something that was rarely discussed in popular music at the time. “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” speaks about economic struggles and social pressure. These were real issues in 1971, and they are still relevant today.
Musically, the album was also different. Instead of separate singles, the songs flow into each other. It feels like one long story. The arrangements are rich, with strings, horns, and layered vocals. Gaye even used multiple vocal tracks of his own voice, creating a smooth and emotional sound that became one of his trademarks.
Over the years, What’s Going On has received huge praise. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it number one on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” Critics and musicians continue to describe it as one of the most important records ever made. It showed that soul music — and pop music in general — could be thoughtful, political, and deeply personal all at once.
Many artists who came after Marvin Gaye were inspired by this album. One of them was George Michael. Known for his emotional honesty and soulful voice, George Michael often showed deep respect for classic soul music. In his own songs, especially in tracks like “Praying for Time,” you can hear a similar concern for social issues and human struggle. Like Gaye, he believed that music could say something meaningful.
What makes What’s Going On special is not just its message. It is the feeling. Marvin Gaye did not sound angry or distant. He sounded human. He sounded hurt, confused, and hopeful at the same time. That honesty is why the album still touches listeners more than fifty years later.
In the end, What’s Going On reminds us that great music is not only about catchy melodies. It is about courage. It is about telling the truth. And it is about connecting with people’s hearts. That is why this album is still considered one of the greatest ever made — and why its voice continues to speak to new generations.