Monday, February 14, 2011
Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On
Marvin Gaye was a singer- song writer who carried the title "The Prince of Motown" and "The Prince of Soul". Marvin's sound was unique and set him apart from his peers. Marvin sang from the soul and was undoubtedly one of the best soul singers of all time. There was a lot going on in the world both locally and internationally that sparked the ideas behind this Album. One incident involving police beating on innocent kids sparked some of the lyrics for the song "Whats going on". The poverty people were living in along with the political state of America at the time contributed to the lyrical content as well. Also the Vietnam War contributed to this album and song as well, it was the fact that we were sending people so young, so far from their families to fight in the war. The Album had great studio musicians working on it. The Funk Brothers played a big part as studio musicians and received an official credit on the album. The sound was amazing and set itself apart from other soul recordings of that time. The lyrical content set this album apart as well. The lyrical content touch on real life issues that were in the public's face at that time. The lyrics brought those issue to light and really asked "What's goin on" This album is classic and as a music industry student and lover of music myself this album has left a major impression on me. Concious minds make the best music because their passion for music mixed with relevant topics make the purest music in my opinion. I have nothing but respect for Marvin Gaye and his work, it is no wonder that he is an inspiration for even today's artists. I can not express enough that this album is classic material, the minute it dropped it was a classic in my opinion. Classic!
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Clifford,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everything that you have said about Marvin Gaye. Not only was he one of the greatest and most well known artists of his time, he was also one of the most innovative of his time. He different vocal techniques and styles that he incorporated into his music are still unparalleled today. I can remember when I was younger listening to this song on the radio, or hearing it from my parents, and not really understanding the magnitude of the song and the words. As I became older, I really started to understand the message of the song and appreciate it in a whole new way.
Clifford:
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t have said it any better myself. Marvin Gaye is considered the Prince of Motown and still is considered the Prince of Soul. With his very unique melodic melodies and musical gifts, his style set him about and apart from the rest of the music industry. When he created this album, it put a spark in the worlds ear to let all of the violence go, killing and fighting one another will not solve anything but coming together will unite us all as one. Now when I listen to this song as compared to just hearing it years ago, I feel emotionally connected to this album and I have a better appreciation for Marvin Gaye as an artist.