That is such a great album... I'm so into it at the moment, I just cannot get tired of it, it's beautiful... I don't know that much more Marvin Gaye, but could this be his best album? Seriously, if you like soul, you have to hear What's Going On, or better, own it. Comments?
I love this album, though I don't listen to it nearly as much as some other music of that genre. Soul/R&B music has become one of my favorite styles over the last year or so. There is such intense, spiritual feeling in it, and at the same time, many artists innovate with the music brilliantly. Marvin's What's Going On is a fantastic example of music like this. I read somewhere that when Marvin sent demos of some of these songs to the producer Berry Gordy, the music was shunned quite negatively. Gordy called 'What's Going On' one of the worst songs he'd ever heard. I would guess that he didn't like Marvin's new humanitarian approach to his lyrics, either. I remember when I first got this about a year ago, I regarded it as one of the most spiritually uplifting albums I'd ever heard. The structures for the songs are simplistic, but at the same time, very unique. There is a certain spontaneity to the vocals at times, which enhances the music's fire. I can't really say the same about Let's Get it On, the other Gaye album I own. In my opinion, this album is far too messy in its vocal approach. I find that most of the melodies sound incredibly similar to one another, and boring. It's pretty clear that much of the vocals were improvised and this does little to enhance the background music. I do love the title track, however, and I have respect for people who enjoy this album. Different strokes for different folks. Laety, what other soul/R&B/funk/whatever artists do you enjoy? I'd like to discuss this style further with you. Some artists/bands that I love are Funkadelic, Parliament, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Prince (& the Revolution), and Al Green.
This has been one of my favourite albums for a long! time. It's got great fluidity from each song to the next.. Fabulous album indeed. Another Marvin album i'd recommend would be, Here, My Dear. It's good to see more people seriously into the artists you mentioned, Carnivore. I've tried to champion them for years and years on here.. Never really got far though. lol I got a cracking James Brown DVD the other week.. Boston 1968. Blew me away.
Carnivore, you really need to work for a critics magazine or something I dont own the album, but i know Marvin was great, although my favorite song, Which i think is on that album is probably "Oh mercy, mercy, me" the sax at the end is kinda haunting along with the whole song Gaye and Tammy terrel, are a duo to hear though, If ya liked "Whats Going on", try "Stand" by Sly And The Family Stone, and Al Green's "Lets Stay together", Some James Brown, "Mans world" is unique compared to most of his other songs, Also for some uplifting vibes into the atmosphere and most possibly heaven i strongly recomend STEVIE WONDER, his name must be capitalized for obvious reasons. "Songs In The Key Of Life, Vol: 1 & 2" are mindblowingly beautiful and uplifting, this album has been a positive impact upon my entire life, giving me a new vision and rhythm
There isn't really another LP by anyone that compares to 'What's Going On'. It was one of the last Motown-in-Detroit productions before they moved to LA and broke up the band of musicians that played on all the great 60s hits. Other LPs from that era worth checking out are Curtis Mayfield's 'Back to the World' and Stevie's 'Talking Book' - my favourite of his, includes 'You are the sunshine of my life', 'Superstition', and the awesomely beautiful 'I believe when I fall in love this time it will be forever'.
Well, I didn't know you were into that kind of music Chris! That's good Anyway, I also really like Funkadelic, Sly & The Family Stone, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder... and I'm forgetting many!
I've only got United, What's Going On?, Let's Get It On, Here, My Dear, I Want You, and Soulful Moods. Out of all those I think 'Here, My Dear' is the best.
Laety, have you heard anything by Parliament yet? I would recommend them highly if you haven't heard their music. They were the other group fronted by George Clinton, apart from Funkadelic. Funkadelic and Parliament are very similar, although Parliament is much more oriented towards R&B, whereas Funkadelic has psychedelic rock influences in its sound. Mothership Connection is a great album for the uninitiated.
I'd highly recommend getting "Amazing Grace" by Aretha if you haven't got it already.. Her singing on that LP makes the hairs on my neck stand on end.. Phew.
