It is arguable that this was the most important records of the 60/70s. Reached across racial, age, genre boundaries. Everybody I've ever known loves this song.
"The way he incorporated the Vietnam war with the war he was going through with his family." Exactly! Marvin was a genius at capturing the culture, personal or societal, in his lyrics.
This song is as relevant today as it ever was. And the line where he says "Father, father, there's no need to escalate..." is really eerie, knowing what happened.
I’ve heard this song my whole life and I still get a lump in my throat every time I hear it. His voice, the message, it strikes a chord in me every time.
Look up the story of how James Jamerson was called into the recording session while he was getting hammered at the bar. He couldn’t even sit on the stool. Laid on his back with his eyes closed and played the bass to What’s Going On. Crazy.
Have you heard Marvin’s rendition “his eye is on the sparrow”. That is spiritual. It was release on the Motown Pops we love tribute album. Very powerful.
0:35 those voices are from the 1971 Detroit Lions. He got them to contribute to this masterpiece of an album. It’s one of the rare instances where the Detroit Lions don’t actually make something worse.
Motown legend James Jamerson on bass. Story has it that they pulled him out of the bar at 2am, he laid on his back and played that session in one take. WITH HIS THUMB. All of his Motown work is incredible, this might be the best.
True story only Jamerson played with "The Claw" which was his index finger. They said he was too drunk to sit on the bench so he laid on his back and played.
Can’t emphasize the importance of this album on the fabric of music and society as a whole. Such a smooth recording to be so powerful. Marvin was a tormented genius.
This album still gives me chills and leaves me in tears all these years later. His message of we need to talk to each other to build understanding and cut down on the hate is so so relevant today
The death of Marvin is one of those occasions that you just don’t forget where you were or what you were doing you heard about it, just like John Lennon and Kurt Cobain. I was 23 and a senior at the University of South Carolina and was studying for an upcoming exam listening to my stereo when the news broke. I was stunned and immediately started knocking on the doors of my fraternity brothers telling them what happened. About six or seven of us spent the next couple of hours, in disbelief in my room, smoking weed, drinking beer and listening to his “Let's Get It On” and “What’s Going On” albums. RIP 🙏🏻
Have always been a Marvin Gaye fan!! His voice and his music always bring a smile to my voice. By the way, the legendary and GOAT...James Jamerson on bass....
His voice is unmatched. Iconic Motown right here. Diana Ross’s I’M MISSING YOU was a tribute to him when he passed away and it’s such a beautiful, soulful song.
This album was one of the many great records my parents had and has never left my top ten since hearing it for the first time as a kid in 1973. I played it several times a day, sitting on the floor by our modest record player with headphones on. The whole record felt like a journey and stirred emotions I couldn’t quite understand at six years old. I knew it was beautiful and melancholy and pleading. Inner City Blues always hit me the hardest. I used to walk around singing Bob Babbitt’s incredible bassline. So simple, yet so perfect. I was too young and too isolated to understand the racial component of the discussion of class division that drives the message of the song. I was a dirt poor white kid living in a rundown two bedroom farmhouse in rural Texas with no real awareness of the inner cities of America. I thought Marvin was just singing about the plight of all impoverished people. As I got older and became more aware of the larger world, the true nature of the song evolved and hit even harder. And it still does. When that song starts, I can remember what the 1970s smelled like - there were no catalytic converters on cars, so the smell of exhaust and city streets was different. A total time machine of a record and album. It is mandatory listening for all music fanatics.
Between the 'Nam war and riots in the '60's made "what's going on?" was a question all us youngsters were asking. Growing up in Motown, with all the hits, the musicians were of such quality, but, we didn't know just how good. It was just one great song after another over the airwaves. That Motown sound led me to funk, blues, jazz and rock with those influences. Still can't feel country music to well!
When he says, father, father, I think he’s talking to God. He’s praying and saying we don’t need to escalate the war. That’s how I have always interpreted it.
A seminal album - one of the greatest of all time. Marvin finding the courage to speak his and his community’s truth helped to change things. Great music, great voice, delivered with a smoothness and class unparalleled
I absolutely love this album! “What’s Going On?” Is the consummate anti war song, and it takes me back to that incredible, crazy time…I apologize for not reading the book to which you referred and profess ignorance to it’s contents, but I do know how his life ended, so very sad. The music was funk brothers genius and Marvin Gaye is a giant among them…I was in uniform then, and you guys have no idea just how profound that fucking war changed people, what animosity it bred. I admit, I was moved to tears watching and listening to your insightful reaction. Peace..
The “Father Father we don’t need to escalate” could very well have been double entendre referencing his relationship with his father ( lots of double entendres in this brilliant album & this one definitely fits perfectly) - I must also mention (for context) that during the Viet Nam War every night on the news, without fail, we heard about plans to “escalate” referring to increasing U.S. pressure into this useless war. Sadly, Escalation became the latest word in our vocabulary. Back then, obviously before his biological father murdered him, I always took that song line as a prayer to Father/God that this war has gone on long enough & doesn’t need any additional escalation. Thank you for featuring it “What’s Going On” I love your reactions. Enjoyed “Superfly/Curtis Mayfield too!!!
Such a great song. Out of all people who have reacted to music, that I've watched, there is sure something special about the two of you ❤ Always look forward to your reactions 😊
Such a powerful song and statement. One of my all time favorites. Shout out to the studio musicians. The Funk Brothers. In my opinion should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with quite a few other studio musicians. Excellent reaction fellas Greatly appreciated 👏 ❤
@@ML-un1oi sure thing your welcome. In case you did not know there is a YT channel for the Musicians Hall Of Fame &Museum. Check it out. It has lots of great interviews(including Funk Brothers) and performances. The founder Joe Chambers passed away late last year but his family is keeping the museum going. I hope to visit it some day. It includes instruments played on some iconic recordings.
The goat for sure. Never picked up on the father reference, or should I say your interpretation. Mind sufficiently blown. And I got this sucker the year it came out! Never put that together. 🤯
Berry Gordy didn't want politics hurting the Motown brand. He didn't like Marvin's lyrics about the war and the police. He left the album sitting on the shelf for a year.
I'm 74 now, so I lived through all that, live, daily. There was a saying / greeting back then, used by everyone , " Hey, what's happening"....I always thought that wasn't just a casual thing, IT WAS AN ACTUAL SERIOUS QUESTION !!!
Man, Marvin... I grew up with this in the 70's as a teenager and though I'm a rock Zeppelin guy my older sister was into Soul and R&B so I was exposed to all of this kind of music and didn't appreciate it at the time truth be told. But, I've really come to appreciate this amazing music and artists. Marvin was a beautiful singer and a beautiful soul. RIP Marvin.
Me too!!! HUGE album!! Marvin’s peak artistic statement to this world! One of those albums that are designed to be listened to, at least one time, from beginning to end. Guys! Have u seen the TH-cam of him singing the national anthem live at a basketball game?! MUST SEE!! Coolest cat!
Great song and legendary album, he sure had everything going on and speaks the truth, we were a mess back then and still are today. He just was great period, even us old hippies loved Marvin back in the day. Try I Heard It Through the Grapevine, another of his hits and coveted by many. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶
This is my favorite album of all time too! I first heard it, in full, in college in the '90s. (I was born two years after the album came out.) Of course, I had heard the singles before, and loved them, but the full album absolutely blew my mind. John Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" did the same! I'm a hard rock and metal fan from childhood, but to me, there is *nothing* better than life-affirming soul, funk, and jazz!
He was amazing in person. I saw him at Radio City Music Hall, NYC, sometime back in the day. He came up out of the center stage floor, on a white pillar, wearing an all white suit, singing “What’s Goin On”…so amazing, an iconic singer, powerful and sweet. He reached so many of us, with haunting melodies and wickedly real words. It reached my generation’s psyche.
I commented about Curtis Mayfield when you guys were doing 'Superfly'. One of his war songs 'Back in the World' was about coming back from Vietnam. This was another of our driving around 8 track LP's.
What a poignant and heart-felt reaction, Lon and Che! Like tour guides, you helped me understand the profound journey this brilliant song takes us on. There's such soulfulness at its core that is at once sorrowful and beautifully inspiring! A remarkably intelligent and innovative musical talent. His demise is heart-breaking.
What's Going On, Marvin Gaye, 1971, Super Fly 1972, Curtis Mayfield. What a fantastic couple of years for conscious soul. I remember these albums having such an effect on my way of thinking. Both been my favourite albums ever since.
This song has always been a testiment to how music is the greatest gift of bringing people together and how we can all have an understanding of eachother and choose to love instead of have hate and division! Marvin was a special kind!!
Is this the album that Barry Gordie bet against?- didn't think it fit the Motown sound. Marvin BELIEVED in what he was saying & felt Others would too. ❤ Love this extraordinary musical commentary of "What's going on" at that time. Masterpiece to this day!! RIP Marvin🌹 Nobody like you, bro✌🏼 Young men went off to Vietnam, came home to an Unpopular sentment. These Vets waited decades for the Respect they deserved!!
When you go up with his songs, and that voice from Makeout sessions to let’s get it on the ecology song is disco song I mean him and Tammi, Terrell, and then his deathcause such a pain in your heart,that I can not listen without a permanent ache in my heart that he is still gone all these years later,
At 9:45 where he sings “and tell me friend, how in the world have you been? “ it’s like a heartfelt conversation with someone you’ve known for a long time, and you wanna know how they’re holding up, what’s good and whatcha need if anything.
Haven't heard this in soooo long. Marvin's voice is smooth as silk. So beautiful! Takes me back to where the races were coming together. (Or am I delusional?)
"And tell me friend, how in the world have you been?" - that one line never fails to make me tear up. There is an entire life summarised in a sentence. This album is a portal to pain, magic, beauty and hope. I've always thought that What's Going On and What's Happening Brother is like one long song rather than two separate pieces. An album is special when it's message doesn't diminish with time. In fact, it's more poignant than ever.
It is arguable that this was the most important records of the 60/70s. Reached across racial, age, genre boundaries. Everybody I've ever known loves this song.
It's arguable Marvin Gaye was one of the most important artists pre-2023 period.
I cry when I hear this
"The way he incorporated the Vietnam war with the war he was going through with his family." Exactly! Marvin was a genius at capturing the culture, personal or societal, in his lyrics.
What's Happening Brother is suuuch a dope track. Its my favorite on album because it feels like a real conversation.
I saw a documentary on how the song was made he played all the instruments himself and did all the background
This song is as relevant today as it ever was. And the line where he says "Father, father, there's no need to escalate..." is really eerie, knowing what happened.
I’ve heard this song my whole life and I still get a lump in my throat every time I hear it. His voice, the message, it strikes a chord in me every time.
💯 EXACTLY!!😢☮️💜
Look up the story of how James Jamerson was called into the recording session while he was getting hammered at the bar. He couldn’t even sit on the stool. Laid on his back with his eyes closed and played the bass to What’s Going On. Crazy.
This is one of the most spiritual messages in music history. I think Marvin was a very good soul who was destroyed by drugs ..
Have you heard Marvin’s rendition “his eye is on the sparrow”. That is spiritual. It was release on the Motown Pops we love tribute album. Very powerful.
James Jameson's bass playing was.sublime.
0:35 those voices are from the 1971 Detroit Lions. He got them to contribute to this masterpiece of an album. It’s one of the rare instances where the Detroit Lions don’t actually make something worse.
Motown legend James Jamerson on bass. Story has it that they pulled him out of the bar at 2am, he laid on his back and played that session in one take. WITH HIS THUMB. All of his Motown work is incredible, this might be the best.
True story only Jamerson played with "The Claw" which was his index finger. They said he was too drunk to sit on the bench so he laid on his back and played.
"The Hook"
Wrong."The Claw" @@randywhittington6622
Paul McCartney’s admitted bass idol!
Of course. Both are very melodic bassplayers. @@TheDivayenta
THIS IS ONE OF THOSE ALBUMS EVRYONE SHOULD ON. SHEAR GREATNESS.
I think u mean OWN, and I completely agree 😅😊
YOU ARE SO RIGHT. LOL TYPING WHILE ENJOYING A FRIDAY WITH CHEWABLES
@@christopherhuot2826
Can’t emphasize the importance of this album on the fabric of music and society as a whole. Such a smooth recording to be so powerful. Marvin was a tormented genius.
This is more than a song. This is a prayer. So relevant now it makes me cry. ❤️
One of thoes songs that stands the test of time it's still relevent today as is inner city blues
Listening to this brought tears to my eye's I was 18 when this album came out and this is 2024. Unbelievable 😢!!!! Loved him May he rest in peace 🙏
This album still gives me chills and leaves me in tears all these years later. His message of we need to talk to each other to build understanding and cut down on the hate is so so relevant today
I can still hear this comin out the AM radio floating across the yards during summer days
The death of Marvin is one of those occasions that you just don’t forget where you were or what you were doing you heard about it, just like John Lennon and Kurt Cobain. I was 23 and a senior at the University of South Carolina and was studying for an upcoming exam listening to my stereo when the news broke. I was stunned and immediately started knocking on the doors of my fraternity brothers telling them what happened. About six or seven of us spent the next couple of hours, in disbelief in my room, smoking weed, drinking beer and listening to his “Let's Get It On” and “What’s Going On” albums. RIP 🙏🏻
This is an absolute classic by a legendary artist. Too bad that people today don't take these words to heart. Great reaction fellas🎵🎸🎶🎼👍
Totally agree. Here we are 50 years & counting; same old same old.
James Jamerson on Bass is MAGICAL. THR BEST EVER
Have always been a Marvin Gaye fan!! His voice and his music always bring a smile to my voice. By the way, the legendary and GOAT...James Jamerson on bass....
Two of the backup singers were Detroit Lions Mel Farr & HOFer Lem Barney. They were Offensive & Defensive ROYs in 1967.
His voice is unmatched. Iconic Motown right here. Diana Ross’s I’M MISSING YOU was a tribute to him when he passed away and it’s such a beautiful, soulful song.
This album was one of the many great records my parents had and has never left my top ten since hearing it for the first time as a kid in 1973. I played it several times a day, sitting on the floor by our modest record player with headphones on. The whole record felt like a journey and stirred emotions I couldn’t quite understand at six years old. I knew it was beautiful and melancholy and pleading. Inner City Blues always hit me the hardest. I used to walk around singing Bob Babbitt’s incredible bassline. So simple, yet so perfect. I was too young and too isolated to understand the racial component of the discussion of class division that drives the message of the song. I was a dirt poor white kid living in a rundown two bedroom farmhouse in rural Texas with no real awareness of the inner cities of America. I thought Marvin was just singing about the plight of all impoverished people. As I got older and became more aware of the larger world, the true nature of the song evolved and hit even harder. And it still does. When that song starts, I can remember what the 1970s smelled like - there were no catalytic converters on cars, so the smell of exhaust and city streets was different. A total time machine of a record and album. It is mandatory listening for all music fanatics.
Beautiful words. Truly timeless music bridges all divides, dismantles boundaries. The older I get the more Marvin's genius resonates.
Virtuoso bass playing. RIP James Jamerson.
Still sounds awesome over 50 years after its release. Good stuff guys. Thanks.
Just think about the times when this came out early 70s along with Yes,Pink Floyd, Allman Brothers,Led Zeppelin etc. The greatest era of modern music
Between the 'Nam war and riots in the '60's made "what's going on?" was a question all us youngsters were asking. Growing up in Motown, with all the hits, the musicians were of such quality, but, we didn't know just how good. It was just one great song after another over the airwaves. That Motown sound led me to funk, blues, jazz and rock with those influences. Still can't feel country music to well!
Simply, the finest album of all time. nuff said.
Just 100% Genius - Marvin Gaye knew what he wanted; he was letting his heart and soul flow.
A Masterwork by Marvin Gaye (genius) R.I.P.
When he says, father, father, I think he’s talking to God. He’s praying and saying we don’t need to escalate the war. That’s how I have always interpreted it.
Timeless classic. This song will always break me down whenever I hear it. Always has.
Simply one of the most important albums. He used it as a complete extension of his artistic visions and emotions.
"What's Going On" is one of the greatest works of art of any genre of the Twentieth Century !
my uncle gave me this CD before he passed away tru Soul music
Damn... tears every time... what a superb piece of art this album is.
stranded on an island album, this song alters my consciousness
A seminal album - one of the greatest of all time. Marvin finding the courage to speak his and his community’s truth helped to change things. Great music, great voice, delivered with a smoothness and class unparalleled
Doesn't get much better than that. Timeless classic.
One of the GOATS.
One of the best songs ever. ❤
This album is a masterpiece.
Marvin Gaye was one of a kind! Very Special dude in his day ❤ RIP 🙏
I absolutely love this album! “What’s Going On?” Is the consummate anti war song, and it takes me back to that incredible, crazy time…I apologize for not reading the book to which you referred and profess ignorance to it’s contents, but I do know how his life ended, so very sad. The music was funk brothers genius and Marvin Gaye is a giant among them…I was in uniform then, and you guys have no idea just how profound that fucking war changed people, what animosity it bred. I admit, I was moved to tears watching and listening to your insightful reaction. Peace..
It's "Divided Soul," by David Ritz.
The “Father Father we don’t need to escalate” could very well have been double entendre referencing his relationship with his father ( lots of double entendres in this brilliant album & this one definitely fits perfectly) - I must also mention (for context) that during the Viet Nam War every night on the news, without fail, we heard about plans to “escalate” referring to increasing U.S. pressure into this useless war. Sadly, Escalation became the latest word in our vocabulary. Back then, obviously before his biological father murdered him, I always took that song line as a prayer to Father/God that this war has gone on long enough & doesn’t need any additional escalation. Thank you for featuring it “What’s Going On” I love your reactions. Enjoyed “Superfly/Curtis Mayfield too!!!
RIP: Marvin Gaye 💔🔥🎹 U R Missed
Sadly, we lost another legendary artist way to soon, I also love this album.
Hi La and Che... the Mount Rushmore of soul music... Marvin Gaye..Otis Redding...Al Green...Sam Cooke....
Among others...
One of my favorite all time songs. I can still recall the time this song hit the radio.
Beyond iconic. Too many superlatives to describe Marvin Gaye.
Yet another great great song from 1971...the best year in music
Marvin Gaye was simply one of the best. He could touch your soul for sure!
Classic in every sense of the word.
Goose bumps ! James Jamerson is incredible. The strings are perfect. The voice! Amazing.
Such a great song.
Out of all people who have reacted to music, that I've watched, there is sure something special about the two of you ❤
Always look forward to your reactions 😊
It's the most important album ever recorded
THIS.
anyone is welcome to try to prove me wrong...but you can't
Such a powerful song and statement. One of my all time favorites. Shout out to the studio musicians. The Funk Brothers. In my opinion should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with quite a few other studio musicians. Excellent reaction fellas Greatly appreciated 👏 ❤
I believe some or all of them may be in The Musicians Hall Of Fame in Nashville. And that place has more credibility than the R&RHOF.
Thanks for that. If I was a musician that would be the cherry on top. Thanks for sharing.
@@ML-un1oi sure thing your welcome. In case you did not know there is a YT channel for the Musicians Hall Of Fame &Museum. Check it out. It has lots of great interviews(including Funk Brothers) and performances. The founder Joe Chambers passed away late last year but his family is keeping the museum going. I hope to visit it some day. It includes instruments played on some iconic recordings.
@@bradsense7431 👍
The goat for sure. Never picked up on the father reference, or should I say your interpretation. Mind sufficiently blown. And I got this sucker the year it came out! Never put that together. 🤯
Timeless and awesome. Rock on.
The 70's wasn't an era, it was an emotion musically speaking!! Music paints a picture then we frame it in our mind!! #POWERFUL🔥
This needs to hit the air waves on repeat today.
What’s going on is my favorite song. #1
Him and Otis are my favorites! I love this album.
Berry Gordy didn't want politics hurting the Motown brand. He didn't like Marvin's lyrics about the war and the police. He left the album sitting on the shelf for a year.
I'm 74 now, so I lived through all that, live, daily. There was a saying / greeting back then, used by everyone , " Hey, what's happening"....I always thought that wasn't just a casual thing, IT WAS AN ACTUAL SERIOUS QUESTION !!!
MASTERPIECE...there is such a spiritual tone to "What's Goin' On"...another singer comparable in the scope and character of his music is Sam Cooke...
How can you not love this?
Marvin Gaye was amazing.
Salute to the band, sweet sounds.
Man, Marvin... I grew up with this in the 70's as a teenager and though I'm a rock Zeppelin guy my older sister was into Soul and R&B so I was exposed to all of this kind of music and didn't appreciate it at the time truth be told. But, I've really come to appreciate this amazing music and artists.
Marvin was a beautiful singer and a beautiful soul. RIP Marvin.
An All-Timer!
Makes me sad every time
Me too!!!
HUGE album!!
Marvin’s peak artistic statement to this world!
One of those albums that are designed to be listened to, at least one time, from beginning to end.
Guys! Have u seen the TH-cam of him singing the national anthem live at a basketball game?!
MUST SEE!!
Coolest cat!
Great song and legendary album, he sure had everything going on and speaks the truth, we were a mess back then and still are today. He just was great period, even us old hippies loved Marvin back in the day. Try I Heard It Through the Grapevine, another of his hits and coveted by many. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶
This could never be duplicated in a million years!
This is my favorite album of all time too! I first heard it, in full, in college in the '90s. (I was born two years after the album came out.) Of course, I had heard the singles before, and loved them, but the full album absolutely blew my mind. John Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" did the same! I'm a hard rock and metal fan from childhood, but to me, there is *nothing* better than life-affirming soul, funk, and jazz!
Ya'll are ON FIRE, TODAY!! THANKS for the GREAT TUNES and the reactions and INPUT!!! GREAT to see people just ENJOYING GOOD MUSIC!!!❤
Song defines an era. This Lp is one of the most seminal musical works of our time. I used the word, "Lp" ... I'm dating myself 🙂
A special date night with my wife was a Marvin Gaye concert at the Circle Star theater in the Bay Area in the late 70's.
IIRC, he did all his own BG vox, first time this was done ever done on a Motown Record and on a major album by a pop star.
The LEGENDARY Iconic musical Genius Mr Marvin Pence Gaye
He was amazing in person. I saw him at Radio City Music Hall, NYC, sometime back in the day. He came up out of the center stage floor, on a white pillar, wearing an all white suit, singing “What’s Goin On”…so amazing, an iconic singer, powerful and sweet. He reached so many of us, with haunting melodies and wickedly real words. It reached my generation’s psyche.
Wow. I know that was amazing!! I’m jealous
Marvin was the definition of cool. Brilliant talent gives me that old time grove
I commented about Curtis Mayfield when you guys were doing 'Superfly'. One of his war songs 'Back in the World' was about coming back from Vietnam. This was another of our driving around 8 track LP's.
Curtis is definitely another stand out. "Move On Up", "Pushermam", "If There's Hell Below (we're all gonna go)".
This album I bought it in 1971 , it’s a masterpiece , greatest album ever
What a poignant and heart-felt reaction, Lon and Che! Like tour guides, you helped me understand the profound journey this brilliant song takes us on. There's such soulfulness at its core that is at once sorrowful and beautifully inspiring! A remarkably intelligent and innovative musical talent. His demise is heart-breaking.
One of my favorite albums. Just listened to it yesterday so u guys are right on. Always such a spiritual listen when I want to change the mood.
What's Going On, Marvin Gaye, 1971, Super Fly 1972, Curtis Mayfield. What a fantastic couple of years for conscious soul. I remember these albums having such an effect on my way of thinking. Both been my favourite albums ever since.
Love this man for all of his talent and wisdom. Such a tragic loss💔 This album is pure gold. Great reaction and comments guys, thanks so much.
Phenomenal song, been loving this for years !!!!!!! YEARS !!!😘😘😘
This song has always been a testiment to how music is the greatest gift of bringing people together and how we can all have an understanding of eachother and choose to love instead of have hate and division! Marvin was a special kind!!
James Jamerson on bass❤
One of the most iconic songs of all time! Thank you, Marvin!
Is this the album that Barry Gordie bet against?- didn't think it fit the Motown sound. Marvin BELIEVED in what he was saying & felt Others would too. ❤ Love this extraordinary musical commentary of "What's going on" at that time. Masterpiece to this day!! RIP Marvin🌹 Nobody like you, bro✌🏼
Young men went off to Vietnam, came home to an Unpopular sentment. These Vets waited decades for the Respect they deserved!!
When you go up with his songs, and that voice from Makeout sessions to let’s get it on the ecology song is disco song I mean him and Tammi, Terrell, and then his deathcause such a pain in your heart,that I can not listen without a permanent ache in my heart that he is still gone all these years later,
At 9:45 where he sings “and tell me friend, how in the world have you been? “ it’s like a heartfelt conversation with someone you’ve known for a long time, and you wanna know how they’re holding up, what’s good and whatcha need if anything.
Always loved Marvin's music. He's from my hometown, too.
Incredible album, love everything about it. There’s great live video of him performing at Montreux 1980, band kills it’s amazing
Haven't heard this in soooo long. Marvin's voice is smooth as silk. So beautiful! Takes me back to where the races were coming together. (Or am I delusional?)
Leaves you feeling a certain kind of way
"And tell me friend, how in the world have you been?" - that one line never fails to make me tear up. There is an entire life summarised in a sentence. This album is a portal to pain, magic, beauty and hope. I've always thought that What's Going On and What's Happening Brother is like one long song rather than two separate pieces. An album is special when it's message doesn't diminish with time. In fact, it's more poignant than ever.