Sound like an idiot..so disrespectful..Im black n learning the guitar..of course I love Hendrix, but I LOVE Uncomf Numb, Stairway, etc..point is Passion forces you to investigate EVERYTHING of said subject..Im so mad right now
She’s young and likely didn’t grow up in a home where it was often heard if at all. We can be relatively certain that she’ll never forget Marvin Gaye. For the universal character of his ideas and soulful music as well as the smooth, beautiful tones of his voice.
On me! Seeing the title alone made me click on this I was disbelief lmao but at the same time, if she didn't grow up listening to him and fellow artist, I believe it. Even in the Drum videos, there are pop drummers who've never heard of Nirvana. Kind of the same thing
It is truly a rabbit hole. I straight up hijacked my father's Marvin Gaye album when I was 11. I sat in my room one Saturday for about 5 hours immersed in the music.
This entire album is beautiful, groundbreaking and a singular artisitic work. One song flows into the next, and is musically and thematically one expression. RIP Marvin G.
@Tessmage_Tessera I have heard it and it’s wonderful. I have a great memory of my brother and I teeing up side one of The Yes Album And side one of What’s Going On on our record player( you know, when one side finishes the other album drops) to go to sleep. We did that for ages.
It's a distinctly Motown protest song. This was written at a time when police brutality against civil rights & antiwar demonstrators was frequent & sometimes fatal. The US was literally escalating the the war in Vietnam. Young Black men were dying in disproportionate numbers as they were less likely to be able to get college deferments or hire lawyers to otherwise legally dodge the draft. The lyrics echo language from newspapers. The whole album is a masterpiece.
True, yet not accurate. In 1965, despite comprising only 11% of the total U.S. population, African Americans constituted 14.1% of combat deaths in Vietnam. So, yes, technically, it was disproportionate, but not by much. For the entire war, the breakdown is as follows: White: 85.6% Black: 12.4% Hispanic: 0.6% Mixed race: 0.4%
@@havok6280 The disproportionate figure is exasperated by the fact that when many of those returned home to southern states they were STILL subject to racist Jim Crow laws. Statistics only tell part of the history.
Not distinctly Motown at all. Berry Gordy did not want to release it as he thought it would upset their crossover audience which is always how they targeted their music. He was privately upset when it was so huge but then when the money rolled in there were other "protest" songs allowed.
@@tomtheeagle1 Maybe he didn't want it released but it WAS released so it sounds like wisdom from somewhere prevailed. Yes it does have a distinct Motown sound no matter the politics of it's release
Someday, people will listen to this song and think, "what a different world it was then". Unfortunately, 50+ years later, nothing has changed and the song is still relevant today.
Rele ant because idiots out there still resort to violence whe. Angry. Protesters should protest like GHANDI or mlk if they don't want force shoved back at them
Sadly it is, & to some extent it’s worse. It’s not just war, it’s gang wars, & police brutality is even worse. Hate continues, & so many die everyday, to often innocent people just in the wrong place.
Why did Marvin Gaye write the song "What's Going On"? Gaye, himself, had been inspired by social ills committed in the United States, citing the 1965 Watts Riot as a turning point in his life in which he asked himself, "'With the world exploding around me, how am I supposed to keep singing love songs?' How does the song "What's Going On" relate to the Vietnam War? The title track, with its timeless lyric "war is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate," condemned the nation's involvement in Vietnam. But the song provides an insight into the evolution of Gaye's music to encompass overtly political themes.
@@dunbarf2413 - thanks. You saved me from a lot of typing. In 1972 the lottery-draft was in place, I was 19 and I had a fortunate number. When I reported to the draft office at the Federal Building in Westwood - maybe ten floors up - I could see the thousands of headstones across Veteran Avenue of the cemetery across the street - Los Angeles National Cemetery - I assumed it to be a Veterans Cemetery. I said to the clerk, oh, headstones, how appropriate and the clerk scowled at me. The riots in 1992 were much more expansive than the 1965 riots. Parts of Fairfax Avenue were burning, that is a particularly significant border in L.A. - def into West Hollywood, "sacred territory". The film Falling Down was filmed around the riots and if you watch the movie you get a strong sense of L.A. in 1992.
my daddy( who is gone now) was a Vietnam vet, and all I could see when hearing this song was his face. Thank you so much sir for your service/sacrifice.
@mamasaidsew4843 Same I'm weeping @ 4am in California. I miss him all the time. He served 25 years. I hear him. He could sing & tell it on the mountain. 😊
I'm a 59 year old Air Force Veteran that served in Germany in the 80's. The Europeans that I knew were not like this lady at all. They knew the lyrics almost better than me. This song is an example that the world will probably never change. We still have the exact same social issues that Marvin and other African Americans dealt with at that time. Thank you for trying to understand one of the greatest soul singer's this country has ever had. There's more out there. Happy hunting.
This entire album is one of the most important recordings of 20th century American music, but the title track stands out to me as one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I'm moved to tears almoat every time I hear it, truly a singular piece of music history
Marvin was singing about turmoil and injustice in a world gone mad. Not much has changed. I consider this album THE GREATEST album of all time. Melodic, soulful and timeless. Continue resting peacefully.
I have no gift for music. I'm rhythmically challenged in every way, but your reaction to the first time hearing this song was my own. Marvin's voice can move mountains and tame restless hearts.
This album is actually to be listened to in one sitting. Absolutely amazing from start to finish. The perfect concept album. This was the beginning of an amazing 5 album run. What’s Going On I Want You Here, My Dear Trouble Man Let’s Get It On Ridiculously amazing…..
Here, My Dear was my introduction to Marvin Gaye when I was fifteen. I was not that familiar with him at the time, but I knew this album was a masterpiece. Imagine my shock, years later, when I discovered it was considered a flop! I'm proud to own the original vinyl album, which was given to me by a friend who called it a load of rubbish. As they say, 'One man's trash...'
I've seen in several interviews, Paul McCartney names James Jamerson as the bassist who opened McCartney's eyes as to what a bassist can do for a song/group. You can hear the before and after of McCartney's playing when he starts creating much more interesting baselines in the Beatles catalogue.
The first time I heard this song, I was living in Ghana in 1974, when my big sister flew over from Sierra Leone to spend a week with me. She gave me the What's Going On album on a cassette, and when I played it, this song made me feel like I was soaring like an eagle, high in the sky, observing the world's trouble spots surrounded by it's great beauty.
She’s a classically trained musician….whos beard and butter is classical music…this western notion that you need to know everything and everyone is laughable, their are ppl who refer to Jay Z as Beyoncé’s husband irrespective of how much he pops up in pop culture
@@teeboy5224 so i dont know that Mozart existed? Sorry, but those who study music should least have a rogh idea what music is. And they should know more than a random person.
Its primarily th fault of her teachers though. I have experienced this quite often. people who got a music degree and told me African Musi is no music.
Plenty of ppl know who Michael Jackson is but don’t know Gaye either….what does your point prove Lolol….China has a 1 billion population, you think everyone knows who Marvin is? Lolol stop pushing your thoughts or thinkin on others….its weird
Yeah man. It's not like it's one song. It's a whole catalog that represented an era of music. I mean she's never heard of Sexual Healing? What the hell man.... Oh wait she's not American. She gets a semi pass cuz it means it's not necessarily her fault. But now we got questions for the stock she comes. from. They all suck lol
As others have commented, Marvin Gaye was singing about making sense of the Vietnam War at home in the late 60s/early 70s. Marvin Gaye should be in at least the top five of everyone's favorite singers.
Certainly one of the most beautiful voices, I’ve loved his music as a little girl in the 60’s, this is the music my mom listened to. It was so sad & shocking when his father shot him, I remember hearing about it & being heartbroken.
Wow! Suck?? I didn't see THAT coming. There's a decade+ between 2 pieces written in entirely different galaxies & orbits--even different countries & artist's life in such entirely different compass points---dang.
This song is so relevant today. I have listened to the entire album thousands of times and it gets better and better with each listen. Marvi n's vocals, thd lyfics, the production and the arrangements are so perfect!
I agree the music the lyrics is like an invitation for others or all to take a clear view around each other & understand or realize what's happening all around us but as Amy said not in a hostile way or a radical way DEEP very DEEP.... ✌✌
I'm 55 years old and have heard this classic song thousands of times, but I have never thought deeply about the lyrics until watching this video. Thank you for opening my eyes to this calassic soulful masterpiece.
Nothing has changed. War is still not the answer. We're still wondering, " what's going on?! " Thanks Marrvin for this message that will always be current because mankind never changes it's way of solving problems. Power to all people. ❤
I´m nearing 70 years old, feels at times like 50....40 ,30, 20 and 10..all wrapped up in one. I was probably 12 when I first heard this song. This woman´s joy in listening, was like my own all those decades past. I certainly could never have explained why then, and not even now...but she did it for me. Through these joyful tears , listening to one of my favorites songs, I heard her explain how I felt. Thank you so much for that.
Not today but fifty years ago; not in Europe but deep in the jungle of Africa, where I am from, we listened and marvelled the musicianship of Marvin and "What is Going On?" RIP Marvin, RIP!
I don't know if I've seen you like a song more than this one. I understand why. The message is so clear and beautifully told, both musically and lyrically.
The album What's Going On is a song suite and flows seamlessly together and the best album of 1971. Deep love and praise for brother Marvin Gaye and his music. I Heard It Through The Grapevine is another epic Marvin Gaye song.
The entire akbum was performed by the National Symphony with John Legend on piano and vocals a few years back. It was a great concert. I remember this album from my tween years.
Wow, you do live in a different world than most people. Great classic song. Great lyrics. From back when protest songs could reach the market and help shape a generation. Marvin was one of the best. RIP
Yes she did live in a different world than most of us musically...if you follow the channel you would know that ,and not make that ridiculous statement 😢😢😢😢
He's talking to the community, the neighborhood which is what I loved about this song. His father was a preacher therefore I believe Marvin was a believer and you can hear paraphrased scripture in his lyrics. First, he talks to mothers and fathers as well as brothers and sisters. What's going on he asks, he's no longer talking to the folks in the neighborhood, his audience has expanded and he talks about picket lines and picket signs, war, long hair and being judged. I love his fair mindedness and his inclusivity, if we want to get along and make our world a better we have to talk to one another, have understanding for one another because only love can conquer hate. You picked a gem to listen to. I appreciate you taking the time. Celebrate music. ❤🎉
what a wonderful, insightful reaction to a first listen. You've given me more to enjoy about this song in 13 mins and 33 seconds than I'd got for myself in 30 years of listening !! Cut to Kendrick Lamar for an update on what's going on.
A beautiful song from a beautiful soul. The album of the same name is sublime; every song blends perfectly with the others. I had just graduated from high school when it came out and 53 years later, it still has the same mesmerizing effect on me. It is quite simply, perfect.
This young lady did her best trying to dissect the soulful sound and harmony of this masterpiece by a “Soul Music” legend. She would have been better off trying to explain to a blind person what a yellow canary looks like perched on a tree under a blue sky! Soul Music is felt as it’s being absorbed, not explained in textbook terms, in my opinion. But, I applaud her effort. 👏🏾😎✌🏾❤️✊🏾
I love Marvin Gaye music. I remember my parents knew this and broke the news that he had been killed by his father. I mourned and I still do now when I hear "What's Going On?" and so many other Marvin hits. Such an amazing yet troubled artist that protest thru his music and was almost prophetic in what was to come. He left us way too soon.
Not knowing his era is how a cute angel like you would get kicked out of heaven and land in my arms.😅 You have to rock from side to side and feel his smooth flow.
More background for you. Bassist James Jamerson played with one finger, "the hook", and at the recording session couldn't be propped up (wild night prior, apparently) so he played these intricate lines while lying on the floor of Studio A. Strings borrowed from Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Find the "Rhythm and Strings" mix and listen again. Measure to measure, Jamerson almost never repeats his lines. Miraculous.
For more information on the musicians, please watch "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" which details the Funk Brothers, Motown's house band of stellar performers. Great reaction. #WhatUpDoe
Music ahead of its time, love and peace, conserving the planet, the human condition, he let it all out, a seminal album, timeless - but he went to a dark place by various ways and to end at the hands of his father, what a tragic household he lived in....its an album that is difficult to isolate individual tracks, they all flow into one another....
Marvin Gaye’s voice was maybe the greatest instrument that’s ever graced this planet. We missed out on so much with his premature death. May he rest in eternal peace.
The entire album What's Going On is one of the finest total achievements in modern music (lyrics, musicianship, recording, engineering, album design, etc.).
I'm that big of a Marvin Gaye fan, I could write a book on it. The man was a guiding light, a beautiful soul, he had his flaws but don't we all. He understood love and pain, Joy and sadness, he put every heartfelt drop of his inner soul into every song and in his own, unique and incredible way. There was and there will be no other like incredible Marvin Gaye, he sang as beautiful as a Sparrow, he was true one-off, a musical genius who shaped the world for the better! Gob bless Marvin Gaye.
Marvin is such an American legend! I’m so grateful for the fact that people will forever cherish his music. He’s the epitome of American R&B/Soul. LL Marvin Gaye
The whole 'What’s Goin On' album is great. The medley-like section between song #1 and #6 is something everyone should experience. It’s pop/soul perfection. Motown didn’t want Marvin to make this album because they didn’t want to be political, but Marvin was adamant, and a masterpiece was made. An interesting fact for a Lennon-fanatic like me is that the Imagine album was released in the same year.
Welcome to the Marvin Gaye rabbit hole Amy, you did a great job analyzing this classic. Another serious, influential, and timeless song from that same What's Going On album is "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" which I hope Vlad will pull-up for your analysis and enjoyment, its meaning is as relevant today as when it was first released on the Tamla label back on June 10, 1971 (my 12th birthday). I'll never forget the first time I heard it and how emotional I felt, still gets to me at 65 years old. Thanks so much for your excellent channel.
Marvin's soul was in his voice, his lyrics and even in harmonious rifts and ad libs. He wrote and arranged most of his own musical pieces. He his been 40 years this year, 2024.
Wow, I've heard this song for decades and never correlated that line about father father with his personal circumstances that we get a glimpse of through how he died. That was amazingly perceptive of you. Kudo's!
I love your analysis of this great song. I have always been a big fan of Marvin. Somewhere in my CD collection I have a double best of Marvin Gaye album. He was way ahead of his time in discussing social issues, but doing it with musical panache. It was a sad day when he passed. Thanks again for checking him out. There is a lot to explore with him. ☮
I love the light scatting he does. In his early twenties he contemplated possibly going in to the jazz/adult singer mode. I think he could have done that well. Still, I love the more soul oriented sound his career took.
One of the best antiwar songs ever. Actually, just one of the best songs ever.
Album my friend
@@franklinblack2716 Rolling Stone magazine had it ranked as the best and #1 albums all time in '23.
Another good anti song is Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth
it also applies to alot of current social issues
Right on!
Wow, I nearly choked in my food when she said I have never heard of him before. It's like telling me I have never heard of Michael Jackson.
Sound like an idiot..so disrespectful..Im black n learning the guitar..of course I love Hendrix, but I LOVE Uncomf Numb, Stairway, etc..point is Passion forces you to investigate EVERYTHING of said subject..Im so mad right now
She’s young and likely didn’t grow up in a home where it was often heard if at all. We can be relatively certain that she’ll never forget Marvin Gaye. For the universal character of his ideas and soulful music as well as the smooth, beautiful tones of his voice.
On me! Seeing the title alone made me click on this I was disbelief lmao but at the same time, if she didn't grow up listening to him and fellow artist, I believe it. Even in the Drum videos, there are pop drummers who've never heard of Nirvana. Kind of the same thing
Same here but looked at her info & she is a harpist, so she is in the classical music scene.
Do u mean
munky boy?
Keep going down the Marvin Gaye rabbit hole. You won't be sorry. This album is a masterpiece.
Yes, this song is only part of the symphony.
It is truly a rabbit hole. I straight up hijacked my father's Marvin Gaye album when I was 11. I sat in my room one Saturday for about 5 hours immersed in the music.
This was the first record I had - 12 or 13 y.o. It brings a tear to a 62 old man. Always beautiful.
He brought us Maze ft. Frankie Beverly.
@@dawg40fn TWO SILKY SOUL SINGERS.
This entire album is beautiful, groundbreaking and a singular artisitic work. One song flows into the next, and is musically and thematically one expression. RIP Marvin G.
I recall that the chord changes used in "What's Going On" were repeated on the rest of the tracks, just different variations and approaches.
I’ve been listening to his album for 50 years. I’m honestly not sure if I’ve heard side 2. Side one just takes me all sorts of places
@Tessmage_Tessera I have heard it and it’s wonderful. I have a great memory of my brother and I teeing up side one of The Yes Album
And side one of What’s Going On on our record player( you know, when one side finishes the other album drops) to go to sleep. We did that for ages.
A great concept album!
You got it, brother. Excellent piece of art. “What’s Happening Brother” is my favorite.
Mercy Mercy Me is his ode to the environmental issues of the 70s
Sexual Healing is an ode to Gaye's porn collection 😂
👆👍
And still today!!!
Arguably even more spiritual moving than this one, especially, the ending!
You don't critique Marvin Gaye, you just feel him.
Pause
The critique is on point. She gets it. Good for her.
Exactly
Totally agree.
@@deejames9380 Amen bro!!!
Marvin Gaye was incredible. His death was so tragic and senseless. What an amazing talent. He was the best!
It's a distinctly Motown protest song. This was written at a time when police brutality against civil rights & antiwar demonstrators was frequent & sometimes fatal. The US was literally escalating the the war in Vietnam. Young Black men were dying in disproportionate numbers as they were less likely to be able to get college deferments or hire lawyers to otherwise legally dodge the draft. The lyrics echo language from newspapers. The whole album is a masterpiece.
Black men dying for oppressors in WW1 and WW2 Korea etc.
True, yet not accurate. In 1965, despite comprising only 11% of the total U.S. population, African Americans constituted 14.1% of combat deaths in Vietnam. So, yes, technically, it was disproportionate, but not by much.
For the entire war, the breakdown is as follows:
White: 85.6%
Black: 12.4%
Hispanic: 0.6%
Mixed race: 0.4%
@@havok6280
The disproportionate figure is exasperated by the fact that when many of those returned home to southern states they were STILL subject to racist Jim Crow laws. Statistics only tell part of the history.
Not distinctly Motown at all. Berry Gordy did not want to release it as he thought it would upset their crossover audience which is always how they targeted their music. He was privately upset when it was so huge but then when the money rolled in there were other "protest" songs allowed.
@@tomtheeagle1 Maybe he didn't want it released but it WAS released so it sounds like wisdom from somewhere prevailed. Yes it does have a distinct Motown sound no matter the politics of it's release
My favourate line is "War is not the answer , for only love can conquer hate" gives me chills everytime I hear it
My favorite line is “Mother, Mother. everybody thinks we’re wrong. Who are they to judge us just because we wear our hair long?”
Someday, people will listen to this song and think, "what a different world it was then". Unfortunately, 50+ years later, nothing has changed and the song is still relevant today.
Sad ,isn't it ....we as the human race can be so stupid !
Rele ant because idiots out there still resort to violence whe. Angry.
Protesters should protest like GHANDI or mlk if they don't want force shoved back at them
Sadly it is, & to some extent it’s worse. It’s not just war, it’s gang wars, & police brutality is even worse. Hate continues, & so many die everyday, to often innocent people just in the wrong place.
White folks scared and angry for no reason at all.
Context is everything. Vietnam was the backdrop to this song.
But the fact that her interpretation of the lyrics was spot on means that it was masterfully written to the point where context doesn’t matter.
Why did Marvin Gaye write the song "What's Going On"?
Gaye, himself, had been inspired by social ills committed in the United States, citing the 1965 Watts Riot as a turning point in his life in which he asked himself, "'With the world exploding around me, how am I supposed to keep singing love songs?' How does the song "What's Going On" relate to the Vietnam War?
The title track, with its timeless lyric "war is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate," condemned the nation's involvement in Vietnam. But the song provides an insight into the evolution of Gaye's music to encompass overtly political themes.
@@dunbarf2413 - thanks. You saved me from a lot of typing. In 1972 the lottery-draft was in place, I was 19 and I had a fortunate number. When I reported to the draft office at the Federal Building in Westwood - maybe ten floors up - I could see the thousands of headstones across Veteran Avenue of the cemetery across the street - Los Angeles National Cemetery - I assumed it to be a Veterans Cemetery. I said to the clerk, oh, headstones, how appropriate and the clerk scowled at me. The riots in 1992 were much more expansive than the 1965 riots. Parts of Fairfax Avenue were burning, that is a particularly significant border in L.A. - def into West Hollywood, "sacred territory". The film Falling Down was filmed around the riots and if you watch the movie you get a strong sense of L.A. in 1992.
@@dunbarf2413 - Definitely. Not your 1963 Motown.
@@dunbarf2413He had conversations with his brother Frankie about his experiences while serving in Vietnam
I was in Nam when I first heard that song,it really made us think about what we were doing Thanks you Marvin!!!💯💙😎
my daddy( who is gone now) was a Vietnam vet, and all I could see when hearing this song was his face. Thank you so much sir for your service/sacrifice.
Welcome home brother
@mamasaidsew4843 Same I'm weeping @ 4am in California. I miss him all the time. He served 25 years. I hear him. He could sing & tell it on the mountain. 😊
Thank you for your service and thank you for surviving ad returning home.
I too served in Vietnam from 68-69 in the Central Highlands at Dakto north of Pleiku. You and I both had those same thoughts when we heard that tune.
I literally fell off my chair!! Never heard of Marvin Gaye before?!!
She heard about him through the grapevine.
@@HabaneroTi 👍😂🤣
I'm a 59 year old Air Force Veteran that served in Germany in the 80's. The Europeans that I knew were not like this lady at all. They knew the lyrics almost better than me. This song is an example that the world will probably never change. We still have the exact same social issues that Marvin and other African Americans dealt with at that time. Thank you for trying to understand one of the greatest soul singer's this country has ever had. There's more out there. Happy hunting.
everyones got an onus/cross to bear, not just blacks ;)
@@icmman7You truly need a real history lesson Buddy
I’m 62 years old I grew up on Motown and all genres of music in USA
@@dynel.dillard i shit out more than you know bonerbiter.
@@dynel.dillard and your lame ass gay victim mentality is so typical..stfu.
Marvin was a visionary and musical genius. He sang all his background vocals.
This entire album is one of the most important recordings of 20th century American music, but the title track stands out to me as one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I'm moved to tears almoat every time I hear it, truly a singular piece of music history
LOUDER please
it REALLY is.
Marvin was singing about turmoil and injustice in a world gone mad. Not much has changed. I consider this album THE GREATEST album of all time. Melodic, soulful and timeless. Continue resting peacefully.
Simply put...Marvin is/was BRILLIANT! That brilliance will live on FOREVER.😢
Inner City Blues is another diamond from this album. The whole album is great.
Indeed. “Inner City Blues” is a must listen.
This song goes straight into that at the end doesn’t it on the album
I have no gift for music. I'm rhythmically challenged in every way, but your reaction to the first time hearing this song was my own. Marvin's voice can move mountains and tame restless hearts.
This album is actually to be listened to in one sitting. Absolutely amazing from start to finish. The perfect concept album. This was the beginning of an amazing 5 album run.
What’s Going On
I Want You
Here, My Dear
Trouble Man
Let’s Get It On
Ridiculously amazing…..
Which is the way I was first introduced to it decades ago. Still have the original album.
Here, My Dear was my introduction to Marvin Gaye when I was fifteen. I was not that familiar with him at the time, but I knew this album was a masterpiece. Imagine my shock, years later, when I discovered it was considered a flop! I'm proud to own the original vinyl album, which was given to me by a friend who called it a load of rubbish. As they say, 'One man's trash...'
@@GAMEBREAKER700 woooow. That’s wassup.
@@nzingharising6040 lol wow. Your friend had NO idea lol
@@nzingharising6040Here, My Dear was a flop. What's Going On was, and is, a masterpiece
The bassist is James Jamerson, who was incredibly prolific and influential in popular music.
My favorite!
I've seen in several interviews, Paul McCartney names James Jamerson as the bassist who opened McCartney's eyes as to what a bassist can do for a song/group. You can hear the before and after of McCartney's playing when he starts creating much more interesting baselines in the Beatles catalogue.
One of Motown's Funk Brothers.
And he was so drunk he had to lie on the floor on his back to play this 😳.
The sine qua non of the first generation of electric bass players. Astonishingly talented, creative and prolific.
Everybody loves Marvin Gaye - he is an icon
The first time I heard this song, I was living in Ghana in 1974, when my big sister flew over from Sierra Leone to spend a week with me. She gave me the What's Going On album on a cassette, and when I played it, this song made me feel like I was soaring like an eagle, high in the sky, observing the world's trouble spots surrounded by it's great beauty.
how can sombeody learn music without hearing about Marvin Gaye? He is one of the 10 musicians one should know.
Exactly. How narrow her music awareness must be. He was a genius
She’s a classically trained musician….whos beard and butter is classical music…this western notion that you need to know everything and everyone is laughable, their are ppl who refer to Jay Z as Beyoncé’s husband irrespective of how much he pops up in pop culture
@@teeboy5224 so i dont know that Mozart existed? Sorry, but those who study music should least have a rogh idea what music is. And they should know more than a random person.
Its primarily th fault of her teachers though. I have experienced this quite often. people who got a music degree and told me African Musi is no music.
Plenty of ppl know who Michael Jackson is but don’t know Gaye either….what does your point prove Lolol….China has a 1 billion population, you think everyone knows who Marvin is? Lolol stop pushing your thoughts or thinkin on others….its weird
Marvin Gaye topped the charts in 1968 with his rendition of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine",
His singing is effortless. He makes the difficult sound easy. The whole LP is one of the 70s masterpieces.
Hard to believe this woman has NEVER heard of Marvin Gaye
She said the same about prince.
Yeah man. It's not like it's one song. It's a whole catalog that represented an era of music.
I mean she's never heard of Sexual Healing? What the hell man....
Oh wait she's not American. She gets a semi pass cuz it means it's not necessarily her fault. But now we got questions for the stock she comes. from. They all suck lol
I guess she was Amish at some point in her life because I refuse to believe as well that she has never heard of Marvin Gaye
@@dallas-sf1ib 😂
@@dallas-sf1ibExactly, how can you avoid it. She had to be a nun in a monestary in the desert in Egypt or something.
What a dream it would be to go back and listen to this for the first time. I'm jealous lol
An absolutely lovely reaction to a song that I didn't realize how much this country needs.
As others have commented, Marvin Gaye was singing about making sense of the Vietnam War at home in the late 60s/early 70s. Marvin Gaye should be in at least the top five of everyone's favorite singers.
Certainly one of the most beautiful voices, I’ve loved his music as a little girl in the 60’s, this is the music my mom listened to. It was so sad & shocking when his father shot him, I remember hearing about it & being heartbroken.
One of the most perfectly written and executed songs ever.
To me, this song encapsulates the '70s perfectly while remaining relevant to this day! Favorite Marvin Gaye song....thanks!
This song sucks compared to "Sexual Healing" 🤣
They’re both amazing. And oh yeah, 🤣
Wow! Suck?? I didn't see THAT coming. There's a decade+ between 2 pieces written in entirely different galaxies & orbits--even different countries & artist's life in such entirely different compass points---dang.
Timeless music, lyrics are very relevant up to today, absolute classic
Not sure if was already said, but Marvin layered his voice. He did the background voices as well as the lead
This song is so relevant today. I have listened to the entire album thousands of times and it gets better and better with each listen. Marvi n's vocals, thd lyfics, the production and the arrangements are so perfect!
I agree the music the lyrics is like an invitation for others or all to take a clear view around each other & understand or realize what's happening all around us but as Amy said not in a hostile way or a radical way DEEP very DEEP.... ✌✌
I'm 55 years old and have heard this classic song thousands of times, but I have never thought deeply about the lyrics until watching this video. Thank you for opening my eyes to this calassic soulful masterpiece.
The words in What's Going On is just as relevant today and it was when it was written.
Nothing has changed. War is still not the answer. We're still wondering, " what's going on?! " Thanks Marrvin for this message that will always be current because mankind never changes it's way of solving problems. Power to all people. ❤
What TREMENDOUS insight! I love how you dissected different components of this musical masterpiece into "bite sized" pieces of understanding.
I´m nearing 70 years old, feels at times like 50....40 ,30, 20 and 10..all wrapped up in one. I was probably 12 when I first heard this song. This woman´s joy in listening, was like my own all those decades past. I certainly could never have explained why then, and not even now...but she did it for me. Through these joyful tears , listening to one of my favorites songs, I heard her explain how I felt. Thank you so much for that.
Not today but fifty years ago; not in Europe but deep in the jungle of Africa, where I am from, we listened and marvelled the musicianship of Marvin and "What is Going On?" RIP Marvin, RIP!
That song was so moving.....He vocalized musically how so many of us were feeling during that time...Timeless.
The word "Masterpiece" fall short when describing this song.
It's the chord progressions that gives it SOUL!
I think Marvin would have been proud of your interpretation of his song.
Love these reaction videos from people who are outside the music style-wise and generations.
I don't know if I've seen you like a song more than this one. I understand why. The message is so clear and beautifully told, both musically and lyrically.
One of the greatest songs on one of the greatest albums ever!!
There is a feeling of yearning in Marvin's voice that comes through in everything he sings, even the happier, more upbeat songs.
The album What's Going On is a song suite and flows seamlessly together and the best album of 1971. Deep love and praise for brother Marvin Gaye and his music.
I Heard It Through The Grapevine is another epic Marvin Gaye song.
The entire akbum was performed by the National Symphony with John Legend on piano and vocals a few years back. It was a great concert. I remember this album from my tween years.
Wow, you do live in a different world than most people. Great classic song. Great lyrics. From back when protest songs could reach the market and help shape a generation. Marvin was one of the best. RIP
Yes she did live in a different world than most of us musically...if you follow the channel you would know that ,and not make that ridiculous statement 😢😢😢😢
I call this The Gospel. 54 years later this is still going on in America.
Best song ever sung by the best voice. RIP Marvelous Marvin
He's talking to the community, the neighborhood which is what I loved about this song. His father was a preacher therefore I believe Marvin was a believer and you can hear paraphrased scripture in his lyrics. First, he talks to mothers and fathers as well as brothers and sisters.
What's going on he asks, he's no longer talking to the folks in the neighborhood, his audience has expanded and he talks about picket lines and picket signs, war, long hair and being judged. I love his fair mindedness and his inclusivity, if we want to get along and make our world a better we have to talk to one another, have understanding for one another because only love can conquer hate.
You picked a gem to listen to. I appreciate you taking the time. Celebrate music. ❤🎉
Thanks for such a multilevel interpretation. It was so genuine and enlightening.
Never heard MG before? I am 19 and heard his music all my life!!!!!
Wow I can’t believe there is someone on this planet who hadn’t heard of Marvin😢! OMG he was such a gift to us all.
Grew up on Gaye. An amazing composer and singer. He has multiple lines going on at once. The more you listen to his music, the more you hear.
what a wonderful, insightful reaction to a first listen. You've given me more to enjoy about this song in 13 mins and 33 seconds than I'd got for myself in 30 years of listening !! Cut to Kendrick Lamar for an update on what's going on.
A beautiful song from a beautiful soul. The album of the same name is sublime; every song blends perfectly with the others. I had just graduated from high school when it came out and 53 years later, it still has the same mesmerizing effect on me. It is quite simply, perfect.
Marvin was a prophet and this ENTIRE album is currently relevant and this album was recorded in the 60's...BRILLIANT!
Probably one of the finest songs of the era. It never gets old. Im 74 and I remember when this song came out. It stopped you in your tracks.
Marvin Gaye is one of the greatest Soul artists ever!!!
Marvin and Tammi Terell.. is his soul voice in the 70's this was his protest voice!
No wonder she has no clue , not her problem.
ARTISTS. Full stop.
This young lady did her best trying to dissect the soulful sound and harmony of this masterpiece by a “Soul Music” legend. She would have been better off trying to explain to a blind person what a yellow canary looks like perched on a tree under a blue sky! Soul Music is felt as it’s being absorbed, not explained in textbook terms, in my opinion. But, I applaud her effort. 👏🏾😎✌🏾❤️✊🏾
Now I'm curious to see you react to Reverend Green (Al Green)!
She can't go wrong by starting with How can you mend a broken heart 💔
I'd recommend the live version of "Let's Stay Together" ...
One of my favorite singers and one of my favorite of his songs.
I would give my right arm to sing like Marvin Gaye. Your reaction was very enjoyable. ❤
My God, what rock have you been living in to hear Marvin Gaye for the first time in 2024. I'm godsmack...
I love Marvin Gaye music. I remember my parents knew this and broke the news that he had been killed by his father. I mourned and I still do now when I hear "What's Going On?" and so many other Marvin hits. Such an amazing yet troubled artist that protest thru his music and was almost prophetic in what was to come. He left us way too soon.
Not knowing his era is how a cute angel like you would get kicked out of heaven and land in my arms.😅
You have to rock from side to side and feel his smooth flow.
Just brings tears in my eyes. A masterpiece of art.
Sonically-speaking, a hugely influential Pop song and album.
Wow! Imagine being a musician and knowing this. Welcome to music that changed the world.
More background for you. Bassist James Jamerson played with one finger, "the hook", and at the recording session couldn't be propped up (wild night prior, apparently) so he played these intricate lines while lying on the floor of Studio A. Strings borrowed from Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Find the "Rhythm and Strings" mix and listen again. Measure to measure, Jamerson almost never repeats his lines. Miraculous.
Jamerson developed his "hook" playing upright/doghouse bass. He was an early adopter of the Fender Presision Bass because "It fit in my car."
For more information on the musicians, please watch "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" which details the Funk Brothers, Motown's house band of stellar performers. Great reaction. #WhatUpDoe
James
Jamerson is the greatest bass player of all time in my opinion.
Music ahead of its time, love and peace, conserving the planet, the human condition, he let it all out, a seminal album, timeless - but he went to a dark place by various ways and to end at the hands of his father, what a tragic household he lived in....its an album that is difficult to isolate individual tracks, they all flow into one another....
Marvin Gaye’s voice was maybe the greatest instrument that’s ever graced this planet. We missed out on so much with his premature death. May he rest in eternal peace.
The entire album What's Going On is one of the finest total achievements in modern music (lyrics, musicianship, recording, engineering, album design, etc.).
Love to see you react to the late underrated Phyllis Hyman singing "Living All Alone" Marvin was the Prince of Motown.
Super smooth with a powerfull message!
I'm that big of a Marvin Gaye fan, I could write a book on it. The man was a guiding light, a beautiful soul, he had his flaws but don't we all. He understood love and pain, Joy and sadness, he put every heartfelt drop of his inner soul into every song and in his own, unique and incredible way. There was and there will be no other like incredible Marvin Gaye, he sang as beautiful as a Sparrow, he was true one-off, a musical genius who shaped the world for the better! Gob bless Marvin Gaye.
I enjoyed watching your reaction to one of my favorite singer/musician of all time 🫶🏽
hello again, marvin started in the 60's I saw him on-stage at the forum in la in 1975..one of the goats for me.
one of the greatest albums ever conceived.
Marvin is such an American legend! I’m so grateful for the fact that people will forever cherish his music. He’s the epitome of American R&B/Soul. LL Marvin Gaye
The whole 'What’s Goin On' album is great. The medley-like section between song #1 and #6 is something everyone should experience. It’s pop/soul perfection. Motown didn’t want Marvin to make this album because they didn’t want to be political, but Marvin was adamant, and a masterpiece was made. An interesting fact for a Lennon-fanatic like me is that the Imagine album was released in the same year.
Every person should take time to listen to Marvins music.
Dynamism, that is a perfect descriptor for this. I could not think of a good word. Thank you,
Marvin's ability to lace his own voice in the background vocals always made his music unique and so soulful
Welcome to the Marvin Gaye rabbit hole Amy, you did a great job analyzing this classic. Another serious, influential, and timeless song from that same What's Going On album is "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" which I hope Vlad will pull-up for your analysis and enjoyment, its meaning is as relevant today as when it was first released on the Tamla label back on June 10, 1971 (my 12th birthday). I'll never forget the first time I heard it and how emotional I felt, still gets to me at 65 years old. Thanks so much for your excellent channel.
WOW ?! Never heard of Marvin Gaye Bless your Heart glad you are hearing his music !!
Marvin Gaye has a quality of soulfulness in his delivery, and a sense of speaking truth in his composition that is unmatched in my opinion.
Marvin's soul was in his voice, his lyrics and even in harmonious rifts and ad libs. He wrote and arranged most of his own musical pieces. He his been 40 years this year, 2024.
Your facial expressions are so consistent with the song. Deep, thoughtful, and how I would see myself, the first time I listened to this song/album
Wow, I've heard this song for decades and never correlated that line about father father with his personal circumstances that we get a glimpse of through how he died. That was amazingly perceptive of you. Kudo's!
I so appreciate the way YOU appreciate the music throughout the spectrum of genres ♥️
I love your analysis of this great song. I have always been a big fan of Marvin. Somewhere in my CD collection I have a double best of Marvin Gaye album. He was way ahead of his time in discussing social issues, but doing it with musical panache. It was a sad day when he passed. Thanks again for checking him out. There is a lot to explore with him. ☮
The word you’re looking for here 3:46 is soulful
I love the light scatting he does. In his early twenties he contemplated possibly going in to the jazz/adult singer mode. I think he could have done that well. Still, I love the more soul oriented sound his career took.