THE GREATEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME. DeVore Fidelity Record Reviews, Protest Music.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ค. 2024
- John DeVore's ongoing series of music recommendations for the DeVore Fidelity TH-cam channel. Music of protest from 1971 that has never been more timely. Rolling Stone Magazine's new Best Album of All Time: Marvin Gaye, What's Going On.
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Thank you for reminding us how amazing that LP is. Thank for sharing your views and feelings. I can appreciate it even more now.
Very well said. Thanks, John.
You’ve got some awesome taste in music Mr. Devore
Wow! Kudos Sire.. listening to this and just prior your “rant” on speaker sensitivity / push to buy monster amplifiers was eye opening. I see that these videos are edited..I find the content so reverting I wish I could hear the unedited originals like I do the best recordings in my library. Keep up the great and honest work.
I LOVE that this channel not only talks about audio equipment but also the MUSIC. Kudos to you….
What an excellent review and explanation of that classic
So, yeah, I watched this video this morning. I set it going on Roon (Qobuz) and started listening. I've got to admit, I cried as I read the lyrics and listened to the music. Knowing the background was so enlightening. I found myself reading Wikipedia. It's all heartbreaking, really. I've walked in a room a million times saying, "What's going on" with a little singing and a smile, but I don't think I can do that again. Knowing what he was writing about really puts things in another light. Thanks for the video and commentary.
I’ve always wanted to hear more “flows” on music and sound from hifi technician gurus so thank you for this piece - def would be cool to hear a thought or two on what type of equipment brings the most pleasure out of certain albums in your humble opinion :)
John,
I have always loved this album, and all of Marvin Gaye's stuff. But this one was was so beautiful. I graduated in 73, there was a lot going on at that time. I remember it well!
thank you for the recommendation. it is before my time and I missed it.
I love it :)
Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing .
Love your channel and your watches ☺️
Thanks Patrick!
Wow! What a wrap up at the end. Speaking from the heart/soul.
Side note; when I first moved out here to LA I was working with a band whose lead vocalist used to sing backup for Marvin. He had some interesting things to say about him. Nothing bad. He did say that he was very demanding and had a phenomenal ear. If one of the backup vocalists was a little off pitch he would call out who it was and if they were flat or sharp and "encourage" them to pay attention and get it right.
Without doubt the best music critique I’ve ever heard. Beautiful and powerful stuff, thanks man
i guess Im asking the wrong place but does someone know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account..?
I stupidly forgot my account password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me
@Zev Legend Instablaster :)
@Jamir Lyle thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out atm.
Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Jamir Lyle it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy!
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@Zev Legend you are welcome =)
Wonderful tribute to "What's Going On." Thank you. Listened to the album again today, and several songs brought on goosebumps and moist eyes -- so much so during "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" that my whole body felt like it was shaking. (So I guess my body is telling me that must be my favorite cut.) I don't place it as my #1 all-time album because two songs, "Save the Children" and "God Is Love" are clichéd and difficult to take seriously; I tune out the lyrics on those and listen to Jamerson's hypnotic bass lines.
An album is not greater than the sum of its parts.
The great bassist Bob Babbitt on Inner City Blues and Mercy Mercy Me.
Great review.. Mavin Gaye's voice on the title song almost always causes me to tear up. To me it's all about sincerity.
Great review; he's one of my mom's favorite artists, she adores him and Lou Rawls too. ps: greetings from South Texas!
Cheers
Always liked Marvin Gaye's work - and still recall the day we heard the tragic news of his death. I liked your review of this album...I enjoy hearing someone's experience and history with an album and what it personally means to them. As others have said musical taste is totally subjective and we all have our own music-related experiences in life that create our own preferences and opinions. I'm 57 and one of my most vivid musical memories revolves around Back in Black by AC/DC - the circumstances and story behind the album, the incredible production by Mutt Lange - I could go on. And aside from the album it was an interesting time in my life and it served as a longtime backdrop to my youth, friends...the whole high school experience.
Listen to what YOU love people. Don't worry about what this guy or that magazine says...or anyone else.
Lists don't mean a damn thing.
Yeah, but it's Rolling Stone. Don't they know what we like better than we do?
That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think? Lists don’t have to be definitive to be useful. Maybe someone unfamiliar with a record will see it on a list, check it out, and find something new, fulfilling, and beautiful, something they might not discover, otherwise. For example, seeing this reminded me I need to get this album on vinyl. For that, I’m grateful.
Love this review. Love everything about it. Got emotional listening to this. Thank you.
PS - I am in my early 60's. My daughter is 27. When she was about 15 or 16, she became interested in vinyl. Her first purchase in a used record store on Bleeker street? "What's Going On" - Marvin Gaye. I was so proud. I am so proud of her. Peace and love to you and all. I will someday leave this earth knowing that she will in the collective DNA of what good hands will move us forward.
CM
Thank you so much for this comment!
@@DeVOREFIDELITY
Thank you for acknowledging... Peace to you - CM
Can you please do 2pac’s 1995 classic album me against the world the reason is the album made 2pac a global icon and forever situated him among the pantheon of the greatest rappers in hip-hop history. The LP is a tour de force in social commentary and soul-searching where 2pac is wrestling the ills of society and the defects he’s discovered in his own experience.
Thanks John... I'm ordering the LP tonight. Other than the well known cut I am not familiar with this album. Look forward to hearing it.
You will be disappointed I guarantee!
I was too young to understand it at the time. As an eight year old, I think its fair to say most young Black kids were listening to Sly and the Family Stone. The Jackson Five, and James Brown. Whats Going On just went way over my head. But I do remember it being popular at cookouts.
Great record and great review. Thanks for reminding me. Audiophile that you are, I wonder if you have an opinion as to what vinyl version is the best. More of those who know, it seems, are rejecting remasters and reissues of classic records because they use digital technology at some point in the process.
So, what version? I will follow your advice.
Thanks again. Keep up the great work.
Great synopsis young man... Kudos
Isn’t it interesting that the “best record of all time” which was released in 1971 has in 2020 toppled the previous “best record of all time”, which was released in 1967? Why didn’t this happen in 1971? Surely that proves how arbitrary and subjective these lists are?
Stoned Roller mag did it...
Surely it proves, that no matter their position, these will always be some of the greatest records ever made
Good point. And this list is an american point of view only, very narrow. America WAS a reference, there is life out there ...
Anything decribed as the "best" in a category, that doesn't specify a quantifiable metric, is just a synonym for "my favourite". "Best" at what? Being a record?
@@jamespilcher5287 greatest records of all time
Respect ✊🏾. I’m pick up finally a copy I found’ Motown press
Yes! I agree completely. And I'm also pleased that "Blue" by Joni Mitchell came in at #3 on the recent Rolling Stone listing. However, I was a little disappointed that you didn't mention, even in passing, the #2 listing: "Pet Sounds" by the Beach Boys. Also truly a masterpiece. I prefer the MoFi SACD - I love to hear everything just pouring out of the speakers. Purists won't listen to anything but the original mono version, but I just think the newer one sounds better. Anyway, great review of this amazing work by "Marvelous Marvin." (And nice mention of James Jamerson!)
Cycling , you got it covered
Audio , your beyond covered there
Music , good suggestions
One thing missing .
Whiskey’s , Rums and Tequilas.
After along ride up the west side , coming home relaxing to some cool tunes and maybe a drink .
You can include beers .
My favorite is brother Thelonious Monk .
masterpiece a timeless piece of art
i enjoy ur music knowledge
Thank you!
I remember going to my local diner after school and putting on Mercy, Mercy Me on the jukebox. Perfect music for soaking in a lazy afternoon with a grill cheese sandwich and a cup of coffee.
Awesome.
I will search that recording in Tidal before going to bed and give it a brief listening to see if I like it or not but after I end this video. I like it for its musical and technical quality. Thanks John! The sound is very atmospheric, anyone who find this recording flaws should look elsewhere, starting with his/her hearing 😆
I am moved. Thank you. :)
Hello I’ve just bought it as well on Mofi ultradisc one step hopefully going to listen to it this weekend this is my first copy of it and I bought it because it is 50th anniversary I will let you know what I think
Just listening to Marvin's backing vocal stems alone will give you chills down your spine.
yep
Can you please do 2pac’s 1995 classic album me against the world the reason is the album made 2pac a global icon and forever situated him among the pantheon of the greatest rappers in hip-hop history. The LP is a tour de force in social commentary and soul-searching where 2pac is wrestling the ills of society and the defects he’s discovered in his own experience.
Your taste are the same as mine. This story is my favourite. Story thank you so much. An album new now is “ Ella and Louis “ 180 gram,Classic Jazz
it's a great album indeed!!!(love it!!!)
I think it is a pretty amazing album. The deluxe version has a second cd with outtakes and alt cuts and instrumentals that adds even more to the actual record.
It is a great album. And I appreciate your opinion. Thank you.
and... the much overlooked, and probably most important bass player of all time James Jamerson played in this album.... He died destitute and broke, but his bass lines live on forever in albums like this and hundreds of others.
Amen!
Much overlooked? He's one of the most name-dropped bass players of all time.
@@ShaneKennedy1969 only since about 2007 when a guy posted the infamous "Late Grate James Jamerson" thread on a forum called talk bass... but during his life, and well after, he was overlooked.
That hesitation bass beat James Jamerson invented WAS the Motown Sound! And Marvin Gaye deserves credit for listing the names of Jamerson and the other Funk Brothers on an album cover for the first time with "What's Goin' On."
@@ShaneKennedy1969. Agreed. Bob Babbitt, who played on several of the cuts, was the often overlooked one. In fact, some Motown hits where Jamerson was credited on bass was actually Babbitt. Bob never made a big deal about it tho.
Music is all personnel taste and although i love this song and album how can any one have a most favourite song ,maybe album but record I find it difficult to comprehend .
Personally there are thousands of brilliant songs that I like I couldn't even name my first 100
I’m a a child of the 60s. Well I was a teen in the 60s. I grew up with Motown. I was in the Army in the late 60s. This album is also very emotional for me. We must celebrate this magnificent album.
well. Mr. DeVore, you AND Rolling Stone are quite probably wrong about a lot of other things as well. You and all you ilk simply bore me to tears with your never ending lists of the best of this and the best of that.
I appreciate that he doesn't add caveats. We know its subjective but for him, its the best. Good video
I don’t know, it would be good to know that *he also* knows it’s subjective. Because from the way he talks, he seems to think his opinion is pretty authoritative...
Thank you
I am 60 years old. I grew up on all of these albums... very familiar lineage...
A year later, your comments, and the album, continue to "resonate"
If anything, the USA of today is more "needy" of protest, in all peaceful forms, than ever...
The only albums that make my greatest list are albums I'll listen to again and again. There are a lot of those.
How does the mofi 1 step compare to the 1971 original?
I am buying it straight away
Fantastic album and greatly admire your passion, John. I get RS revamping their list to include more contemporary choices, but to flip two 50 year old albums (Sgt Pepper and What's Going On) doesn't make any sense to me. If one was better 17 years ago, why is it not now? I know, it's a minor quibble, and these lists are really just for fun, but still... I enjoy the vids--and your speakers. Thanks.
It's far more than just that swap. The old list had three(!) Beatles records in the top five! With Beach Boys and Dylan filling out the rest. It was a bad joke, only it wasn't. It reflected the incredibly narrow white male boomer focus of RS, and pretty much left everyone else shrugging their shoulders and moving on.
@@DeVOREFIDELITY Oh, I understand. I compared the lists. It's kind of fascinating, really. Don't get me started on Wenner and the Rock HoF, brother!
@@votive3946 The Beatles are not a narrow white male boomer thing, but any list of the greatest albums of all time that has three Beatles albums in just the top five is. In my opinion of course.
@@votive3946 It is indeed!
As someone who was raised by a music lover from Motown itself, I have to question why these soulful "protest" albums are considered to be the "all time best" albums? Is it because Rolling Stone said so? John, your videos about audio technology are very interesting, but the bias you've shown here has me questioning your other videos. Music is an art form that deserves better than this. I'm happy to hear that this album once brought tears to your eyes, but I'm hard-pressed to think of anything more subjective than ranking every album ever recorded. By the way, I have owned several versions of this album, and I've yet to find a format that shows that anyone took the time necessary to record it properly. In fact, I consider it to be ONE OF THE greatest albums to be poorly recorded, but I don't think that Rolling Stone has a list for that. I don't mean to be argumentative. I just think that music means a lot of things to those who love and appreciate it -- and, once again, we deserve better than this.
This whole video comes over as thinly veiled virtue signalling. It is everywhere.
You'll get no argument from me about that. I mean, seriously, does this guy really think that his YT videos are worth losing any sense of integrity over? I, for one, am more than sick of this whole self-loathing act. If he really wanted to give back his "blood money," he would make a video about how he will disseminate his obvious wealth to the self-proclaimed "disenfranchised."
Music by the 20th century unveiled a new power in the form of rhetoric and Propaganda. Music for music's sake establishes that our own subjectivity brings a truth of personal expression and self reflection to light. It's why he mentions his family and past that makes him enjoy the record. Which is perfectly fine on its own but it never is a good enough to know why critics put it on this list in the first place. For this reason, I'd say it markets the record for the current agenda of neo liberal politik. Anti war, equality, and the communication of social problems gave way to what would be the music industries's top messages for quite a while. Just the same as it is for music critics. The record is exceptional though can't hate it.
What deck is that at the start?
thanks.
Even within categories, is greatest prog rock album Dark side or 1st King Crimson album? Greatest rock album Who’s next, or a doors, Cream or zep album?
I'm glad I don't have to decide!
I saw Stevie Wonder play live in Seattle in 2015. He played the album Songs in the Key of Life live in its entirety. It was awesome.
very cool
I do not care what Rolling Stone thinks after all beauty is in the eye of me, the beholder.
Ok. Maybe we arent the same age. Im 54. I dont really like music that old. Im more an 80s 90s music lover. Anyway. Love hearing your passion.
From the heart woah
Amen
Who can say definitely what are the best records in numerical order? One can just agree what is a great album and that's about it. Rolling Stone is notoriously fickle. Songs in the key of life isn't even Stevie Wonder's best record. Innervisions spanks it easily. Imo!
Agreed. Innervisions was Wonder's best...by far.
It's all about the music
Cranberries: "No Need to Argue" is one of my favourite albums. Next is maybe Budgie: "Never turn your back on a friend", especially on vinyl they are very special.
Identity is how you know it's good
It's definitely a classic.
i like your seiko 6139 pogue
Wonderful thing about music, different notes for different folks. What's Going On? Bought it, sold it in the same week. Certainly not on my best list. I know, I know, not a common view of the album.
Fair enough, thanks for the considerate comment.
I like your reviews on audio equipment. I really think you know a lot about that. But as far as music, not so much. As soon as you mentioned that rag Rolling Stone all I heard was blah blah blah. I really like what going on I like Marvin Gaye, but greatest album of all time... Not so much. IMO
Thanks for sharing.
lol, omg, it’s just an opinion my friend. It’s also bit my number one, but it’s up there and I could totally get folks putting it as number one. Great record and hugely important historically.
When Marvin Gaye first pitched "What's Goin' On" to Motown president Berry Gordy, Gordy flatly refused to let him record it on the ground that he didn't want Motown to be involved in socially conscious music. "We're just entertainers," Gordy told him. Then in 1968 Gaye played a jam session on the Gladys Knight and the Pips version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." Gordy thought the version had hit potential and decided to record Gaye's version and put it out as a single. It became Gaye's biggest hit to that time just as his contract with Motown was about to expire. That gave Gaye the leverage he needed: he flat-out told Gordy that if he wanted Gaye to stay on Motown, "What's Goin' On" was going to be his next album.
True, but it was Harry Balk and Barney Ales who reportedly pressured Berry Gordy to stop sandbagging and actually release it. Supposedly, the completed album was sitting in limbo for quite some time.
My fav for content and recording quality is M The Official Secret Act little bit more current than Marvin Gaye's valid concerns. If you can get your hands on a UK Pressing LP it's well worth the extra $$$.
Keep it to yourself!
@@Fontsman th-cam.com/video/7IyQrBh_W78/w-d-xo.html
👏🏾😎👏🏾😎👏🏾😎👏🏾
This has been on my list as well. As well as the others you mentioned. Lits not forget the comic relief Linny Bruce and Abby Hoffman Wake Up America !
This album gets my wife out of bed in the morning.
Can you please do 2pac’s 1995 classic album me against the world the reason is the album made 2pac a global icon and forever situated him among the pantheon of the greatest rappers in hip-hop history. The LP is a tour de force in social commentary and soul-searching where 2pac is wrestling the ills of society and the defects he’s discovered in his own experience.
What is this list based on, maybe best selling albums?
Real HIFI Help- No not based on sales. If you click on the link provided by the person who posted you will see it's based on the opinions of various people throughout the music industry and it names some of the folks that voted.
@@callmejeffbob Okay so it's a random vote pole. hmm.
As someone who grew up on the Motown sound and experienced the political struggles and still do. I'm willing to say that What's Goin On by Marvin is a classic. To say that it's the "Greatest Of All Time" is truly debatable.
Totally subjective! While I love 'What's Going On', I could not be so brave to make such a statement about an album.
Ha! Yes, it is totally subjective. Also, I'm not brave enough either, the title is half making fun of Rolling Stone, and half attention-getter...
It’s a brilliant album
this over A Love Supreme? I’ll have to give this a listen
haha hey bud. exactly my thought
Not even close...substance over improvised jazz noodling👍
@@mccarthyd6603 what the hell are you going on about?
Two of the best albums ever made IMHO, and two completely different genres....America, by America, and Not Fragile, by Bachman Turner Overdrive. Still to this day, they are such a good listen. I have both on vinyl. It can be interesteing to hear about someones idea of best album, Rolling Stone...not so much.
The greatest record of all time is ... your opinion
It does not matter the color or gender of the artist - it is your personal tastes that gets you that determination.
The greatest record of all time for me would never make this list...
@Luiz Laurentino He made an absolute statement: "It's THE greatest record of all time", he didn't say, "It's my favourite record of all time".
So, In respect to Marvin Gaye, this album was released in 1973 not 1971.
I actually feel the rediscovered live version of "Let's get it on" is a much soulful, organic and visceral a recording in spite of the album itself not being very well produced in comparison to something like Let's get it on. I'm a huge record collector and a Marvin Gaye fan.
I found your review interesting and I appreciated it but respectfully, I think Rolling Stone and you have obviously missed the mark on this one. Although its rebellious, sexy, soulful and funky, I can think of several albums from that very same year that arguably, top this one. Stevie Wonder's amazing musicianship on Innervisions, deserves another listen. Donny Hathaway's extension of a man 1973.. a land mark album, Quadrophenia and Dark side of the Moon were also released in 1973 as well. So, for someone to say let's get it on is the greatest Album of all times when there were several albums released that VERY SAME YEAR that were clearly on the same level if not better immediately makes me take issue with the Rolling Stone consensus that this album is the Greatest album ever.. but hey, like you..just thinking out loud here.
One Love All..
Right, what a great list Rolling Stone has this time. Pubic enemy 9 spots ahead of Sgt. Peppers. Are all your videos garbled?
I'm not one to give credence to "best of" lists, but it doesn't mean that I don't have favorite recordings. "What's Going On" is one of the latter and it has been since it was first released. The album has a story arc and an evolving sense of awareness as a man passes through civilian life. There is no weak composition or execution on this album and, as a marker of Gaye's greatness, there is not a single cut from it that has been improved upon by cover versions, though the Chi-Lites' version of "Inner City Blues" comes mighty close.
Yours and rolling stones' favorite record is different from mine.
It will be pink floyd the wall for me.
We are in another period of national stress and tumult, but sadly we don't have a writer/singer/soothsayer today like Marvin Gaye to put it all down on vinyl (or bits). It should be mentioned that these "greatest albums" are mostly in the pop category. Other genre (jazz, classical, etc.) are statistically ignored since they are, by definition, not as popular with the general public.
Is it because I am black? Syl Johnson? The picture on the back of that cover had Syl wearing raincoat? A chilling resemblance.....
You should listen to lil scrappy's What the F--- Excellent song with the same message.
Definitely deserves a place at or near the top. That said, the RS as recently revised has so, so many big misses, and it seems the list criteria has wandered from its former solid music foundations.
It’s a great album and great review. Do I think it’s the greatest album ever? No, but that’s subjective and is going to be different for everyone. My personal number one is Dark Side of the Moon. Not sure where that falls on Rolling Stone’s list and don’t really care. They haven’t been relevant in decades.
I was ready to argue the best album until I heard the choice. These days and times... Yeah Marvin holds the title.
I respect your right to your opinion, but any list of the 500 greatest albums of all time that doesn't include a single Moody Blues album, nor Boston's debut album, has zero credibility as far as I'm concerned. But then again, that pretty much sums up my opinion of Rolling Stone magazine for the last four decades.
Michael Gilbert: Your last sentence pretty much sums it up period!
@deadvoguestar I'm going to guess that you don't play any musical instrument, nor do you have any experience in a recording studio. Anyone who plays anything, especially guitar, and/or has done any recording knows that Boston's first album is in a league of its own. What Tom Scholz did on that album is nothing short of stunning by today's standards, much less by the standards of the late seventies. It went gold in two months flat, and to date, has gone platinum seventeen times - it's sold seventeen-million copies - and every song on the album still gets airplay, 45 years after its original release. And you call that "generic"??? I challenge you - Go to Rick Beato's channel, and watch his "What's Makes This Song Great", for both "More Than a Feeling" and "Hitch a Ride". Those videos will give you some idea of just how jaw dropping those recordings are. Here are the links... th-cam.com/video/mrJ0xnXv_IQ/w-d-xo.html - th-cam.com/video/ynFNt4tgBJ0/w-d-xo.html
Just look at the listings for longest charting album, on Billboard... Pink Floyd, "Dark Side of the Moon!"
So commercial popularity is how you judge things? If so, Van Gogh was apparently a crap artist.
@@dougdavis8986 Would you know Van Gogh is a great artist if somebody didn't tell you so?
To rank the list Rolling Stone used "more than 300 artists, producers, critics, and music-industry figures."
What does it take to be a "critic"?
-----> To have an opinion. Unless one is looking for some new music, critics aren't needed.
"music-industry figures" --- that's vague,---- a definition of "figure" could have been helpful (maybe).
"300 artists" Artists can't see the forest for the trees, they are tainted by their "influences" ya' know.
Leaving the consumer willing to part with cash to listen to a particular piece of music, hence Billboard.
Does that mean Thomas Kinkade was a great artist? --- probably not.
@@dougdavis8986 Have you seen any Van Gogh paintings? Yes, they are crap. (but not based on his professional failure).
@@dougdavis8986 Van Gogh? He’s one of the most commercial artists ever. It’s probably the reason you mentioned him instead of, say, De Chirico...
@@davidste60 I have. No, they are not crap.
Just in case you didnt know, he was the backbone of Motown, writing many hits for other artists. As well for himself. The album you are referring to, was by Marvins own words, “co written “ by God. No one In Motown can touch him.
Derek Trucks said he couldn't stand any music for more then a half hour.
Derek Trucks is a giant douche
I have watched so many videos about greatest albums , or what makes this song great, or holy grails and they always lack I diversity, and women. I appreciate the videos you have shared so far. The music world is so much bigger than Led Zeppelin.
Thank you!
Omega by Morente
Siroco by Paco
Oh, Rolling Stone. Well, that's it, isn't it?
Led Zeppelin III, Budgie Bandolier, Deep Purple Machine Head, Talking Heads More Songs About Buildings and Food............and more.
Great record for the time it was recorded.
He was looking for equality, which has absolutely nothing to do with todays search for "equity", whatever that means.
What about the drummer?! My grandpa Chet was the drummer. Grandma Carol got royalties every time the Sony walkman commercial aired with Mercy Me playing.
Very cool!