Gaye had recorded the single "What's Going On" already, and wanted to release it. Motown head Berry Gordy had refused, however, calling the single "uncommercial". Gaye refused to record any more until Gordy gave in, and the song became a surprise hit in January of 1971.
What's Going On is a unified album, consisting of songs from the point-of-view of a Vietnam War veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for, and seeing nothing but injustice, suffering and hatred. Gaye's brother, Frankie, had returned from a three-year stint in the Army in 1970.
In addition, the title track is the only song which Motown Record's main studio band, The Funk Brothers, got an official credit.
Table of contents |
2 Personnel 3 Chart positions |
Track listing
Personnel
Chart positions
Billboard Music Charts (North America) - albums
1971 What's Going On Pop Albums No. 6 1971 What's Going On Black Albums No. 1 1984 What s Going On The Billboard 200 No. 154Billboard Music Charts (North America) - singles
1971 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Pop Singles No. 9 1971 Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Black Singles No. 1