I know we featured Marvin Gaye just last year on the 50th Anniversary of his recording of "What's Going On." But, it was 50 years ago today that one of the most important albums of a generation was actually released. And babies, there were a lot of groundbreaking albums in 1971...but nothing like this one. Indeed, last year, Rolling Stone named it to the top spot on its Top 500 Albums of all time.
Wikipedia describes it thus: "The narrative established by the songs is told from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to his home country to witness hatred, suffering and injustice. Gaye's introspective lyrics explore themes of drug abuse, poverty and the Vietnam War. He has also been credited with promoting awareness of ecological issues before the public outcry over them had become prominent."
That the album ever happened is a miracle. Marvin was a singer of love songs. Signed to Motown a decade earlier, he had a string of hits under his belt like "Ain't That Peculiar," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and the amazing "Heard it Through the Grapevine." When he presented "What's Goin' On" to the label brass, they rejected it. It was a departure from the gravy train of crooner hits for which Martin was known. But somebody at Motown secretly arranged to have the single pressed and 100,000 discs sent to record stores and radio stations. It became the fastest selling single in Motown history.
Motown brass, humbled by their own hubris, told Marvin he could continue down this path if he could produce a full album within 30 days, knowing full well that such a deadline was an impossibility. And, Marvin proved them wrong again with what is now considered the Number One album of all time.
On this Music Friday...while "What's Goin' On" is sadly as relevant today as it was 50 years ago (even more so, in my eyes...but I already linked it above), we're going with another gem from the album. This is "Mercy Mercy Me (the Ecology)."
No less relevant 50 years later. If Marvin were still here with us, he'd likely just shake his head in disgust. As we all should.
Recent Comments