Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs
#62: Marvin Gaye 'What's Going On'
Some time ago, a writer equated Sade's voice as being capable of calming even the most hyperactive, cranky child. If there was ever a song that could soothe a savage beast, it would be Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On." Despite the lilting melody housed within his voice, it is the constant expected melody of the track that has enabled this song to be a mainstay on smooth jazz stations nationwide. But let's keep it real: this song, much as the remainder of the What's Going On album, is as much about raising awareness about the inequity experienced by those living within the inner cities and ghettos of this country. It really comes as no surprise that this marks Marvin's fourth appearance on this countdown, as his genius both as a singer and songwriter and also a multi-instrumentalist was that stellar. Do yourself a favor and watch the video below which features a nine-minute extended live version of this poignant and beautiful song from the 1973 film Save The Children.Tags: marvin gaye, motown, sade
Comments
'what's going on' belongs in the top 20 if not the top 10.
khalid | May 23, 2008 1:32 PM | PermalinkLove this man's music.Who isn't inspired!
Sharonda | May 23, 2008 11:38 AM | PermalinkWay too low. "What's Going On" is probably the seminal R&B song of any generation. The song easily belongs in the top 20.
Trent | May 22, 2008 6:27 PM | Permalink