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What's Going On [40th Anniversary Edition]
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What's Going On [40th Anniversary Edition] Image
Metascore
100

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 88 Ratings

  • Summary: Considered one of the best soul albums ever released, What's Going On has been reissued and remastered with 28 bonus tracks.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. No Ripcord
    Aug 2, 2011
    100
    What's Going On is not only a remarkable album, but an opportunity to discover a seminal artist at the peak of his powers; an insight into a true modern genius of pop music.
  2. Rolling Stone
    Aug 4, 2011
    100
    Greatest protest album ever made? Most stirring soul-music symphony? Yes and yes. And then some.
  3. BBC Music
    Aug 2, 2011
    100
    In any form, What's Going On is an album that everyone should have in their collection; no matter how many times you play it, there is always something else to discover.
  4. AllMusic
    Aug 2, 2011
    100
    What's Going On was Marvin Gaye's masterwork, the most perfect expression of an artist's hope, anger, and concern ever recorded.
  5. Uncut
    Aug 3, 2011
    100
    Gaye's music was on the move, but it never moved quite like What's Going On: still seraphic, still turbulent. [Aug 2011, p.95]
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  6. Pitchfork
    Aug 2, 2011
    95
    For die-hards, the most alluring part of the package may be the second compact disc, which features 18 mostly instrumental demos recorded in Gaye's post-What's Going On honeymoon period, when his vast artistic ambitions and abilities were being embraced by the greater public. These somewhat experimental demos--deep, in-the-pocket funk in the vein of Sly Stone, George Clinton, and Jimi Hendrix--clearly laid the groundwork for much of his subsequent 70s material.
  7. Q Magazine
    Aug 9, 2011
    80
    It still sounds fabulous and relevant too, though this Super Deluxe Edition with lots of superfluous add-ons and a super £50-plus price tag to match is surely for completists only. [Aug 2011, p.133]
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See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Jh4165tw
    Nov 13, 2016
    10
    it's the best album that ever created. The vibe, the elevation of soul music, the ever-so-true lyrics about our future, the improvisation ofit's the best album that ever created. The vibe, the elevation of soul music, the ever-so-true lyrics about our future, the improvisation of tune and beats, all shows a true artist elevates his creation into a gift of light from god.… Expand
  2. karansjet
    Oct 1, 2014
    10
    This album rightfully deserves it's spot as the best Soul album of all time.
    What's Going On is not only Marvin Gaye's masterpiece, it's the    This album rightfully deserves it's spot as the best Soul album of all time.
    What's Going On is not only Marvin Gaye's masterpiece, it's the most important and passionate record to come out of soul music, delivered by one of its finest voices, a man finally free to speak his mind and so move from R&B sex symbol to true recording artist.    … Expand
  4. marsb4
    Aug 15, 2011
    10
    In 1972 Marvin Gaye defied the odds. He took a risk which was to generate a political yet, socially conscience album. It was something thatIn 1972 Marvin Gaye defied the odds. He took a risk which was to generate a political yet, socially conscience album. It was something that was very uncommon in that era, but he accomplish a lot with this album. The album is a classic on a lot of levels especially soul and r&b. Almost 40 yrs later he has earned a top 6 spot on rolling stones 500 best albums of all time and Grammy awards. Reserve this album I promise you will not regret it.… Expand
  5. HugoPavi
    Feb 25, 2017
    10
    One of my favorite albums, extremely socially & politically relevant (even today), rightly regarded as one of the best albums of all time.One of my favorite albums, extremely socially & politically relevant (even today), rightly regarded as one of the best albums of all time. Nothing else needs to be said; What's Going On speaks for itself… Expand
  6. j30
    Dec 12, 2011
    10
    Marvin Gaye's 1971 landmark album really is a great album, there's no debating that. Whether you're into smooth jazz or soul in general, thisMarvin Gaye's 1971 landmark album really is a great album, there's no debating that. Whether you're into smooth jazz or soul in general, this is the nectar of the Gods. My personal favorite track comes from the mellow funk groove "Inner City Blues." This record is definitely worth your time.… Expand
  7. QuintonB
    Jan 4, 2013
    10
    You can never go wrong with a little Marvin Gaye, reissue or not. This album shows a king at the height of his prime; an athlete at hisYou can never go wrong with a little Marvin Gaye, reissue or not. This album shows a king at the height of his prime; an athlete at his physical peak. It's also one of the most influential albums all time, perhaps the album that cemented Gaye's place in history. A near perfect classic.… Expand
  8. clem666
    Aug 23, 2022
    8
    Truly an impacting album that manifests this unavoidable hippie period in the USA. The original version of 'What's Going On' is highlyTruly an impacting album that manifests this unavoidable hippie period in the USA. The original version of 'What's Going On' is highly cohesive and consistent: just nine tracks for nearly 36 minutes. That's one short and sudden kind of effort. Nevertheless Marvin Gaye managed to spread powerful lyrics and lines mixed with great instrumentals of soul lineage. This piece of work remains extremely interesting by those few words Gaye uses, the varied themes he addressed, but also and especially for the marvelous melodic improvisations all along. Very pleasant to listen to.… Expand

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