Coincidentally, 6 is as high as this album got on the charts.
Anyways, my thoughts on this album conflict with one another. First of all, my negative thoughts:
There is no way this album would be received well if it was released today, different than the five albums before this, and most of the albums after it. Forgetting the borderline-sacred lyrics, the music is sooo Motown which is soooo dated. OK, so once you get past that the music is really good, great flute + sax features which in my opinion drives the whole album but more on that....now
My other major complaint with this album is the laid-back attitude that Mr. Gaye sings with. I understand that he is just singing his style, but with the edgy ant-war sentiment. But if you didn't understand English you would have no idea what point he is making, there is little passion in his voice. OK, now for positives:
Obviously huge for the anti-war movement, Marvin Gaye set the stage for many other Motown artists to express their artistry. up until then, the Motown style and label was much more concerned with popularity than a social conscious. Ironically it was Gaye's commercial success though that paved the way...
It's worth a listen, although I think it was ranked higher on the RS list than it deserves, I think Rolling Stone put the social significance before the actual music.
Artist: Marvin Gaye
Year: 1971
My Favorite Song: What's Going On
Tomorrow: The Freakin' Rolling Stones!!! Finally!
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