This song came out over 50 years ago, and it still rings true today. Thanks for the reaction.

The anthem of every hard-working, tax paying American! My favorite Marvin Gaye song.❤

You two are on fire today. Sadly, most of us are still wondering, after all these years, "What's Going On?"

One of the best Albums of all time

Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder changed the game with their conceptual albums during that time. Can not be beat.

Make me wanna holla…today! What an ethereal sound, great Marvin. He was amazing in concert.

I'm scrolling through the comments and I agree with most of what people are saying that here we are 50 years later and the song is still relevant as was What's Going On!!😢😢😢😢 And that's the reason that I can't hear these songs without tearing up!😢😢😢 ❤❤❤

Marvin went to war with Berry Gordy to get autonomy to make this album. Berry didnt want to release a “protest album”, preferring to stick with the light pop stuff that made Motown that money. He (Marvin) threatened to leave the label so Gordy relented and let Mr. Gaye sing the songs he was feeling. Such a great historic record!

I thank my mom for raising us kids on Marvin’s beautiful music, along with other great soul singers/groups. I’m soon to be 63, & we are an all white family, my oldest son inherited my moms album collection. My son loved listening with my mom too. I only mentioned our race, because not all whites were raised on this fantastic music, maybe hearing a song here or there. Marvin had a beautiful voice, & it’s heartbreaking how it ended. Thank you guys, I also loved you Led Zeppelin journey, you keep the music alive.

This album is a masterpiece…RIP Marvin Gaye..

The best social commentary. Used to teach this in class. 34 years in Harlem and The Bronx.

First time I heard this album was in 1971, upon my return from Asia, when I was in the military. It has remained one of my most favorite pieces of music over the years; and still triggers the same emotions in me, and brings back memories of what was going on at that time (good and bad).

One of Marvin's best ...great music, incredible singing, powerful lyrics. Masterpiece!

This is one of the best albums that was ever written

The world is a lesser place without Marvin. He was a national treasure. 😢

I’ve commented about this album on several videos on your channel, so I’ll try to keep this short. This became my favorite song from this album when I discovered it at the age of 7 in 1974. I wasn’t near old enough to comprehend everything at that age, but it resonated in my soul. I had a vague, but innate understanding that it was a man very soulfully speaking of frustration and disappointment regarding realities and inequalities. My connection to this song only deepened as I grew older and had a greater understanding of the world, and both this song and album as a whole. No other single piece of art or media has had a greater impact on my world view as this song. I always appreciated the message, then when I got old enough to start playing instruments and pursuing music seriously, I gained a greater appreciation for the production of this album. A true sonic and artistic masterpiece. This song is also a time machine for me. From the opening percussion, Marvin’s scatting, then the drop of that iconic bass line as the verse starts is just overwhelming to my senses - it makes me remember what the early 70s felt like and even smelled like. Pure magic that will never leave the playlist.

Those lyrics 'trigger-happy policemen' were a big reason Berry Gordy didn't want to release this album. But Marvin would not change anything. Also, I firmly believe that the IRS made up amounts of money that they said artists owed them. This song is flawless and heartfelt. The whole album is and it doesn't get the praise it deserves.

There haven't been more than 3 albums in my life that completely shook me to my core. This is one of them. This album is pure genius hitting your senses in 3 dimensional waves of awesomeness!

The greatest vocal album EVER!!! Still relevant 50+ years later.

I was 12 when this came out. I have this album & still to this day at age 64 it’s still one of my all time favorites 🥰 Marvin was a supremely talented musician with such vision 🫶🏻🎤 LEGEND 🎤

Top 10 of all time. I have heard this 500 times, and it still sounds fresh every time.

Berry Gordie didn't think Marvin was going in the right direction...But Marvin knew What was Goin On!! Some of the BEST music ever written. And only Marvin could sing it..bring it on! 🔥🔥Timeless!

Marvin speaks the truth to the world ❤️👌🏻

For me "What's Going On" is in the top 10 albums of ANY genre of the 20th century.

Marvin’s spittin some bars here!

A great song!!! The meaning still holds true today. Marvin's voice, the Funk Brothers. Detroit Sympony Orchestra and Bobbey Hall on the bongos . Excellent reaction fellas!!! It is much appreciated 🙏 😊❤. It was a diffentley a different time to grow up in.

Brilliant album, start to finish, 1971. I was 16. Top #3 all time desert island disc. Perfection, masterpiece, it's brilliance has never dulled in 53 years.

Holy mackerel! Never heard the ending on that before. Thanks guys.

I have recently been watching your KZfaq music reactions especially ALL the Steely Dan and you're both my favorite by far ! I'm so glad though that you are reacting to the Great Marvin Gaye ! However, one word you missed about his vocals and his music . . . Spiritual !

When I was 19 or 20 I reached a point in my life where I was discovering and appreciating all kinds of great music at the same time. The Bad Brains, pre-'65 Miles Davis, '68-'74 Stones, Waterboys, Thomas Tallis, John Coltrane, Ariel Ramirez, late edition Talk Talk, Sam Cooke, Allman Bros.. All that stuff came at me at the same time. And the one guy who just constantly blew me away was the Marvin Gaye from '71 to '78. I have no words to describe this.

We haven't learned a thing have we?

Lifts me off of the grounds and floats me to a magical place.

Wish we still had Marvin....😢

This album is something special

I’ve lived in Chicago all my life and this song still as fresh as it was 50 years ago

Marvin made it look so easy, he could be gritty and smooth at the same time. There is a great video of him and his band working out the classic "I Want You" in what looks like Marvin's house. He is singing the song perfectly while lying on his couch. He sat up and gave directions to the band of things he wanted to change or add to the instrumentation. And the band was pretty young, and you could see how excited they were to be getting instructions and playing with the master. They would start up again and Marvin started singing and as soon as heard what he wanted, he settled back on to the couch and kept singing. Swag plus.

Timeless yet timely classic. God bless. 🎉😅

Masterpiece from back in the day.

Favorite vocalist of all time. Sweet and sensitive- RIP.

You don’t hear a song for years and you kind of forget about it and then when you hear it again so much comes flooding back and you remember stuff and it’s power returns and you can associate it with the present. One of the greats, both the song and Marvin.

…and that place is one of fairness and justice.

Great reaction. The great Bob Babbitt on bass. RIP Marvin. RIP Bob.

This is one of the Greatest Albums of All Time. Like one of, if not the first concept albums. That live video of What's Going On is just next level.(plus the video of people from the 70's is so real it takes me back. The cars, the clothes, being in the park, all of it. I remember seeing Blackstone graffiti)

Great song with bassist James Jamerson's fellow Funk Brothers Bob Babbitt on bass & Eddie "Bongo" Brown on bongos & congas. Seen the surviving members of the Funk Brothers in 2005 at The House of Blues in Cleveland, awesome show! If you haven't already, make sure you listen to Marvin's "Live at The Kennedy Center (May 1, 1972)" concert. It's included with the 2001 What's Going On Deluxe Edition cd & he performs most of the What's Going On album.

a landmark album

Great reaction gentleman. Marvin was a brilliant singer songwriter. He was a true visionary poet. Marvin was definitely one of the 🐐🐐🐐thank you for sharing this classic song from a classy man. RIP Marvin the music world misses you immensely 🙏🙏🙏

One of the most beautiful songs ever

This album brings back a lot of memories. Thank you for sharing.

Who needs to travel when you have Marvin. He takes you on a trip wll over the map of your heart.

Favorite R&B singer of all time. The man. Killer tune

Would love to see you guys react to Marvin singing the National Anthem. It's glorious!

One of the greatest albums of all-time. Marvin’s creative sensitivity and sensibility was genius. As a boy turning 13 when released I listened again and again until I fully understand a world previously unknown to me. The drum and bass with his voice - sheer magic! Thank you Marvin for helping grow up

Classic album. One of my all time favorites.

The voice. The styling, range & phrasing. Transporting.

Arguably one of the best songs on the album!

Remember the day that album hit the streets. Most of my hood was in Vietnam. Marvin is the GOAT and this is the greatest album of all time. At every house party people were singing these words. I don’t care where you went this was blasting in the streets. What a great time to be young.

One of his greatest songs always an incredible message. Thank you

Hey my brothers…..great song!!! Have a great Sunday ❤️❤️❤️❤️💋💋

I don't think there has ever been a better voice in pop music history. Check out his isolated vocal track on I Heard It Through The Grapevine. It is unreal, as a singer myself it is very humbling.

Incredible song!

Everything about this is perfect. Never gets old. You guys should also check out Curtis Mayfield's There's No Place Like America Today and Stevie Wonder's Fulfillingness' First Finale (or Music of My Mind, Innervisions or Talking Book) - all fabulous records that deal with similar issues. A lesser known album by Eugene McDaniels, Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse, is also a great soul protest record that gets pretty far out in places

And the way some of the songs just ran into the next. Beautiful!

God I love this song. Such a great tune to drive to. Thanks guys!

Greatness by the Genius!

Somebody played the HELL out of the triangle

He’s so good it gives me chills.

Thank you gentlemen. Such an incredible part of my youth!

great album. telling the story of his time and yes, all times. discuss. history via great music.

This song still gives me chills, as does the whole album. Before this came out Marvin was considered to be a soul singer, dude became a hero to at least two generations after this masterpiece. 🕊💖🖖

Funk Brothers background, co-wrote some/all. Haven't heard this in a while, by the end I was in awe of the majesty of the music. Timele..

MOTOWN Forever !!!!!!

This entire album is a MASTERPIECE. Love it!

I remember buying this album when it was released, the same year I graduated high school. I still have the album and to this day it's my all time favourite. It's Marvin Gaye's musical masterpiece in my opinion and the lyrics were an accurate portrayal of "what's going on" back then and sadly still.

One of his BEST💋💋💋💋💋

One of the greatest albums ever produced with one of the greatest singers of any generation.Yes his voice is unique and at that time people actually sang a song.If there is a voice like his today it is probably chattering on about selfish means

This and "What's Going On?" Best two songs of his era!!!❤❤❤❤❤

Aaww man, awesome reaction and commentary. I'm Waiting on the movie. This man was incredibly talented. Totally relavent,even in 2024, same things still going on. Masterclass. Legends dont die,they magnify!!

From 6 years old to today, one of the most important musical experiences of my life. Just beautiful.

My mom's music I grew up on 50 years ago and 50 years ago I found zep doors hendrix stones all during this time amazing musical time in America

Top all-time album.

Oh! It got deep!

And if you want to hear my favorite version of the National Anthem, check out Marvin's rendition at the 1984 NBA All-Star game. Completely respectful with just a military drummer and him on keyboards; It wasn't his fault women were swooning at his performance. His unique phrasing made that difficult song singable, and he made it totally emotional. I was just about to go on cruise with my ship in the Navy when I saw this performance live on TV. A few months later, I wake up in a woman's bed in the Philippines, the radio is on, and the announcer said that word just came in that Marvin Gaye was dead at 44, shot by his father. It would have been hard to take at home, but thousands of miles away, it just didn't seem real, and I refused to accept it until i got home and read it in American papers.

I'm a bass player. I need to learn this slick bass line today.

Still powerful. It brings me right back, I still have my draft card, but I never burned it.

Masterpiece. period!

I grew up a poor dirt farmers son, and although I can't relate to being in a large city, this song always hit home with me because I was of age during the Vietnam War draft and I had shoulder length hair which caused me to be looked down on and very harshly judged in a southern state. This album is a masterpiece from start to finish, and I still have my original album in my massive album collection.

One of the most important albums ever produced!

Such a vibe. The whole album.

Finally! What took you so long to do this song? This is a Marvin Gaye masterpiece!

just doesn't come any better than this. always props to James Jamerson (in addition to Marvin, of course)

You can really feel every note .

One of the most gifted musicians ever 💗 his music is majestic

About time you two gentelman got here. Been waiting for this one. Its obviously as relevant today as it was 50 years ago. And a fantastic piece of music.

As a footnote.. I have to play the Temptations 'Runaway Child Running Wild' after this.

My fav MG song, and a political statment that barry gordy of Motown did not want them to be Political but MG said forget that ill do what i want!!!!!

I was just thinking: Detroit brought us Marvin, Stevie, MJ, and Eminem. That’s some Hall of Fame level big-league ball, right there.

Book about Civil Rights called "MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER".... Great book and titles💋💋💋💋💋

This is often ranked the top album of all time. Marvin was special.

I had never heard this song until I heard a live version cover of it by John Mayer and DJ Rosin? (doing turntable scratches to it), and it blew me away, so I immediately checked out this OG version and both are just so great!

A very great, influential track.