Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' Deluxe Edition Drops

The seminal 1971 album "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye is being celebrated with a deluxe reissue, complete with an early mix and exclusive demos. This collection offers a fresh perspective on a landmark recording that reshaped pop music. Motown Records, including its president Berry Gordy Jr., initially rejected the album's title track, with Gordy reportedly deeming it "the worst thing I've ever heard." Despite this setback, Gaye persevered, and the single was eventually released.

The "What's Going On" album, released five months after the single, marked a significant departure from Motown's established sound. Gaye traded the label's characteristic upbeat rhythms for more introspective, laid-back grooves, drawing inspiration from jazz and soul artists. This period also saw Gaye discovering his distinctive vocal style, characterized by a softer, more ethereal delivery, which he felt was a crucial development in his artistry.

This reissue comes forty years after the album's original release, serving as a timely tribute to Gaye's artistic vision. The success of "What's Going On" paved the way for Gaye's prolific auteur period in the 1970s, yielding other classics like "Let's Get It On" and "I Want You." The "What's Going On" album, however, remains his most celebrated and impactful work.