What's Going On

So I am just about done with my research paper on Marvin Gaye's song "What's Going On." It is so interesting to see the history, complexities, and legacy of an entire song, especially as powerful and as influential as this one. It is strange that even today, a song produced so long ago is still so relevant. The first time I ever remember hearing this song was through the cover done by a group of various popular artists in 2001 that wanted to help raise awareness and funds for AIDS programs in Africa. Even right now, if you were to play this song recorded in 1970, its message would be just as strong and warranted. To me, this timelessness and relevance makes this song a great song. I would even argue that this song is one of the greatest songs of all time for not only its content but the boundaries it broke as well.

It just amazes me that something so old can still be played now with the same potency. At the same time, it is sad to see the decline of socially and politically aware music in our culture today. I am not asking for artists to exploit all the wrongs in the world but to have a little more content than ones of materialism and misogyny. But I guess it would be wrong for me to solely blame the artist and not address the issues of the record companies and what kind of "image" they look for. Regardless of who's fault it is, music needs some change.

Anyway here is a paragraph from my paper:

Even after 38 years, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” continues to sound just as fresh and continues to be just as powerful as it was when it was first recorded. Produced during a time of war and change in the American society, “What’s Going On” captures the mood and sentiment of an entire nation that was frustrated with the war, poverty and violence back at home. With the influence of the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement, Gaye explores grounds that few could or did during those times. Few other songs were as direct in their anti-war message and few other artists even tried to do the same. The landmark messages and intent of Gaye is still one many artists continue to explore themselves and praise him for. Not only did he change the sound of music and the model for the recording industry, he moved America. This song proves its timeless and scope as it continues to be an inspiration for many artists exploring many of the same social and political problems Gaye did.