Some albums entertain. Others change the conversation forever.
Today marks 55 years since Marvin Gaye released What’s Going On, an album that didn’t just redefine soul music—it redefined what popular music could say.
Released in 1971, at a time when America was wrestling with war, racial injustice, poverty and political division, What’s Going On dared to ask difficult questions while offering something just as important: hope.
🎤 A Risk That Changed Music Forever
Motown was known for chart-topping hits and polished pop, but Marvin Gaye wanted something deeper.
Inspired by stories from his brother returning from Vietnam, growing civil unrest, and environmental concerns, Gaye fought to release a record that focused on real life rather than romance. It was a gamble that initially worried Motown founder Berry Gordy, who feared it wasn’t commercial enough.
Thankfully, Marvin refused to back down.
The result became one of the most influential albums ever recorded.
🌎 Songs That Still Feel Relevant
From the haunting title track What’s Going On to Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) and Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler), the album tackled subjects that remain painfully familiar more than five decades later.
War.
Pollution.
Economic inequality.
Police brutality.
Community.
Love.
Hope.
Instead of preaching, Marvin Gaye wrapped these themes in warm melodies, lush orchestration and one of the greatest vocal performances ever captured.
🎵 A Masterpiece That Still Inspires
Countless artists—from Stevie Wonder and Prince to Kendrick Lamar, John Legend and countless modern soul, R&B and hip-hop musicians—have cited What’s Going On as a major influence.
It proved that socially conscious music could also top the charts and connect with millions of listeners.
Even today, the album regularly appears near the top of “Greatest Albums of All Time” lists and continues to resonate with new generations.
❤️ More Than Just an Album
Perhaps the greatest achievement of What’s Going On is its humanity.
Rather than offering anger alone, Marvin Gaye offered compassion, empathy and a belief that people could still come together despite everything happening around them.
Fifty-five years later, those messages haven’t lost any of their power.
If anything, they’ve become even more important.
🤘 The Riff Report Says…
Rock, metal, punk, soul or hip-hop—it doesn’t matter what genre you love.
Great music speaks to its moment while remaining timeless, and What’s Going On is one of the finest examples of that ever recorded.
Happy 55th anniversary to an album that proved music can challenge minds, comfort hearts and inspire change—all at the same time.
What’s your favourite track from What’s Going On? Let us know in the comments! 🎶👇
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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