Marvin GayeWhat's Going On

Warm, jazzy orchestral soul that drifts like smoke, Gaye's overdubbed vocals murmuring over each other in conversation. 'What's Going On' eases in on a sax-kissed groove and a party-chatter haze before flowing straight into 'What's Happening Brother' and 'Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky),' the whole record playing as one unbroken suite. He broke from Motown's hit factory to write a song cycle on war, poverty, and inner-city despair. Soul music as quiet revolution. Let it wash over you, side to side.