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Moving the Shout Out points to the trivia tab under Referenced By


''What's Going On'' is the eleventh studio album by Music/MarvinGaye, released in 1971. It's a socially conscious ConceptAlbum with a lot of songs addressing both political and social issues, as well as more general topics such as love.

The album was created as a response to Motown's business practices at the time, in which they only focused on singles sales and completely cut their artists out of the album-creating process; their albums were essentially GreatestHits after GreatestHits before Gaye released this album, proving the viability of the album format to the label. Berry Gordy was obsessed with quality control; he [[ExecutiveMeddling tried to veto]] the release of successful songs like "What's Going On" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" because he thought they wouldn't cross over well enough. Gaye and Music/StevieWonder both ended up threatening to stop recording unless their demands were met. This album was also the very first to give official credits to the Motown backing band, the Funk Brothers.

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''What's Going On'' is the eleventh studio album by Music/MarvinGaye, released in 1971.1971 through Tamla Records. It's a socially conscious ConceptAlbum with a lot of songs addressing both political and social issues, as well as more general topics such as love.

The album was created as a response to Motown's Creator/{{Motown}}'s business practices at the time, in which they only focused on singles sales and completely cut their artists out of the album-creating process; their albums were essentially GreatestHits after GreatestHits before Gaye released this album, proving the viability of the album format to the label. Berry Gordy was obsessed with quality control; he [[ExecutiveMeddling tried to veto]] the release of successful songs like "What's Going On" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" because he thought they wouldn't cross over well enough. Gaye and Music/StevieWonder both ended up threatening to stop recording unless their demands were met. This album was also the very first to give official credits to the Motown backing band, the Funk Brothers.






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* ShoutOut: The album has had its fair share of shout-outs throughout the years.
** "Future Shock", the title track on "Music/FutureShock" by Music/HerbieHancock, contains the phrase "What's Going On?"
** The phrase "What's Going On?" in "Fugee-La-La", off Music/TheFugees' ''Music/TheScore'', also references the album.
** Music/JanelleMonae's "Q.U.E.E.N." references the album with the line "I'm tired of Marvin asking me what's going on".
** The TitleTrack of Music/DavidBowie[='s=] 1993 album ''Music/BlackTieWhiteNoise'' includes the phrase "what's going on?" as a reference to the Gaye album and its themes of social commentary; the Bowie song is a reflection on the 1992 Los Angeles race riots, which were seen as vivid proof of ''What's Going On''[='s=] continuing relevancy in the years after its release.

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''What's Going On'' is the eleventh studio album by Music/MarvinGaye, released in 1971. It's a socially conscious ConceptAlbum with a lot of songs addressing both political and social issues, as well as more general topics such as love. The album was created as a response to Motown's business practices at the time, in which they only focused on singles sales and completely cut their artists out of the album-creating process; their albums were essentially GreatestHits after GreatestHits before Gaye released this album, proving viability of the album format for the label. Berry Gordy was obsessed with quality control; he [[ExecutiveMeddling tried to veto]] the release of successful songs like "What's Going On" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", because he thought they wouldn't cross over well enough. Marvin Gaye and Music/StevieWonder both ended up threatening to stop recording unless their demands were met. This album was also the very first to give official credits to the Motown backing band, the Funk Brothers.

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''What's Going On'' is the eleventh studio album by Music/MarvinGaye, released in 1971. It's a socially conscious ConceptAlbum with a lot of songs addressing both political and social issues, as well as more general topics such as love. love.

The album was created as a response to Motown's business practices at the time, in which they only focused on singles sales and completely cut their artists out of the album-creating process; their albums were essentially GreatestHits after GreatestHits before Gaye released this album, proving the viability of the album format for to the label. Berry Gordy was obsessed with quality control; he [[ExecutiveMeddling tried to veto]] the release of successful songs like "What's Going On" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", Beg" because he thought they wouldn't cross over well enough. Marvin Gaye and Music/StevieWonder both ended up threatening to stop recording unless their demands were met. This album was also the very first to give official credits to the Motown backing band, the Funk Brothers.
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Removal of malformed wicks to GCPTR


%% * GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to overwhelming and persistent misuse, GCPTR is on-page examples only until 01 June 2021. If you are reading this in the future, please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.
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Disambiguated


* NotChristianRock: Gaye isn't really a Christian soul artist, but "God Is Love" and "Wholy Holy" have Christian themes.
** Marvin is also quietly singing prayers such as "Mercy, Father" throughout the vocal parts of "Mercy Mercy Me". It's mixed subtly underneath the main lyrics of the song, and not usually included in transcribed lyrics; it's easier to hear on headphones.

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critical reviews, both contemporary and retrospective, can't be in the main article body


Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at No. 1 in ''Magazine/RollingStone''[='s=] [[UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 2020]], controversially dethroning Music/TheBeatles' ''Music/SgtPeppersLonelyHeartsClubBand'' (which was ranked at No. 1 on both [[UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime the 2003 and 2012 editions]] of the list). With this critical acclaim, Website/AcclaimedMusic has ranked it at #7 on their [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compendium of various critics' greatest albums lists]].



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[[AC: Side One]]
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[[AC: Side Two]]

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[[AC: Side Two]]
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* GreenAesop: "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" is a ProtestSong about environmental degradation. It's not at all subtle, [[SomeAnvilsNeedToBeDropped but it doesn't need to be so]].

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* GreenAesop: "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" is a ProtestSong about environmental degradation. It's not at all subtle, [[SomeAnvilsNeedToBeDropped but it doesn't need to be so]].so.
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* GettingCrapPastTheRadar: During the chatter during the title track, someone audibly says "fuck."

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%% * GettingCrapPastTheRadar: During GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to overwhelming and persistent misuse, GCPTR is on-page examples only until 01 June 2021. If you are reading this in the chatter during future, please check the title track, someone audibly says "fuck."trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.
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* ProtestSong: Songs such as "What's Going On", "What's Happening Brother", "Save the Children", "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", and "Inner City Blues" all address issues like war, poverty, racism and pollution.

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* ProtestSong: Songs More like a Protest Album: songs such as "What's Going On", "What's Happening Brother", "Save the Children", "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", and "Inner City Blues" all address issues like war, poverty, racism and pollution.
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Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at No. 1 in ''Magazine/RollingStone''[='s=] [[UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 2020]]. With this critical acclaim, Website/AcclaimedMusic has ranked it at #7 on their [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compendium of various critics' greatest albums lists]].

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Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at No. 1 in ''Magazine/RollingStone''[='s=] [[UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 2020]].2020]], controversially dethroning Music/TheBeatles' ''Music/SgtPeppersLonelyHeartsClubBand'' (which was ranked at No. 1 on both [[UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime the 2003 and 2012 editions]] of the list). With this critical acclaim, Website/AcclaimedMusic has ranked it at #7 on their [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compendium of various critics' greatest albums lists]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at No. 1 in ''Magazine/RollingStone''[='s=] [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 2020]]. With this critical acclaim, Website/AcclaimedMusic has ranked it at #7 on their [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compendium of various critics' greatest albums lists]].

to:

Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at No. 1 in ''Magazine/RollingStone''[='s=] [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020 [[UsefulNotes/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 2020]]. With this critical acclaim, Website/AcclaimedMusic has ranked it at #7 on their [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compendium of various critics' greatest albums lists]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at No. 1 in the 2020 version of ''Magazine/RollingStone''[='s=] [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]]. With this critical acclaim, Website/AcclaimedMusic has ranked it at #7 on their [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compendium of various critics' greatest albums lists]].

to:

Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at No. 1 in the 2020 version of ''Magazine/RollingStone''[='s=] [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]].Time 2020]]. With this critical acclaim, Website/AcclaimedMusic has ranked it at #7 on their [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compendium of various critics' greatest albums lists]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at #6 in Magazine/RollingStone's [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]]. With this critical acclaim, Website/AcclaimedMusic has ranked it at #7 on their [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compendium of various critics' greatest albums lists]].

to:

Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at #6 No. 1 in Magazine/RollingStone's the 2020 version of ''Magazine/RollingStone''[='s=] [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]]. With this critical acclaim, Website/AcclaimedMusic has ranked it at #7 on their [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compendium of various critics' greatest albums lists]].

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* MoodWhiplash: The album's two GodIsLoveSongs are followed up by two of the darkest songs on the album, each going into depth about one of the era's most pressing problems (the environment and poverty, respectively, both of which remain major problems today). The juxtaposition can be looked at as Gaye's way of saying that while faith can be a major source of emotional comfort, we shouldn't allow it to blind us to real-world suffering.



** Marvin is also quietly singing prayers such as "Mercy, Father" throughout the vocal parts of "Mercy, Mercy Me". It's subtle underneath the main lyrics of the song, and not usually included in transcribed lyrics; it's easier to hear on headphones.

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** Marvin is also quietly singing prayers such as "Mercy, Father" throughout the vocal parts of "Mercy, "Mercy Mercy Me". It's subtle mixed subtly underneath the main lyrics of the song, and not usually included in transcribed lyrics; it's easier to hear on headphones.

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** ZigZagged by "'''Wh'''oly '''H'''oly", which is alliterative as spoken/sung but not as written.



* {{Bookends}}: The album's closing track, "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)", ends with a slower piano rendition of lyrics from the title track.

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* {{Bookends}}: The album's closing track, "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)", ends with a slower piano rendition of lyrics from the title track. Also applies to the first LP side by itself; "Mercy Mercy Me" ends with a reprise of an instrumental segment of the title track as well.


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** Marvin is also quietly singing prayers such as "Mercy, Father" throughout the vocal parts of "Mercy, Mercy Me". It's subtle underneath the main lyrics of the song, and not usually included in transcribed lyrics; it's easier to hear on headphones.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at #6 in Magazine/RollingStone's [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]].

to:

Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums]], and was also listed at #6 in Magazine/RollingStone's [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]].
Time]]. With this critical acclaim, Website/AcclaimedMusic has ranked it at #7 on their [[UsefulNotes/AcclaimedMusicAllTimeTopAlbums compendium of various critics' greatest albums lists]].



* FadingIntoTheNextSong[=/=]SiameseTwinSongs: Nearly all of the songs lead into one another. The only song that stands on its own is the title track, which fades out entirely. There's also a gap between "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" and "Right On" due to vinyl side limitations.

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* FadingIntoTheNextSong[=/=]SiameseTwinSongs: Nearly all of the songs lead into one another. The only song that stands on its own is the title track, which fades out entirely. There's also a gap between "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" and "Right On" due to vinyl side limitations.limitations, as well as a more subtle gap that makes "Wholy Holy" and "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" distinct from each other..



* GreenAesop: "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" is a ProtestSong about environmental degradation. It's not at all subtle, nor does it need to be.

to:

* GreenAesop: "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" is a ProtestSong about environmental degradation. It's not at all subtle, nor does [[SomeAnvilsNeedToBeDropped but it doesn't need to be.be so]].



* NotChristianRock: Gaye isn't really a Christian rock artist, but "God Is Love" and "Wholy Holy" have Christian themes.

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* NotChristianRock: Gaye isn't really a Christian rock soul artist, but "God Is Love" and "Wholy Holy" have Christian themes.
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* AlbumFiller: The album was created out of Gaye's frustration that most albums released by Creator/{{Motown}} were basically hit singles surrounded by filler.

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* AlbumFiller: [[AvertedTrope Averted]]. The album was created out of Gaye's frustration that most albums released by Creator/{{Motown}} were basically hit singles surrounded by filler.
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[[caption-width-right:350:''What's Going On''.]]

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[[caption-width-right:350:''What's Going On''.[[caption-width-right:350:''Talk to me, so you can see, [[TitleDrop what's going on]]''.]]
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Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums.]]. It was also listed at #6 in Magazine/RollingStone's [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]]

to:

Highly regarded by both the public and critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums.]]. It albums]], and was also listed at #6 in Magazine/RollingStone's [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]]
Time]].
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None

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** The TitleTrack of Music/DavidBowie[='s=] 1993 album ''Music/BlackTieWhiteNoise'' includes the phrase "what's going on?" as a reference to the Gaye album and its themes of social commentary; the Bowie song is a reflection on the 1992 Los Angeles race riots, which were seen as vivid proof of ''What's Going On''[='s=] continuing relevancy in the years after its release.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

** Music/JanelleMonae's "Q.U.E.E.N." references the album with the line "I'm tired of Marvin asking me what's going on".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


''What's Going On'' is the eleventh studio album by Music/MarvinGaye, released in 1971. It's a socially conscious ConceptAlbum with a lot of songs addressing both political and social issues, as well as more general topics such as love. The album was created as a response to Motown's business practices at the time, in which they only focused on singles sales and completely cut their artists out of the album-creating process; their albums were essentially GreatestHits after GreatestHits before Gaye released this album, proving viability of the album format for the label. Berry Gordy was obsessed with quality control and [[ExecutiveMeddling tried to veto]] the release of successful songs like "What's Going On" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" because he thought they wouldn't cross over well enough. Marvin Gaye and Music/StevieWonder both ended up threatening to stop recording unless their demands were met. This album was also the very first to give official credits to the Motown backing band, the Funk Brothers.

Highly regarded by both the public and critics it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums.]]. It was also listed at nr. #6 in Magazine/RollingStone's [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time]]

to:

''What's Going On'' is the eleventh studio album by Music/MarvinGaye, released in 1971. It's a socially conscious ConceptAlbum with a lot of songs addressing both political and social issues, as well as more general topics such as love. The album was created as a response to Motown's business practices at the time, in which they only focused on singles sales and completely cut their artists out of the album-creating process; their albums were essentially GreatestHits after GreatestHits before Gaye released this album, proving viability of the album format for the label. Berry Gordy was obsessed with quality control and control; he [[ExecutiveMeddling tried to veto]] the release of successful songs like "What's Going On" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" Beg", because he thought they wouldn't cross over well enough. Marvin Gaye and Music/StevieWonder both ended up threatening to stop recording unless their demands were met. This album was also the very first to give official credits to the Motown backing band, the Funk Brothers.

Highly regarded by both the public and critics critics, it's still ranked high in many lists of the greatest albums ever made. It was included in the UsefulNotes/NationalRecordingRegistry in 2003. Magazine/TimeMagazine included the album in their [[TimeAllTime100Albums 2006 list of 100 timeless and essential albums.]]. It was also listed at nr. #6 in Magazine/RollingStone's [[Music/RollingStone500GreatestAlbumsOfAllTime 500 Greatest Albums Of of All Time]]



* DrunkenMaster: Funk Brother James Jamerson played the bass parts of the title track on his back on the studio floor, after he turned up too drunk and tired to sit.

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* DrunkenMaster: Funk Brother James Jamerson played the {{title track}}'s bass parts of the title track on his back on the studio floor, floor after he turned turning up too drunk and tired to sit.



* LyricalDissonance: Gaye sings about social problems, but he does it with such a smooth voice and wonderful arrangements that you actually find yourself "enjoying" listening to what he sings.

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* LyricalDissonance: Gaye sings about social problems, but he does it with such a smooth voice and wonderful arrangements that you actually find yourself "enjoying" ''enjoying'' listening to what he sings.
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* BookEnds: The album's closing track, "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)", ends with a slower piano rendition of lyrics from the title track.

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* BookEnds: {{Bookends}}: The album's closing track, "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)", ends with a slower piano rendition of lyrics from the title track.



* SpokenWordInMusic: The album kicks off with chattering people. "Save the Children" has a parlando where Gaye talks, backed by his own singing voice.

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* SpokenWordInMusic: The album kicks off starts with chattering people. "Save the Children" has a parlando where Gaye talks, backed by his own singing voice.



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Added DiffLines:

* NotChristianRock: Gaye isn't really a Christian rock artist, but "God Is Love" and "Wholy Holy" have Christian themes.

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