Another Motown artist trying to break away from not only the Motown sound, but from his own image as a purveyor of light-n-easy pop hits.
Following the death of his sometime singing partner Tammi Terrell, and in reaction to the changing times Marvin wanted to branch out. "What's Goin' On" is the result of that. It both moves him forward, while still taking a lot of cues from Marvin's past in doo-wop vocal groups in building his brilliantly interplaying vocals.
Motown didn't want to release the album, as they couldn't see the potential for hits in a song suite dripping with political and social conscience. Marvin threatened to never record another thing for the label if it wasn't released so they relented. Three hit singles and 30-40 years of strong sales seem to have vindicated MG.
The sound of this album would go on to inspire and influence other artists from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder through to Jamiroquai and Justin Timberlake.
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