Marvin Gaye - What's Going On: 40th Anniversary (Motown)

The same words are often used, but they’ve never been more true. The title track to Marvin Gaye’s masterful protest album is as relevant today as it was when it was written. As often as it has been covered, Gaye’s version remains unmatched in terms of emotional heft. 1971’s What’s Going On was an immensely ambitious project that covered war, social and political issues, the ecology and religious topics – all while capturing some of the smoothest soul grooves ever committed to tape, with a stable of top Detroit musicians including Funk Brothers bassist James Jamerson.

In addition to the thought-provoking title track, the record also inspired many other cover versions during the ensuing four decades. Of personal note is “Inner City Blues,” the song that introduced me to Gaye himself when Southern Californian alternative rock/funk act Adam Again included it on their 1990 LP Homeboys (enduring thanks to the late Gene Eugene).

This set treats the landmark album with the respect it warrants. The package includes a vinyl record with the rare “Detroit mix” of the album. This mix preceded Gaye’s shift to Los Angeles where he completed the lushly orchestrated version he ultimately released, replete with orchestration and stacked versions of his own voice. Stark by comparison, the Detroit mix focuses even more closely on Gaye’s topical concerns, and highlights the use of his high-flying voice for issues encumbered by such gravity. Gaye’s environmental worries expressed in “Mercy Mercy Me” were a far cry from fluffy pop gems like “Hitch Hike” and “Ain’t That Peculiar.”

Also included is a CD of instrumental demos, offering a fascinating glimpse into Gaye’s working process in the studio. Among the musicians on these rough-hewn slices of nascent soul is Ray Parker, Jr., known at the time as a hot young guitar player from the scene surrounding Detroit’s 20 Grand club – long before his novelty success with the Ghostbusters theme song in 1984.

The demo CD also includes the original single version of “You’re The Man,” conceived as a sequel to What’s Going On.