Motown to Release Marvin Gaye ‘What’s Going On: 50th Anniversary’ 2LP Edition

After half a century, the wisdom behind R&B’s first seamless concept album, What’s Going On, continues to ring true: a poignant plea that we might organize to address often-overlooked issues of inequality and ecological distress.

Closing out the year, Motown and UMe are continuing the celebration with the release of “What’s Going On: 50th Anniversary” 2LP Edition on December 3rd, 2021. This premium vinyl release features direct-to-analog mastering from the original primary album tape reels by acclaimed engineer Kevin Gray, one of the first times this has been done since 1971, offering an undeniably authentic listening experience.

What’s Going On: 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition bonus LP opens up the album’s writing and production palette. Featured are four rare cuts making their vinyl debut, highlighted by a previously unreleased “stripped” version of the title song, plus all six original mono single mixes and their B-sides, with all of those 7” versions on vinyl for the first time since their original releases. Among them are alternate versions of “God Is Love” and “Flying High (In The Friendly Sky),” the latter issued on 45 as “Sad Tomorrows.”

With a vulnerable depth and complexity, Marvin Gaye opened the door musically, culturally, and politically for countless musicians over the last five decades to address the injustices of our world. Sitting at the #1 spot on Rolling Stone’s 2020 list of “The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time,” What’s Going On has proven its evergreen relevance and its legacy will continue to influence and shape the music of future generations.

What’s Going On 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition:

LP 1: Original LP
SIDE 1
1. What’s Going On 3:53
2. What’s Happening Brother 2:44
3. Flyin’ High (In The Friendly Sky) 3:50
4. Save The Children 4:03
5. God Is Love 1:42
6. Mercy Mercy Me 3:13

SIDE 2
1. Right On 7:32
2. Wholy Holy 3:08
3. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) 5:27

LP 2: Bonus Tracks
SIDE 3
1. What’s Going On stripped version * 3:57
2. What’s Going On mix 1/no strings or horns 3:54
3. What’s Going On rhythm & strings instrumental mix 3:50
4. Symphony demo version 2:49

SIDE 4 – Original Mono Single Mixes
1. What’s Going On 3:54
2. God Is Love 2:51
3. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) 2:30
4. Sad Tomorrows 2:22
5. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) 2:58
6. Wholy Holy 3:09

Produced by Marvin Gaye
Album Arranged and Orchestra Conducted by David Van DePitte
*Previously Unreleased

And

Marvin Gaye x Salaam Remi: The Remix Suite:
1. Save the Children (Salaam Remi Mix)
2. Sad Tomorrows (Salaam Remi Mix)
3. No Need (Salaam Remi Mix)
4. I Want To Come Home For Christmas (Salaam Remi Mix)