AAMAM: Marvin Gaye’s Smooth 1, 2 Punch! Part 23 of 30

With its smooth and relaxed intro, Marvin Gaye’s 1971 hit “What’s Going On” was a departure from the glossy and neatly orchestrated Motown Sound his audience was so used too.  Gaye had reached a point in his life where he felt the needed to sing about the ills of society, war, poverty, and racism rather than sing dreamy love songs.  His decision to do so was well received in “What’s Going On.”  Gaye self-produced his song combined elements of classical music and R&B to create a unique sonic backdrop for a powerful message addressing the problems of the early ‘70s.

Sit back and take a listen to the masterful recording “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye!

AAMAM is always smooth!

Your Sunday iPod Add: Voodoo

Here is your Sunday iPod add the album Voodoo by D’Angelo.  Yes the entire album.  D’Angelo’s second and last album is a musical and lyrical masterpiece.  Some critics compare it to Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On album.  Just last week GQ released a great article about D’Angelo and his so called ‘comeback’ and not necessarily a musical one.  (Check it out).

Anyway, this got me to thinking about D’Angelo and his music.  He was a large part of the Neo-Soul wave of music a few years back . . . well a lot of years back . . . ok, well over 15 years ago! Dang!  I brought up his Voodoo album on my iTunes and was blown away.  It’s not that I forgot all about D’Angelo it’s just that his album reminded me of how great music sounds when the practitioner has talent.  Oops, did I say that!  Yep! From beginning to end this album has an undeniable groove that exudes blackness.  I mean it’s has real Rhythm and Blues, soul, jazz, funk, Hip Hop, and gospel all rolled up into one musical experience.  Produced by good friend ?uestlove the album contains artists such as Roy Hargrove, James Poyser, Charlie Hunter, Raphael Saadiq, Method Man, Redman, and Q-Tip.  You must add this your iPod.  Trust me, you will thank me later.

D’angelo LIVE