What's Going On / God Is Love

Motown executive Berry Gordy initially refused to release this track, fearing its overt political commentary on the Vietnam War and police brutality would alienate pop audiences. The song layers street-party ambient chatter, an iconic, wandering bassline by James Jamerson, and David Van De Pitte's soaring string arrangements. Its unprecedented success forced Motown to allow Gaye total creative control over the subsequent landmark concept album.