Marvin Gaye’s seminal album ‘What’s Going On’ will turn 50 later this year with a special expanded reissue. 

The classic album, originally released in 1971, features the hit title track along with the singles Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) and Save the Children.

In 2020, it was ranked number one on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and on December 3 it’ll be re-released as a premium 2LP set. 

The album features direct-to-analog mastering from the original primary tape reels by acclaimed engineer Kevin Gray, one of the first times this has been done since 1971, offering an undeniably authentic listening experience.

Meanwhile, a second disc opens up the album’s writing and production palette, with four rare cuts making their vinyl debut, highlighted by a previously unreleased “stripped” version of the title song.

Also featured are 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.

The set includes printed sleeves with track details, a rare image from the cover sessions, a brief essay honoring arranger David Van De Pitte, and a main essay by acclaimed author and poet Hanif Abdurraqib.

An e-commerce edition will also include three exclusive lithographs from the ‘What’s Going On’ photo sessions.

That’s not all – a digital release features a four-track remix suite from Grammy-nominated producer Salaam Remi, including Save the Children, No Need, an unreleased instrumental from the Sad Tomorrows sessions, and a reinterpretation of the holiday release I Want To Come Home For Christmas.

‘What’s Going On: 50th Anniversary 2LP Edition’ is available to pre-order now.

Tracklist: Marvin Gaye – 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

*Previously Unreleased

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)