Marvin Gaye has landed on the top spot on Rolling Stone's newly compiled list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time., ahead of The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and The Beach Boys.
Gaye’s 1971 album was called a "masterpiece [that] began as a reaction to police brutality." Rolling Stone also noted that its title song wasn't intended for Marvin -- Four Tops bass voice Obie Benson began writing it while watching police brutally break up a protest in Berkeley, California.
While teaming with Motown lyricist Al Cleveland, the Four Tops couldn’t be sold on recording the song. Benson was also tried unsuccessfully to place it with Joan Baez. Finally Marvin Gaye took over and reworked the melody while adding a few thoughts of his own.
Gaye convinced Motown head Berry Gordy to release the single.Gaye said, "I work best under pressure and when I’m depressed,' he told the Detroit Free Press, "The world’s never been as depressing as it is right now. We’re killing the planet, killing our young men in the streets, and going to war around the world. Human rights... That’s the theme."
Here’s a look at the top 5 of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time:
- #1 What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
- #2 Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys
- #3 Blue - Joni Mitchell
- #4 Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder
- #5 Abbey Road - The Beatles
[courtesy of Classic Hits Today]