Juxtapoz Sound and Vision is a weekly segment on our platform dedicated to exploring one piece of substantial album artwork every Sunday. Album artwork is one of the primary ways that musicians and visual artists are able to collaborate, and many iconic album covers are simultaneously iconic pieces of pop art. It’s also an excuse for us to share some of our favorite albums and the visual component behind what makes an album groundbreaking and fun.

January 20th, 2019: Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On
Photography by Jim Hendin

whatsgoingON

In a conflicting era for the world, Motown Records, and Marvin Gaye, the latter had the artistic breakthrough of his career, one that would leave a permanent, visible mark on American pop music. His 1971 What’s Going On was the product of a long period of depression and stagnation, where Gaye attempted suicide following the dissolution of his marriage, an addiction to cocaine, and financial pressure. He recorded the album as a response to the numerous societal ills of the day, including the Vietnam War, a burgeoning environmental crisis, and the continued oppression of black people. Despite vehement protest from Motown founder and executive Berry Gordy Jr, Gaye was able to produce and release the album, which would go on to achieve massive commercial and critical acclaim.

The album’s cover stands apart from many of Motown’s traditional, formulaic album covers. Jim Hendin shot a series of photos of Gaye on an early Spring day in the singer’s Detroit backyard, including one up-close shot of Gaye gazing into the distance with snowflakes gracing the top of his hair. Art director Curtis McNair lobbied for the photo to a resistant Gordy, eventually succeeding when Gaye himself greeted McNair’s choice with enthusiasm. Thematically it joins What’s Going On in capturing both the optimism and struggle of not only the singer but also the entire country in tumultuous times.