Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (1971

Gaye's career as tuxedo-clad heat-throb gave no hint he would cut a concept album dealing with civil rights, the Vietnam war and ghetto life. Equally startling was the music, softening and double-tracking Gaye's falsetto against a wash of bubbling percussion, swaying strings and chattering guitars. Motown boss Berry Gordy hated it but its disillusioned nobility caught the public mood. Led by the oft-covered "Inner City Blues", it ushered in an era of socially aware soul. Withouth this there would be no Innervisions (Stevie Wonder) or Superfly (Curtis Mayfield).

Swish - not to be trusted