Guide
Albums like What's Going On
How to climb from Marvin Gaye’s What's Going On into soul that still rewards speakers — using Upgrade Paths, not oldies radio clones.
Published 2026-08-30 · HiFi Score editors · Editorial policy
Why What’s Going On is the soul-hi-fi gateway
What's Going On is the album people mean when they say “soul that still sounds like a room.” Strings, bass, and a vocal that should stay present without shout. Most “albums like What's Going On” lists stop at mood clones — more Motown hits, same energy — without asking which next record unlocks your gear.
Paste the title into Instant Path. Similar stays in the Marvin / early-1970s soul neighborhood. Level up pushes toward deeper writing and sessions. Best sounding prioritizes masters that still reward midrange honesty and dynamics.
Remaster vs original on a vocal classic
Soul catalogs hide multiple digital rows under one title. A bright remaster can flatten the hush that makes What’s Going On magical on speakers. Open Edition Passport, pick remaster vs original with evidence, then run Upgrade Paths from that edition.
From a classic to the next sit-down
If you already know the record cold, skip mild clones. Use level up for denser 1970s soul and jazz-soul; use best sounding when the next listen should stress your system. Then browse the 1970s hub for other indexable starts.