Songs In The Key Of Life

"Hi, site admin? Yeah, I just listened to Stevie Wonder's 'Songs in the Key of Life', and I need you to take all of the 5 stars I've given up to this point and just toss those out because those albums don't deserve them anymore." Apparently this was Stevie's EIGHTEENTH album? Like, I think by the time you hit eighteen you're allowed to start phoning it in a little bit, you know, you've got to be running out of material, right? Not for Stevie Wonder; this magnificent bastard must have gone "Oh, actually, this one's going to be a double album because I'm just that damn creative. Actually, can we squeeze in three MORE songs on an EP and ship them all together? I need to get some of these tracks out of here, they're really cluttering up my house." That's what blows me away; despite the hour forty-five runtime, the songs never grow stale, and not a single track doesn't carry its weight. There's a scene in the Iliad where Hephaestus crafts a shield for Achilles, and the book spends like four pages detailing the intricate scenes that the God of the Forge is able to shape into this shield. Problem is, you'll never see that god-crafted shield, and words will never be able to adequately describe its divine beauty. With that in mind: you *can* listen to this album. 6 out of 5 stars.

After we'd lived in our current house for about 6 or 7 years, I found a taqueria 4 miles away that blew my mind. The burritos, the sauce - incredible. My first time eating it, it was so good that I wanted to punch everybody that lived around me in the face for not telling me about this hidden gem. I wasted the better part of a decade not knowing that the best green sauce I've ever had was right around the corner. There's really no excuse for not finding it myself, but why didn't you tell me about it, you jerks? That taqueria is this album. Best track: Sir Duke

Been spending most of my life… thinking Gangsta’s Paradise was an original

Yeah, it's great and all, but an hour and 45 minutes long? Hey! It's an album I want to listen to, not a movie! Who does he think he is? Stanley Kubrick? Also, people here writing reviews as long as the album. Guys, don't bother. Nobody ever reads those anyway.

Stevie Wonder is one of those widely and passionately loved musicians whose talent and work I can appreciate, and whose importance in, and influence on, music is absolutely huge, yet I just never really felt all that interested in what I was hearing. I don't dislike it, it just never clicked with me.

This is a serious contender for my favorite album of all time. I'm not sure how such a long album can be as consistent as it is. There are just so many of my favorite songs on this album, it's almost unbelievable. Love's In Need Of Love Today is a great start to the album and feels very 70s in the best way possible. Have A Talk With God features some great harmonica in the background and its a taste of what's to come. Village Ghetto Land is one of the many songs on this album that I think is underrated. It showcases Stevies's excellent political songwriting. The synth string orchestra also adds a lot and makes the song really unique. Contusion is so funky and fusion-y and demonstrates Stevie's instrumental songwriting ability. What can I say about Sir Duke aside from the fact that it is one of the greatest songs of all time? The horns, the groove, the chord progressions, it's perfect. Same with I Wish. Knocks Me Off My Feet also falls into that category for me. The hi-hat especially is just amazing. Pastime Paradise was a surprise the first time hearing it but I see why it was sampled for Gangsta's Paradise, it's great! Summer Soft is extremely underrated. The key changes are so flawless and I need to know the music theory behind it. Also I'm always like "can he sing that high?" and the answer is always yes. It's incredible. Ordinary pain is similarly underrated and a nice closer to disk 1. Isn't She Lovely is also one of the greatest songs of all time and occasionally my favorite song on the album. I feel like there aren't enough songs about parents' love for their children. Also even though I'm not the biggest harmonica fan because I think it's often mediocre and unnecesary, Stevie Wonder is the exception that proves the rule. His harmonica solo is damn good. Joy Inside my tears is a solid, catchy ballad. Black Man is not Stevie's best song about Racism and it definetely wouldn't be made today but it's a good song nevertheless and it's educational and has a good message even if the way its communicated is outdated at times. Ngiculela-Es Una Historia is a really good song but it can't even really compete with what's to come. If It's Magic is another hidden gem. It's so understated and beautiful and good detour from the high energy that most of the album bring. Then there's As. Another contender for my favorite song off of this album. The next three songs (Another Star, Saturn, and Ebony Eyes) are a batch of extremely underrated songs. There are just too many good songs on this album for them all to get recognition but those three deserve more, especially Saturn. Another Star is an upbeat, dancable track with a killer flute solo. Saturn is a ballad that has no right to be as good as it is. The synth is also heavenly. Ebony Eyes is almost 50s but with talkbox (I think) and of course I love the saxophone. All Day Sucker has a really interesting melody and nice guitar solos. The album ends with Easy Goin' Evening where the harmonica takes the spotlight. The song sort of feels like an outro, bringing you back to the real world after the incredible experience you just had plus the two harmonicas go together really well and the tune is interesting as always. I rated each of the songs below to justify my rating. There isn't much about this album that I don't like. It's just so good and certainly one of my favorite albums. Today was a good day! Song Ratings: Love's In Need Of Love Today: 10 Have A Talk With God: 9 Village Ghetto Land: 9.5 Contusion: 10 Sir Duke: 10+ I Wish: 10+ Knocks Me Off My Feet: 10+ Pastime Paradise: 9.5 Summer Soft: 10 Ordinary Pain: 10 Isn't She Lovely: 10+ Joy Inside My Tears: 9.5 Black Man: 9 Ngiculela-Es Una Historia-I Am Singing: 9 If It's Magic: 10 As: 10+ Another Star: 10 Saturn: 10 Ebony Eyes: 10 All Day Sucker: 9.5 Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call): 8.5 10/10

when pastime paradise came on

Bad double albums are an absolute chore to sit through. Good double albums usually comprise an amazing single album and then a load of filler. Great double albums? That’s an art form. That Stevie Wonder achieved that here as part of a run of absolute classics, and THEN stuck another stellar EP on top, is testament to his genius. Beyond the obvious hits we don’t even need to discuss in “Sir Duke” and “Isn’t She Lovely”, there’s a rich goldmine of material which many casual Stevie Wonder fans (let’s face it: who ISN’T one?) might never hear. Right from the off we hit the ground in soulful, expansive territory. “Love’s In Need of Love Today” is a fairly low key opener that didn’t do a lot for me at first, but the more I hear it the more I find to love about it. A timeless message, gorgeous harmonies and an endless chorus, it’s a thinking person’s “Hey Jude”. And that’s just track 1 of 21. “Village Ghetto Land” elevates the humble synthesiser to an orchestra. “Contusion” sees Wonder going all-out jazz fusion… and nailing it (I would die for those “doo-doo” backing vocals). “I Wish” is one of the bounciest, most irresistibly funky Stevie Wonder songs I know. “Knocks Me Off My Feet” and “Summer Soft” see his voice in its finest form, navigating key change after key change with stunning control and passion. “Ordinary Pain”‘s gear shift from electric piano ballad to hard-edged funk (with guest vocals from Shirley Brewer) is a brilliant moment and a thrilling way to close the first half. So far, so perfect: released on its own, it would have been an easy five stars. But Wonder gleefully goes further, stretching even the double album beyond its limit. In all honesty, the beginning of the second disc is where “Songs…” is most at risk of collapsing into excess. “Joy Inside My Tears” and “Black Man” are great at first but don’t need to be the length they are. (As a side note, it’s a slight niggle that he wrote an eight and a half minute song about equality between humankind and mostly forgot about women). Even the treasured “Isn’t She Lovely” suffers a bit from its length, with an extended outro in the album cut. “If It’s Magic”, though, brings us refreshingly back to earth with a gorgeously restrained harp-and-vocals only song. “As” and “Another Star” are the two epics (both glorious) taking us into the home stretch. In the past I’ve been fatigued at this point and often haven’t bothered with the EP, treating it as a bonus. But listening recently has made me realise what an incredible bonus it is! If anything is enough to tip this album into five star territory, it’s the fact Stevie Wonder could put the buoyant singalong “Ebony Eyes” and the stomping funk of “All Day Sucker” on a bonus EP, not even fitting them onto the main four sides of his eighteenth album. What a god damn man.

A brilliant sprawling mess of greatness with an immense legacy. Every R&B, hip-hop and soul album since owes something to this album. So does rock and pop really. And then there’s the house and dance music genres which have also borrowed liberally from this record. The breadth and depth of musical styles and emotions, and the way these are weaved together throughout and speak to us is why this album is so good and why it will always resonate. And that’s the key here. In a cynical world so often full of gloom and pessimism, anger and despair, love will always the save day and that’s what Songs In The Key Of Life is ultimately about.

An absolute masterpiece from top to bottom. Stevie sings with passion and soul and meaning, and his instrumentation is never better than it is here. The album is definitely front loaded with the hits but it’s also just a wonderful listen as an album. Top 20 all time for me, maybe top 10.

I can do without ever hearing Isn't She Lovely ever again

This is when I knew for sure I’d been over generous with my ratings. This is a five star plus! This album is one of the greatest accomplishments in human history- what a privilege to share the planet with this man. The music just pours out of him, reinventing music along the way. Searing social commentary, history lessons, love songs for your beloved (unsatisfied presenting one of the prettiest love songs ever written in Knock Me Off My Feet, Mr Wonder just adds another with the euphoric As), love songs for your baby, straight up dance tracks, autobiography, spirituality - is there a topic Stevie isn’t inspired to write about? And the album isn’t some hodgepodge - somehow these diverse tones find a consistency and cohesion from the beautiful production throughout and the quality of the musicianship. Songs in the Key of Life, indeed.

5.0 + For its production, songwriting, vocals, instrumentation and message of love and acceptance, this album lives on a higher plane than almost any other piece of music. I've listened to this album countless times, and it still inspires awe. He wrote and performed everything on here, and what's more, this album closes the greatest consecutive run of albums released by arguably any music act ever. Such sublime highs at every corner. For me, this might be my one desert island record.

This is the easily the easiest 5 star album I've heard so far. 1hr 40 of absolute perfection. The 60s was the birth of ROCK but the 70s was where it all really came together for everything else. Too think this was released in the same era of so much 70s perfection and stand up and deliver a faultless record is unbelievable. I've got so much more to say and so many more listens of this to get through. Genuinely the first time in 99 days I've been legitimately blown away.

The epitome of uplifting. It would not be possible to overstate how deeply this album touches my heart.

Inspired to have a great day because of this. We don’t deserve Stevie

I feel like it's really difficult to dislike Stevie Wonder's style therefore the album is enjoyable to listen to. However I don't think this album needs to be this long and it just didn't keep my interest the whole way through.

The man, the myth, the legend. It feels particularly a propos for Stevie Wonder. Never has a song outstayed their welcome in this album. Never have I complained about the length of the songs on here. Never has this album failed to make me smile after each song.

I think it's safe to say that the 70s belonged to Stevie Wonder. Whereas any and all genres and trends and bands came, dominated, mutated and went, Stevie was that one nucleus that everyone relied on and said that he was worth the time spent listening to. After five albums in six years of sheer, relentless creativity unparalleled and unmatched in R&B/Soul, Songs in the Key of Life more than lives up to its title. There is hardly a bum note throughout the near two hours of audio bliss that is contained here. This album is ecstatic, triumphant, bold, colorful and even educational at points. If musicians listened to this album on the day of its release and realized that it wasn't worth matching up to or surpassing, therefore quitting their industry of choice, they wouldn't be blamed. If I had to give this ten stars, I would. Five doesn't do it justice. Spectacular album.

Great album. Some straight up classics, and I was very impressed w/ the album cuts, especially the way Ordinary Pain breaks down into a funky clav showcase a quarter of the way through. But Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn’t She Lovely, As... The list goes on. The only reason it’s getting 4 stars is b/c I just know Talking Book and Innervisions are on here, and since I can’t give those more than 5, I have to give this slightly less. 4.8, easily, maybe even 4.9

If you hate this album, you're insane.

This album is virtually perfect. Won album of the year over so many incredible records. This is truly art and arguably one of the best pieces of music ever made.

After diving into some challenging yet ultimately rewarding music, I was eager to immerse myself in Songs in the Key of Life, an album universally revered by critics and fans alike. While it feels audacious to critique a record that sold millions and earned Stevie Wonder an Album of the Year Grammy, I must admit this wasn’t quite what I expected based on the rave reviews. The choice to release a double album is considered financially fruitful today—double the songs roughly equals double the streams—but in 1976, this likely had record executives pulling their hair out. In that decade, everyone from The Stones to Zeppelin to Elton John took similar risks, making it fitting that Wonder released his own opus. A more concise album filled with pure hits might have been more effective, but for these artists, proving their prolific nature was a flex in itself. I was familiar with the massive singles that shine in Wonder's discography. "Sir Duke" is timeless, revealing new facets with every listen, while "I Wish" is pure joy, even getting me—the most awkward dancer in the world—on the dance floor. Among the deeper cuts, "Have A Talk With God" stood out with fantastic funk influences. However, the abrupt transition from the poignant "Village Ghetto Land" to the jazzy "Contusion" and then to "Sir Duke" can be jarring. It feels like Wonder is eager to showcase his myriad talents, and while he leaves his contemporaries in the dust regarding sheer musicianship and creativity, this ambition can sometimes result in musical whiplash, a theme that repeats itself throughout the album. "Knocks Me Off My Feet" pleasantly surprised me with its warmth, perfectly encapsulating Wonder's signature sound. Though it may not reach the heights of his big hits, it demonstrates his prowess in more subdued settings. "Pastime Paradise" is another highlight, with textured synths adding gravitas. Coolio's best-selling single in the '90s essentially samples this Stevie Wonder classic, illustrating Wonder's profound influence. Will Smith also scored a chart-topper with a carbon copy of "I Wish," showcasing Wonder's lasting legacy. "Summer Soft" offers a delightful moment, with jazz influences that allow the melody to soar. Yet, I find the pacing around this part of the album disorienting and somewhat unfocused. "Isn't She Lovely" is a sweet ode to his daughter that would have felt cheesy in the hands of another artist, but Wonder transforms it into a universal celebration of fatherhood, making it a track almost anyone can hum. "Black Man" is another standout, bursting with energy Jamiroquai’s entire persona was based on. At over eight minutes, it could feel excessive, but its liveliness and Wonder’s charismatic delivery keep it engaging. While I have immense respect for Stevie Wonder, the pacing of this release feels intentionally uneven. An alternative track listing might enhance the listening experience—though who am I to advise such a genius? At 105 minutes, fatigue inevitably sets in, making it tough to maintain focus—especially with the original LP editions that included a bonus 7-inch EP, A Something’s Extra, with four extra tracks. It raises the question: could some tracks in the latter half have been saved for future releases? This would have necessitated getting up to switch records at least three times. Yet, glancing at my score sheet, no track—except the slightly repetitive "Joy Inside My Tears" and "Ngiculela – Es Una Historia – I Am Singing"—scored less than 8/10. Perhaps more listens will help me embrace the album as a cohesive whole, as I clearly appreciate each track individually. Right now, though, I’m struggling to connect with it completely on an emotional level. That said, when the big hits play, it’s impossible not to smile, and those moments undoubtedly elevate the album’s overall score. Did I own this release? No. Does this release belong on the list? Yes. Would this release make my personal list? Currently, no. Will I be listening to it again? The hits are untouchable.

Always a joyful and groovy album to spin from Stevie

Not too many great artists have ever had a roll as great as Stevie Wonder did in the '70s. SITKOL has never been my favorite of his classic albums—I always loved Innervisions and Talking Book more—but I thoroughly enjoyed it today. Frankly, it might be the first time I ever got through the whole thing. And no wonder. damn thing is an hour and forty-four minutes long. I get why people consider this his greatest album. It's ambitious and sweeping. And when it's great, it's brilliant. The run from Sir Duke through Ordinary Pain is fucking ridiculous. And Ebony Eyes, As, and Another Star just plain slap. But like with so many double albums, this one is bloated. Honestly, I've never cared for songs 2-4, and I wish he had chosen a different, more upbeat opener. And many of the songs go on too long, especially Black Man, Isn't She Lovely, As, and Another Star. (The end of Isn't She Lovely has always grated. It's such a good song, but it legit goes on for three minutes longer than it needs to and those baby sounds are like nails on a chalkboard.) I know this is heresy, but if he had cut this down to one disc, it would be unimpeachable. Sir Duke I Wish Knocks Me Off My Feet Pastime Paradise Ordinary Pain Isn’t She Lovely (cut in half) Joy Inside My Tears Ebony Eyes As (cut in half) Another Star (Cut in Half) Anyway, it still gets 4 stars because it's massively impressive. It's just too damn much.

I don't know what it is exactly, but somehow this music is incredibly unappealing to me. I can't really find anything obvious to criticize, besides the album being so long (blessing or curse). Musically and technically great for sure, but 21 songs and there's not one I want to go back to? Am I blind, I wonder, or is Stevie blind, Stevie Wonder?

***** A wonderful piece of music

Flawless

Do you ever listen to an album and just know that someone was meant to do what they're currently doing, like put on this planet to be a musician? I feel that way about Stevie Wonder. Seriously so talented, I can't believe we exist at the same time.

Finally, after a run of absolute drivel, a record thoroughly deserving of a place in this list. What an extraordinary record - there’s enough here for three great albums. It’s clearly a masterpiece and I’m never going to be able to write anything that comes close to capturing its greatness, so I’ll say this instead: 46 seconds into Sir Duke, I’m pretty sure he sings ‘Mick and Phylis are lovers…”

Too good

Love this album. Idk that I'd call it a personal favorite, but it's objectively a masterpiece. This album is sonic perfection.

Amazing from the first track. Tracks to track: to many to list xD

What a phenomenal album! What's even more impressive is the fact that this is a double album, but still it manages to deliver great quality throughout. There are so many hits, singles, quality songs and songs which were sampled and made into hits by other artists on here that it's mindboggling. Even the extra EP is great. How do you create a ~20 song album of this quality? Insane. The album has a slight lean towards soul and ballads compared to Innervisions, but this works in it's favor, even though Innervisions was great as well. Sonically everything is really well done. Stevies voice is the best it has ever been, the color, articulation and precision is astonishing, it's a real pleasure listening to such a skilled and soulful artist. Likewise, the keys are perfect and create a single, indivisible, unit together with the vocals. There are many great melodies in the album, somehow they are able to produce a hit after hit. The rhythm section also shines, it continues the great work done on Innervisions and builds upon it. There is not a single moment when drums and bass aren't active and engaged. The album is full of fills, interesting bridges and rhythm changes, but these still manage to stay in the background and to not be intrusive to the main stars of the show, just add to them. I now know why this is considered one of the best albums of all time. Another one from Stevie going into the favorites.

Possibly greatest album ever.

Wow. This is the first time I'm listening to this album. A very lenghty one, so I never found the time and courage to play it. 'As' just came on my radar the week before and there it was again, towards the ending of this fantastic double album. What an amazing song. And wow, I thought 'Isn't She Lovely' was overrated, but it fit so perfectly in this album. What a lovely little trip.

Honestly banger after banger

His voice is awesome and it’s crazy how many songs rappers have sampled of his

One of the best albums ever, great listen.

I mean this is just a 5 star album through and through. Home of countless classic bops and grooves, I couldn’t help but smile or dance listening through the entire double LP. Literally walking while listening to it I think I had an actual spring in my step. There’s certainly a reason this album gets all the praise it does. For a man who had no sight, he sure had a whole lot of vision. Okay holy cow I get the Stevie Wonder hype completely now. Dang these are truly songs written in the key of life, it feels like in each of his songs he tunes into some part of my soul and just sits there and lets me explore it along to the bodacious vibes he so graciously gifts me.

The man has a great voice, excellent groove and writes good lyrics with varied topics and fusions of genres keeping it fresh throughout. It loses some steam on a couple of the ballads but that is not enough to knock it down a point. Definitely gonna spend more time on this pastime paradise.

The sheer amount of material here and all of it at worst intriguing and at best timeless. 5 outa 5 all day long.

I've listened to this hundreds of times - it's an incredible album, musically interesting all the way through, fun, positive, and just genuinely beautiful.

Songs in the Key of Life I remember being slightly put off by the density of this when I first bought it, after I already had Innervisions and Talking Book, and being slightly underwhelmed by the lack of immediacy of the opening track. But the truth is Love’s In Need of Love Today is an excellent track, slowly working its charms, much like a lot of the album outside of the super catchy, Sir Duke, I Wish, Pastime Paradise and Isn’t She Lovely. There’s some many tracks and so much stuff on here, but a few highlights outside the classics above are the spacey, squelchy unusual semi ambient sounds on Have a talk with God, the gentle balladry of Knocks Me Off My Feet and melody of Ordinary Pain, the strut and racial politics of Black Man, the classic laid back Stevie melody of As, the energy of Another Star, the synthy catchiness of Ebony Eyes, the funky All Day Sucker and the melancholy harmonica of Easy Goin’ Evening. There’s a lot to process and take in, but it is an incredible record, getting better with each listen, often songs that started out unpromisingly become favourites, and it has that same eclectic, scattershot feel of the White Album. It also feels like a final emetic burst of creativity and ideas and his high watermark, and that he was never quite as good after this, becoming more middle of the road and less interesting. I don’t think it can be anything but a 5. 🔑🔑🔑🔑🔑 Playlist submission: I Wish

Stevie Wonder's musical Magnum Opus, a double album that adds an extra 7" EP for a total runtime of over 100 minutes. Yet it still is considered to be one of the greatest and most entertaining Soul albums of all time with many even putting it in their number 1 spot. The album features incredible arrangements, talks about deep philosophical topics as well as modern societal problems and simply beautiful songs that switch from up-lifting and fun to introspective and relaxing without feeling off or repetitive. It is a wonderful album and an absolute staple of Soul music in general. The motivational and smooth Pop Soul opening track 'Love's in Need of Love Today' gets the album started with a lush and passionate groove that features incredible vocals by Stevie Wonder himself but also from the backing vocalists. Even with the 7 minutes of playtime, it flows beautifully within leaving no desires open, it satisfies them all. A beautiful and incredible song to start the album with and without a doubt a perfect song. It builds up with the slightly electronic 'Have a Talk With God' which can be seen as a Proto-Synth Funk and as cool as that name sounds, the song's even cooler. The instruments are a great mix between groovy and slightly silly and the incredible songwriting on top just perfects this song. I absolutely love this song and it's one of my personal favourite songs on the entire album and in Stevies catalogue in general, i just wished he extended this into 6,7 or even 9 minutes. 'Village Ghetto Land' goes a little bit more poetic and mellow with some very classical strings and a few added electronics, I just think the placement of it destroys the way the album build up so far. I was just dancing and this is too hard of a sonic cut for me to genuinely enjoy the song. It's not bad and I support the message of showing the real world that a lot of black folks used to live in with all my heart but I would've enjoyed it much more as a closing track. It's a good song but I cannot stand the way it ruins an incredible run of songs but that's just my opinion. The very Jazzy 'Contusion' is actually an instrumental that combines Jazz with the Funk and Soul elements of Stevies other songs and for not even featuring Stevies vocals this surprisingly works really well. The few background singers add a lot and I think the song turns out incredible. Just a very groovy and beautifully optimistic piece. Stevie returns with the vocals on 'Sir Duke' which most people point to as the albums best song and... yeah I absolutely see why. It's funky, has incredible and very entertaining arrangements and the songwriting is on point. It's just super fun and passionate with everything that it does and it's not hard to call this another perfect song. For me 'I Wish' is even better as it just feels like everything 'Sir Duke' did right but even catchier and a chorus that is just pure Funk greatness. It's such an eclectic song with so many great moments and songwriting that is just so great with all the added deatils in form of a few thrown in words and the bass here is just absolutely stunning. One of my all time favourite Stevie songs and Soul/Funk songs in general. 'Knocks Me Off My Feet' removes most of the Funk and just shows the beauty of Soul music. It's writing is absoutely amazing and the way it builds up the chorus and builds up from there even further is just incredible. The song is an incredible staple of how Stevie can pretty much try every possible way to make Soul music and succeeds in every one of them. Most people will know 'Pastime Paradise' for the cover 'Gangsta's Paradise' by Coolio & L.V. which is just an absolute masterpiece of Hip Hop music and in the same way, this song which was the blueprint is also a masterpiece. Its melody is easily memorable and the vocals are absolutely killing it with how they build the tension towards the chorus and slowly release them again. A masterpiece of music from start to finish (both songs). The great mix of Funk and Soul returns on 'Summer Soft' which has one of the most memorable intros on the entire album. The rest of the song is beautiful as well especially with how it builds up sonically towards the chorus by incorporating more and more Funk elements. The organ near the end also just really adds another layer of greatness. 'Ordinary Pain' closes the albums first half with one of the longer songs at over 6 minutes. The song's first half, while still having obvious Funk influences, is mainly a great Soul song which builds into a beautiful and lush chorus but out of nothing it trancends into pretty much pure Funk with mainly other vocalists shining with the singing. It's a genius way to mix up ideas into two different directions. The first half being more mellow, the second being very energetic and yet they still work perfectly together in one single song. 'Isn't She Lovely' starts the second half with a recording of a crying baby and turns slowly into a very groovy and fun to listen to Pop Soul song which has a total runtime of 6.5 minutes of playtime but it just doesn't feel like that. The song runs past you in the best way possible. Every moment is enjoyable, the chorus is memorable and catchy and the harmonica is a genius addition to the song. The return of the baby and family recordings return towards the end while the song is still playing and as the song fades out, more and more can be heard. It's a beautiful way to start this half of the album with. The slight psychedelic aspects of 'Joy Inside My Tears' adds to the songs atmosphere. It is genuinely a hypnotic piece the way it spirals to the chorus and continues and adds more and more depth into the song both musically and conceptually. It is an absolute masterpiece and I won't write much more because I want to enjoy the rest of this incredible song... The longest song 'Black Man' which comes out to nearly 9 minutes of playtime. It's a great mix of Synth Funk and a little bit of Jazz and a really cool "lecture" gimmick of a class being told about which great things were achieved by a black man or a black woman and also about other achievements other "colours" achieved and it feels super motivational to even me who isn't even black but as white as white gets. It's a song about freedom and how all races are a part of this world and how we should just live in peace together and share the achievements and cultures that wo all created in the thousands of years that we've lived here and I am all for it! Was anyone expecting that Stevie just randomly started to sing Spanish? I wasn't but 'Ngiculela - Es una historia - I Am Singing' is an absolute beast of Latin Soul and even adds some influences of Flamenco which really adds to the song. It's a really good song but I wish he did the whole thing in Spanish because because the second half is significantly more uninteresting. With that I mean that it's still perfect just that I wished that he'd extended the Spanish part. 'If It's Magic' goes very Baroque Pop and even a little bit Chamber Folk and although that style did work really well on 'Visions' on his album Innervisions, this time it's much less interesting. It's not bad, Stevie is still killer with the vocals and the songwriting but I just don't really feel this one to the extend I felt most stuff on the album. The slight Gospel parts on 'As' just make this Jazz-Funk masterpiece even better. It's groovy, catchy, very memorable, has some of the best background vocals on the entire record and doesn't even feel close to the 7 minutes that it's actually long. It is a masterpiece through and through and one of the best songs here in terms of passion, I mean have you heard the vocals that are on here? Incredible, absolutely incredible. The albums second half is closed with 'Another Star' but luckily it isn't the end because Stevie decided to add a 7" EP with 4 more songs which aren't just Bonus Tracks, no they are part of the album which extends this album even further. But back to this song. It's over 8 minutes and combines Latin Soul with Disco and some Samba parts to create a one of a kind mix of sounds that just perfectly work with the warm sound of the album. The background vocals are again absolutely incredible and the groove this song has is outstanding. It's a little bit too "heavy" in terms of the length it hits you with but it's still an absolute masterpiece and would've closed the album perfectly, if Stevie didn't want to add even more stuff! The "A Something's Extra" titled EP starts with 'Saturn' which has the cool addition of a Moog synthesizer which fits in neatly with the Progressive Pop Soul sound this song was going for. It's psychedelic, beautiful and simply incredible. It feels like the Soul version of Space Rock and my god, does this work beautifully. I do think that it isn't perfect, mainly because the second half gets a little bit unappealing when the chorus isn't playing but still, incredible. 'Ebony Eyes' on the other hand adds piano and makes a pretty well made Rhythm & Blues and Soul blend but it feels pretty silly and unfinished compared to the rest of the album. It feels more like they were jamming around a little bit rather than actually recording the song. It's too silly but not in the way where it would add to the song. I also feel like the song goes on for way too long and that all accumulates into easily the albums "worst" song which is still a pretty good song. The Rock influences on 'All Day Sucker' adds a lot to the Synth Funk style of it. It's genuinely an incredible song with a great melody and well made arrangements arround that. The song could've easily been on the "main" album. It's not a perfect song because it would've needed to go a little more adventurous with the songwriting and the vocals but the synth and the guitar do carry this thing very nicely. The full album ends with a nice blend of relaxed Soul and Jazz on 'Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call)' which is a great song and closes the album in a very soothing and finalizing way. The harmonica adds a nice sound similar to 'Isn't She Lovely' but way slower. The song's good but it would've needed a little more too it, it feels to repetitive and the harmonica isn't really doing it all that much after a while. The song is nice and pretty good but after a while it just doesn't interest you as much anymore even if the final moments are really great for closing this beast of an album. favourites: I Wish, As, Have a Talk With God, Joy Inside My Tears, Sir Duke, Ordinary Pain, Love's in Need of Love Today, Knocks Me Off My Feet, Another Star, Black Man, Pastime Paradise, Summer Soft, Isn't She Lovely, Ngiculela - Es una historia - I Am Singing (that's a lot!!!) least favourites: Ebony Eyes, Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call), Village Ghetto Land, If It's Magic Rating: strong 9 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

I was in middle school when this came out. I played Sir Duke’s trumpet part in a talent show. This album has always been a part of my life. I probably listen to it monthly. Looking at Wikipedia for a list of albums released in 1976, there may only be a handful that I revisit like this one, and this is in my top 3.

This might just be my new favorite album!

I think it’s rather unfair to include a greatest hits on this list. What’s that? It’s a regular studio album? His 18th studio album?! Jesus! Stevie Wonder doesn’t miss a single beat on this monumental achievement.

holy shit, this album is INCREDIBLE, why haven't I listened to this?? instrumentals are lush, vocals are transcendent, what's not to love? A lot of diversity in songs as well, also found out gangster's paradise by coolio is clear heavily inspired by pastime paradise. One disc of 2 in and it's easily one of the best albums I've ever heard. Disc 2 doesn't slow down, immediately hits with "Isn't she lovely"

Wow! No fillers, each song was so strong.

This is the best Stevie Wonder, hands down. Most Stevie joints fall a little flat to me. He's just so soft and light most of the time. But there's always at least two tracks on every album that just slap. Tracks where Stevie remembers that he's a funky badass. This album is almost entirely made of those tracks. It's still lighthearted, sure, but it starts funky and it stays funky and fun the whole way through. At an hour 45, it's a beast of an album, too. And I don't care. It's good from start to finish.

Excellent album. Great showcase of Wonder’s broad and confident musical abilities on numerous instruments. Each song provides not only a unique feel but an insight to the artist’s life.

So I can say that I’ve never actually sought out Stevie Wonder to listen to. But the fact that I knew so many of these songs (and was like OH this is Stevie Wonder) really speaks to how apparently embedded he is in our cultural DNA. I wouldn’t say I loved everything here, and I’d revisit specific tracks opposed to the entire thing. But all in all a pretty solidly constructed album that, for being so damn long, didn’t wear out its welcome the way I thought it would.

Really liked the lyrics and haunting arrangements in ‘Village Ghetto Land’ and ‘Pastime Paradise’. Album as a whole is very long, but clearly a work of love and genius.

Stevie's a king. So many classics here - and this is his EIGHTEEENTH (!!) album. Yeah, it's too long for me to listen to all the time, but I'm definitely gonna add it to my collection anyway. Coincidentally, someone I follow online posted a live breakdown of "Uptight (Everything's Alright)", which Stevie apparently recorded when he was 15 years old (!!!!). Between that and this album, I definitely have a new appreciation. Ludicrously gifted musician, dang.

A long and interesting album i like it

This album contains some absolute bangers

Great songs

But how can he hear the music if he's blind...?

Hard to give any double album here 5 stars but this one came close. A classic.

Great album but too many songs

An incredible album with some extraordinary songs, but it's wayyyy too long. For all of Stevie's epic funk tunes like Sir Duke and Pasttimes Paradise there are a number of sappy duds. Still incredible just should have been n shorter

King shit. Absolutely embarrassed to say this was my first ever full listen, outside of the hits. Listen man. I won’t give it 5 stars but I’ll revisit this a lot & 4.5 is what I would give it if half stars existed. Beautiful work.

Absolute freaking classic, maybe the best album off all time. Personally I think it’s very good, not the best

didn’t know his shit was this fire

There is no doubt that Stevie Wonder is an absolute musical genius. Incredible songs, incredible groove, incredible musicianship. I do feel that the album is way too long. The quality is there throughout, but it feels like it should have been split into two separate offerings. Also, I found the child noises throughout 'Isn't She Lovely' pretty annoying - they take you away from the music. Regardless, Stevie absolutely deserves his legendary status, and this album absolutely deserves to be on this list.

I guess the double album is an anachronism. The studio doubles in particular were fun to compare and discuss. I like to think about how good of a single album the band could have released. For example, Who's Next was initially going to be a double album called Lifehouse. That bad boy worked quite well as a single LP.  I wonder how good double LPs like Exile on Main St, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and Sandinista! (a triple!)  would have been if half was left on the mixing room floor. Some doubles needed to be doubles to have time to  tell the story eg The Wall, Tommy and  Lamb Lies Down . . .  Finally, some, like London's Calling are so darn good I just can't think what to cut.  Songs in the Key is a beauty for sure, but I really think there was a 5 here if it were a single LP.

Fav Song: Isn't She Lovely Notes: Waaay too long (and somewhat boring) but out of respect for its legacy and influence, going with a 3. RIP Coolio.

There are some great tracks here, but not all are great tracks.

Look, it's not for me. There's no doubting the musicianship, talent and it's seminal place in music history. But I just don't really like it.

I'm not usually a fan of the genre but this was a nice surprise as I could listen to the entire album without fighting the need to skip songs. Nice as background music while working.

I'm having a hard time with Stevie Wonder albums. I think I only like the big hits. Everything else is just a style of music I'm not into at all.

A terribly and highly overrated album with only one or two interesting songs.

WOW!

MASTERFUL. That's the word that best describes this album, and in fact, the stretch of albums leading up to this climactic double LP. "I Wish" is my favorite song on the album, it's an energetic, emotional, riveting remembrance of childhood in which joy is baked into every good and bad moment. That represents the album as a whole: the "wonder" is how Stevie can extend goodness, and extract goodness, from all of life's experiences. The most positive, and even the more painful experiences. You will have favorite tracks, but if you just let the music in...something beautiful comes through on each track. An album you TRULY must hear before you die.

'It's that love's in need of love today / Don't delay, send yours right away.' This record confirms that the 'key of life' is 'love.' Just as Joyce's Ulysses is the greatest novel to explore the various manifestations of love (uttered: 'love loves to love love'), Stevie's essential double album is, for my money, the best of all to browse the many incarnations of love: sexual love, familial love, self-love, faith & love, love for community, love for humanity, love for music ('Sir Duke'). At an hour and forty-four mins, it's not only not too long - it could be even lengthier. The genius displayed here is startling infinite. And a divulgence: Stevie Wonder is a witty and quotable lyricist: 'Since one ain't good enuf for you / Then do yourself see how you do.' Lovely, no?

The entire thing is soul cleansing. It is beautiful in its purest form. The entire thing makes you appreciate life. It is cheerful for a cruel world and Stevie Wonder truly embraces the beauty in this cruel world and makes sure that everything isn't horrible. The vocals are beautiful and the instrumentals can ascend someone in a trance. Overall great project. I do admit there are periods that feel lacking and some that aren't as interesting. But generally, everything stands out in pride and truly makes an optimistic point of view on a world filled with oppression and sadness. I highly recommend this to everyone. If you don't mind the one and a half hour album length, I would give this a try as it is beauty in its purest form. Favorite Song: Sir Duke

🗯 By this point, Stevie wasn’t making records — he was showing off. From 1972’s Music of My Mind through to this double-album masterpiece, Stevie Wonder went on arguably the greatest creative run in music history. Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness’ First Finale — and then this: sprawling, fearless, bursting with ideas. It’s Stevie writing the encyclopedia of human feeling, set to funk, soul, gospel, and jazz. The hits are untouchable: Sir Duke’s joy is infectious, I Wish grooves like pure sunshine, and Knocks Me Off My Feet melts hearts instantly. But it’s the depth that makes it staggering. Pastime Paradise reimagines gospel for the future (hello, Coolio), Village Ghetto Land skewers inequality over a deceptively pretty string arrangement, As spirals into infinite devotion, and Ordinary Pain flips halfway through into a whole other song — classic Stevie mischief. Even deep cuts like Another Star and Ngiculela – Es Una Historia – I Am Singing show how wide his palette stretched. And yeah, as it turned out, he did prove he was human after all by following this with Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants — Whyyyyyy? — but that only makes Songs in the Key of Life shine brighter as the consummate peak! Verdict: Essential (depending on the day of the week, this might just be the greatest album ever made) For fans of: Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Prince, encyclopedias written in groove

A masterpiece, not much more to say

Classiiiiic

Love it

ha. colossal album, with massssssive hits with such variety and range, even if there are some tracks I don't 'love', this stands on its own with tracks 1,5,6,8 (tupac used this one) on disc 1 and 1,6,7 on disc 2 - As (mary J blige & george michael) & Another star have been sampled a billion times and influenced who knows how many

An absolute joy in everyway. Tickles the mind body and soul. Not to mention the heart. Makes me believe maybe humanity doesn't have something positive to offer the universe.

A double album that doesn't feel like a slog is a hard thing to accomplish but Stevie manages it with infectious grooves and catchy melodies. I can't say enough good things about this album. If I could I'd probably rate it 4.5/5 but for the sake of this challenge I will give it its full 5/5.

What a classic-but then he’s not made a bad one.

10/10 How do you review an album of this scope? It’s pretty much the culmination of everything Stevie had learned up to this point. He took a year off his standard ‘album a year’ schedule and spent a bit of extra time working on something new. And boy did it pay off. It touches on his personal journey, politics, fatherhood, love and music itself and it does it all with so much groove, drive and musical talent that it’s, frankly, a little bit silly. It flows so beautifully from track to track, but touches base on some of the most heartfelt love songs, some of the funkiest jams and some of the most brilliant pop hits you’re ever likely to hear. And because it never stops shifting and moving, it fails to ever really slip into the ‘lull’ that other double albums often fall into. Yes, there are some songs that aren’t quite as brilliant as others, but given that there are at least a handful of 11/10 songs on the album, the 9/10s don’t really do much to drag down the average. And that’s without considering the album as a whole. It’s just an exceptional piece of work that just sits tall and proud above the sum of its (quite considerable) parts. I’ve listened to this album three times today and I’ve just started on my fourth. Listen closely and I guarantee you will find something new in so many of these tracks even on your 20th, 30th or 40th listen through. Some of these compositions are so thick with talent and musicianship that it’s almost hard to appreciate it in your first few runs through. But he also never lets that overwhelm things, throwing in something more stripped back now and again to let your ears settle before something massive comes cresting over the hill. Oh, and to chuck out a 4 track EP with limited edition releases of the original LP that’s as good ‘A Something’s Extra’, is frankly ridiculous. Fair play Stevie. Love’s In Need Of Love Today - This is a beautiful tour of Stevie’s vocal range, from the subtle to the soaring, with bits of grit and fire thrown in for good measure. Instrumentally, it’s relatively restrained, but the playing is so good. It’s laid back, but tight and has a great groove to it. This is quite like a jazz piece in that there are some defined chord structures and motifs that are then just riffed on in a more freeform way. Have A Talk With God - I love the blend of synths used on this track. It creates a really interesting soundscape, with the sample and hold driven pad in the background and the sharp, staccato tones, along with that fat, smooth bass. And then layer on those vocals and harmonica lines. Lovely. Village Ghetto Land - An overtly political vocal set over an almost baroque synth composition? It’s a bit of a strange blend, but allows the lyrics and vocal to take centre stage, which I think is the point. His vocal is excellent as always and it pays to have variation on any album, let alone one this long. Contusion - So much going on here. In stark contrast to the sparse arrangement of the last track, this is so full, almost to a hectic degree. Fantastic synth and guitar playing in particular. It’s got bags of attitude and drive and some really interesting rhythmic changes. I love this track, there’s always some little bit that I hear like it’s new, even though I’ve heard it so many times. Sir Duke - Well, it’s Sir Duke. It swings, it grooves and it kicks. If this doesn’t get you moving, then I presume you have no reflection. There is no fault to be found anywhere in this song. Exceptional composition, supreme playing and a perfect vocal delivery. How can you follow this? I Wish - Oh, so this is how you follow Sir Duke. It takes the pace down a notch, but, oh lord. That bass line. The horns on this track are absolutely spectacular. There’s so much movement all across this track and again, there are little nuggets all over the place that just beg from repeat listens. Knocks Me Off My Feet - What a love song. The vocal to this are just exquisite. There are some great grooves, the drumming is brilliant, and some tasty little transitions that play around with sequence lengths a little bit and makes things flow in a slightly unexpected way. Pastime Paradise - Another classic. That shuffling rhythm is great and it builds so nicely throughout. It’s got a pretty unique flavour to the composition and instrumentation for a pop/funk/soul tune too. The vocals are, as always, excellent. Summer Soft - The piano in this is so good, the way he kind of shimmers over the keys, tickling this beautiful bed of tone. And when it kicks in, it’s got so much vibe and energy. Great, toe-tapping rhythms, more fantastic vocal riffing and an abundance of key changes. Ordinary Pain - This is more stripped back, but it still just grooves. The synth bass is just great too. And then it just changes into a completely different song half way through. The second half is also decent, but is maybe just a bit too lacking in dynamic range. Some more hidden gems in the playing though. Isn’t She Lovely - A song that pretty much sums up the feeling of wonder a man feels on becoming a father. Is it self-indulgent? Certainly. Is it sickly sweet? Absolutely. Does it perfectly encapsulate the feeling that it is trying to put across? Without a doubt. It’s a brilliant pop song. It’s got some sick harmonica solos in it too. Joy Inside My Tears - The pace drops for something with a really nice slow groove. There are some lovely little fills from some of the instruments in here. It’s all just so warm and tasty. Black Man - This is so funky. All of the parts give so much movement and that bass in particular just shifts. It’s a really good political track too, even though one would perhaps not refer to people as yellow or red these days! It’s perhaps a touch long, but I get the point he was trying to make. Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing - Another change of pace, but this time with an almost lazy swagger to it. Again, the vocal is excellent, soaring and then biting. Is it a hit single? No. Is it a really decent album track? Yep. If It’s Magic - This is a beautiful song. So stripped back and just allows a focus on Stevie’s vocal, front and centre. A little palate cleanse and dropping of the pace before… As - So, so, good. The little lead key part that just trips its way along is gorgeous, the groove is rock solid, the chord structure just takes you on a funky journey. Oh, and the vocal… Woof. Is this Stevie’s greatest vocal performance? Maybe. The strength of the opening lines of the second verse are just special. His growly bit in the middle eight. The vocal runs at about 5:50. It’s a brilliant, brilliant song. Another Star - This one SHIFTS. Good lord, no double-album closer has a right to be this good and have this much pace and groove. The horn parts in particular are great, but again, all of the parts are so, so good. Just listen out for some of the little guitar licks that just sit there being amazing. Stevie just lets loose on his vocal too. (Extra EP - I’ve not had enough yet) Saturn - Another great song in its grandiosity. It’s just massive, but it’s got really good dynamic range too, stripping way and then building again. Quality musicianship again. Ebony Eyes - Love the phased backing vocals in this. It fells quite silly in its presentation with the little talk boxy bits, and the call of “Saxophone right here!”, but this is again, so quality. I feel like Vulfpeck probably listen to this before every recording session. All Day Sucker - How dare he release a tossed off bonus EP that’s THIS good. This is so funky, there’s so much going on and it’s hook central. Oh, and that lead guitar? It sounds so good and just bounces around the stereo field and you just can’t help but chase it with your ears. Easy Goin’ Evening (My Mama’s Call) - What a way to close everything down. It’s just so chilled and lazy, but it swells and rolls and it’s so cool. I mean you wouldn’t buy it as a single, but to close off the extra EP of a double album? Yes please.

Given my general preference for doom and gloom, this may be the most cheerful album I've actually enjoyed (ok, there was also Little Richard). Songs... is full of a not-cheesy wholesomeness that's rare to find. From wishes for love to societal issues, this album talks about life in a very intimate, grown-up, and uplifting way—not ignoring problems, but keeping a positive outlook. The lyrics are pretty straightforward; there's not much poetry to find. It's more of a pleasant conversation that'll still leave you with something to think about. Music-wise, this album is a wonder: 1.5 hours long, and it doesn't get boring or repetitive, yet stays cohesive. Every song offers something new in terms of sound but sticks to the general vibe. The piano is beautiful. Sampling baby speech is a ballsy move I could live without. Some of these songs are too sweet for me to take regularly, and the harmonica should be banned, but overall, this is a great album.

One of the greatest albums ever. The only double album I’ll listen to completely.

gran álbum

Had hears parts of it before, but never so focused. Still dont like the guy but the music is great. Also very good engineering

It's so funny I got Talking Book yesterday and now I get Songs in the Key of Life, it's just a fun generation quirk. But anyway, the album... I guess to put my opinion into perspective: despite the very lengthy run time I had a fantastic time with this album, its joyfulness is contagious but it's not a shallow kind of joyfulness, it's about love, it's about freedom, it's about peace. It sounds like Stevie just wanted to gather all the things that are important to him into one album that also happens to be sonically eclectic which feels far more consistent than albums shorter than it. I could gladly listen to this one all the way again, with the exception if Ebony Eyes but even then it's not messing up the album by any means. After it I'm just thinking about how my psych teacher in high school would play this album every time before class started and it was always a nice mood setter and I still associate the album with him, I just kick myself for not checking it out sooner because it is wonderful (heh).

Love this album from start to finish.

This is the greatest album that has ever been recorded. If I could give it all of my stars I would. I love it so much

C'mon. Easy 5. Listened to this album so many times

Songs in the Key of Life is pure joy bottled into sound. Funky grooves, soul-soaked ballads, and Stevie at the absolute peak of his genius.

A sprawling masterpiece of a double album. Eclectic, diverse and never sticking to one genre, Songs in the Key of Life is an adventurous listen that is almost impossible to believe was Stevie's 18th studio album with how defining and sampled nearly every track is. A truly fantastic album and one that has permeated my life from my early years thanks to continuous play from my Mom. A worthy benchmark and one that will be hard to top on this 1001 album journey.

Great album

9.7/10

Very experimental for the time.

Great top to bottom. A lot of this is very famous, either in original form or samples, but still sounds fresh.