Songs In The Key Of Life

Some great songs, but a lot I didn’t care about either. If it had been slimmed down to the top tracks I would have enjoyed it more.

Some killer songs (I wish, past time paradise, as, and especially sir Duke) but just too long

Had some pretty good songs on here, but a bit long.

This was a fun one to hear on a hot late spring day.

A real gem! A great album. 5/5

I honestly don't know what to make of this. There's so much talking about how amazing an album this is. Wonder is clearly an amazing writer and performer and this album is very consistent for a double album. I guess I end up back at that difficult and possibly unwanted phrase for reviewing an album: "it's just not my kind of thing." The synths are cringy. And it's just so long. I'm bored.

Stevie Wonder is the only artist who can pull off naming his album "Songs In The Key Of Life" and not have it come off as pretentious or cheezy. A masterpiece for all time. 🎼🎼🎼🎼

Decent.

All time classic. Love in Need of Love Today Sir Duke Pastime Paradise Isn't She Lovely As

Obvious 5

To many songs about “god”

Stone cold classic 5/5

One of the most influential soul albums of all time. Songs on this have been used in commercials, movies, television shows, and countless weddings. This also served as direct inspiration for the late Coolio's "Gangster's Paradise"

Really nice, didnt know it at all!

4.5 stars. Longer album that is still great and doesn't feel like it drags on, hard to achieve. Plenty of tracks in here ended up getting sampled in the future. Littered with hits and filler is nearly as good. Standouts are "Sir Duke," "I Wish" and "Isn't She Lovely."

I know people love this album, and I enjoy it, but it's hard for me to get through. It's great background Sunday morning music for me, but on the day to day I don't really flow with it enough to be willing to get through the volume of creativity here. The hits are awesome and the lesser known songs are a great glue, but I just can't make it all the way through.

I have listened to this album before and I still don't like it. It's just not my thing, at all.

Absolute banger

Interesting take on the different facets of the human experience. Some hits, some misses, but overall pretty nice.

It's crazy that one human being can come up with this amount of amazing music more than a few times.

Chill to listen to. A nice style and pretty good tracks on here

Muchos megahits, pero un poco rollazo ....

OUTSTANDING classic

You can hear origins of Prince in several of these songs.

Fantastic album all around... Does Stevie ever disappoint tho? Love hearing the original Gangstas Paradise sample on the album as well.

Groovy, funky, amazing

The Funk Bible.

Sommige nummers echt fantastisch, maar als een geheel vond ik het album best wel saai.

Ihan jees soulfunk. Ei lemppari Stevieni. Sanoisin että hieman pitkähkö. 3/5

Eeppinen levy ja muodostunut itselle aika tärkeäksi. Stevie kylvää positiivisuutta ja energiaa siihen malliin, että meno yltyy aina tanssiksi.

Toimiva paketti! 4/5

Just don't really dig Stevie Wonder.

Despite being very (very) long, this thing just doesn't let up. Amazingly strong from start to finish, with some Wonder's most adventurous compositions I have heard yet.

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.

Very long but very strong. So many timeless classics.

It's almost a miracle that Stevie managed to craft a 1h45 album that stay interesting and engaging all along the way. An impressive, luminous, groovy, heartfelt and innovative soul masterpiece.

Such an easy 5 star to give. So consistent from front to back and I can’t even comprehend how there are so many hits on this record. Not a single song is bad in my opinion and I would certainly say this is one of my favorite albums of all time. The fact that this is also Stevie Wonder’s 18TH album is mind-boggling.

Too long, and this genre/style never resonated with me. It’s a bit samey between songs after so many. Never unpleasant, I guess. Favorite: If It’s Magic

Very good!

Another strong album from Stevie Wonder.

This album is too long, but it’s also too Stevie to be anything less than a five.

the best 50mins of this is the easiest 5 so far, the worst 50mins is probably a high 4. it averages out to a 5, but i wouldve preferred just a single album. still tho, stevie is stevie

Speaking as a bassist this album is perfect. Sonically it was like a perfectly mixed live album in that it is completely immersive and even at its extensive running time leaves you wanting more. Loved this.

💎

Elite

A few bangers, a lot of filler, and a few songs that belong on the soundtrack of a dodgy 70s porno

This is the one, brilliant

Some bangers, probably didn't need to be that long

OKAYYY 8.5/10

p372. 1976. 3 stars. Further evidence that Stevie Wonder makes great singles and so-so albums. This is far too long, falls into the trap of excessive 70s wankage on several tracks, and the production hasn't aged well. Don't get me wrong, there are some classics here, but they do show up the rest of the tracks as the filler that they are - a lot of this is simply bland. A bit of judicious editing and this could have been a 5 star single album.

An incredible double album that doesn’t even come close to overstaying it’s welcome, every song is just fantastic. A perfect record

I actually had high hopes for this album but was a little disappointed. From all the Stevie Wonder songs I know, I figured it would be a cheerful, upbeat album. What I found was a slower paced album, mostly love songs but I didn’t listen to all the lyrics. Seemed very melancholy to me though. I did discover that Pastime Paradise was totally used for Gangsters Paradise though, which I did not know! Listen again: probably not Purchase for my collection: no Favourite Song: Worst Song:

ett bra album men för långt.

Nice, smooth music. Kinda funky. Enjoyable.

My only complaint is that the quantity and quality are both so high. Throw a few bad songs on there for once, would ya Steve?

I was a little concerned that I just didn't get it with the first few songs on this album, with them not doing much for me, but Sir Duke and onward it was off to the races, with very few songs to slow it down. There are quite a few songs here I can't imagine I'll come back to too often, hence the four star, but otherwise an amazing album with some fantastic songs on here, such as the already mentioned Sir Duke, as well as Another Star, As, Summer Soft, and quite a few more. I'd say had the album trimmed the fat a little this would be a solid five for me, but as it stands still really good and I'm looking forward to the other albums present on the list.

I didn't have high expectations, I'm usually not a fan of "white albums" a la the beatles but woah, this is something else. All killer no filer for 2 hours straight how did the man do it.

Very good soul album with some funk influences but really draws from a lot of genres. Despite being extremely long making it hard to listen to in one listen, there are no real weak tracks at all and there is enough variety. I really enjoyed this.

all bangers

I love Stevie and if anyone should do a double album (which there seems to be a lot of on this list!) it's him. The two albums are chock full of great songs and performances, but I did find myself drifting by disc 2. Am not a ballad type of guy, so that may be why. Admittedly, disc 2 has Black Man and As, but I would still prefer this as one amazing album rather than two - to me - very good albums.

Rich and heartfelt vocals - and that's just the backing. This was the ideal Friday afternoon music to help me wind down ahead of the weekend. Stevie does the message of love far better than The Beatles ever did. Sir Duke is sublime. This would have worked even as an instrumental with the big brass sound leading the way. A little too long to make it to five stars.

Oh, come on, I’m trying to be less merciful with my ratings, and then THIS album comes up, and it’s the best since Kid A (my all-time favorite). The audacity to release a double album plus EP as your eighteenth and have there be no filler. It’s hard to choose a highlight, but the one-two punch of ‘As’ and ‘Another Star’ is amazing. An hour and 45 minutes well spent.

Feels wrong to only give 4 stars given the number of classics on the ablum, but it double albums rarley work.

Work of art

Fantástico

One of my favourites up there with Sign O the Times and Hard Days Night. Perfect culmination of Stevie’s golden album era. Excellent pop, rock, funk, soul, ballads, jazz - and he often plays all the instruments! Magnificent. Only small criticism would be that a few songs are a bit too long, but not “As”, which is perfect!

Amazing. Every time I think the album is a certain way, it surprises me. A timeless classic. Many artists would kill for their best song to be as good as the worst song on this album.

Vahvaa nelosta paskonu tää kaveri ulos.. jatkena samalla linjalla.. pyyhkii hyvin kaverilla.. The railroads for trains Came on tracking that was laid By the yellow man Here me out Use of martial arts In our country got its start By a yellow man Who was the soldier of Company G who won high honors for extraordinary heroism in World War 1? Sing Kee, a yellow man Who was the leader of the first microbiotic center in America? Micho Kushi, a yellow man God saved his world for all men All people All babies All children All colors All races [Bridge] The railroads for trains Came on tracking that was laid By the yellow man yellow man... The yellow man! yellow man... The yellow man! yellow man... yellow man... The yellow man! yellow man... The yellow man! Huhhuh.. ei hupiukko ollu.. keltatautimies.. Vaan ei nähnyt keltaisuuttaan... Muut näki... Filosofia.. Havainnon subjektiivisuus.. Aisteihin ei voi luottaa..

Heard this at the start of lockdown, and it blew me away. Ultimately led me to thinking about what other albums I'd missed and started on the 1001.

Excellent album that actually lives up to its pretentious title. Stevie Wonder is a top-notch musician, and every song is a jam.

Another double album with too much filler. Good, meaningful lyrics, but a lot of the songs were just boring. I'm a little ashamed to say cause Stevie is a legend and all that, but whatever. No mercy. This is an okay album.

Songs in the Key of Life is regarded by music journalists as the culmination of Wonder's "classic period" of recording, and even though he was one of the most popular recording artists in 1976, Stevie seriously considered quitting the music industry and planned to emigrate to Ghana to work with disabled children. An admirable guy! This is regarded as Stevie Wonder's magnus opus and is ranked #4 on the RS Top 500, the highest of any album I've listened to on my 1001 Albums journey. My personal takeaways: Stevie is soulful to a fault, Sir Duke is a staple, the message on Love's In Need Of Love Today is pressing and important 50 years after it was recorded, I loved Knocks Me Off My Feet a lot, too. Very soulful. I can see how this would mean a lot to a young artist. The start of a revolution!

Amazing album and honestly it has shockingly little filler considering it's 100+ minutes long but still... 100 minutes is too long too long to hold my attention. That's my only real complaint though. Otherwise it's such a fantastic listen. Maybe just best in 2 sittings.

boring and long… maybe only when doing home work. 3/10

phenomenal

Tiny bit of filler

This is the best album of all time and I'll hear no arguments. If you can't down with this, then I don't know how to help you.

such beauty, and joy, and depth, and craftsmanship, and adventure. can't imagine any way this could be better.

What are these star ratings for? Like the list itself, sometimes they're about "objective quality + importance", sometimes they're reflecting something about *me*, sometimes literally *who the hell knows what's going on*, and sometimes I'm just being a little saucy. Anyway, I'll tell you who they're not for: Stevie Wonder. He doesn't need me to tell him he made something great. Four stars.

good shit

A couple of great tracks, but I prefer the earlier Talking Book and Innervisions albums. There are a couple of standout tracks including Isn't She Lovely, As, and Pastime Paradise which was later covered by Coolio as Gangsta's Paradise.

Pure class

My first listen, which really surprised. It has a Beatles feel (George Martin that you?) with the strings and horns in songs like village ghetto land, but then effortlessly falls back into more predictable (as a casual Stevie listener) funk and soul tracks.

Funky

I mean my god. How the fuck was this man still producing absolute bangers by his 18th album. What the fuck.

Very happy album, I know this is one of my mum's favourites

Wow

listened to again one of the greatest albums of all time

Good grooves, some background tracks however.

There are albums out there that I enjoy more than Songs in the Key of Life, at least 50 for me, in fact. There are albums I return to more often through the years. There are artists and other albums that bear greater personal value to me. But through all that, if you were to profess to me that you didn't find Songs in the Key of Life to be a good album at the very least, it would cause me to immediately distrust every opinion you held on anything regarding music ever. And there are maybe only a handful of other albums I can say that about. This is masterclass. Don't mind the the 100min+ runtime; there is not one wasted moment on this breathtaking excursion through this musical celebration. It's in the National Recording Registry for good reason. It remains my favorite record of the soul legend.

Some ral great music and some duds. Wanted to love it ended up liking it.

I guess this is Stevie Wonder's magnum opus. Yes, there are several duds here, but also many songs that withstood the test of time very well and can best be described using the professional term "hits". I do appreciate the effort and the achievement, even if this genre of music is not my typical cup of coffee.

I can't believe Stevie Wonder shamelessly ripped off two classic songs from Will Smith and Coolio smh my head. Did this really need to be nearly two fucking hours long?

So wildly impressive. Every song was a bop and a half- with a surprising amount of variety for such a lengthy album, the songs felt cohesive but distinct. Favs? Summer soft, ordinary pain, another star and ebony eyes. I could listen to this album again and again and again. How did he make so many songs. How was this his 18th album and such a banger. I love this man. Big big big fan. It’s a tough one, but so far Jeff Buckley’s Grace is in 3rd, Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is in 2nd and Songs in the Key of Life is the best album so far.

I mean the first song that a cappella comes in and you know you’re in for something so special. The gangsta paradise sample is so badass Hahhaha IT WAS AMAZING AND INCREDIBLE HRD AGREE WITH TAYLOR. HARD PRESSED TO FIND A BETTER ALBUM

Soul progresivo, R&B. Está bien. Un 4.

good album. I recognized a few of the songs!

Great time, bit too long though

Today's scroogey feeling is impossible to blame on Stevie Wonder; The double album I listened to was solidly life-affirming and the datedness of the synths was more cute than schmaltzy and the length really put one in a mood. Yet I'm not seeing masterpiece written on this one: It's longer than the other Wonder projects I've heard and does less, hits aside.

Brilliant

Amazing musicianship, writing, singing and production. So faultless.

Wonderful album with far reaching influence

Already one of my favourite albums of all time, almost perfect from front to back, no skips. I would rate it 9.5/10

Wonderful album

I needed Songs In The Key of Life more today than I thought I did. Most of us do. Who can't listen to "Love's in Need of Love Today" and not, on some level. feel a need to weep? Every time I come back to this album, I learn something new. On his earlier albums, you'll find plenty of incredible songs, great arrangements. Key changes that make you question if you've ever really played music before. But this album is where it all takes flight. There's something for everyone in this album, which is why its appeal must be so great. Songs about early love, lust, mature love, being a parent. Everything through this lens of an incredible songwriter, who also happens to have some of the greatest musicians of the day playing alongside him! This album is simultaneously an album to find new love to, an album to appreciate what you have, an album to put on in the background of your day, and one (for the songwriters and musicians out there) to study, for its influence is profound. Heck, is this the only double album *ever* that I love, all the way through? That alone is a feat. 5/5

What can I say about SITKOL that hasn't already been said? It's an incredible album throughout. Strong singles, no filler. I think I prefer Innervisions, but this is still an absolutely classic album for a reason.

Fantastic. The funky instrumentals are unbelievably gripping, and the voice is so uniquely suited for it. Great album. Favorite track: Another Star

3.75

Zo veel classic hiphop samples die hieruit komen. Heel uitgebreide sound over het album verdeeld. Het is moeilijk de rode draad er in te vinden maar de meeste nummers zijn zodanig sterk dat ze op zichzelf staan.

Really dug “As” and “All Day Sucker.”

Never heard the non-singles. Wow, Contusion is one of the best he's ever written. This deserves its reputation. Although.... most of the vamps go on like 2x too long, and it's a repeated problem so it gets kinda distracting. Ordinary Pain's vamp is great, the rest kinda go nowhere.

A decent album with Stevie Wonder showing his breadth and skill. Unfortunately, it felt a bit too long, at times unfocused. Closer a 4 than a 3.

This album shows Stevie at the peak of his creativity and the songs still shine with originality, freshness, beauty and humanity.

I’m now paying child support to 4 women purely because of this album. Packed full of bangers, back to back sexy tunes. 10/10

Was apprehensive at first when I saw the album was 1hr 45mins long but after listening to it I lost track of time. Some really good tracks on there some highlights being “Have a talk with god”, “Pastime Paradise” and “As”. This genre as a whole (R&B?) is pretty popular with me so every song was a fun listen, but those three stood out to me the most Wasn’t a single song I wanted to skip and have added the album to my rotation so no reason not to give 5 stars

Very long album, but with a lot of good stuff

Amazing album from start to finish. I had high expectations and it surpassed them. The new songs that stood out to me were; I Wish, Contusion, Pastime Paradise. I cant believe Pastime Paradise is the backing for Gangsters Paradise Up there with Slim Shady LP for best albums thus far. I cant get over the sheer size of high quality content.

I have heard this once or twice before 2 or 3 years ago so this isn't my first impression. In my opinion, Stevie Wonder is a genius. This is such a genuinely great album (although it is long - I checked the original tracklist on Wikipedia and just listened to that). Sir Duke is such a great song, a genuine classic. Isn't She Lovely is also obviously great. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed I Wish and Summer Soft. Also TOTALLY FORGOT about Pastime Paradise, Coolio had no right to get mad at Weird Al for Amish Paradise LOL This isn't necessarily something I would always be in the mood to seek out to listen to, but objectively it's fantastic. I'm torn between 4 and 5, but I don't think it's fair to mark it down to 4 just because it's not my favourite genre.

Wonderful!

They can feel it all oooooover

The world needs Stevie’s sweetness more than ever as well as his commitments to love and tunefulness. So much tenderness and funkiness, and such extraordinary quality in such quantity. There’s almost a prog rock level of expertise and excess to it.

In light of Stevie Wonder’s opus, it’s amazing to think that he started in the Motown factory line style version of music production. Stevie’s sprawling album covers just about every thing from love, to fatherhood, and to social issues of the time. Musically this album is a journey through soul, funk, R&B, and elements of jazz including fusion. It is incredible that an album of commercial music trusts its audience enough to throw in rhythmic changes, exploratory modal passages, and boasts a running time of 1 hour and 45 minutes. There is not a single misplaced note on this album.

Great album that's just a little bit too long. It's good that the songs vary in character through the album so it doesn't become repetitive. The production is excellent.

Okay, I'm going to say it - this is the best album I have heard so far on this list and it's going to be near damn impossible to find something better that will also surprise me at the same time. I think I was born too late to fully appreciate younger version of Stevie Wonder, but I take full responsibility of that now and I'm happy to make amends. "Songs in the Key of Life" is simply amazing. No need to write down the songs that Ixreally liked, because I would have to copy the full track list. I will just mention the biggest surprises, which are "Pastime Paradise" and "As". First of all, I had no idea Coolio didn't come up with his own beat, but it kind of make sense - Stevie is just too good. Also, the lyrics are much more hitting, although the cover wasn't that bad. As for "As", the song is just so beautiful. The choir, the voice modulation by Stevie and more importantly amazing guitars and bass line make it my instant favourite song from 70s. Moments like this is why I'm doing the challenge.

so sick

FIRE THROUGH AND THROUGH. ABSOLUTE EXCELLENCE OF SONGWRITING, SWAGGER, AND PERFORMATIVE MASTERY.

The Magnam Opus of Mr. Wonder. I get it.

What a wonderful album!!!! felt very happy listening to it. This man is so talented. I can't believe that I was blessed with this being my first of 1001 albums hereeee. There is so much heart and soul here, it's quite tangible. The vocals and instrumentals are so fantastic I LOVEEEEE

Вот это да, ебать 1ч 45 минут, каждая третья песня хитяры Минусы- не может в классику, просто беспомощный Пытается там свои квази скрипочки и литавры Фу И тексты как с си эн эн списаны, но это тогда Но в своей теме, фанк и арнби он просто бог

a couple good songs and you can’t help but respect the sheer scope of the whole record but most of it just isn’t my cup of tea

Who knew he wrote Gangsta paradise I thought the hits were from the 80s

Best album ever ❤️

As it happens, I dislike double albums because I have the attention span of a goldfish. Some real gems, some forgettable cuts.

Really good! Enjoyed the whole album front to back!

Another Stevie Wonder album? That's about five I've listened to now. Anyway, the usual "funky souly Stevie good", "ballad Stevie a tad dull".

Long album, lots of potential here that I can't fully appreciate in just one day. I can tell every song is good, not sure yet which will click and be great. Time will tell but I'm not sure any are as good as Living For the City. Favorites: Pastime Paradise, Village Ghetto Land

Love Needs Love Today

Goede zanger, leuke muziek. Helaas waren de verwachtingen van Stevie Wonder ook wel heel hoog, dus wat dat betreft knalt dit album in zijn geheel er niet meteen bovenuit. Er staan wel een paar klassiekers op, maar ook veel nummers die niet meteen mijn smaak zijn. ***

Back when albums were a proper length. Good background music, with a few big hits in there to catch your attention.

Wonderful, but quite a long album!

Had some timeless classics. Album was a double and a bit long, but overall very good. Adding a subwoofer helps a lot. This album was heavily sampled by warren g and Coolio. 4 stars

Slow songs are horrible. Funky fast songs are great! Really like Contusion, Sir Duke and whatever came after that one

Immediate five stars - I know this is going to be superb because a) it's Stevie Wonder and b) it's Stevie Wonder's best album. Important things to note - this is an INCREDIBLY important electronic album. Yes, this album is chock to the brim full of synth. Wonder basically took all of the latest bleeding edge stuff - literally hundreds of thousands of dollars worth - and made an incredibly funky album using synths. This is also one of the most influential funk albums, soul albums, pop albums - it's just, absolutely 100% deserving of its accolades.

This album should be included on any top 100 list, much less top 1001. It's an exclamation of consummate lyrical and musical expression. Simply put, this one is absolutely Wonder-ful.

So good! I hate that I wish it was shorter though :/ My attention span is wrecked.

A classic. It had been a while and I never realized how long this was. Quite a few 10/10 songs for me on there but a few just okay ones as well.

Stivie Wonderful

It's fine. More than fine for people that like this sort thing, I just don't know what that is. Kinda souly and that's fine. Kinda funky Motown, that's fine too. VERY 80s sounding, despite the fact I think this one in 79. His voice is pitched in a way I find grating but that's not his fault. The album shows flourishes of something exciting, just for someone else

Great timing. Was just gifted this on Vinyl. A classic, this is what this list is for. 4.5/5 I had no idea Gangster's Paradise was sampled from this album

This was an excellent album. Funky, topical, classic songs, songs I've never heard. Just overall a great listen. Sir Duke is one of the best songs, Isn't she lovely is another classic, I wish I'd funky and is a great song. Pastime paradise was sampled for rap in the 90s. This was a great album overall

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.

A really good album. Fucking long!! I’m not sure if I ever heard the song pastime Paradise before it completely threw me for a loop

Most of the songs on this album have parts that I like, which is surprising considering how many songs are on here. The problem is that the songs I like the most (especially “As” and “Another Star”) go on for way too long for me. Favorite song: “As”.

An absolute marvel

Sometimes excess comes from vanity, sometimes from generosity. This is emphatically the latter. Here, genteel delicacy; there, hot-blooded exhortation. Loopy and mesmeric ballads give way to motorik funk cede to visions off a musical future that in the decades to come will be verified by the sheer number of hip hop samples grabbed from this record. A preternaturally gifted composer and protean performer rolling out the full extent of his talent.

This is my first album that I am listening to with this website. I am happy that it is a Stevie Wonder song as I have never listened to a full album by this artist before. I am trying to listen to the album with full focus & write my thoughts, so we shall see how this goes. Disc 1 Thoughts: Sir Duke is my favorite song of the disc. It is just absolutely incredible. Pastime Paradise threw me for a loop cause it is a current trending song that I think somebody remixed Stevie Wonder's song. I want to listen to the remixed song cause I think it would be nice. It is absolutely crazy how Contusion is just full of instrumentals. This song is def getting added to my study playlist. Village Ghetto Land is just a weird song (mix-match with the name & the vibes), but I enjoyed it. Disc 2 Thoughts: Isn't She Lovely is a BOP that I have previously listened to. Joy Inside My Tears is so far the saddest song & it got me in my feels a lil bit. It was longer, but I enjoyed it. I knew that there was going to be some sort of pro-black/black equality song & Black Man did not disappoint. As is the love song that I needed in my life. I want this song played at my wedding! Whole Albums Thoughts: Personally, I am wayy more into upbeat & faced paced songs currently, so my favorite songs reflects that. This album is a perfect way to start this because it is something different than I normally listen to, but I still absolutely love it :) I love the upbeat funk, instruments, & music voice!

Love Sir Duke and I Wish. They are absolute masterpieces. Isn't she lovely is sweeter than sweet. The album is full of other really great tracks as well such as Pastime Paradise, As, and my favorite unknown song from the album is If it's Magic. The album is funky, soulful and a joy to listen to. 4/5

VERY LONG so I didn’t get to listen to it all.Need to do that.But the songs I was able to listen to were amazing.So futuristic for the 70s it’s crazy.I understand why people say Stevie wonder is a genius.

Isn't She Lovely gets stuck in my head at least a few times a month. Some classic soul tracks on here but probably didn't need to be this long

Pass time Paradise is the most confusing song to hear when you forgot that Coolio samled it. Album 8s fun but m9stly not my speed. It's also REALLY l9ng for what it is... too damn long.

Great album overall, enjoyed eveery second and it made me wanna dance a lot :) Sir Duke will always be one of my absolute favourite stevie wonder songs. 9/10

So much funk in one album, it should be a sin.

Smooth. Good Sunday listen. Very, very long though.

Litt kjipt å måtte rate denne etter bare en dag, da dette lange albumet fortjener mye mer lytting

Undoubtedly a great album. I think it is a little too long though.

It’s a shame I grew up with 80’s Stevie Wonder. 70’s Stevie Wonder was very talented.

What a brilliant album. Stevie Wonder - so influential. What a talent.

Was really looking forward to this, but it’s too long to really give it the time it needs. Clearly at least a 4 and likely a 5. Is the length too much? Not if all the songs absorb well. Need more time to make that call.

New to me. Love it.

This feels like a seminal album in Stevie Wonder's opus, not that I am overly familiar with all his work. There are so many tracks that I recognise from having been sampled latterly, and it rings pretty true that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Wonder's musicianship is without question, his voice is unique and the sound is wholesome, if a little of the era.

Only bangers

Deserves the 5 stars. My first time hearing this album. This man can make true music that gets to the soul. Even at 20 songs, it kept my attention and impressed me throughout

Some of my favorites are on this album

Very influential album. Not my favorite though

For the first couple tracks, I had to ask myself, why is this the album that so many associate with Stevie as his best...and then the next 10 tracks showed me. Stevie is incomparable. He has more talent in his pinky finger than most musicians will ever obtain. He has the most soulful voice, the catchiest rhythms, and the most iconic sound of all motown artists. I don't know if this was originally a double album, but the version I heard was, and I figured when I hit disc two, it would start to even out, but the thing kept crushing with Isn't She Lovely, Black Man, and As. So many artists owe their whole being to this man. He can do no wrong. This album gives me the chills. Genius!

What can one say about this album. Probably one of the greatest pieces of music created. Daring Harmoies, sweet soulfull ballads and melodies to melt any ice. This honestly feels like soul and Motowns ultimate form the absolute pinnacle. Highlights Pastime Paradise, Isn't she Lovely, I wish and Love's in Need for Today. Truly a gem of work Isn't she Lovely makes me wish to have a little infant to sing to

Great album with some of the best songs ever written. A peaceful, uplifting journey that does have a couple of fillers. The great songs and the overall beauty lets it squeak in to 5 star territory

Top Album durch und durch

Pastime Paradise - every days a school day

Bought this one when it came out. An very good album.

Classic

I really think this is the best album of all time. It's literally just so perfect.

Very long

All bops from one of the best but my guy 1:45 runtime, chill

What's to say? This album is so great that I didn't even mind it being a double LP + an EP. Some of his greatest hits as well as some that should be greatest hits. I didn't want it to end! Always happy to spend time with Steven Wonder

An absolute beaut

Very long and quite out there. Had not realised so many of his songs had been sampled!

A perfect blend of upbeat and happy vibes (sir duke) and slower and sad vibes (black man). The first few songs have religious themes but they never feel preachy. All the upbeat and happy lyrics and instrumentals never feel corny. The album's pacing is excellent considering it is 1 hour and 45 mins long. Classic songs like sir duke, pastime paradise and Isn't she lovely stand the test of time. Considering the themes of being happy and the celebration of all parts of life the songs and their lyrics never feel repetitive as Stevie wonder examines all aspects of life and his own happiness giving it a personal and genuine touch another reason why the happy-go-luck vibes don't come off as corny but heartfelt. All the instrumentals feel different and fresh and not repetitive as Steave wonder mixes jazz, funk, Latin, and soul. Also, the harmonic solos are 11/10. The only thing I would say is the first half/side A is stronger than the 2nd half/side b as a whole. Rating: 8/10 fav: sir duke, pastime paradise, ebony eyes, and Isn't she lovely least favs: If it's Magic and All Day Sucker

I didn’t realize this album had classics on it like “Isn’t She Lovely”. Also “Pastime Paradise” being the source sample of Gangsta Paradise. Werk

Probably my favourite album of all time

Although I’ll probably always turn first to Inner Visions or Talking Book for my classic Stevie fix, good god there are some classic bangers on this wildly ambitious, genre-spanning album. Right from the off, and right to the end. As a double album its always going to be accused of being a bit bloated and filler, and well, there is some. I can live without Contusion, a technically fantastic freakout that feels oddly out of place here on an album ostensibly made up of many of the most popular songs of Stevie's ridiculously high quality canon, With Contusion I forget I’m not listening to Magma or something. So, when I say I can live without it, I just kind of want to have the Stevie freakout album separate. The only songs that aren't completely five star smashed out of the park are maybe Ordinary Pain, and If Its Magic. But this is followed by two of the greatest circa-8 minute songs ever made, As and Another Star, neither of which feel a fraction of their length. I don't think I've ever heard the EP before, but Saturn and All Day Sucker are up to this standard, the other two I can take or leave. I’m splitting hairs because the vast majority is killer and this is obviously getting five stars.

Liked it a lot. I think I had this one built up too much from years of seeing it listed on top of greatest albums lists and such. Doesn’t quiet reach those heights for me. Pastime Paradise, Feel It All Over and Isn’t She Lovely are all timers.

What a beautiful double album.

Different Stevie Wonder than what I knew, which was admitedly little. Also, unlike today's albums this had an extended lenght.

Solid

SOOOO SO SO COOL очень атмосферное очень круто очень понравилось, да очень много "очень"

I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this...obviously I know the name Stevie Wonder and I recognized a few songs.

Love this, but bloody he'll its a long one.

5/5 - Phenomenal

Yes

Heel divers. Topper

The keyboards on this record sound great and Stevie's distinctive voice does as well. Top-tier songcraft is supported by lush arrangements that keep revealing more complexity after repeated listens.

5/5. Hard to not like this album. A perfect one front to back. No other notes needed.

I really struggled with this one, partly because there’s so much to say about it and I’d never heard it all the way through before. But also partly because I’m aware of it’s stellar reputation but didn’t think it lived up to it. It’s not that it’s bad- in fact in many ways it’s brilliant- but it’s not my style, and in my opinion has some flaws. Had to listen to it a few times, and I do t have a coherent review but here’s a few thoughts. Wonder himself is a brilliant singer- he has a wonderful timbre and powerful projection in the middle of his tenor range. And he can extend that pretty well into the upper registers. This CD mostly features strong backing vocals throughout, and they complement Stevie well- I especially like the rich backing parts on “Have a Talk with God” and “Pastime Paradise”. Curiously, though, on some places where he could really use it- like the chorus of “Sir Duke”, which stretches his range to the max and lacks the deep instrumental color of the verses- the backing vocals are totally absent. They’re also absent on some of the other singles (“My Wish” and “Isn’t She Lovely”, the latter of which Wonder carries just fine by himself), which is just an odd pattern- rich chorus on the deep cuts, none on the hits. There’s also some really superb composition and production throughout. Starting with the production, the album has a deep, crisp sound with a very diverse sonic palette. Every song seems to feature a different instrument - from the electric guitar on "Contusion" to the (I think it's a) kazoo (??) on "Isn't She Lovely." And Stevie just has a wonderful way with musical color - "Sir Duke" is a clinic on it, he even manages to successfully (one might even say "brilliantly") employ a slide whistle about halfway through. "Sir Duke" is probably the strongest track in terms of harmony and composition, but virtually track has some interesting turns - lots of jazzy extensions, lots of transpositions into minor (e.g. on "As"). So what's not to like about it? The main thing is the pacing - it's way too slow and way too long. It opens with three straight slow ballads followed by an instrumental (granted it's a banging instrumental). That's way too much lead-in, we need to get to the action faster. And it really has a ton of ballads - I get that Stevie is a piano-based singer, and piano-based singers love slow ballads, but this is way too many. On a 17-track, hour-and-a-half CD, there's really only three rockers totaling about 10 minutes ("Sir Duke", "I Wish", and "I Am Singing"). I'm sorry Stevie, but 80 minutes of slow ballad just cannot hold my attention that well. Even some of the hits like "Isn't She Lovely" are simply way too long - that song just drags on and on long after it's made it's final point, and both "As" and "Another Star" are longer still and have fewer interesting musical points to make. "Sir Duke" it totally brilliant, a 10/10, and "I Wish" and a few others are good as singles as well, but when you get right down to it, even for a double-album (which have inherent problems) it has a pretty low hit rate. Wonder should've probably cut half the songs on here. I liked listening to it and reviewing it, and I can see the qualities, but for me it can't get a perfect score.

Stevie Wonder är ändå smått otrolig

Ok

4.0

4.5

Stevie Wonder is one of music's true geniuses, and possibly my favourite singer ever. This isn't my favourite album of his, that's Innervisions, but impossible to give this less than 5. A true visionary. Pun intended.

Some great songs, but way too long. If I could’ve just listened to half those songs, the really good ones, I would’ve been happy. But it turns out that the Key of life needs a bloody hefty liposuction.

Bit meh

Probably was in the wrong headspace for this one. It’s obviously good but wasn’t feeling it.

I am shocked at how much I enjoy this album. It is an absolute tour de force that I had no idea was so good. Every bit the equal of What's Going On or Stevie's own Innervisions. And epic in scope and variety, almost 2 hours of music that sparkles throughout, with its varying styles and moods. Many of the songs clock in at 6 or 7 minutes, but somehow never wear out their welcome. Disc 1 has more hits but it also has some beautifully arranged lesser known songs that are uniformly beautiful. Side 2 starts off with Isn't She Lovely which I had previously considered just radio shmaltz but it is in reality one of the most beautiful love songs from a father to his child that I know of. There is just not much to criticize in this epic album. 5 stars

The opener is a gospel tinged ballad which belies what's coming, while it drifts along the rest of the double album pretty much explodes, with some exceptions. But then this is a massive double, as only the 70's could deliver (other than The 60's contribution the incomparable White Album) and he uses this broad canvas to traverse so many genres it is astonishing in its scope and scale. Have a Talk is psychedelic, Village Ghetto pure glissando, Confusion sounds like Stanley Clarke's template for School Days, then the first two smash hits. The bassline on I Wish, nothing needs to be said, and while Sir Duke is great and a lot of fun I do think it unleashed Harry Connick jnr, Michael Buble et al, but hey whatareyouguunado...It's great to go back to Pastime Paradise unsullied by Coolio, what a sound! Summer Soft is simply beautiful and would probably garner more attention on another album, ditto Ordinary Pain. Isn't She Lovely, while a little on the American mawkish side (they can't help themselves) is funky as fuck, would have made a cracking Stevie instrumental. That said, smartarse, I bet we all can't get it out of heads...then he hits us with the exquisite If It's Magic, the best bit of pop music harp since She's Leaving Home. Blimey, still six tracks to go...As....I don't have the words to properly express how much that melody moves me...who is this guy! Look enough, this is what we listen to pop music for, the sum of the whole is greater than the parts, Allah Akbar...wallah this record could have this happy atheist convert to Islam as it and the Fabs are evidence of a possible deity...but then I'm reminded of David Gray so there you go..

It's pretty clear why this album's on the list! Any number of people have extolled its virtues, and many rank it as the best (or one of the very best) of all time. I'd heard many but by no means all of the tracks before. Listening from end to end, there was a lot to really enjoy, but some songs I'd skip or at least consider background music only. Although some songs outstay their welcome (including the very first, at 8+ mins - never a good move), the variety just keeps coming with each song, especially when the bonus EP is included. The musicianship is consistently a treat, whether it's Stevie or others playing the tracks. I ran out of time for a second listen, which might have helped me decide between 4 and 4.5 stars - do the less appealing songs and occasional moments of (over?)earnestness grow on me, or grate? But I'll definitely be back, so for the official 4-point scale definitely a 4.

Let’s get one thing straight - Innervisions is definitely Stevie’s finest album. It’s been decades since I’ve played Songs In The Key Of Life from go to whoa ( I remember one review at the time of its release with the headline Songs In The Key Of Money, referring to the record deal he’d just signed with Motown). The thing about Stevie was that as far back as the late 60’s, he could write songs that my parents generation would love (people born in the 1920’s) - think My Cherie Amour, Yester-Me etc. This side of his huge talent peaked with For Once In My Life. Between 1973 & 1975 I worked weekends in an RSL club to support myself through Uni. I could not count the number of 3rd-rate tenors I saw sing that song in the club auditorium. I’ve always thought that there was too much of that material on this album - Sir Duke, Isn’t She Lovely (glad I’d moved on from the RSL in time to avoid endless interpretations of that), If It’s Magic etc. I was wrong. Unlike a lot of bloated double albums, there’s gold on this one. I’d forgotten how good Joy Inside My Tears, Black Man, I Wish, If It’s Magic & Pastime Paradise were. There’s funk here that I’d forgotten about. The only filler is the 4-track 7” EP included in the package - it didn’t need one. A great record.

Stevie Wonder at the height of his imperial period. a double album, plus bonus EP, will always raise the question of whether some judicious editing might have strengthened the overall album experience somewhat, but it is really hard to fault this record. Stevie won his 3rd best album Grammy in 4 years with this, and it is probably the peak of his career. there's a some good material on Hotter Than July, but it is hard to think that any of his other albums after this are really worth a listen. (To quote Barry in High Fidelity "Rob, top five musical crimes perpetuated by Stevie Wonder in the '80s and '90s. Go. Sub-question: is it in fact unfair to criticize a formerly great artist for his latter day sins, is it better to burn out or fade away?") But those are quibbles for another day. I prefer the funkier, more upbeat material on this record to the ballads, which tend towards to overly sentimental. But the playing and production are exquisite, and I would listen to Stevie Wonder sign the phone book. Stevie Wonder is one of the all time great singer/songwriter/musicians/producers/harmonica players, and this is his master work. Did he really know where to go from here? Do any of us?

I listened to this album a few times, and I have to say that, if the original release had only been the first disc – or maybe even the first three sides – I would have given this a 4. Stevie was indeed a wonder, and there are some absolute hits here. Unfortunately, for me at least, there's also enough not-so-great music to bring the overall average down, especially in the fourth and final side.

Almost every Double Album has a few skips, some filler shit that only exist because the artist needed enough material to fill up two entire albums. This might be the exception, the rare Double Album where every track is essential. There's an argument to be made that anyone could take their 12 favorite songs from this album and sequence them as one single album, and that album could stand as one of the best ever. But cutting anything almost seems sacrilege, and it's one of the best albums ever as it is. We don't appreciate Stevie Wonder enough, especially his insane run of masterpieces through the 1970's. I still get a kick thinking about Stevie Wonder fooling the world by pretending to be blind. If there's anyone who could pull something like that off, it's the mastermind who painted this canvas. Even if this isn't your favorite Stevie Wonder album, there's no denying it's his Magnum Opus.

goes on a tad long, very lively and bright, didn’t really click for me though. Favorite track - As 4

Maybe the best album by Stevie Wonder enjoyable and interesting in every track with also great hits such as "Isn't She Lovely" or "Sir Duke". Phenomenal project, probably a bit too long, but still impressive.

Sir Duke was my first real introduction to Stevie Wonder (minus superstition) in high school but I had never listened to this album before. In a 100-minute album, I never got tired of any of the music or felt that it was overlong. It was great from start to finish and joy inside my tears was awesome too

Wii Sports music + Gangsters paradise sample

A bit too hefty after the singles

Masterfully blended. Great album from college days

too many bangers to list

Didn’t finish. Good cheerful morning music.

Copado y chill. No sabia que Pastime Paradise era de este cantente/album xd

sisisi :)

Absolutely fantastic.

One of the best of all time

Quite the collection of classics and otherwise good songs. The album is, overall, quite a bit too long, though.

Great

Sometimes a relisten is worth, 3hr meeting at work, decent vibe, let’s try to read again

Great if not very long. Still incredible stuff on here

favourite song: summer soft an obviously good and well made album but my god does it go on. really not for me i dont think.

Hits are hits for sure, some of the loosey jazz stuff is a little loosey...

Una maravilla de disco. La primera la había escuchado en cover de Charly García. La segunda es psicodélica La tercera es un synth de maravilla!

I normally think double and triple albums are ridiculously self-indulgent. This is one of the rare exceptions! All killer, No filler.

Definitely a masterpiece. Words can't state how much I love this album right now, it is so consistent for an album this length, has so many of Stevie's best songs, and still sounds remarkably polished all the way through. What else can I really say except it's obviously a phenomenal album. An essential record

What's not to like about this one?

‘72-‘76 was an incredible run.

If you know, you know.

Probably the best album of all time.

I enjoy this album, it's a little too long for my liking, but at least the music is good, so I can't complain too much. The longer (6+ minute) songs I feel are too long and start to drag on, but they're still good. Favorite song: Summer Soft or Sir Duke Worst song: Easy Goin' Evening

Very long album, great hits but also meaningful soul throughout

Full of fantastic feel-good songs. Really enjoyed listening to this album.

I've been waiting for this album to pop up and am very pleased it happened so early! There is no question that this album is 5/5 and I'm sure I won't say anything that hasn't been said about it before. Sir Duke is 1 of the best songs ever. It sounds as fresh today as I'm sure it did when it was released. Love's In Need Of Love is a great way to start, a sign of things to come. Stevie's voice is at his best in Village Ghetto Land and accentuated with the strings arrangement. Sir Duke into I Wish is so phenomenal, probably the best 2 song set ever recorded! Only to be followed by Knocks Me Off My Feet! Those 3 songs by themselves is enough to garner 5/5! And then the album keeps going!! Pastime Paradise is strong and of course was famously sampled by Coolio (RIP). Isn't She Lovely is another example of musical perfection. If It's Magic is another great vessel for Stevie's voice and it's simplicity is a nice contrast between more complex arrangements and leads perfectly to As! This is the back end anchor of the album leading to Another Star which is another example of the albums musical diversity. Saturn is definitely underrated and Ebony Eyes is infectiously catchy. While I don't love every song on the album, there are so many good ones that after finishing I went ahead and listened a second time. This really is 1 of the best albums of all time and I say that even though it is not my preferred genre. The complexity of the arrangements, diversity of instruments and musical styles, and Stevie's tremendous vocals continue to hold up even a half century later!!

Jesus. Fucking. Christ. I've had his 15th, 16th, 17th... and now 18th studio album. Seriously? Out of the millions of albums in the world Stevie's streak of 4 albums (or is it more?? Am I going to get his 19th and 20th too??) released in his early 20s are somehow in the top 1001? This project is fun but the more shit like this happens the more I think that book is trash. On to the album review... it was ok. Some great songs. Drug on a bit longer than necessary. Starts to all blur together, with the exception of some of the bigger hits.

The only bad thing about this album is how long it is. Too long a runtime for today’s ears. However, it would be impossible to remove any specific song because they are all of such high quality. The production is one of a kind, his vocal performance, his unique melodies, his hands on all the different sounds. Definitely his mangum opus and a benchmark for music making. This is my second listen and I can see now contemporary artists like Frank Ocean and Kanye West through his impact.

Nice album with some fa ous and we'll known songs but ultimately it's just a genre that fails to grab me in, I remain very indifferent to it

Good

Great piece of music! I'm humiliated for someday being afraid or disliking Stevie Wonder songs. This is a very diverse album with many music styles and fun music.

Ég gæti skrifað ritgerð um þessa plötu. Stutta útgáfan: Hún er æði! Stevie er æði! Knocks me off my feet er fallegasta ástarlag allra tíma! Don't @ me.

Masterpiece! 1 hour and 45 minutes of pure class. Everything in this album is amazing, his voice, the production, the lyrics. I was already a small fan of his work but never took the time for the full album. It is hard to pick favourite songs, there are many worth mentioning but I will pick 3. Favourite songs: - Sir Duke - Isn’t she lovely - As

Most of songs I knew already, full of classics. Including the original Gangsta's Paradise... Pleasant music.

Beautiful album. Can't think of a thing wrong with it. 5/5

Unfortunately, I was not able to give the the listen it deserves — just too many meetings and work yesterday and this morning. That said, I own this album, so it's not unfamiliar territory. This is a mammoth endeavor, and chock-full of amazing material. To my ear, the hits leap out of the speakers with a greater intensity than much of the other material, which is as much a commentary on the serious nature of so many of the songs here. The two-punch wallop of "Sir Duke" and "I Wish" are just awesome — Stevie is at his best when he matches fantastic riffs with rollicking melodies, and those songs have that in spades. But this is a lot to take in in one listen — it's like three albums in one. That, from one perspective, is a testament to the brilliance of this album. But it is part of what makes this less than five stars in my book. It's hard to take it all in at once. But a great talent at a high point in his career and one that certainly belongs on the list of albums you need to hear before you die.

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.

Classic album with all the hits of Stevie. I get why it's the most referenced Stevie Wonder album. However, it was just too long for me. I think he could have killed some of his darlings. Google Ray Kurzweil and Stevie Wonder if you don't know their story. Kurzweil, like Stevie, is an American gem.

shit cover of gangsters paradise. shit cover of george michael. using his wonky eyesight to get away with noncing is just not cricket. there is actually a decent 10 track album in here, but fucking hell its bloated with shite.

I'm listening to this record whilst sitting on a busy road, out in the pissing rain. I've been here all night. I like to creep out at midnight and shag cars up their exhaust pipes. Today, my dick swelled so much that it is stuck and I've had to wait for the fire brigade to come and release me. The humiliation intensifies my pleasure.

Blind nonce.

If it's good enough for Coolio and Big Willie Style, it's good enough for me. Absolute masterpiece. Well in Stevie lad.

cannot complain.

Very good. Don't listen loads but a stone cold classic.

a vibe

Weer een stevie plaat en weer niet anders dan de vorige...

Niet geluisterd, maar ken het album vrij goed. Kan hier altijd met veel plezier naar luisteren.

Ughh niet weer Stevie. En dit is ook nog eens de totaal van alle spannende elementen gestripte Stevie. Zoetsappige meuk

Beetje veel Stevie, maar wel een stuk funkier dan de vorige plaat van hem die hier voorbij kwam. Ik wist niet dat die nummers van coolio en George Michael uit de keuken van Stevie kwamen.

Some excellent parts in it.

Strong album! I didn’t know Pastime Paradise was the source for Gangstas Paradise; crazy how many amazing tracks Stevie Wonder managed to fit onto one album. Good stuff!

It's definitely an impressive album and has some amazing hits, but it definitely starts to drag on during the second disc. At almost 2 hours, its a real commitment to listen all the way through, and can be a bit of a struggle.

Stevie Wonder is an artist I've heard about many times, but until now never really listened. However, his reputation as a pop music pioneer is well-deserved, and the things he was doing on this 1976 album with elements such as synthesisers is really impressive. I can totally see the influence that his work must have had on the music of today, and this album was just a treat to listen to. Favourite: Sir Duke

I mean I've listened to this album many times, it's one of my favorite. My father introduced Stevie to me, and I've loved it ever since. It's catchy, heartwarming, easy to listen, memorable lines & melody. It's a great introduction to soul music. It's a classic album for sure.

Good, but not 1 hour 45 good. However, this project has taught me that Stevie Wonder is better than I thought. I though he was all "Isn't she lovely", rather than "Pastime Paradise"

4.4/5 it's good but too long

really good

The range of this album is really impressive. It got off to a really hot start and even the less interesting tracks were carried by Stevie's voice. But man this album could've easily been 30 minutes shorter. So many songs in the second half had a good idea going and then ended by doing nothing for an extra four minutes. Would've been five stars without that

Gangster’s Paradise rips the music track entirely from Pastime Paradise . Fascinating listening to it.

A masterpiece on so many levels I cannot really enumerate all the ways. Sometimes an artist will make an album that is special, in a class of its own, and head and shoulders above anything else their peers were doing. This is such an album. The fires of inspiration really cooked Stevie in the brewing of this critical and fan darling of a gem. There’s a lot more going on here than just bright, fun singalong songs. He deals with some pretty dark themes, exploring despair with the same energy he extols hope, and there’s quite a spicy mix of funk thrown into the soul.

1st September 2022 Listened throughout the day while working from home. Chilled and picked Jen up from the airport in the evening. This is amazing, it’s such a rainbow of an album. Feels like it tells the story of the black experience, but a true life story full of colour and joy as well as depth and sadness.

Beautiful album with a lot of great production. The music is bright and cheerful. It's definitely a weekend album, and I think listening on the week day dulled my experience. There's a reason Stevie has done so well!

Brilliant album from start to finish.

The very first song bored me, but then the album opened up hugely, music was almost experimental at times. great fun and groovy.

Full of passion with talent to back it up, 4/5 Highlight- "Ebony Eyes"

ALBUM RATING: 3.53 ALBUM GRADE: B- TRACK RATINGS: 1. Love’s in Need of Love Today - 3 2. Have a Talk With God - 4 3. Village Ghetto Land - 3.5 4. Contusion - 4 5. Sir Duke - 3.5 6. I Wish - 4.5 7. Knocks Me off My Feet - 3 8. Pastime Paradise - 4 9. Summer Soft - 3.5 10. Ordinary Pain - 4 11. Isn’t She Lovely? - 3.5 12. Joy Inside My Tears - 3 13. Black Man - 4 14. Ngiculela - Es una Historia - I Am Singing - 3 15. If It’s Magic - 3 16. As - 4 17. Another Star - 4 18. Saturn - 3 19. Body Eyes - 3 20. All Day Sucker - 3 21. Easy Goin’ Evening (My Mama’s Call) - 3

I was really looking forward to listening to this album. Started slower than I expected, I’m used to big strong songs opening an album. Tons of hits that I recognized. Some of the tunes were longer than I expected with more extended jams than are typical these days. The fusion tunes were a surprise. The variety of styles was a surprise as well. I look forward to exploring more SW in the future.

Long ass album mr wonder but very good

Good album with great songs, but lots of stuff that doesn’t pique my interest as much

Not really my jam, but I appreciate the artistry.

Very good

This was my first time listening to this album, but I knew all the songs.

Recognized several of the songs because they were sampled by other artists. For example, Pastime Paradise/Gangsta's Paradise. Decent music just not my preferred style.

I haven't really listened to Stevie Wonder beyond the singles, so the amount of freedom and experimentation was surprising to me. I love how Ordinary Pain just completely sheds it's pop song opening about a third of the way for an aggressive driving battle of the synth solos. And the pop song "intro" just never comes back. That's the song now. Cool. Joy Inside My Tears could have been a bog standard anthem, but someone had license to add synth elements under it that just add so much interest. That synth bass on Black Man. The delay on the synth on Ngiculela. Maybe I should have known that all this cool shit existed, but I didn't. Thanks 1001 albums. I'm not a big fan of the saccharine and preachy songs, but there are so many songs on here that skipping those ones still leaves more than a regular album full of great tracks.

A lot of great tracks (shout out to Isn't She Lovely), but also just a LOT of tracks. Not sure this needed to be a double album, but still had a good time listening to it.

A lot of great tracks, but too many long instrumental breakdowns. Felt like it wandered a bit.

Album of the century. Banger after banger after banger.

Sometimes I give an album five stars just because I love it. Sometimes it's because it's such a high quality piece of musical art. Sometimes it's because of its historical importance or because it's the best, most representative work by a bonafide musical genius. "Songs In The Key Of Life" is all of these things. It might be the best album I've gotten so far, it might even best album of all time.