Songs In The Key Of Life

I feel like I have nothing intelligent to say about this but it was just one one groove after another! Which is probably a duh, but I have never listened to a full Stevie Wonder album before, and the flow between all of it was amazing and I loved it all! Contusion and Another Star were the 2 I felt compelled to shout out in my listening notes

Yeah so this is maybe the greatest album of all, right? It certainly has to be in the top 3? Absolutely insane that this is Stevie’s EIGHTEENTH studio album, but what makes it great is that it feels like one that he had to make (and by all accounts he was ready to pack things up? ((but that $220m was too good to pass up?))). It’s full of joy and anger and soul, and it all feels like it comes straight from the heart. Sonically, it’s expansive and groovy and you can hear its legacy so clearly. I preferred Disc 1 but I really don’t think that matters here. Stevie summed up this album so perfectly with one line; “isn’t she lovely, made from love?”

starting this from the perspective that I’ce always found Isn’t She Lovely too saccharine for my tastes and almost grating, and I think somewhat influenced my feelings about the rest of the album. There were some great moments (Pastime Paradise, Village Ghetto Land and As were my favourites), I appreciated that there were at times some quite weird things going on, but it also felt like it dragged at some moments and there were sections I didn’t enjoy at all

He did all this while deaf??????

The back-to-back hit of Sir Duke and I Wish knocks me off my feet (pun intended). Also, I was today years old when I realized that Gangsta's Paradise is based on Pastime Paradise. And Black Man is a JAM.

Son 18ème album. Dur à croire qu'il pensait se retirer de la musique quelques temps avant cet album et finalement il sort un double album de 1h45 de long! J'aime l'ambiance générale, petit passage à vide durant la deuxième moitié. Ça atteint pas le hype d'Innervisions selon moi.

It is a beautiful album. I listened to it just after I woke up and I'll tell you it's a great album to start your day with. Loved it

Álbum clásico, para el día a día. Le pongo un 10 🫶🏼✨

Classic

Listened previously. Expectations: High - Verdict: Masterpiece - What a run! This isn't my favourite album of all time but it is a staggering achievement. It's just overflowing with joy and compassion and beauty. One of, if not the most life-affirming album ever made.

Had no idea that 'Gangsta's Paradise' was based off a song in this album ('Pastime Paradise'). Second disc was better than the first.

I like it, Stevie wonder it’s such a great artist

Some songs are iconic and great, but generally I don't vibe with a lot of what is on the album.

It’s Stevie. From his classics period.

lindo album so ficava melhor a cada música q eu ouvia

agora tudo faz sentido

When I listen to this album, I get the feeling that Stevie Wonder was born to make music. His eighteenth album is of this quality. 9/10

makes my soul happy

I don't like how he sings on most of these songs. However, his take on Amish Paradise is really good.

He’s a legend for a reason

There isn't much else to say about this album other than it really is one of the greatest albums ever made. Is it long? Absolutely. And while I'd normally say a few of the songs are too long, after almost 2 hours worth of listening, this is one of those rare albums that you wish was longer. Just absolute classic Stevie with so many classic songs. And if you aren't a Stevie fan and think Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" is an original, you need to listen to this album!

Funky songs that make you want to dance; variation in soft and loud songs but still a cohesive sound; lyrics are cyclical throughout the whole album that reflect different stages of life (hence the album title); extra points that Stevie Wonder is a pianist and so am I 😌; did feel a little long at times

It's acknowledged as a high point in his career. I'm not a fan as it's not a vocal that intrigues me

Great songs but too long. Let’s be real

Never been that big a fan of Stevie. Sort of easy listening though.

There was a lot to take away from this album, but a lot to be left behind. Yep, you can hear the imprint on 90s hip hop tunes. And 'Isnt she Lovely' is a catchy tune (still, I prefer the Me First and Gimme Gimmes version), despite the self indulgent outro on the album recording. Still, it felt like background music... 4 stars (just).

This album is like a man coming downstairs the morning after a night out with mates. His lovely wife has cooked pancakes with extra syrup. He sits at the table and immediately feels the warmth of the morning sun shining through the windows. Outside, he can see his children playing together happily, and their laughter is the only sound he can hear, other than the occasional bird chirping. “Are you hungover?” His wife asks, as she pours himself a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Come to think of it, no, he isn’t hungover at all. In fact he feels great. The occasional memory of last night flashes through his mind every once in a while. All his friends were on good form, and everyone had a great time. As he finishes breakfast, his wife calls the children in and tells them it’s time to get ready for church. The man asks if they need to pick up his mother-in-law on the way to church, but he is told she has sorted a ride from someone else.

Amazing album with only a few off tracks. The musicianship on this is next level

Incredible album. Too long. Not a lot more to say about the legendary Stevie Wonder.

Just an all around amazing album.

I liked it. I haven't listened to much Steve Wonder so hearing the opening riff/sample that I'd only heard in Gangster Paradise was a funny surprise.

Potentially 5 stars

Love’s in Need of Love Today, Have a Talk with God, Sir Duke, Pastime Paradise, Isn’t She Lovely, Joy Inside My Tears, If It’s Magic, As Closer to 3.5

he is a genius, didn‘t know that this album includes so many originals from cover songs

Why all the hype? It's a okay album.

Groovy AF, fan de todas las referencias y sampleos que han salido de aquí.

Tja, sir duke. Heel goed, maar de rest is soms een beetje té. Geen 5

Classique indémodable

I love this album. I had already heard it before. Super groovy while also more chill, which is amazing. It fits every type of mood. I wish if probably my favorite song.

The first song is so long but Stevie Wonder is kinda worth it. Many song s sound a lot like street music you'd hear someone sing on sesame street to uplift and teach kids.

Lindo

me gusta stevie wonder, más no me encanta. honestamente si no fuera por “isn’t she lovely” que me recuerda tanto a mi sobrina, le pondría 3 estrellas, pero solo por esa genialidad de canción se merece las 4

wonderfully pleasing

I don't even *have* to listen. Know this one well. It's gonna be five stars.

Loved as i expected, crazy to think about how much was sampled and well known that came off just one of Mr wonders Albums

Este disco es increíble, me encanta. Ya lo conocía obviamente, pero lo volví a escuchar entero. Es un MUST en la vida. La obra cúlmine de Stevie. Le voy a poner un 4 solamente porque es demasiado largo y quizás hay alguna que otra canción que podría "sobrar". Pero igual es un discazo, lo amo. Así hay que sentir la vida, tal como indica el nombre

No llegue:((((

# **Songs in the Key of Life** — In-Depth Album Review Released in September 1976, *Songs in the Key of Life* represents the creative apex of Stevie Wonder's "classic period." This ambitious double album (plus a four-song EP) stands as one of the most celebrated works in popular music history, winning Album of the Year at the 1977 Grammys and eventually being preserved in the Library of Congress for its cultural significance . --- ## **Overview & Context** After considering retirement to pursue humanitarian work in Ghana following back-to-back Grammy wins for *Innervisions* and *Fulfillingness' First Finale*, Wonder instead channeled his creative energy into this magnum opus. The album took approximately three years to complete and reportedly cost over $1 million to produce—an astronomical sum for the mid-1970s. Wonder famously purchased two Yamaha GX-1 synthesizers (at $60,000 each) during recording, demonstrating his commitment to sonic innovation . --- ## **Musical Composition & Production** ### **Genre-Defying Scope** The album hopscotches across an astonishing array of styles: R&B, soul, funk, jazz, pop, gospel, Latin, and progressive elements all coexist seamlessly. Wonder served as primary composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, essentially operating as a one-man auteur while bringing in session musicians (collectively dubbed "Wonderlove") to expand the sound . ### **Innovative Production** Wonder was among the first major artists to fully exploit early synthesizer technology. The album features pioneering use of synths to emulate orchestral instruments—notably the synthetic string arrangement on "Village Ghetto Land" that created an "uncanny valley" effect for 1976 listeners . The production maintains warmth despite its technological experimentation, with intricate percussion patterns, dizzying key changes, and complex harmonies that reward repeated listening . ### **Standout Instrumental Moments** - **"Contusion"**: An electrified jazz-funk instrumental featuring Michael Sembello's scat-like guitar solos and tricky time signature shifts - **"Summer Soft"**: Features so many key changes they become difficult to count, with rhythm sections that "go extra hard" - **"Another Star"**: Eight-and-a-half minutes of Latin dance fusion with "disco flute" and irresistible percussion --- ## **Lyrical Themes** ### **The Spectrum of Human Experience** The album's genius lies in its comprehensive emotional and thematic range: **Social Consciousness** - **"Love's in Need of Love Today"**: A plea for compassion in troubled times, functioning as the album's thesis statement - **"Village Ghetto Land"**: A grim tour through economic inequality, where "politicians laugh and drink" while the poor suffer - **"Pastime Paradise"**: A critique of privileged complacency—later famously interpolated by Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" - **"Black Man"**: A historical tribute to Black contributions to American society **Personal & Romantic Love** - **"Isn't She Lovely"**: An exuberant celebration of Wonder's newborn daughter Aisha (whose name means "life"), featuring actual recordings of her bath time - **"Knocks Me Off My Feet"**: A giddy, plainspoken love letter that captures the vulnerability of new romance - **"As"**: A cosmic declaration of eternal love using natural constants as metaphors, building from a slow simmer to a gospel-infused climax **Nostalgia & Reflection** - **"I Wish"**: Fond reminiscence of childhood mischief—impoverished yet simpler times viewed through rose-colored glasses - **"Joy Inside My Tears"**: Explores finding joy within sadness, distinguishing between fleeting happiness and enduring joy **Loss & Heartbreak** - **"Summer Soft"**: Personifies seasons as lovers who disappear, using meteorological metaphors for relationships - **"Ordinary Pain"**: A breakup song that shifts perspectives mid-track, with Shirley Brewer delivering a scathing response to Wonder's character - **"Another Star"**: Bittersweet celebration of lost love set to uptempo Latin rhythms --- ## **Cultural Influence & Legacy** ### **Immediate Impact** The album dominated 1976 commercially and critically, cementing Wonder's status as both a commercial powerhouse and artistic visionary. It proved that popular music could achieve artistic ambition without sacrificing accessibility . ### **Long-term Influence** - **Hip-hop**: "Pastime Paradise" provided the foundation for Coolio's 1995 hit; Wonder's harmonica lines have been sampled by artists including Snoop Dogg - **Contemporary R&B**: The album's fusion of jazz sophistication with pop sensibility influenced generations of artists, from Maroon 5 to Beyoncé (whose "Love on Top" explicitly channels Wonder's key-change techniques) - **Contemporary Christian Music**: Songs like "As" influenced the development of the genre through their spiritual messaging and gospel arrangements - **Library of Congress**: Inducted in 2005 for being "culturally significant" --- ## **Pros** | Strength | Description | |----------|-------------| | **Unprecedented Scope** | Successfully executes a double album where even deep cuts satisfy; virtually no filler across 17+ tracks | | **Musical Virtuosity** | Wonder's multi-instrumental prowess—particularly his drumming and keyboard work—remains breathtaking | | **Lyrical Depth** | Balances abstract poetry with blunt social commentary, romantic effusion with gritty realism | | **Innovation** | Pioneering synthesizer use that predated the 1980s synth explosion by years | | **Emotional Range** | Moves seamlessly from party anthems to spiritual meditations without losing cohesion | | **Pacing** | Expert track sequencing that builds from somber openings to euphoric closers | | **Timelessness** | Themes of love, social justice, and human resilience remain relevant nearly 50 years later | --- ## **Cons** | Weakness | Description | |----------|-------------| | **Opening Trio** | The first three tracks ("Love's in Need of Love Today," "Have a Talk with God," "Village Ghetto Land") are comparatively subdued and may require patience; some listeners find them "stilted" or "limp" compared to what follows | | **Runtime** | At nearly two hours, the album demands significant time investment that may challenge modern attention spans | | **Occasional Indulgence** | Some tracks (like the extended vamp on "Isn't She Lovely" featuring baby sounds) can feel self-indulgent | | **Dated Elements** | Certain synthesizer tones on tracks like "Ngiculela" sound distinctly "futuristic" in a 1970s way that hasn't aged gracefully | | **Uneven Distribution** | The second disc generally features longer, more experimental tracks that may lose listeners seeking immediate gratification | | **Lyrically Dated Language** | "I Wish" contains period-specific terminology that hasn't aged well | --- ## **Conclusion** *Songs in the Key of Life* represents that rarest of achievements: a commercially successful, critically acclaimed double album that actually earns its length. While the opening tracks may test some listeners' patience, the album rewards commitment with an emotional and musical journey that encompasses virtually the entire spectrum of human experience. Wonder's synthesis of technological innovation, compositional sophistication, and raw emotional honesty created a template for ambitious popular music that remains influential across genres—from hip-hop to contemporary R&B to jazz . The album's greatest strength is its conceptual unity: despite touching on love, social justice, spirituality, nostalgia, and heartbreak, it maintains coherence through Wonder's distinctive voice (both literal and artistic) and his unwavering belief in music's power to heal and unite. It is, as one critic noted, "a number one for political production, album production, conceptual production [and] lyrical production"—an achievement that "checks all the boxes" . **Overall Rating**: A landmark achievement in popular music, essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of artistic ambition and commercial appeal.

Songs in the Key of Life is packed with great tunes. Stevie Wonder really is a legend, and you can clearly hear just how much influence this album has had over the years. The songwriting is top-tier: funky, groovy, and full of personality. You can tell it’s the work of someone insanely talented. I also found it interesting learning that “Gangsta’s Paradise” samples from this album—that added a whole new layer of appreciation. That said, the album did feel a bit long for me. Some tracks, while great, seemed to go on longer than necessary. It’s definitely a personal preference thing, but at times it felt slightly bloated. I almost feel guilty not giving it a 5 because the highs are so high, but taste is taste. The singles are incredible—“Isn’t She Lovely” - I mean come on now!! So yeah, it’s a 4/5 for me—but a really strong 4. An album that was clearly ahead of its time, with some truly unforgettable peaks.

Enjoyed more than his previous entry. Not too bad

music is love

Fantastiskt album! Texterna och musiken tillsammans skapar magi! Låtar som As, Another Star (magisk!), Pastime Paradise (Gangstas Paradise är baserad på denna), I Wish, Sir Duke hur bra som helst. Det enda är väl att jag kan tycka att albumet är i det längsta laget. Men herregud... Det är en petitess, albumet är skitbra och förtjänar en solid 5:a!!!!

Very good but I'd say it's still more of a 4/5 to me than a full 5/5.

A personal fave

just like any other soul album imo, only gets glazed because Steveland Hardaway Judkins happens to be blind. like i know that its impressive that he can play instruments and all that whilst unable to see, but that doesn't make it musically better or more enjoyable to listen to.

272/1089 less than a minute into the first track and i already have goosebumps i never knew that Gangster’s Paradise was an interpolation/interpretation but hearing Pastime Paradise just made it make sense, like of course it came from a Stevie Wonder song Disc 1 down and i’m in awe a bit, this is exceptional so far. I love going into a beloved album and immediately understanding why it has that status. of the first 10 tracks i only didn’t save 3 Contusion (which i loved but didn’t save yet bc no vocals), Village Ghetto Land and Knocks Me Off My Feet both of which i still liked a lot but not to the same level didn’t like the baby crying sounds at the start of Isn’t She Lovely this was such a great experience, i saved 12/21 tracks and just overall had such a rich and rewarding time with it faves: Pastime Paradise, As, Summer Soft, Saturn, Another Star 88/100

Unexpected gangsta's origin Batman!

the first few songs felt very videogame-like, it reminded me a lot of pikmik Bloom music jsjsj. Soem songs were a little too weird to me, but i liked it quite a bit overall

TOP TOP ALBUM!! loved the vibe so many favs cant name them all

💘 Contusion 💘 Sir Duke 💘 Pastime Paradise 💘 Isn't She Lovely 💘 Black Man 💘 As

Great

I love me some Stevie and there are some absolute classic songs on this album but hot take: I still prefer Talking Book. A near 2 hour album is hard to get perfect and I think there’s some bloat.

An hour, and 45 minutes? No thank you. 2/5

I just realized where Gangster's Paradise was inspired. I also recognized Isn't She lovely. I have enjoyed this album's themes around the struggles experienced by the lower classes in the USA. It was a long album, but very enjoyable.

10/10 flawless masterpiece

OUTRAGEOUSLY good

no lo acabe, pero lo que escuche, me encanto, me lo llevo de tarea

un poco largo pero guay bastante chill

L: 7 M: 9 F: 8 O: 8

The pinnacle of songs that came from this.

One of the songs sounded too much like Christmas. I didn’t expect so many different sounds from this album.

MASTERPIECE

Mislim, da sm ta album par mesecev nazaj slučajno poslušala. Spomnim se, da je bil kul, but not necessarily neki zame. So far, sem pri 4. komadu ("Contusion", k je ful funky, hiter, instrumentalen), ki je sledil neki počasni baladi o težkem lajfu v ghettu ("Village Ghetto Land") - tko da kr razgibano. Začetek "Sir Duke" je ful familiar. Stevie ma tok dobr glas. "I Wish" je zanimiv slišat original, ker mam v glavi tok vtisnjeno verzijo od Will Smitha, ha. U, nevermind, "Pastime Paradise" je še težje odmislit meni bolj poznano verzijo iz 90ih. Ugh, pozabila sm, da se "Isn't She Lovely" začne z baby zvoki. Zakaj sm to že ene parkat slišala odkar poslušam albume? "As" tud od nekje poznam iz otroštva (aaaa, George Michael in Mary J. Blige! Huda verzija.). V glavnem: očitno ful influental album (že število coverjev in samplov je noro), gor maš nekaj najbl znanih komadov vseh časov (za nas vsaj "Isn't She Lovely"), ne vem če je slab komad vmes, Stevie je itak amazing. Kva še hoč na petek popoldne? (Plus, osemnajsti album?! In tak nivo?!)

The best album by one of the all times geniuses. No other way around it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So good. Stevie's influence on music is palpable throughout this album. I had no idea that Gangstas Paradise or Wild Wild West both sampled songs from this album, not to mention the amount of soundtracks several of these tunes have been in. The double album was a bit long for me but still great.

Favorites: Isn’t She Lovely Ebony Eyes Saturn Knocks Me Off My Feet Summer Soft Overall Opinion: To me this album sounds like a romantic comedy in the fall. I love the themes of love, not only romantic but also fatherly, and also of peace and acceptance. Also the fact that Wonder included snippets of his own life (I think) with his daughter laughing perfectly mirrors that childlike innocence he longs for in songs like Saturn or Have a Talk With God. I think in general the album feels like a warm cup of tea or a fluffy blanket even in songs where politics and violence are discussed. It just feels very current and sort of romantic to me.

Good album

This is NUTS for an 18th album. The first two tracks were a little weak for me so I was worried I was about to sit through 2 hours of some weak sauce but no… Village Ghetto Land hit and then things just kept getting better for the album’s entire runtime. This is such a cool album man…

Classic

Debated here. 4 or 5. It is Stevie. Some great songs among lesser known songs. But it is Stevie.

Muy buen disco. Conocía algún que otro tema de Stevie Wonder, pero me sorprendió sinceramente; no era un músico que tuviera muy presente. Es un disco que escucharía seguido. Hoy lo escuché con mi papá en el auto, yendo a comprar ropa.

It’s a strange album from the start. It kind of feels confused and some of the production and backing is terrible. Feel ‘Village Ghetto Land’ could be great, but so let down by the backing. BUT the. You get hit with ‘Sir Duke’ and ‘I Wish’ so jury is still out. But EIGHTEENTH studio album and still able to do this?! 🤯 Not getting the “greatest album of all time” vibes that some claim, but I’m ready for more (even if it is 1hr 45!) Very solid start to CD2 with ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ but still not grabbed the same as others. Obviously some huge bangers, but rest doesn’t just haven’t the quality for me. Might be heading for 3.5 😬 and never knew Gangstas Paradise was basically a cover 🤯

On peut faire remonter mon Stevie Wonder awakening au visionnage répété de Happy Feet à partir de 2006, à partir de là impossible de mettre autre chose que 5 étoiles à cet album, même si c'est une fois de plus purement subjectif

Des chansons iconiques et d'autres un peu moins bien. Je suis mitigée !

Never bee a big fan of this guy. This isn’t bad. Won’t add it to a playlist though.

Wonderfull. A masterpiece. It even has some 70s jazz fusion parts.

Increíble la producción que tiene cada tema.

huge album. it's ok.

Leider überhaupt nicht meins, schwierig für mich durch zuhalten trotzdem erkenn ich den Einfluss und den Erfolg des Albums an. Einziger Song den ich mag ist Pastime Paradise und das auch nur wegen der Verknüpfung zu Gangstas Paradise von Coolio und L.V..

Starts a bit slow, but once Sir Duke hits, the rest of the album is a good ride.

Great album but could have been half the length

yeah i loved this one, but again probably wouldn't play it again. it sure was long.

Album is really good, liked a lot of the songs. Sir Duke is the best imo

Gonna be hard to beat this one, there’s not a low moment on this album… One of the most legendary albums of all time.

Classic album. Various different styles all executed excellently. There were some songs that I wouldn’t listen to again so I’d probably give it a 9 or 4.5 but I’m rounding up to 5 because it’s definitely better than zeppelin 3

perfect record no notes. This album makes me sad to know that one day Stevie will be taken from us. In the darkest of days we live in, it is at least comforting to know that so much love can live and be expressed in music.

its Stevie. Some classics

So I was expecting a soulful, jazzy and robust RnB album worthy of the critical acclaim and success that it has generated over the years. What this felt like to me was 70's elevator pop that had more in common with Michael Jackson than Ray Charles. This was probably on me for having the wrong preconceived idea of what Stevie Wonder was all about, but in the end this definitely made me realize this is just not for me.

I've heard nothing but praise for this album since starting this project, and I do get it, it's a phenomenal album that has had a lasting impact on music, but it's long. It impressively manages to remain consistently high quality throughout the entire album and I don't think there's any real filler here, but I still don't think I'll ever be in the mood to sit down and listen to an hour and 45 minutes of Stevie Wonder again.

Incredible album with chill music

wow, you never know whats going to happen next, from gospel ballads to smooth rnb to funk that makes you make the stank face something more than a collection of songs, it is a statement fueled by the talent of a visionary, ironically, and a great selection of colaborators def going back to this feels like it is more dense than what i can unpack now

I don't love every track on here but the ones are do, which is most of them, are soooooo good. Rare to hear such a mix of luscious, catchy and yet innovative and interesting songs. Also a 6/5.

I daresay this could have managed to not be a double-album. But even so, it's wall-to-wall fantastic songwriting.

I mean it's Stevie Wonder. He plays. I get stressed from life. He tries to calm me with his serenading clips.

Full Album Thoughts: Album Rating: 2.7 (B-) The first "Double Album" meaning I kind of want to get two separate ratings. Its not fair that there is some gold on here that I keep having to drag down because of my own personal hangups. But then again, its my freaking list and rankings. And you made me sit through what would otherwise be like 40 minutes of Mid to Mad, IN ADDITION to another full album of the Best Bops Of All Time, and some real new sounds I wouldnt have experienced. They just HAPPEN to be shuffled together. If you took the back half of the A Side, the B side, and the D side, you'd have a 5 star album. As is, with that STINKER of a C side and the worst album opening run so far? Woof. I feel bad for the rating I am going to give this. Track Thoughts: "Love's in Need of Love Today" D Christian Thrifstore Music, bleh. I am biased by lived experience, and that harshes my enjoyment of an otherwise groovy gospel jam riff. This is just not something I enjoy. "Have a Talk with God" F- See above but with my own personal baggage meaning I cant enjoy the absolutely bonkers scifi sounding alien instruments. Like, I can not stress enough I love everything about this song sonically. And then the lyrics absolutely give me the ick. I never want to listen to it again, which is a shame because I want to hear it in any other form. "Village Ghetto Land" C Hey looks like someone discovered the Mellotron! Except I actually am not sure, cuz the strings sound a bit too synthy in places. Either way, STILL not really a song I ever think I'll go back to, but at least this is a Weird Take On Classical Composition? Its a curiosity but not a compulsion. "Contusion" A+ The soundtrack to the best Released In Europe Only Dropping Shapes Puzzler you never got to play. This is such a refreshing, vibrant, inventive, energetic celebration of every great aspect of the last 3 songs I wished were in better songs! And that better song is here! Its this one! "Sir Duke" S+ I think I need to start marking songs that "Have Escaped Containment" in that I already was familiar with them, but now experiencing them in context I can evaluate them more holistically. The most recognizable horn riff ever? Debatable. The most head-bopping-est, strut-stepping-est, bouncy grove of all time? Without a doubt. It is physically impossible to not move along with this song. Which is crazy because it is PRETTY COMPLEX melodically, but it just fits RIGHT in the pocket with its beat. Its a celebration of its musical influences, of the GOATs at the time, and then instantly becomes a GOAT in its own right. Its one of the happiest songs in existence! This is S tier, plain and simple. (I also need to note, for posterity's sake that this structure pops up in the Title Screen song for Paper Mario and that has lots of gooey nostalgia for me) "I Wish" A Okay, so the album has actually kicked off. We are in feel good grove central. The walking bass, the playful keys, the guitar stings, the horn hits, it all just... drives so damn hard. I have harped in the past about things being repetitive, but this is how you have a simple pattern and then just keep it building and evolving so it never becomes boring. You get hypnotized, lulled into exactly where the song wants to take, and im happy to go along for the ride. "Knocks Me Off My Feet" B- Slow piano ballad. I cant say I am much for ballads, I think I am finding. Easy listening lounge music. Its excellent in its construction, but not really to my taste. I really feel like so much of this album, for how long it is, is just going to come down to personal taste sinking otherwise excellent songs. "Pastime Paradise" C+ Its no Amish Paradise. I actually find its sparser, lighter tone to be... awkward. I want this to go hard. "Summer Soft" B+ The Sims Build Mode Music. Oh wait here comes the beat! Here comes the Steely Dan! The lyrics are very poetic, I love the occasional play on words. The back half is repetitive, but keeps things fresh with key modulation. "Ordinary Pain" A- I do enjoy a good yearning love-sick song, as long as it can keep things upbeat. I think if this was sarcastic or did anything to subvert the expectations (that it itself probably cemented in the first place) I would be all for it. As is, its Prototypical, which it cant help, but it still doesnt have that "it" thing to stand out for my tastes, so far removed from its original context. IS WHAT I WOULD SAY UNTIL WE HIT THE HALFWAY POINT WHERE IT BECOMES A SEPARATE NEW SONG!?! We have the shift in perspective?! No wait, no this is excellent. This is genius. (but its repetitive, so still points off ugh I am so harsh? I have to be harsh, these are theoretically The Best Albums Of All Time, so I can be nitpicky) "Isn't She Lovely" D+ Do NOT start your song with the sound of a baby crying, one of the worst sounds known to man. I feel like this song has escaped containment? Is this a Wedding Jam? Is this a Movie Cliche? I do not give two shits about babies. I'm glad you love your kid, you absolutely should, thats like rule number one. I just dont need to hear about it. DO NOT BRING BACK THE BABY COOING RECORDINGS IN THE BACK HALF. Ugh this is murder on the ears with a fantastic harmonica solo that I love. "Joy Inside My Tears" D- This one did nothing for me. And its only half over. Turns out I dont like slow jams, we are finding out. Not enough expansion on the central premise. I think I hate being bored more than baby cries. "Black Man" C Another very long song. But its at least got a driving grove yet again! The lyrics are a bit Edutainment for my liking, but I can imagine this being historically significant. This feels... Anthemic... but I cant see myself just throwing on this 8 minute track "Just For Fun" you know? "I Am Singing" C What the actual heck is this keyboard-demo track? I really cant take this song seriously. I am sorry. This is another Me Thing again. "If It's Magic" B+ See an actual honest to goodness Harp Lullaby is hard to come by. And this is actually very beautiful! Is this something to throw on at any occasion? No. But its certainly has its time and place. And I do actually click with the lyrics message! "As" B+ Assume I strung the words Smooth, Drive, Groove, Funky, Bop, And Jam together coherently here. I am just enjoying this song simply as it is. "Another Star" B+ Katamari Music (I thought before looking at the actual title, lol and furthermore lmao)

Epic stuff

This is one of the highest rated albums of all time and to be honest I have no idea why. This wouldn't be to my usual taste so I went into this completely objective and even then I still couldn't figure out why people love it so much. His voice goes straight through me, the instrumentation is alright but nothing special and it's way too long. I love long songs and albums but only when they're actually enjoyable to listen to and this was almost painful. There were a few instrumental parts that were decent but they were followed by horrible vocals or some really boring jazz. If I was to rate this based on it's influence and popularity, I'd give it 3 stars but being completely objective and rating it based on my own enjoyment, I have to give it 1 star

Typically, when you tell me that an album is almost two hours long, I'm not going to be excited about the prospect of having to listen to something that long. But when you tell me I'm listening to almost two hours of Stevie Wonder at his creative peak, my response is "how come I only get two hours?" It's not my absolute favorite album of all time (though it's certainly up there), but it's got a very strong argument for being the *best* album of all time.

If this album was just the first half, it would still be 5 stars. The songwriting on the first half is just one banger after another. The second half gets a little slow at times but Stevie's singing, playing, writing, and arranging are top tier all time great all the way through. Mfer plays DRUMS on a bunch of the tracks. Is there nothing he can't do? Has been a fav of mine for many years. The state of the art 1975 synth sounds are so tasty.

It's hard to make a truly great double album but this is a prime example. It's great all the way through even though I wish it had been two separate albums.

Great Vibe and truely legendary tunes.

Not just a great LP, but a template for so much stuff that came after it. Is it possibly a bit too long? Maybe. Does it matter? No.

Stevie's a genius and it's a pleasure to listen to this

I'd have loved to live in Stevie Wonders' world in 1976. Straight up magical. Not perfect but beautiful. Lovely album. Absolute classic.

Very good album, all songs atleast a 6/10. Perfect Best songs: Have a talk with god Isn’t she lovely I wish

insanely creative, best instrumental work I've probably ever heard in an album. gorgeous! favs: love's in need of love, knocks me off my feet, ordinary pain, saturn, ebony eyes!

second listen. good shit. got boring near the end though

Great album! A must have on the list and a must listen. Favorites the whole album

Del 1 al 10, 8

Honestly, I was really surprised by how pedestrian this sounded. Not really impressed at all.

Æ skjønne koffor det her e en klassiker, men det e fascineranes at nesten alle sangan e minst ett minutt for lang (gjerne to eller omså tre), sjøl om æ antar det e et bevisst valg av årsaker æ ikke skjønne.

I think people throw around the word genius a bit too much when they talk about musicians, but Stevie is the real deal and this is his greatest work.

So musically diverse while still feeling like one album. Just so full of funk and soul.

I thought it got better as it went on. It is tough to listen in one go, I’m not sure if that’s the best way to digest this one. Ideally I should listen to it at least another time before rating but don’t have the time. Rating: 3.4

Can’t believe id never actually listened to stevie wonder before

Lo escuché mientras me secaba el pelo. Él sabe lo que hace.

This is amazing

Man,, a lot of stuff I know is actually from this.

This is by far the best of Mr. Wonder’s catalog we’ve yet seen on the list. The songs are continuously adventurous and unique while fitting comfortably within his sound. There’s a lot of interesting experimentation with different tones and instruments although why some artists, like this one, suffer from the common delusion that the harmonica is a serious instrument and not a toy to be left for children. Thankfully he only ruins a couple of songs with it on this recording. Unfortunately one of them is the otherwise beautiful “Isn’t She Lovely”. That tune heads up the possibly not entirely necessary second disc and demonstrates this half of the music’s penchant for running needlessly long in tooth. Besides these missteps though I found it primarily enjoyable and a true testament to the enduring legacy of Stevie Wonder that I had been missing.

Stevie’s magnum opus. The sheer amount of great songs on this record is a bit overwhelming. One of the very best records of the 70s. Five bags of popcorn and a clavinet.

Is it innovative or just the voice?

Some great songs on this album but a fair bit of filler too. It's a long album as a consequence and I found myself drifting into other thoughts.

Brilliant but loses a star for length

Do I think Stevie is a genius - yes. Would I listen to this album in its entirety again - I don't think I would. Unless Granny was coming round and she didn't like Led Zep. Too much elevator music between the two or three bangers. And it's waaaay toooooo loooonnnngg. A controversial 2*

I listened to disk one during my run, and it was ok. Very much background music, and didn’t massively energise me. A few songs were better but mostly mediocre. I started to listen to disk 2 when relaxing and playing videos games and this was the more mellow vibe intended for me to listen to I think. Might listen in the future but will use as personal time background music. 6/10

I had already listened to the first recommended album

Latterligt godt

Have I listened to this album before? No How familiar am I with this album? I know a lot of the songs How do I feel about this artist? I like Stevie Favorite song(s)? Sir Duke, As, I Wish, Have a Talk with God Overall Thoughts: The hits are fantastic. There is absolutely no filler in this album. Every song belonged. Yeah it’s long, but it all works together.

Wow. Favourite Song: BLACK MAN - Stevie Wonder The album feels very consistent and truly is enjoyable, with lengthy songs which are unlikely to be seen in modern music, because labels push a more TikTok/social media algorithmic friendly sound and song length.

Turns out I know more Stevie Wonder songs than I thought! Some great his in here, although a number of them tend to meander on for a long time at the end and I find myself skipping the ends of them. Great album, too long.

Album of the soul, every single song

Genius at work

Realmente bonito. La deuda de Jamiroquai con este disco es impagable. La imagen que tenía de Stevie Wonder ha cambiado conforme escuchaba los discos que hay de él en esta lista. Me guardo: "Village Ghetto Land", "Sir Duke", "I Wish", "Pastime Paradise", "Isn't She Lovely" y "As".

I LOVEEEE THIS SHIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Fourth Stevie Wonder album I've gotten on this list. It's fine. I just don't think I like Stevie Wonder that much....

Egentligt en del kendte numre på. Også som min årgang nok mest kender som covers. Men meget langtdobbeltalbum og mange lange numre. As er bedre i originalen.

klasika

Awesome album that fades a little in the back half. It has Sir Duke on it, which is one of the greatest songs of all time. It is also fun to hear this as one of the albums where a lot of samples of more recent songs originate.

We could only be lucky to have a life this in tune.

This is one of those albums that’s been on my list forever, but I’ve never taken the time to sit down and listen to all 1 hour and 45 minutes of it. Now I’m wishing that I had made the time, because this album is a revelation. It’s completely brilliant, not just musically, but there’s a brilliancy and brightness to the way the music makes me feel. I think it’s hard to overstate the influence this album had on hip hop, funk, pop and even house music. It’s so lush, smooth, beautiful, and musically flawless. An absolute masterpiece.

Another piece in Stevie's immaculate run.

Songs in the Key of Excellence

21 songs… I feel I’m on a one man crusade against double albums. If this was trimmed to the 9 or 10 best it would be perfect. Very high highs.

I know there’s some classics here but man this just doesn’t do it for me. I think there’s something about the way Stevie wonder sings where it sounds as if he’s passionately articulating every single word and note, but so cleanly and consistently that the whole thing comes off as sterile. Obviously a hugely influential album, but it’s too shiny and too funky to convey much of a message to me.

Álbum excepcional!

As, me gustó mucho. Me gustó el estilo musical, su voz, y los sonidos y ritmos experimentales que implementa. Además, los solos instrumentales son muy satisfactorios. Me gustó.

Un discazo lleno de clasica y lleno de la calidad compositiva e interpretativa de Stevie para tocar y cantar

Maybe a bit too long, but damn so many bangers!

Belter

I want to give it 6 stars.

Es un buen disco, tiene buenos temas y buenos sonidos pero no es mi estilo de música.

Absolute legend 🔥

Chaotically soft. As if I were sunbathing, it suffocates you, but it's wonderful.

Listened to the first 20 minutes. Good vibes, I can tell lots of other music was inspired by it.

Incredible album. A full range from beautiful, deep melodies to fast, complex instrumentals. I believe Stevie Wonder truly may have created The Key of Life with this album.

I came into this knowing who Stevie Wonder was of course. I knew the big hits. I was also pretty intimidated by the nearly 2 hours of run time this monster carried. Wow was I wrong to feel that way. After listening to the album I feel like I have a deeper understanding of him as a person and music in the general sense as a whole. It's at the point that I'm making songs fight over each other for a space on my main playlist. I don't want to add 75% album even though it deserves it. Stevie Wonder volleys ballads, creative song ideas and lyrics back and forth with total foot tappers, the grooves that get you moving around, that WILL brighten your mood. I had a wonderful time listening to this and I will recommend this album to everyone who claims to be a music lover. A true work of art. Being transported back in time to listen to this album released only 3 years after my own father was born, I can STILL hear the inspiration in modern music. Absolutely stunning. (My listening notes) Disk 1 1. Intro was pretty good. 2. Unexpected fire. Didn't expect those unique detuned sounds and rhythms. 3. Stevie wonder, I was unfamiliar with your game. A moving piece for having only strings accompany his vocals. 4. Japanese rock vibes. Before that was established? Mr. Wonder may be a pioneer. 5. Try to listen and NOT tap your foot. Fun to hear a classic in here. Also this is when Stevie brings back his insane deep voice thing that's growing on me. Thought it was silly in the intro but now... I'm in. 6. Alright I'm convinced the accusations are in fact true. Stevie Wonder is a musical genius. Man lost his sight and gained the soul sense. 7. Thought this would be a ballad but the turn it took was nice and groovy. 8. Gangsters paradise?!?!?! I had no idea this was the sample. They just straight ripped the entire song. Special shout out to the gong. 9. Good song. Wouldn't bump this one but I enjoyed the listen. 10. That break down was incredible. My new best friend Stevie put 2 songs in one. If this ended here I would give it a 5/5. I'm hoping Disk 2 is just as strong. Disk 2 1. STRONG OPEN! Wowzers. Absolute bop. Imagine having to switch out the vinyl and this shit starts playing as you sit back down on the couch. 2. A little slow. Cant complain. Enjoying the vocal range. 3. Some political music to get the juices flowing. Easy to groove to. I'm not sure how I feel about having a history lesson shouted at me but I think its a good message none the less. 4. Didn't really expect this one. Totally different and still coherent with the accompanying songs. 5. Transition from track 4 on this disk was fantastic. Stevie does another slow song well. A very creative style. 6. Nothing this man makes is filler. I can definitely tell this disk is where he put his jammy jam songs on. We got a whole verse in the deep voice! Go off deep voice. 7. Immediately started dancing while making dinner. Absolute legend. Those horns are awesome. A total jam sesh. 8. Love this one too. This may have cemented this album as a 5 if it wasn't already. 9. (SAXAPHONE RIGHT HERE) Total banger. 10. He can't keep getting away with it. How does he keep getting away with it!? This was made in 1976... HOW is it so good? That is such a catchy chorus. 11. A slow almost childish end to an excellent ride.

Feels a bit unfocused in my opinion. It doesn’t quite hold up Wonder’s 60s era. Summer soft is a sick song though.

Disc 1: 3/5 Disc 2: 5/5

Great album

Pretty chill, kinda fun at times. 3/5

hell yeah stevie

Magic, amazing, no words needed, I love all of it. No skips 5/5

that´s one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard, love it TODAY'S BIRD: Golden Pheasant

A total MASTERPIECE.

*1976. Double album. *What a great Sunday morning album. Some big hits here (Sir Duke, Pastime Paradise and Isn't She Lovely), as well as plenty melodic, happy, lovely songs. *I thought 1 hr, 45 mins was going to be excessive, but I listened to the whole thing while working. RATING - 8/10

What a flex it is to open a lengthy double album with what sounds like a closer! If I have a gripe with Wonder it’s a taste thing: his voice is gentle, approachable and many of his lyrics sit in a similar place where they are direct, even on-the-nose, rarely cloaked by metaphor. This is intentional on his part, trying to connect to as wide an audience as possible - and he succeeds! I just need a bit more grit. Still though, any collection with Sir Duke, Love in Need, As, Another Star, etc... As with any double album, I’m always left with the question of how much better it would be cut down to a single LP, but would the whole experience make sense with the lesser material left out? The common defence for every double or triple is that you don’t get it man, the length IS the experience! But I disagree...there’s variety here, just as with the White Album or London Calling, but ultimately when the sound is as cohesive as Wonder’s, this is a lot of the same meal served several times over. Would the highs not hit as high without the lesser material? There are multiple instances where bands have recorded a double album’s worth of material but then cut it down to size precisely to avoid the redundancy or due to aesthetic preference: The Cure’s Wish is maybe the clearest example where the material left off is superior to what made the cut. Likewise would In Rainbows have made sense expanded to include “Disk 2”? Or Kid A and Amnesiac released together as one expansive document in 2000? Corgan and co delivered a similar result that stretched his abilities, but its b-sides collection shows there were potentially several albums the Pumpkins could have released, some of it more in Corgan’s wheelhouse than what ended up on the Big Statement. Double albums are a quixotic pursuit ultimately, but ymmv: the first 2 records by The Wrens are technically double albums and I treasure just about every note on both.

feel like there were no bad songs on this - great vibes all round

Never knew that Gangsta's Paradisa was a hip-hop reimaging of Stevie Wonder's 1976 track Pastime Paradise. Very interesting

"Songs in the Key of Life" is one of Stevie Wonder's, and perhaps music's, most emotive albums. Musically, the album features influences from a wider variety of genres, such as funk, jazz and soul, which is all tied together by Stevie Wonder's lively, energetic voice. An atmosphere of hope and love flows through the very fabric of essentially ever song on the double album, in the warm, layered production to the mellow horns.  Such an atmosphere mirrors the lyrical themes of the LP; Wonder comments on the human experience while calling for acceptance, love, a recognition of the power of music. He does so through both social critique (such as opening track "Love's in Need of Love Today") and gratefulness ("Isn't She Lovely"). He is not alone in espousing these themes, but he is unmatched in his uncanny ability to have his sentiments communicated to the listeners even without lyrics. True, the album is rather long, and some of the songs could have used a bit of trimming and get repetitive (such as the five minute long solo in "Isn't She Lovely"); but it is a great album nevertheless.

i've heard a few cuts off this album, but never heard the full album. the length makes me a bit nervous but i don't think i'll be disappointed. it's Stevie Wonder, after all Love's in Need of Love Today - 5/5 Have a Talk With God - 5/5 Village Ghetto Land - 3/5 Contusion - 5/5 Sir Duke - 5/5 I Wish - 5/5 Knocks Me Off My Feet - 5/5 Pastime Paradise - 5/5 Summer Soft - 5/5 Ordinary Pain - 4/5 Isn't She Lovely - 5/5 Joy Inside My Tears - 4/5 Black Man - 5/5 Ngiculela - Es una historia - I Am Singing - 4/5 If It's Magic - 3/5 As - 4/5 Another Star - 5/5 Saturn - 4/5 Ebony Eyes - 4/5 All Day Sucker - 5/5 Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call) - 3/5 Average score: 4.4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Okay, Here we go. This album is not a 5/5. It's bigger, a 10/10. A miracle of a piece of art. Stunning from start to finish, virtuous, lush, ambitious but so fucking engaging. Arguably, not only one of the best ever made- it can be considered for the top spot.

It's quite a journey - not always my thing, but definitely always something. Great production and a good few songs which sound like they were written/recorded last week!

Some belters but some shiters

I don't know what I could possibly say about this album that hasn't already been said. It's easily Stevie Wonder's magnum opus, with nearly every song being a classic. There are clever stylistic shifts and genre changes throughout, but Stevie always keeps the funk grooving as the album keeps going. This is the kind of record that makes you glad that music as an art form exists.

Jazzy, soul foul, and tuned into social issues! What not to like. Overall 8/10, come back rating 7.35, jam ability range of 5.2 to 9.5 depending on the song. Lyrics 9.5 out of 10

Hopplöst överskattat album, hopplöst spretigt. Klart det finns höjdpunkter men det är långt emellan dem och för att vara en dubbel är dom alldeles för få. Det dröjer ända till "I wish" innan jag hittar nåt att gå igång på. All bra musik, och i synnerhet soulmusik, handlar om att få ligga i nån aspekt. Stevie gör låtar med barnjoller! Låtar till barn borde förstås förbjudas. Det är i samma no-go zone som riverdance, barnkörer, trumsolon och låtar för sin Mamma. Det sistnämnda har naturligtvis Stevie också den dåliga smaken att praktisera. Har det någonsin kommit nåt vettigt ur låtar till sina barn eller för sin mamma? Det är en ren styggelse. Det bara fortsätter, stora delar av det här albumet verkar just vara en uppvisning i dålig smak. Jag menar "I am singing", vad är det för totalhaveri? Fusionjazzen i "Contusion" måste ju rimligen va ett skämt eller? "Saturn" är en arenarockballad av värsta sorten, kunde varit Coldplay. Och så det mest öppenbara då: smäktande soul helt befriad ifrån sex. Det är en oförenlig kombo. Könsdrift är smäktande souls enda existensberättigande. Kom igen, jag har hört Teddy Pendergrass. Jag vet precis hur ångande smäktande soul ska, kan och bör vara. Det finns som sagt några höjdpunkter, nämnda “I Wish" gungar, "Another star" är kanske den bästa, den funkar på ett dansgolv alla dar i veckan. I "Ordinary pain" med kvinnlig vokalissa händer fina grejer. "As" är en klassiker av en anledning. Men herregud det är tunnsått för en dubbel. Det här musik för att visa upp för andra musiker hur duktig musiker han är. Det ger jag som simpel lyssnare blanka fan i faktiskt. Stevies musik är som porr i blindskrift; bara upphetsande för Stevie själv. Det blir en tvåa för att duktigheten och hantverket inte går att underkänna, men det är på den där berömda gärdsgårn'

Jag har aldrig fastnat riktigt för Stevie. Ofta lite för snällt och polerat. Hans sammetsmjuka tonsäkra sång, instrumental perfektion. Lite smuts och skav och hårdhet hade inte skadat. Med det sagt finns det ändå en handfull bra låtar på skivan. Dessa är: As Knocks me off my feet Ordinary pain Joy inside my tears Black man De bästa låtarna på en enkelskiva hade kunnat generera en fyra.

Kontexten må ha nämnts otaliga gånger men tål att upprepas. På sin 21-årsdag skulle Stevie enligt kontraktet få fullständig konstnärlig frihet. Det han levererat fram till dess är naturligtvis fantastiskt i sig. Motownsoul när den är som allra bäst. Men det som skulle komma nu var något annat. Det börjar redan med 1971 års Where I’m coming from (får man inte gåshud av I never dreamed you’ll leave in summer, bör man omedelbart uppsöka läkare) och når sitt crescendo i Songs in the key of life. Det är nästintill omöjligt att inbördes ranka de sex album han släpper här. Alla är av yppersta klass. Beträffande Keys kan förstås den ständigt återkommande invändningen, ”hade han sållat bland låtarna till ett enkelalbum, då jävlar” höras till och från. Brukar själv hamna i de tankarna rörande många dubbelalbum. Men så inte här. Varje låt behövs. De funkiga, de jazziga och de soulmässande. Jag älskar groovet i Black man, hur han bygger och bygger i As och bönen om en värld där vi tar hand om varandra i ”Love’s in need of love today” (Egentligen är det otroligt att ett så i grunden platt uttryck kan låta så självklart när Stevie tar ton). Gång på gång, albumet igenom ser Stevie till att ”Knocks me of my feet”. Betyget då? Ja, det är väl en ickefråga.

Frisk blandning av hög toppar, mediokra låtar och några riktiga bottennapp. En utrensning till en enkel-LP hade varit önskvärt. På plussidan håller jag Have a Talk with God, Sir Duke, I Wish och As. Till bottennappen hör nästan hela andra skivan med undantag för Black Man, As och Another Star. Första skivan är en stark trea. Andra skivan en svag tvåa.

Pretty astounding.

Pastime Paradise threw me for a loop.

Such a fine, wide-ranging collection of masterfully produced and performed songs. Some I don’t vibe with much (“Isn’t She Lovely”—I appreciate the song’s themes but it is so grating to my ears). But the vast majority are absolutely incredible. Sir Duke has an energy that stands as unmatched in funk and soul.

I guess I am not familiar with Stevie Wonder. I was born a little too late or I'm from the wrong demographic. I've never really listened to him, except on here. This was a surprise. I know that it is universally beloved, but now I know why. the songs are interesting. They're fun but not fluff. I don't love long albums and was worried when I saw the playtime, but then I found myself listening to it all over again. Easy 5.

A brilliant album from a run of brilliant albums by Stevie Wonder

I think one time I listened to "Sir Duke" on repeat over 50 times in one day (I was a child)

Soooo groovy. Sir duke, I wish, pasttime paradise, and isn't she lovely is an absolute generational run.

mola

7.25

top 10 of all time

Ridiculous amount of massive hits, easy 5

Ok

Calm listen. Something I would typically pass off at first glance but was very eye-opening musically. A lot of formative pieces in this album alone, I counted like three different samples/derivatives. Definitely well worth its hype. Confusion was one of my favorites, very pivotal point in the album. No words needed, the music drives the story forward.

Great album on its own. Then to discover the amount of modern songs that have sampled this album! Amazing

This was a challenge! I don't particularly like soul at the best of times so to be thrown into an hour and 45 minutes of mid tempo soul was a little overbearing. I didnt hate it but I did think most of the songs could have been half the length they were.

I definitely really like Stevie wonder but his albums are all very homogenous and it just blends together after a while. 2 hours is just entirely too long I must say it. It's just so long and loud like chill out a little man. Did he cover gangsters paradise. What. Just don't gaf tbh. Favourite: Isn't She Lovely Least favourite: Village Ghetto Land

Even though a lot of the music style here isn't really my preferred listen, I thought this was a really good album. Immensely listenable and enjoyable the whole way through. Some really top tier songs (the Contusion-Sir Duke-I Wish trio is a legendary grouping) without really anything bad on it. There were a lot of different influences and messages woven through in a really engaging way. I can see why this album gets as much praise as it does. That said, it's not quite a 5 star album to me. For one, it's very, very long. I have to give Stevie credit for the quality here, as most double albums really only have 1.5 albums worth of material on them. This one seemed to avoid filler the whole way through. But, still, it runs almost 86 minutes (and that's not counting the bonus EP tracks). Even some of the good tracks felt like they went on a bit too long. That is going to drag down even the best of albums, since it's hard to listen to it all at one time and without losing focus at least a few times. Other than that, it's a matter of genre preference. The liveliness of this record kept me interested, but otherwise it was a little hard for me to love it. The funky, rock-like songs were the ones I enjoyed the most (unsurprisingly). The rest just lacked a cool factor I'd expect to get on a great album. So, while I thought it was really good, I'm keeping it in the 4-star range. Overall: 4.2/5

Undoubtedly a masterpiece but there's just so much of it. Respect the prolific talent but the full listen left me feeling slightly overstuffed like I went too hard on the Sunday roast.

FANTASTIC

It's a great album, and I really enjoyed it. Each song is a perfect combination of Steve's vocals and the musical elements of the song. Each song is like a separate world. Before listening to the album, I thought that "Gangsta's Paradise" was an original song.

I don't know why, but somehow I never really click with Stevie Wonder. That is obviously on me, not him. The nearest comparison I can make is when I hear some younger people say they don't get Prince. My first instinct is to say: Can't you hear how talented he was? How many styles he brought together? How incredibly prolific he was? And they say something like 'yeah, but it doesn't do much for me'. So that's me with Stevie Wonder. I admire him but I am rubbish at listening to him

Really great! 5/5

Meh

Really nice. Sir Duke and I Wish are classics. 4.5/5

There was no Stevie Wonder from the link. I got another artist who covered a variety of songs without lyrics

This is so good. Not just is Stevie one of the best singers of all time but the music is also fantastic. So many talented people worked on these kind of albums back in the day.

Not too bad

A coherent masterpiece of soul and musicianship

So many recognisable tunes that were sampled by others. I love his voice and lots of catchy songs

For all intents and purposes, this is a perfect album, specially if you dispense with the extra tracks that almost work as a "deluxe version". If you concentrate and stick with the album from start to end it will take you so many places musically and spiritually that you had no idea an album could take you. As has always been one of my favorite songs of all time across all genres. Isn't she lovely, Sir Duke and I Wish are classic unskipable radio tunes. Everybody recognizes Pastime Paradise for the Coolio song. Knocks me off my feet, Talk with God and Ordinary Pain are incredible deep cuts, love hearing Minnie Riperton on that last one. The begining track is not as strong as the finishing one, but that last one is so bombasticly funky and danceble, it makes up for any weakness the album could've had. Few albums in history reach the heights this one takes you.

There are a lot of really good songs on this album, guys. I feel slightly guilty giving it fewer than five stars but I don’t want to be dishonest about my personal taste.

Almost perfect

What a consistently great album, no small order for a double. I knew Sir Duke really well already but hadn't heard any of the rest. Pastime Paradise made me sit up straight, can't believe he sampled Coolio. Definitely one I'll return to

Some absolute bangers on here, and some of the best love songs on here too. Do think some ( a lot) of the songs are a little too long, like there is a 5/5 album on here if like several of the songs are reduced by about a third lol 4

Beautiful and full of soul, this album was really solid. It was an hour and a half but I didn't find myself getting bored of it like I do with most long albums. He switches up the sound enough to keep it fresh.

There's definitely a 5-star album spread throughout this thing. I liked every song on it, but I think an editing pass to bring it down to the 10-12 best tracks would be an improvement for this album as a singular piece. As it stands, I'm giving it a 4, but it's a really good 4.

This breaks every rule I have for music I like and somehow it's perfect. Have I been wrong this entire time? (no. let's not get carried away here. my opinions are still good and correct) songs about how cool music is are almost always bad but Sir Duke is flawless Isn't She Lovely is a plague sent to ruin singing contests and karaoke nights but here on the album it's delightful double albums are usually a sign the artist can't self-edit but I wouldn't skip a single track I don't do religious songs but I'm willing to overlook it here just so good. also how is this someone's eighteenth album, how are you still creating good music after seventeen other albums

Once again I have the same feeling as before with Stevie Wonder. I appreciate the craftsmanship and the tunes. It is executed to perfection. That being said, I feel that throughout its runtime it juggles with the same themes musically and at some point it starts to drag. It is influential but at the same time I can't really connect with it. The tracks I liked the most are "Have A Talk With God", "I Wish" and "Pastime Paradise".

I've been jamming with this massive album for almost two hours, I'm completely blown away by Stevie Wonder's genius. It's this huge, ambitious thing that feels like the key to understanding life, mixing funk, soul, and jazz perfectly. Releasing 21 tracks this good as your 18th album? Crazy! I was really impressed by how musical it all is. from "Sir Duke" to "Village Ghetto Land", every song counts and tells this cool story about love and and life. You can feel the impact of this record everywhere, it's wild how many modern songs are based on it. Hearing "Pastime Paradise" or "I Wish" makes it obvious why so many rappers and R&B artists sample it. Yeah, it's long, but it doesn't feel boring, it just feels like he had so much to say. From "Isn't She Lovely" to "As", this album is super important and still inspires me. Five stars, no doubt, it totally lives up to its reputation.

One of the best albums ever made... Simple. I was going to make a "Stevie, if you're reading this..." jokes, but figured that was extremely poor taste.

a very good album, definely needed to listen to this one

I just keptttttt ending up so bored. Just a "you had to be there" album I suppose!

I had no idea that Gangster’s Paradise was practically a cover of a Stevie Wonder song! Faves include As, Sir Duke, I Wish, and Black Man. I can’t include Isn’t She Lovely bc the baby crying creeps me out 🤷🏻‍♀️

The most reluctant four star score imaginable. There are so many stone classics on here, and Sir Duke into I Wish is one of the all-time one-two combos. But there's just too much bloat on the double album for me, and a bit too much in the way of pitch-wheel fusion stylings for me to put this up with the best. Still, so much great here. Legitimately great.

ok that was a w album, i had my doubts in the first few songs but they disappeared quickly

Enjoyed this. Several classics on this 2 disc set (Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn't She Lovely). Embarrased to admit that I didn't know that Gangstas Paradise = Pasttime Paradise. Never had heard the Stevie Wonder version before! Overall good album, a little long. (3)

There’s part of me wants to give it four on account of being far too long, but the sheer scope of it is the point. Banger after banger, there’s so much wonderful music.

Fun

I feel like you have to give this a four

It really does deserve all the five-star praise. It's the masterwork of a generational talent who spent a decade and a half building to this. It's still so, so enjoyable to listen to.

Stevie Wonder is a genius songwriter and an incredible singer and multi instrumentalist, but his music is often just too twee and saccharine for me. There are couple of great songs in here though (this most definitely does not include isn’t she lovely) and it sounds absolutely incredible throughout.

Great album, really cool production. Funky, Soulful, filled with love. Insane amount of musicality and creativity to fill a double album with this much beauty. Some of the songs are a little forgettable though. 9/10

I knew a bunch of these already. Loved this album.

1ere écoute : Franchement c'est un album vraiment incroyable, et c'est à mon sens impossible de ne pas être marqué. Il y a forcément au moins un son qu'on retient et qui sait vraiment nous faire rentrer dans le projet. Personnellement j'ai préféré toute la première partie avec "Love's in need Of love today", "Pastime Paradise", "Village Ghetto land" et "Sir Duke". C'est une partie très dansante et maitrisée avec une quantité incroyable de hits et des moments très spéciaux et dépaysants comme avec le jeu, presque aux sonorités classiques de "Village Ghetto Land" ou le coté "arabe" de "Pastime paradise". En bref il y a énormément de sonorités et c'est vraiment ce que je préfère dans l'album. Après voilà ça veut dire que la suite, ou du moins le début du disque 2 m'as moins marqué. Mis à part "Black man", il y a vraiment presque aucun titre qui a retenu mon attention et As que j'attendais comme un des meilleurs sons a en fait été une énorme déception voir le pire titre de l'album selon moi. Après, j'ai vraiment trouvé la fin très réussie avec la longue balade de "Another Star", puis la partie piano plus émotionnelle et grandiose sur "Saturne", et enfin un rappel au côté dansant du début avec "Ebony Eyes" puis on cloture l'album sur un morceaux simple à l'harmonica, nan franchement c'est un très très bon album, je pense qu'on ne peut rien mettre d'autre que 5. 2ème écoute : Franchement, c'est un des meilleurs albums que j'ai écouté de toute ma vie. En effet je trouve que l'entièreté de la tracklist est excellente, en réussissant selon moi à marquer d'énormes temps forts en nous faisant passer par la joie avec "Sir Duke", "Isn't She Lovely" ou "Ebony Eye" , mais aussi la mélancolie avec "Love's In Need of Love today" et "Another Star", ou encore la colère dénonciatrice avec "Pastime Paradise". Le projet nous transporte donc en tant qu'auditeur, et montre une diversité incroyable de sonorités dans les instruments, que ce soit avec les solos de guitares, le piano, l'harmonica, les trompettes, les bass lines funky... Il y a alors une atmosphère extrêmement riche, qui sait néanmoins garder un fil conducteur clé : "la musique, dans la tonalité de la vie". Car oui, tout l'album est une ode à la vie, qui le rappelle dans tous les sentiments qu'il fait passer, dans les sujets de sociétés, les différentes "conditions de vie" qu'il souligne, les cris de bébés de "Isn't She Lovely"... Tout suit le déroulement de la vie, de la naissance, au bonheur, à l'amour, à la mort. J'ai encore beaucoup de choses à dire sur Song In The Key Of Life, mais je pense que le mieux à faire, c'est de s'arrêter ici, et de lui donner un 5 étoiles.

Great songs

Listened to before; not a first-time rating

4 of the best songs ever produced.

Beautiful album. Can really hear how influential it is. Most of these albums could probably be described as “ahead of their time” and this one absolutely is. Another Planet rules.

Jon Bontempi

Double albums need to be jammed with greatness in order to justify their length, otherwise they can’t help but sound self indulgent. This one doesn’t quite make it. It just goes on too long and what’s here isn’t the pinnacle of Stevie Wonder’s greatness. You can’t deny the influence or importance of this album but it’s nowhere close to Innervisions in terms of overall quality and innovation.

This tangent doesn't go anywhere: When I was eighteen, fresh-faced and lily-livered to the harsh ways of the world, my family went on a week-long Pacific cruise as one last dynastic hurrah before we were all blown to the corners of the state by the winds of life. I was young, dumb and broke, and so while everybody else was getting day-drunk and sunburned me and my younger brother spent most of our time at sea sitting in our cabin-room watching repeating reruns of old Nickelodean shows on the little CRT. To pass the time and find some reason to get outdoors that wasn't the buffet, I signed up for the Cruise Passenger Pop-Choir. It wasn't totally out of my wheelhouse - I'd been an accidental theatre kid in high school - but I must have been the only one there below the age of 60. I remember amongst the half-dozen of us I was the only tenor. The cavalry old ladies, all named after flowers in that archaic way that passed over the following generations, loved to dote over me and show me photos of their "gorgeous (sometimes great-)grandaughters". The conductor, who looked a dead-ringer for a stubble-faced Elijah Wood, brought us through a few pop staples that would no doubt be familiar with his pedestrian-pop octogenarian audience of Falstaffian singers, one of which was Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely". My musical palate, which up until this point had mostly been sated by ripped 90s alt-rock CDs and pirated electronic music, would be forever altered. I held a soft spot in my heart for Stevie Wonder from that day forwards, finding a warmth in his unrepentant expression of sweet masculinity and groovy soul. But that memory fled to the viscitudes of life. Years later, the first song my first bass guitar teacher taught me was Master Blaster, and he recommended I go back through Stevie Wonder's discography to get a "feel for the funk", starting with Songs In The Key of Life. I don't think I've ever been as instantly enamoured with an album since. It brings me back to simpler times; trying to impress long-distance proto-girlfriends, my heart a-thump with feelings that I would only understand in reverse. This record is an album that lives so totally in its own present time, a blissful melody of past and future so alike that neither can be distinguished from the other, and that richness serves it well for the length. As Kirkegaard says: "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards." All that to say that when people talk of SitKoL with the same hushed tones reserved for revered figures of religion, it deserves the accolates. It's pure groove, pure cool-cat, pure and unadulterated Quality that very few could ever hope to touch. Over one and a half hours of hip-shaking gold. Fifty years later it's the default album I put on when I have guests over and can't think of what else to spin up. Stevie Wonder is so goddamn *cool* in every syllable, in every note, in every one of those fasinating little grunt noises that he seems to make a lot. It's the kind of easy 5-star rating that makes the other 5-stars quiver in their boots. The only things I could really draw upon this album would be the length. I don't really mind it, and I find these sorts of complaints a little overdone (like a big cake, you can always put the leftovers in the fridge for later), but within the context of an hour a day I suppose it'll get on people's nerves. More than anything I think it's a testament to its production that it can even maintain an even and impressive keel of quality over such a protracted length. Fav tracks: Sir Duke, Contusion, Pastime Paradise, Isn't She Lovely, I Wish, Another Star

literally a purely amazing album. Stevie wonder single handedly proves that missing one sense heightens your others cause wow this is good. I really don’t know what to add because this album is that good. One of the only ones on here so far that I’m glad is almost 2 hours long. Fav songs: loves in need of love today, sir duke, joy inside my tears, as

fav - isn't she lovely 95/100

If I had to choose what's objectively the best album of all time, this would be a strong contender. Not only is it totally perfect but also maintains its consistency for over 100 minutes. Whether he is doing lovely, smooth and warm ballads like on Love's In Need of Love Today, funky prayer anthems like on Have a Talk With God or just total r&b rockers like on As, he totally kills it. Pretty much every song here takes a different direction and they are all performed with so much passion and produced with so much detail that they are impossible to dislike. Contusion for example is an amazing jazz song that feels so lively and vivid. Sir Duke is one of the best songs about music ever, it's just so fun and life affirming. From there on the streak of banger after banger continues with the instantly recognizable Pastime Paradise and warm and groovy Summer Soft. Instrumentally this album is absolutely fantastic with so many details and layers, each listen uncovers something new. And the whole thing has just this incredible energy that cannot be found anywhere else. Definitely one of my fav albums ever.

Second double album of the week This is not a “ good thing” This is not a terrible album. But it’s not really my thing and there’s an awful lot of it I appreciate that people consider Wonder a genius, and I appreciate the importance of this album. I just don’t particularly like it.

Already listened to this one a few times before because it’s fantastic but I guess I wasn’t listening to the deluxe or something because I found some new ones. Contusion sounds like a Mario kart track and I’m glad I discovered it. Would absolutely listen to all of this again.

9/10

God damn this is great

Possibly the greatest album of all time. Enough said.

A little long, but overall an enjoyable listen

I will acknowledge that this is a particularly good example of the genre but even that's not enough for me I'm afraid. Not my cup of tea.

I like sir duke a lot, I was surprised by pastime paradise and i didn't know isn't she lovely was by stevie wonder.

What a spectacular album. I offer no notes. I think this is a no-brainer.

Lo que es tener talento. Qué adlibs Qué voz, en la tercera ya puedo sentir más y combinado con la música de fondo. Suena mucho a musical. “Now some folks say that we should be glad what we have. Tell me would you be happy in village guetto life” Esta la de gansta paradise en versión reflexiva jajaja me gusta más la original pero uff la letra. Sonaron unas como de Bruno Mars. El man es el padre de Bruno. No es mi estiloooo mucho pero es talentoso El resto del álbum siguió sonando y es niceee pero no fue hasta “As” que de verdad me levanté. El run con another star y Saturn interesantísimo. Ya después vuelve a la esencia y no es muy de mi gusto, sin embargo es música de calidad. Destacable: inicio y final (menos lo último que ya que mamera el soul). Muy impresionante calidad. Entiendo por qué sea reconocido AS es un temazo

Legendary artist, legendary album. I was fortunate to see the anniversary tour of this show in Montreal 10 years ago.

perfect

Demasiado bueno, me gustó.

que album LINDO!!! dançante, cheio de música pra cima e algumas com mensagens mais profundas por trás. achei belissimo.

Lovely, Passtime Paradise is an absolute masterpiece, 10/10

Sorry for my bad English. The album has 21 songs of soul, prog, and rhythm. It’s a beautiful album. The best songs on the album are: Have a Talk with God Village Ghetto Land Contusion (precious, progressive, and sweet) Sir Duke (classic song, easy listening) I Wish (BEST SONG) Pastime Paradise (I didn’t know this was the original! Coolio’s version is the most popular, but this one is precious.) Isn’t She Lovely (beautiful and chill song) Another Star (I don’t know the influences of this song. It sounds like Argentine tango with soul.) Saturn (sounds like Stevie Wonder mixed with Pink Floyd and David Bowie. I don’t know Stevie’s full discography, sorry. Precious.)

I actually think I preferred Innervisions to this. Songs In The Key Of Life, is an iconic, sprawling album, but I think that works both in its favour and against it.

Just one word. Inspirational. Favorite song: Love's In Need Of Love Today

such an incredible musician and the singles are fantastic. i do think it overstayed its welcome a little bit for me though

Genius. Perfection. Brilliance.

Not my thing but good music

This is what pop music should be.

Lowkey just not the type of music I listen to and so I wasn’t as invested or exited about this album. For people who like this genre I’m sure it was great and I’m not denying its significance but just not for me (Isn’t she lovely is a banger tho frfr)

Fantastic album, fantastic vocals, fantastic composition, everything sounds groovy, it the kind of album you let your kids listen to and they think it's magic Favorite Track: Joy Inside My Tears

Never listened to a Stevie wonder album. Not too shabby.

Absolutely solid gold. From front to back. Glorious. Could listen to it over and over.

Not awful but far prefer Fulfillingness' First Finale

5/10 Best songs: Pastime Paradise, As There is a very specific easy listening genre from the 90s that I find excruciatingly dull. This album absolutely fits into that genre, with the caveat that it was released 20 years prior. I guess the album is quite ahead of its time in that regard. Unfortunately I just find it pretty boring. I appreciate that he touches on social issues, and there are no stand out bad songs, but it's so average.

Love a bit of Stevie.

Banger after banger after banger...

Very good album, but long

Songs in the Key of Life feels like home; it is warm, expansive, and impossibly generous.

Length alone keeps this from being a 5/5 for me.

If there was an option for 6 stars, this album would get it. An absolutely fantastic album, and once you've listened to it, you'll start hearing it in other places because it has (and deserves) that much influence.

Isnt she lovely and joy inside my tears are great songs

So smooth. And so many stellar songs. “Isn’t She Lovely” is dang essential, eh? But maybe an album this long should have some . . . occasional edge?

Oh my gosh. I cried so many times listening to this album. So many of these songs I hear growing up but didn't realize they were all from the same album. I also had only ever heard them in passing or in movies so I never really appreciated it the way I did this too. This is absolutely beautiful. They way that the music is layed with each instrument and the vocals are incredible. While listening I had the thought of "i'm so sad I will never be able to make anything as good as this." And then by the end I was just grateful to be listening to it. I thought a lof my family while listening. How many of the good moments are behind us. Of how unsure I am how many good moments are left. And how happy I am to just be a note in the symphony of life. Thank you Stevie.

Unbelievable classic

Such a good one full of bangers

First time listening. Fantastic, start to finish. I can see why this is often ranked as one of the top albums of all time, well deserved. I will be for sure revisiting this one regularly.

Awesome album, so many original great song. Song I like: love in need of today, sir duke, Pastime paradise, isn’t she lovely, As,

Favorite track(s): Love's in Need of Love Today, Contusion, Sir Duke, I Wish, Pastime Paradise, Summer Soft, Isn't She Lovely, Black Man, As, All Day Sucker They're calling it the least bloated double album of all time. How did he do it? Heard before Previous rating: 9/10

This is a long one and it's nothing but hits, this is the kind of album this post was made for. Creative and catchy, I was enraptured, with a ton of stuff others have sampled. You know what, I'm gonna listen to it again now. An easy 5 stars.

O que tem de bom tem de longo!

I was expecting to like this a bit more than I did. As a kid, one of the first albums I got was 'Orginal Musiquarium' and this album has some of the tracks from that one on it so I thought I'd travel back in time and enjoy reminiscing and also listening to tracks I hadn't heard before. But apart from 'Pastime Paradise' (a bit of a surprise and much better than the Gangsta version), nothing really moved me and the album was beginning to grate after getting 15 tracks in. Was there any reason to flood this release with all these songs, none of which are particularly stunning IMHO? I always associated Wonder with positivity and smiles but it began to make me a bit irritable. Oh well.

I can’t remember what I thought

This is one of my favorite "background music" albums.