Reviews (page 5 of 15)
Fantastic. I’ve heard it all the way through several times. This run through was just as satisfying. Talking Book, Innervisions and this one. What a 4 year run. All 5 stars. This could be his greatest? I believe I read he thinks it is. 2nd half “deep tracks” are just so GOOD. For me, on a very short list of albums I would need on a desert island. Top 10 All-Time? Top 5? One could argue.
Joyful music
SO MANY SONGS ARE SAMPLED FROM THIS ALBUM. WHAT. PASTIME PARADISE = GANGSTAS PARADISE??!?!?! Also really nice album in general, got a hint of Japanese Fusion vibes from Contusion/Sir Duke.
another one of the greatest. There are highs and lows but even the lower have been sampled and redone over and over
A fave in High a school Listened to over and over Beautiful
He’s not as blind as everyone thinks. Great album.
Prob in my top 20 albums of all time. Timeless and phenomenal.
Great Album!
always good. I tend to forget how immersive his albums are. Til we meet again Mr. Wonder.
I can’t believe I’ve never listened to this before. Bop after bop. He has so many good love songs specifically in this album which is in theme in a beautiful way with the album title. Sir duke is unbeatable and I wish pastime paradise wasn’t such a meme cause it’s also amazing.
Stevie goes wall to wall with this one
Brilliant album.
Great album, it's a tad long but he must have been so incredibly inspired when he made this. 4.5, but definitely leaning towards the 5.
This may be the greatest soul album of all time. It's a near-perfect album!!!
It is so hard to have a double album of all killers but Stevie did it.
another perfect record
If this were the only album an artist made, it would still be legendary. But this was Stevie Wonder's eighteenth album, and the fifth of a string of 5 considered his strongest albums. And he was just twenty six years old. Take the phenomenal range of music he made for this album, the dense arrangements, the cutting edge technology he employed to produce the sounds, and the sheer volume of music that was released. He paid homage to his elders, he reminisced about his youth, he proclaimed his love for a woman and his love for all mankind. And he held a torch up to human cruelty. And that's just Side One! Favorite tracks: Contusion, Sir Duke, Ordinary Pain, and As. As can move me to tears, even after all these hundreds of listens. Ten stars. No notes.
C’mon
Absolutely floored by how many times these songs have been sampled, must be one of the most influential albums of all time. His magnum opus. 70s funk and soul, beautifully presented. A pretty perfect album.
Damn Stevie, leave some hooks for the rest of us! First album I'd not heard before that I instantly understood why it was special. Initially quite daunted by the length as I tend to prefer shorter, punchier, albums. But wow. A tour de force that just carries you through. A number of hits whilst having a coherent vibe. There are a number of times you can clearly see his influence on others.
Amazing artist, amazing album. Magnificent songs, relistenable front to back
Bunch of classics I recognized. Great album to listen to any time.
Sheeesh Stevie! I never listened to this whole album before. I just knew the hits but Damn son, this album is all just bangers! Shut up and take my money baby. Like seriously, how can an album come out in 1976 and just stand the test of time. Like I'm here in 2025 just absolutely blown away by this. I had no idea that Coolio's "Gangsters Paradise" was a sample from this. Like I wasn't even bored once and this is his 18th album too. Like settle down mate. We get it, You're a genius. This is why I signed up for this in the first place. I'm getting this on Vinyl. 5 stars!
This is a masterpiece. Some of the greatest pieces of music ever recorded. It’s funky, soulful, joyous, sophisticated. I remember listening to this for the first time, such a revelation. Didn’t know music can do all that.
Obviously, Stevie Wonder is a genius. Obviously, this album is a masterpiece. And obviously I'm giving it a five. But this album generator has taught me something I am somewhat surprised to learn. I'm just not that into Stevie Wonder. Weird.
Dancing and singing to songs in the key of life comes easily. Stevie is a master songwriter and performer
S tier of S tier. Maybe the only double album that justifies every second of its existence
Top 10 album ever
Textbook
no better way to spend a sunny friday morning ☀️
A definite Desert Island candidate! Every moment pulses with love, with beauty, with faith, with life!
Wow. Wtf is this album. I had heard a few of these songs and just LOVE "I wish". So much talent bundled up in 1 package. This album is like a fucking giant washing machine and throwing in R&B, funk, jazz, anything else you can think of. I had always heard about how they called him "Little Stevie" - the knickname of him in his crazy young years when he was starting to get recognized. But really only knew of him in his later "pop" radio years and never listened to a lot of his stuff NOT on the radio. The musical talent that inside this man's brain is absolutely INSANE. I cannot even comprehend the variations and arrangements of shit on this album. It is untouched as far as what so many other albums have. He is SO INSANELY gifted from a musical perspective. His writing/arrangements/producing/vocals/melodies - JESUS!! It is NUTS. Loved everything on this album. - Village Ghetto Land - incredible/different - I Wish - just an awesome song - always loved it - how cool. Listening to this song and picturing people in a studio...how could you NOT be just smiling and bouncing around and loving every second of recording a song like this?! - Contusion - good luck trying to in your head anticipate where this song is going next - pure Jazz insanity and all over the place. Reminds me of some later Steely Dan feel honestly. Time signatures insane, unpredictable, just tight jazz. Crazy guitar leads in background Pasttime Paradise - did NOT know this was the origination of later hip hop lol - learn something every day. Summer Soft - great mellow song - reminds me a lot of some of his later stuff. What I could not believe honestly in listening to this album is how much of these songs kept reminding me of artists in the last 20 years. WOW!! How much influence this album had on others! I hear everything from Phish to Lenny Kravitz to hip hop - just crazy. This must be a highly respected album by so many later artists. I never realized it. Overall I'm must blown away by the production/arrangement of this and the song-writing. It is just not from a brain from this planet. Seriously. There are only a handful of artists I listen to and pay attention to the musical genius behind it - this is one of them. Elton is another. People that just do NOT write what you think you're expecting to hear next and play stuff that just is not supposed to go together...yet it does. His songwriting here is just unparalleled. So appreciative of what is on this album. Just absolute insane talent oozing out of everything put together here and written. Wow.
Brilliant. Songs of struggle, life, and love. Most artists can’t make a 40 minute album of music and Wonder gives more than twice that as the albums draws one in and paints vivid pictures through the perfectly interlaced rhythms and melodies.
I've always been relatively familiar with this album, but have never listened to it in its entirety. I opened it up on Spotify and thought that I must have opened some sort of re-release with additional material. Nope. This is a double album. Nearly 2 hours long. I thought that my previous enjoyment of some of the material on this album was now going to be scarred by having to dredge through this lengthy monstrosity. Boy was I wrong. What a masterpiece and a joy to listen to. I can finally see the entire appeal of this. Such a beautiful album, front to back.
Like this will be 5 stars from me, let's jot that down My First Stevie Wonder album did not disappoint, like this was a classic from start to finish 👏👌
i fw this album so bad why didn't i find it sooner realistically i'd give this album 4.5-4.7
Long ass album. I'd say this album fits smack dab into the category of ones you should listen to before you die, I don't love every song but I love a great deal of them.
I'm not usually a fan of soul music post-Otis Redding, but Stevie Wonder's 1970s albums represent so much more than that. Joy, melancholy, nostalgia and hope are predominant themes and love is the biggest thread through them all. Truly moving stuff.
Fantastisch. Man merkt wie hochwertig es produziert ist. Die Musik macht gute Laune und eine tolle Stimme. Songs der Playlist hinzugefügt: Sir Duke
Truly one of the greatest albums of all time, and probably in my personal top 3. There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said.
This is the new standard for five star ratings. Outstanding.
As I was listening to this I started jotting down every track that stood out to me, then about half way through I had way too many tracks to add a list here. Insane hit rate on a double album - Stevie Wonder was really on fire here.
Excellent!
Wow, real source material type music. Hearing so many samples and classics. All in one album. Impactful lyrics and beautiful music.
pure bliss
soo funky
So many hits
still working through this, but so far I adore.
Awesome
It's absolutly brilliant.
Great stuff!
To think he was close to walking away from the music business before this album- imagine! The man is a genius, this album is sublime.
18th album Masterpiece
I mean what more could you possibly want from music. One of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time, singing his heart out on some of the very best songs he ever wrote, and it's funky and soulful as hell. I guess my main quibble is that the lyrics are odd and, on a lot of the songs, kind of impossible to retain/sing along with. But anyway. Disc One, on its own, would be one of the greatest records ever made. Dayenu. Aside from the unlistenable jazz-rock fusion track, it's like a greatest-hits album. Sir Duke - I Wish - Knocks Me Off My Feet - Pastime Paradise, all that in a row? That's 1990s Michael Jordan, but album tracks. Disc Two is a little more far-out and uneven, but it also rules! 7 stars.
Stevie Wonder's *Songs in the Key of Life* is nothing short of a musical triumph. This double album, bursting with creativity and soul, showcases Wonder at the peak of his artistry. The masterful blend of genres—soul, funk, jazz, and pop—creates an innovative and timeless sonic tapestry. Wonder's lyrics are profound, his melodies unforgettable, and his performances deeply moving. Few albums capture the human experience with such depth and joy. Truly, this is a masterpiece that transcends time. Absolutely essential.
This and Innerversions are pretty much perfect.
This album was so wonderful 😭🥹 I agree with other reviewers who said that they’ve had to second guess some of their previous 5 star reviews, because THIS is a 5 star album if ever there was one. I can’t even believe how many amazing songs are on here. Yes, it’s definitely long, and some of the individual songs run a bit long too, but that’s really just nitpicking, because this album is really one hit after another. Each song is special. And Stevie Wonder has such a positive sound. He was singing about some pretty heavy themes in a few of these songs, but he made sure that they were still listenable and enjoyable instead of just making a point. This has become one of my favorite albums of all time just like that. I loved it so much❤️❤️❤️
Great album love Stevie Another one I remember hearing on vinyl back in the olden days. Yeah it might get a little bit long and weird but its got the funk, jams and is just good
A classic.
Excellent - his best!!!
One of the most (the only?) essential double albums. Every song a masterpiece in itself.
This album is amazing!! Stevie Wonder is magician with music. I am definitely adding this entire album to my library. I already had several subs from it on my likes list, but this entire album is great!
Obviously incredible. Whats more to say!
Iconic from beginning to end!
Stone cold classic
I really, really like this album. I don’t necessarily make an effort to listen to it much anymore but almost every song on this album is gold!
Whoo this album still holds up from the first time I heard it. Highlights for me are still Black Man and Sir Duke but on this side of parenthood the once saccharine Isn’t She Lovely now makes me bawl my eyes out.
Very good
odlican naravno
Easy 5, easiest 5 I've ever given. The man, the myth, the Stevie Wonder.
La musica, las letras, cada cancion se siente fresca mientras que a la vez mantiene esa constanza de el género del álbum, de verdad muy recomendable
Fantastic album, all time great.
double album so less inclined to review every track individually, maybe break its down by sides? Nah i've got time Side A Loves in need of love today is very pretty Have a talk with god- What instrument is that? Village Ghetto Land- Lyrically strong Confusion- Instrumental, fun guitar work Sir Duke- Great Pop song, No notes I Wish- DITTO Knock me off my feet- Pretty Love song (stevies bread and butter) Pastime Paradise- LOL did not not know this was the original (but also serious subject matter) Summer Soft- another bread and butter stevie ( his voice is great) Ordinary Pain- Love those female vocals Side B Isn't she lovely- It's isn't she lovely, no notes Joy inside my tears- my favourite ballad so far? Black Man- Tell us Stevie Ngiculela-es una historia- I am Singing- interesting If its magic- cute As- Banger of course Another star- Another banger On streaming there are 4 additional songs from the a something's extra EP but because this is already a double album i'm gonna listen another time. I did just listen to Saturn as I was walking back from M&s, and it's got a great chorus.
A wonderfully ecelctic double album.
How the hell do you make a double album with 21 tracks where none of them feel phoned in!? Stevie Wonder cooked with this one. My compliments to the chef
A classic
Aw, man, this slaps! Extra pints for the insane noises during Isn’t She Lovely and the sheer audacity of Coolio to be annoyed at Weird Al for Amish Paradise
My introduction to Stevie Wonder; what an incredible listen! While the latter half didn't click for me like the former, the quality was nonetheless consistent. No doubt the best album I have encountered on this list thus far. The wide range of styles and instrumentation combine for a whole-package experience that I will most certainly be coming back to. Favorite song: Summer Soft Overall, a solid 9 for me, rounded up to 5 stars.
brilliant but about 20 minutes too long
i think the key (of life) is listening to these albums in the car cuz dang the second half of this album hit harder than it ever has. a serious classic. always my answer for what album is coming with me on a deserted island, and for good reason.
an all-time album. just gets you moving
An album this long should feel ridiculously bloated, but Stevie pulls it off. This album is an immersive experience from start to finish with very few problems. It's amazing that a blind man creates such visual songs.
brilliant, not much else to say. It's a double LP 5/5, stevie put this out for fun. Can’t believe this is his 18th album! It’s undeniably great and arguably the best album on this list. I could wax lyrically about this album, but really all I can say is go listen and enjoy his masterpiece
A classic whose reputation is deserved.
Fantastic album.
such an amazing album. 10/10.
Have on vinyl. Extremely rare for an album of this length to be so consistent. Endlessly sampled up to the modern day. As is one of the best songs Stevie Wonder ever recorded
SitKoL is essentially as close to a perfect album as you can get, which is even more impressive a statement when you realize it's a massive double album containing almost an hour and a half of material. When you have the runtime of a feature film and all of it is some of the most gorgeously arranged, incredibly written music you've ever heard, you've got something special. This album is special. Possibly the greatest piece of modern music ever made.
Groovy, Funky, Romantic, Beautiful album.
Not my personal favorite Stevie but undeniably a masterpiece tour de force, etc.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS FIVE NO QUESTIONS ASKED
Did not like at the start, but man, this shit grows on you... So many great songs... Gets worse in the second half, but still overall great
Stevie Wonder at his best.
Not only is this one of the best Stevie Wonder albums, it’s also one of the best albums of all time. Stevie is throwing 100 throughout the album with many bangers throughout and an insane consistency over the 1 hour 45 minute runtime. It’s fun, poppy, and lighthearted but also deep and reflective. It’s the type of hits we all love mixed with jamming and unconventional songwriting. Tl;dr this rocks
Очень клевая музыка, пара треков - хиты
Absolute gem of an album. So many great songs.
Hall of Fame
9/10 Banger. Sounds super fresh, production and music is amazing. As is the voice. Loads of cool storytelling. A small handful of songs that sound like they are 100% outro keeps it from a perfect 10 for me. The songs with the super funky squidgyness are my favourites Best: As
is this the greatest album of all time?
Stevie Wonder... bäh dachte ich, Ebony and Ivory, lass gut sein, da habe ich früher immer schnell umgeschaltet wenn das im Radio lief. Und da soll ich mir jetzt ne ganz Platte anhören? OMG. Nie lag ich falscher, sorry Stevie, ich war ein blinder Ignorant und hatte keine Ahnung. Fantastische Platte, keine Ahnung wie ich mich so verlaufen konnte. Volle Punktzahl.
album muito interessante, da pra entender e porque todo mundo glorifica o Stevie Wonder. Percebi várias referências e samples que foram retiradas desse álbum para músicas pop, rap e até aberturas de podcasts kk Muito bom nota geral 9.5 Tem o plus de ser bastante longo comparado aos álbuns atuais
Wow, Songs In The Key Of Life was an album that i absolutely loved. Stevie Wonder was always capable of greatness throughout his career but this is where he truly brought out his A game. Sure, it was a long one at an hour and 25 minutes but it was an hour and 25 minutes of some of the most sublime soul music out there that always managed to stand out from each other despite the long length yet still heavily being products from this album. I also do find it interesting that the original version of Coolio's \"Gangster's Paradise\" came from this album, a place i was not expecting at all. Sure, this album does have problems but none of them are enough for me to give this album any lower than 5 stars. Best Song: Sir Duke Worst Song: Love's In Need Of Love Today
Classic with amazing tracks. Overall great.
Despite this album being viewed by many as Stevie Wonder's magnum opus, I feel, while it is magnificent, it just feels like it is too much of a good thing. But, I don't want to focus on anything negative. There is greatness here and that is enough.
Another lovely album for this week. I was worried at first when I saw the play time, but it gets off to a cracking start. A lovely sprinkling of familiar tunes keep you switched on throughout, coupled with his delightful voice. I’m not sure how a man with no vision can be so descriptive with his lyrics though, ebony eyes? Orange snow on Saturn? If you’re reading this Stevie (with your eyes and not your fingers), which you probably are, I’m onto you, and your excellent colour perception.
Might be one of the most complete albums I’ve ever heard. I’m only going to point out 2 things I didn’t particularly like. I felt as though Summer Soft dragged on abit in the second half. And that Ngiculela song was obviously non-understandable until he finally just repeated ‘i am singing’ in english. Two very minor personally unenjoyable parts of what is otherwise in my opinion, genuinely a perfect album. Had to point them out otherwise I’d have had nothing to say, because I can’t afford to spend an hour writing all of the things I liked about it. Hearing music that I’m familiar with through the samples was great too. What a talent.
This was one of the best listening experiences so far of this challenge. What an incredible album. I love a lengthy album. The music builds beautifully and lies. So right in your eardrum. Lyrics are incredible too. Joy in my tears and black man gave me chills. Never listened to a striver album back to back
Nice
Didn’t realize how many hits are on this album. It is a great record but I think 10-20 minutes could be cut without damaging the whole album
This has to be one of the best albums of all time. Double albums usually have a ton of city able tracks but o don’t feel like that’s the case here. Just a staggering number of great songs can found here and the hits HIT. The back to back grooves of “Sir Duke” and “I Wish” is unbelievable, the political messaging in “Village ghetto land” and “Black Man” is powerful, and even the country attempt of “Saturn” works for me. I cannot believe one person masterminded this entire thing. Stevie Wonder is a genius plain and simple. Easy 5.
One of the greatest- so much has been said about this album over the last almost 50 years. Just beautiful. It really does contain multitudes. So rich and warm and laid the template for so much music that proceeded it.
Can I give this one six stars? An amazing album!
Easy 5/5. One of my favorite records of all time
Love it
This is the greatest album of all time. If you rated this any lower than a five, do me a favor and cut off your ears, then give them to someone else who deserves them. Not only is your music opinion invalid but you no longer deserve the ability to hear.
Very good but a little long, definitely would be better to listen to on record
Never listened to this whole album before, I didn't realize it was a double album, I know and love the hits. Wow, Contusion sounds like a Zappa song, crazy how technical some of this stuff is, going from that into Sir Duke is so awesome. Just realized that "Wild Wild West" is a sample of I Wish from this album lol, also Gangsta's Paradise from Pastime Paradise, but I already knew that one. Overall what a great album, so much awesome musicianship throughout, great writing, awesome singing, harmonies, a lot of variation across the album too.
Sooo random - the order is WILD, but the singles are TIMELESS. Dirty Loops took way more inspiration from him than I thought?
Crazy how much of his legacy is on this one album
This is the kind of album artists put out at the end of their career, when they've mastered the craft, only in this case, Stevie gets it right in his prime. A lifetime of experience and mastery with a fresh and creative streak of a debut album. Hardly any bands can do something like this. It is long and not every song is a hit. There's a lot of music in this album that isn't filler per say, but it represents musical calms and slow points that take you between the highs. This is the kind of album that you can put on just to enjoy. Before the age of burning CD's or the shuffle button, this is what you get a project that you can listen through like a movie and enjoy the pieces as they come. There are no skips and the highs are Stevie's best songs. This is an album that I had never properly listened through and I'm glad I did. I won't say that I'll start putting this album on when I'm bored sitting around, but I'd like to get to a place in my life where I could.
Now I know where Coolio's Gangsta's Paradise comes from.
I'm a little more partial to "Innervisions" but, honestly, you can't go wrong with anything he's ever done. At least from the 1970s.
I have to be honest here. I wasn't really looking forward to this at all. Stevie Wonder just feels really old and uncool to me. Like basically everyone on this list is old now, but something about him just feels a bit forced. Like he was so popular back in the day that I want to think I'm edgy and cool and don't like Stevie Wonder. Anyway, I was obviously wrong. This was incredibly good. It's ok to be popular sometimes, you can be popular and good. I apologies for my error. Since this is my first Stevie Wonder album, a bit of additional context. He was 26 when this came out, and it was already his 18th studio album. That's a lot of albums. His first one came out when he was 12 years old. Honestly kind of impressive that he was able to keep the quality up for so long. This thing is just incredibly smooth and easy to listen to. It has some hits, it has some slower songs where he shows off the vocals, the background instruments are jazzy and interesting, he wrote all the songs. It's a beast at an hour and forty-five minutes (including a bonus EP that was included in the album), but it somehow manages to be good throughout. I don't know what else to add, it's just great. It won a Grammy, sold a fuck ton of albums, what more is there to say. Great album. Favorite song: Sir Duke Other: Love's In Need Of Love Today, Have A Talk With God, Contusion, I Wish, Knocks Me Off My Feet, Pastime Paradise, Summer Soft, Ordinary Pain, Isn't She Lovely, If It's Magic, As, Ebony Eyes 10/29/24
There is a reason Will Smith, Coolio, Ja Rule and Snoop (probably more) all sampled songs on this album...its great! I think I envisioned more albums like this on the list. Looking at the samples you can easily see how much his music influenced so many musicians and future music. Pastime Paradise really got me, Gangster Paradise was just a rip off of this song! Stevie Wonder is so amazing, this album makes me want to dance and move with such ease. I always knew he was amazingly talented but I had never listened to an album. The second album started to drag after the first couple, but As was a good addition late in the game.
Too much awesomeness to break it all down. Stevie's voice is just one of the greatest. So soulful and uplifting. Great grooves. This album is incredible in it's diverse song styles, subject matter, and artful expression of a great musician.
I've heard so many great things about this album, so was very excited to see it pop up today! It has kind of a magical quality to it, I think in part because of his soothing silky voice, and also the almost ethereal way the songs are composed. It's also a really nice blend of beautiful love songs, musings on life, and important racial and political issues. Stevie is one of a kind.
....Yes
Stevie is a madman on the mic and this album demonstrates that. Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn't She Lovely are all fantastic songs that I knew but I was further impressed by the rest of the album. Pastime Paradis surprised me and i now know where Coolio got the sample for Gangsta's Paradise. My biggest complaint would be length, I don't personally enjoy albums that go over an hour as it usually means somethings can be cut. I'm not sure what you would cut from this album. It would probably be a 4.5 with half stars but I'll be rounding up for this one.
First time listening all of the way through this album 10/23/24!
Na The Crusaders onlangs nu de grootmeester van de uitgelaten funk zelve. Die moeiteloos een dubbelalbum vult met zijn energieke vondsten. Het klinkt na al die jaren nog even fris, elk nootje staat op z'n eigenwijze plek, af en toe is er wat inhoud en elke grijze herfstdag kikkert ervan op. Zo doe je dat, beste popmuzikanten.
Al twee keer eerder keek ik uit naar een Stevie album. Twee maal viel het tegen. Vooral de softe nummers deden mij niets. Het was soms (vloeken in de kerk natuurlijk) wat zielloos. Waar ik eigenlijk op hoopte was dat hij zijn krachtige muzikale stijl en stem meer inzette. Ik kom er nu achter dat mijn Stevie verwachtingen wat meer op dit album waren gebaseerd. Dit is Stevie in volle glorie. Zeker, er staan ook wat minder interessante softere nummers op, waaronder enkele hits. Maar die worden goed afgewisseld met krachtigere of meer creatieve nummers. Op cd1 staat een rij heel gevarieerde nummers achter elkaar, allemaal van top-kwaliteit. Een aantal van die nummers zijn in een gecoverde versie ook een hit geworden. Als een nummer in een hele andere uitvoering overeind blijft, toont dat de basis top is.
Superb!!
The Good: a bunch of songs in the same key! The Bad: only a double album. The Ugly: it isn’t his best album… I had a massive smile on my face when this album popped up, and I’ve listened to it 3 times since, as this album is a the soundtrack of 3 formative years of my life. Favorite song has always been Ebony Eyes, and yet on playlists, most people will opt for As, Isn’t She Lovely, Sir Duke, I Wish, Black Man, or any of the other MASSIVE songs on this album… and then most people react to the fact that “hey, Coolio actually covered one of his songs”… makes me sad as it means all those persons had never heard about this album prior. This is a must hear album that should be mandatory listening in school! 10000000000*
So this is where Will Smith and Coolio got there samples from??? My god this album never ceases to amaze me. 10 out of 5 stars
Stone cold classic
Clasic
ohhhhhhhhh stevie wonder look what you've gone and done
it’s a classic
His ass cannot end a song
OK, this one absolutely belongs on this list. 5/5
Great album, full of evergreens
Stevie Wonder's classic that instantly solidified him as one of the greatest music artists in the world. And for good reason; Songs In The Key Of Life is such a life-affirming album that makes me believe that songs can reach some higher power. I don't know what Wonder's inspirations were when he was making this album but he managed a whirlwind of different sounds and ideas that makes it seem like he's some sort of musical genius. He might be, I can't say for certain. What else needs to be said? I could point to a lot of songs on here but every time I think about Isn't She Lovely I start to well up a bit. How do you make such a beautiful and joyous song about your baby daughter and get away with it?
I don’t know if this is the last Stevie Wonder album on the list that I haven’t heard yet, but if it is, the RNG save the best for last. This album is the epitome of everything that made the other Stevie Wonder albums so good. This is an artist at the absolute peak of his songwriting and musical talents. The catchiness of every melody is infectious. The feeling that he not only plays with, but also conveys through his music is as clear and as present as it has ever been. That to me has always been the essence of Stevie Wonder‘s music - the feel. He’s nothing if not consistent in that this album, like the others, features an eclectic and wonderful, even masterful blending of genres from funk to soul to gospel to jazz. It all comes together in this melting pot of an album that just works. I don’t really know how much more detail I can say about this, it just works. I found the structure to be interesting. As a double album, it obviously has four sides. The first two sides seem to have songs that you might hear on the radio. Their lengths are radio appropriate, and if they’re not, they could easily be trimmed down for a radio edit. These are the ones that pay the bills, these are the ones that Stevie knew to front load the album with. But the second two sides, those seem to have songs that perhaps take on a deeper, bigger meaning for Stevie. Not only are they longer in length (which makes them not as radio friendly as the first two sides’s songs), but they seem more personal. One song, “Black Man,” seems to be pushing the message that all people have equal value and equal things to offer the world (though the language it uses is rather dated). Another is clearly about his daughter and his feelings right after her birth. This second half of this album seems to be of a much more personal nature, and I think that’s why the tracks are longer. He viewed the second half of this album as his blank canvas on which to paint his personal message. This album could have been a single album with just two sides. But he had something to say, and he needed to say it. So this album became a double album. There isn’t much more to say. This album is a masterpiece. Like I said this is Stevie‘s best. Five stars. Standout Tracks: Have a Talk with God, Contusion, Sir Duke, I Wish, Summer Soft, Isn’t She Lovely
I absolutely love this. I received the vinyl album as a gift when it first came out, and I listened to it endlessly. I still pull it up on the Zune (THAT'LL BE ENOUGH OUT OF YOU, ZIP IT AND READ!!!!) when I want to get a dose of happy. But... I do have one issue with this. What chords are in the key of life? I think perhaps Stevie is being a little disingenuous here, as all of my research doesn't find even a *hint* that it exists. I would really like to know so I could jam along with these tunes, but alas, there exists no guide on how to setup my guitar in the key. I think Stevie's holding out on us, keeping it proprietary in order to keep racking in those sweet sweet royalties. That isn't fair.
To me, this is the greatest album ever made. Incredibly ambitious both in length and variety, showcasing everything that makes Stevie Wonder a legend. This is one that I have come back to on a monthly basis (at least) for years, and I don't think I will ever get tired of it.
Quintessential Stevie! I think that this album is simply about love. That's what I hear when I listen to it. Love permeates most songs. Liked Songs Added: - Love's In Need Of Love Today - Contusion - Sir Duke - I Wish - Pastime Paradise - Summer Soft - Isn't She Lovely - As
From the first track, it's easy to see why so many consider this a masterpiece. The production, instrumentation, vocals, composition and experimentation on display here are near perfection and all coalesce into one fantastic album befitting of the status that it is given. The album's staggering length of 104 minutes doesn't hold it back at all, in fact the time flew by and the tracks pulled me in instantly. I wasn't bored for a second with this album, it really is that good and deserves the recognition it gets.
Brilliant album
Pretty sure this is the best album I've had to listen to so far. I mean come on. The Duke and Pastime Paradise on one album? This thing is straight fire.
It's a beautiful album rich with memories and beauty. Hard to think of giving it less than a 5. I do think this is Stevie at his best!
Great songs. Didn’t know isn’t she lovely was by him.
banger
Absolutely outstanding in every facet - songwriting, performance, use of genre, etc.
could've dropped one or two of the weaker tracks but otherwise great album
loves in need of love today - 4/5 have a talk with god - 4/5 village ghetto land - 4.5/5 contusion - 3.5/5 sir duke - 4.5/5 i wish - 4.5/5 knocks me off my feet - 4/5 pastime paradise - 5/5 summer soft - 5/5 ordinary pain - 4/5 isn’t she lovely - 5/5 joy inside my tears - 5/5 black man - 4/5 ngiculela-es una historia-i am singing - 3.5/5 if it’s magic - 4/5 as - 4/5 another star - 4/5 saturn - 5/5 ebony eyes - 4.5/5 all day sucker - 4/5 easy goin’ evening (my mama’s call) - 3/5 overall rating : 5/5. oh my god this album went so hard THE WHOLE WAY THROUGH . absolutely zero low points and just overall gorgeous
5+
lindo lindo LINDO !!!!!!!! tudo nesse album é absolutamente lindo e a experiencia de escutar ele foi maravilhosa. eu preferi o lado 1 comparado com o lado 2, mas ambos são muito geniosos e eu aproveitei muito cada um deles. stevie nunca decepciona e ele realmente é uma lenda quando o assunto é musica, admiro muito os trabalhos dele e esse foi o primeiro que ouvi completo!! com certeza vou ir atras de mais...
The giant with shoulders strong enough to support so many artists. Not my go-to when listening to background music, but such an amazing album.
Classic Stevie. He's got a hell of a voice and knows how to use it. I heard everything from groovy, relaxing, empowering, funky, and political in the course of an hour and forty five minutes. Of course, the headliners are 'Sir Duke' and 'Isn't She Lovely', but there's plenty of deeper dives here, including 'I Wish', 'Pastime Paradise', 'Another Star', and 'Ebony Eyes'. I guess the most important part is that it's good enough for Coolio.
Great songs, sounds fresh
Мощь. Я даже не могу выделить сильные песни, их тут штук 8. Просто гений.
All killer no filer
Incredible stuff. A bit on the long side. But I loved it.
An absolutely incredible album. I don't think I've listened to a double album without a weak spot like this before. Every song has soul, energy, and is fun to listen to. Each song brings something unique to the album, and there isn't a wasted second on this longer record. A master's masterpiece
The greatest double album of all time from a master at his craft.
How do you think Stevie Wonder approved of the album cover?
This album is extremely well put together for something that is 50 years old. It really felt like a lot of Love went into making it. 'Summer Soft' was my favorite track. It was also fun hearing the OG sample to 'Gangsta's Paradise' Wouldn't mind revisiting this album again. (admittedly knew about this album but honestly thought it was Ray Charles who made it)
This is a great album that is a joy to put on. I wish I could give it a 4.5 as my only complaint is the sequencing, it starts a bit off slow for me. Once it gets going though around track for it is full of hits and should be part of the regular rotation.
A classic - genius songwriting and tremendous singer
A belter of an album by an artist at the top of their game.
This is perhaps the greatest double album of all time, and it sounds great spinning on my turntable. The grooves and timing, the depth and perfection of the production quality, and the brilliant hooks make this album unforgettable. “I Wish,” with its unmistakable bass line, is my favorite track. The songs on this album capture an entire spectrum of life experiences from birth to death, and I return to it all the time.
Any rating other than a 5 is just objectively wrong. 104 minutes of pure, passionate music was blissful to listen to
I already own it and have listened to it more times than I can remember. It's one of the few albums I can listen to back-to-back and not get bored. Every track is a masterpiece. It perfectly encapsulates the 70's for me. It really was a golden period for music, and for Stevie individually it was the culmination of his classic period. If you don't like this you're probably someone I don't want to know!!
Wow! 5.
This double album is long but not a slog at all. There are so many classics on this, so many riffs that you absolutely know even if you don't know the songs. Any rating less than 5* is an insult to the perfection that Stevie brings
Full of classic Stevie Wonder songs , its the final album in the run of great Stevie albums. Having said that , what struck me listening to this now is that there was an element of self indulgence here that a few fades on the long tracks would have cured .. there a few tracks that just go on too long after the song itself has long finished leaving S.W. and the band to jam on relentlessly or just repeat the same line ad-nauseam. The peril of deciding on a double album, and having to pad it out?
You can't help to sway with this music. It's quintessential Stevie, and Stevie is just so good.
Exceptional.
Now this one was great!
I mean come on, five stars for Sir Duke alone
I’ve always enjoyed Stevie Wonder but after the two we’ve had through this so far, I really see myself seeking out and repeating these more.
Dieses Album gehört zu den besten Alben überhaupt. Mein liebstes Stevie Wonder Album . Es ist faszinierend wie Mr Wonder komponiert, arrangiert, produziert, interpretiert. Er schüttelt die Songs so locker aus dem Ärmel wie kein anderer. Allein schon die ersten drei Nummern zeigen die Vielfalt des Sängers auf, was er auf dem ganzen Album beweist. Ein Highlight jagd das andere. Bis auf Confusion, gefällt mir gar nicht. Ein Meilenstein und Meisterwerk
I'm usually quick to mark albums down for being too long, in this case you have to allow for the length because you'd be hard pressed to cut anything from this.
Wonderful. Incredibly easy to get into despite the length, very musically detailed. Always something interesting going on. Pretty spectacular 👍
One of the best ever
He may not have eyesight, but he does have vision! Favourite Songs: Love's In Need of Love Today, Contusion, Isn't She Lovely, As, Another Star. Least Favourite Songs: Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call).
Gear: Fostex TH610 Artwork: 🟠☀️😎 Mix: 🎧😘🤌 Musik: 🎨🎶🤯 Wertung: ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️/5
Amazing song after amazing song. A rare double album that doesn't get outstay it's welcome (maybe skip 'Isn't she lovely; though ) . Absolute five stars.
Pure brilliance. Stevie Wonder at his best in every way. This music stand the test of time while tackling weighty issues. The songs you know are great. The album version of "Isn't She Lovely" only serves to extend the joy and beautiful harmonica work. The songs you don't know are great. Some of the songs you don't know are songs you know; "Pastime Paradise" will be reworked decades later as a hit song in "Gangsta's Paradise." Front to back, a beautiful album. My only complaint is that, on vinyl, they perpetrated that obnoxious trick where sides 1 and 4 are on opposite sides of the same disc with 2 and 3 on the other. Why must they require maximum screwing around with changing discs from the sleeve? Any album where this is the criticism should tell you something.
As, Another Star, Sir Duke all 10/10. 4.5/5
Masterpiece.
more songs need to be in the key of life god damn this is good
YAY!! There’s a bunch of songs that just don’t resonate with me. But then the classics start and who can care about anything else. So many brilliant hits off this album. 5/5
Clompetely hypnotizing. Good for listening while doing something
The best from the best.
Unfortunate you started with this one because now everything else has to live up to the greatest/most influential soul/R&B album ever recorded
I never listen to this genre and I detest double albums. This is the best example of both I've heard. Wonderful stuff from start to finish.
Sometime around 1976 my Dad bought home a proper music centre with two cassette tapes - a “super sounds of stereo” sampler and Stevie Wonder. I can still remember the experience of hearing the room filled with this marvellous music, hearing each instrument in its own place on the sound stage. The highlight on this for me is Sir Duke, paying tribute to Duke Ellington and other jazz greats.
Pretty undeniably good. Maybe too long but it's got a lot of good tracks and they are all very well made, performed and produced. Will I listen to again: 95%
One of the greatest musicians of our time. I don't love every single track, but this album has just so many beautiful songs (Sir Duke, As, I Wish, Saturn, If It's Magic, Ebony Eyes, Isn't She Lovely) that it's a timeless album. 5/5
Goes hard. This album is at its best on the soul harmonies, Stevie’s balmy voice or the stanky jazz instrumental tracks. Contusion is an ahead of time song that belongs in Mario Kart. The string arrangements in pasttime paradise go so much harder in the original track. The groove is all absorbing. It’s much brighter than my average mood, and like much of motown records it drags me along. Bass line in all day sucker is crazy. Cheesy lyrics, but they get carried by insane melodies and funky grooves. Few tracks I don’t personally connect as hard. I end up skipping them in relistens. Have a talk with god or ghetto land. Since the harmony is a bit simpler, the plain but well intentioned imagery in the lyrics don’t carry the tracks home. Music is sooo great in black man, some verses are cringe worthy though. All in all, after several listenings across a week I hear influencing that echoes through a lot of my favourite artists of all time.
Okay I normally hate double albums because I feel like they're usually bloated and contain a bunch of material that should have been cut, but oh my god everything on this is golden. It's a foundational album, been sampled to hell and back and for good reason. Absolutely a must-listen. This album will stay with me forever.
Love love love it
There are few albums where the listener can sense that the artist delivered his/her heart and soul into their work. This is one of those works. Songs In the Key Of Life has many main stream hits such as Sir Duke, I Wish, and Isn't She Lovely. However for me it's the other gems that I really enjoyed such as the illustrative Village Ghetto Land, Pastime Paradise, and heartfelt Joy Inside My Tears.
every one of these songs i think has become an iconic sample for some great song. as a whole i like innervisions a bit more just cause this one is a little long for my gen z brain, but still is rated accurately in the zeitgeist.
Isn't she lovely.
This is one of the best albums ever made. So many of Stevie Wonder's hits are on this album alongside some of his most lyrically and musically complex and brilliant songs. So many lyrics of this album like the ones for Pastime Paradise are so amazing and make an important statement. I'd like to highlight the song "As" because it is my favorite from this album. The build-up is incredible and the theme of love is so well presented. This is Stevie Wonder's magnum opus and peak album. It is one of the best albums of all time without a question. Favorite songs: Sir Duke, I Wish, Knocks Me Off My Feet, Pastime Paradise, Summer Soft, Ordinary Pain, Isn't She Lovely, As, Another Star
Playing my copy of this. Absolute gem of an album.
Good
I could easily wax poetic about this album. This album and the prior run of 4 albums by Stevie are truly impressive. A double album full of bangers is a mighty feat. 5 stars all day.
Yet another album I don’t need to listen to because I already know how wonderful it is, but I’m doing my present and future self the favor of listening to it again. Mr. Wonder is timeless. His voice is captivating. His words are inspiring. His music is emotional. This record is beautiful from start to finish. So many samples lifted from this one from other artists I listen to. There will never be another Stevie Wonder in the history of humanity. Thank you, Mr. Wonder, for everything you’ve done.
Oh baby! One of the greatest, best produced albums ever made. My one and only criticism is that some (a lot) of the songs drag on for way too long. Putting that aside, this is an all time great. If it's magic is my go to song to test speakers, it has so much space to breathe. 6 stars
If this isn't a 5, what could be?
-this is fantastic. Even for such a long album, there was never a dull moment. Some really interesting and progressive social commentary which I appreciated too -I like the groovy and electronic-sounding songs best -Favorites are Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn’t She Lovely, and Black Man
with compelling reason and without exaggeration, probably the best album in recorded music's history
(learning about music for the first time) wow this is awesome!!!! (it's kinda sad that i didn't know though)
5/5 This album is a testament to great songwriting, with the 100+ minutes full of great grooves, lyrics and vocal performances by Stevie (and of course an incredible feature by Shirley Brewer). The diversity of instrumentation, genre, and vibes shows a truly talented artist. Some of my favourite songs appear on the bonus EP to the double album showing the insane depth of quality. Love's In Need Of Love Today 4.5/5 Have A Talk With God 5/5 Village Ghetto Land 5/5 Contusion 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV) Sir Duke 4/5 I Wish 5/5 (FAV) Knocks Me Off My Feet 5/5 Pastime Paradise 5/5 Summer Soft 4/5 Ordinary Pain 4.5/5 Isn't She Lovely 5/5 Joy Inside My Tears 4.5/5 Black Man 4.5/5 Ngiculela-Es Una Historia-I Am Singing 5/5 If It's Magic 4.5/5 As 5/5 Another Star 5/5 Saturn 5/5 Ebony Eyes 5/5 All Day Sucker 4/5 Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call) 3.5/5
So many all time beautiful songs. Truly a pop genius
Si bien este no se trata de un álbum nuevo para mi, si podría ser un re descubrimiento del mismo. Si tuviera que hablarle de este LP a alguien que nunca antes lo ha escuchado lo describiría como "un compilado de mejores éxitos, que casualmente también es un álbum". Así, con 21 canciones y 104 minutos de música, Songs In The Key Of Life es fácilmente un indispensable entre los álbumes que debemos escuchar antes de estirar la pata. Definir la grandeza de este trabajo resulta complejo porque no encuentras por donde empezar. Primero, y frente a cualquier pronostico, su larga duración no es impedimento para disfrutarlo. Cada canción es una joya sin excepción. Ello permite no solo retomarlo desde cualquier canción, sino también desde cualquier momento del álbum y no perder el hilo conductor que el artista busca dar a entender con sus canciones. Tomando este último punto, es clave mencionar que el trabajo realmente funciona como un manifiesto de las inquietudes de Stevie Wonder: el amor, la paternidad y la lucha por la igualdad racial son alguna de las muchas más ideas que nutren cada una de las canciones en este trabajo. Respecto a las canciones, las letras no decepcionan y las composiciones tampoco, siempre caracterizadas por la excelencia en el sonido de Stevie Wonder. Desde canciones sumamente groovy hasta las baladas más hermosas, el artista simplemente no falla en transmitir sentimiento con cada detalle. Podría seguir mencionando elementos con lupa en mano, pero para ello es mejor que quien sea que lea esta columna lo compruebe por si mismo. Impecable LP. FAVTRAXS: Contusion, Sir Duke, I Wish, Ordinary Love, Isn't She Lovely, Black Man, As, Another Star, Ebony Eyes, All Day Sucker LEASTFAV: Ngiculela-Es una historia-I Am singing (el español de Stevie me distrae un poco, pero gran canción). 4.5 (En la teoría es un 5, pero probablemente la cifra crezca con cada escucha).
Stevie Wonder is a gift.
Hell yeah, love it
Of course, my number #1 just after having Soundgarden. Well played guys !
so so good
This is so obviously a creative triumph in every way that I'm not sure what to say about it. The musicianship, passion, and level of craft is unquestionable. I can't really fault it, not even the runtime. I guess I could do without the baby crying and talking sounds on "Isn't She Lovely", but saying that out loud makes me feel like a monster. Highlights: Love's In Need Of Love Today, Have A Talk With God, Sir Duke, Pastime Paradise, Summer Soft, Ngiculela-Es Una Historia-I Am Singing, If It's Magic, As
Absolutely heavenly no words Whole album: 100/10
there aren't many albums without a dud or two on them, and this is one of those albums - no filler, AND there's an extra 7" with even more great songs. A classic.
Wonderful album full of well known and lesser known songs. Great.
Please hold while I come up with something unique to say about an album that is consensus one of the best of all time............... Only thing I got is it is a bit long for my taste, especially when you add in the bonus tracks included as a separate 45 with the album. Saturn prob should have been the last track and nix the others. That's a very small knock on a wonderful album. 4.75/5
Hell yeah, Black man is so great I feel like more people need to talk about it. Also, didn't know gangsters paradise was a sample.
Incredible composition and instrumentation.
Look, I think it's unfair to many other well-respected and loved albums to call this one the GOAT. So I won't say that. I'll just say that in a hypothetical situation where you came across a human who had never listened to any music in their lifetime, and would never be allowed to again after a window of about two hours, you'd be wrong if you didn't play them this album.
The Keys Of Life In Song.
Day168 - another all time great album and i learned that pastime paradise is the music for gangsta’s paradise which was a fun discovery
so much music and yet all so powerful, so joyful, the title of the album says it all, but stevie's outlook on life and its translation into music is unlike no other, we are blessed to have him on this earth. I'd listen to this non stop to feel better
8,24
Meistaraverk. Svo sérstakur fílingur í plötunni. Fáránlega vel út sett lög og textarnir frábærir hjá honum. Margir all time klassikerar í þokkabók. As er eitt besta lag allra tíma, en Ebony Eyes greip mig í fyrstu yfirferð (SAXOPHONE RIGHT HERE!!!). Stevie er all time great og þetta er besta platan hans. Þetta er hans ÁTJÁNDA PLATA og hann er enn að toppa sig þarna. Segir allt sem segja þarf um þennan tónlistarmann. Reyndar mjög fyndið að hann var að hugsa um að flytja til Ghana og helga sig hjálpræðisstarfi en gerði þessa plötu í staðinn. Myndi íhuga 5 og hálfa stjörnu ef það væri möguleiki.
Opus Magnum undrabarns. Tímalaus snilld.
Impresionante!!! Discazo. Una canción tras otra es una sorpresa digna de escuchar. Hubiera prescindido de de "Knocks me off..." Y bueno, Isnt't She Lovely... TEMAZO, con solos incluidos Black man, que buen tema Ni que decir Ebony eyes Muy bueno el resto del disco, no comments
A musical genius. This is a masterpiece which he never again came close to achieving.
Really excellent album. Pure Stevie Wonder. I was previously really only familiar with the hits, but this album is just great. It delves into so many genres. My favorite is probably Contusion, which sounds like it could be from a Return to Forever album.
Songs in the key of Super Mario brothers
Great Album
Almost 2 hours long and this didn’t drag once! I was dancing in public with this one on, really vibed with this one. Reputation very much deserved.
A beautiful album.
Goat behaviour 🐐🐐🐐🐐
Damn good
Other than a few blips (and that's just parts. not entire songs), this is really great. There's some absolute classics and most of the songs that were new for me, are bangers as well.
Great
I usually dunk on double albums, but I can’t here. One if the most surprising things about listening to an album a day is how much I love artists I previously only heard the hits from, and I think Stevie Wonder is the strongest example of that for me. Beautiful voice, I love the instrumental tracks as well, and I like the range and experimentation in his discography.
A master of his craft. Super warm acoustics, full sound.
Absolutely stellar start to finish.
It’s a classic! And a great one! If this were one album of the best songs, I’d give it over 5 stars….as a double album. It gets 4 1/2 stars. All in all, I will round up and give it the praise that it deserves. I could listen to that album any day of the week.
Stevie Wonder went through such an era of explosive creativity in the early/mid 70s that a double album with a bonus EP almost seems so fitting as the quintessential example from this period. There are too many great tracks on this monster album to count. At nearly 2 hours with the EP, it’s long as hell, but I always end up finding something new to love about it. The eight song run from Sir Duke to Joy Inside My Tears might be one of the best ever in popular music.
Wow, what an album. Easily a top 20 of all time for me.
already listened
Good
Espectacular disco doble. El mejor Stevie.
A no-skip double album is quite the feat. I was raised with many of these songs and will return to many of these songs again.
Don’t trust anyone who doesn’t give this album 5 stars.
Aside from one cringey song this was flawless
Holy shit this is good. This is the first 2 hour album I have ever enjoyed
Best album of all time!!
Nearly flawless! An intriguing and important cultural milestone. Beautiful tunes perfectly executed, sort of like Rumors from a technical point of view. Eclectic. Socially conscious pop music is pretty rare, even more rare is socially conscious music that universally acclaimed and beloved. I don't know what happened to music after this. It just got dumber and lower quality. Thank god for this high bar though.
Classic
One of the best from one of the best, what else is there to say. You can feel it all over.
Signature work by a master of his craft.
This is how you do a double album - my favorite Stevie Wonder record.
What a beautiful, wonderful album. There's really nothing to say about this album that hasn't already been said, but it was a joy to listen to. One note: I didn't know that Coolio's Gangster's Paradise sampled Stevie Wonder.
Classic album by an artist people are starting to forget.
Amazing album, I always get stuck on the long albums in this project - this one being no exception. Loved how many hits there are on here, and the origin sample of Gangsters Paradise (never knew). I really did bounce between 4 and 5 stars here and while I think 4.5 would be appropriate. I’m going to go with 5 because this honestly was a masterpiece. While it’s a bit too long and some songs drag on (Another Star), it overall packs a mean punch. The racial messages are all about harmony amongst all which I also really enjoyed. It felt like an hour and 45 minutes. But at the same time, it stayed enjoyable throughout. That’s a really tough thing to do.
Did everyone except me already know how great Stevie Wonder is? I just gave Robbie Williams 5 stars 😭 Obviously my rating system wasn't fully calibrated yet.
Has every song on this album been sampled by 90s rap artists?
Classic. Heard this before and it bangs.
This is one of those albums that captivates you from the first moment, without needing to listen to it several times to make you fall in love.
I have never heard this album before, obviously I've heard the hits. This album is insanely good, very funky beats and of course excellent vocals. This is an album that I will most likely buy and listen to many times, I'm disappointed that it took me so long to give the album a chance.
By the late 70s, Stevie Wonder had already established himself as a music legend. He had an incredibly successful run of albums up to this point with Talking Book, Music of My Mind, Innervisions, and Fulfillingness' First Finale. The insane thing is that by 1976 he was thinking of quitting music altogether. He surprisingly changed his mind and signed a contract extension with Motown/Tamla. Not only was this the largest recording deal in history up to that point, but it also allowed for Stevie to have full artistic control over his output. The subsequent contract allowed for Stevie to release this monster of an album. In addition to being a full double record, he also threw in a bonus EP consisting of 4 extra songs. Some of the highlights on here are obvious: Sir Duke, I Wish, Knocks Me Off My Feet, Isn't She Lovely. But in reality there is just banger after banger on here. Village Ghetto Land, the jazz funk excursion Contusion, the famously-sampled Pastime Paradise. The list just goes on and on. This album showcases Stevie Wonder at his best and most creative. It still boggles my mind how a single musician can have such a consistent and killer career output. Truly a musical legend.
I love Stevie. Of his two most popular albums, I enjoy Talking Book more, but this one is still a tour-de-force. The one-two punch of Sir Duke and I Wish is the strongest on the album, but the rest is still quite the ride.
It's songs in the key of life. Just don't listen to the albums after it.
The "genius" label gets thrown around too often, but there's no other way to accurately describe Stevie Wonder and his body of work in the 70s.
*** Sorry this review is so long *** I've done myself a disservice by not listening to this album for years. But Lucky Me! I get to climb inside my headphones and spend almost 2 hours listening to one of my favorite albums. It is insane how excellent this album is. Yesterday I heard someone refer to Stevie Wonder as a singer-songwriter. He is definitely a storyteller. And a genius. I remember, as a kid, being blown away by FINGERTIPS, fascinated by the music a "fellow kid" was making, and then being further amazed that he was blind! Seemed impossible. Now, listening to this album, it's equally amazing that he mastered the music in his head and produced such excellent complex, joyful, spiritual, and political music. There are so so many things going on in the background of these songs. Mid-seventies is my favorite era for Stevie Wonder music. Very tricky. VILLAGE GHETTO LAND sounds like a light classical piece, but the lyrics sharply define life for a large segment of American society. And suddenly - Boom - the jazz bouncer CONTUSION smacks you upside the head. Gonna listen to this twice. (Little Feat basically ripped this off a year later for A DAY AT THE DOG RACES.) I'm not gonna write down my reaction to every song in this collection, but Holy Moly is this great! And he writes a terrific love song (e.g., KNOCKS ME OFF MY FEET; ISN'T SHE LOVELY; AS; ANOTHER STAR). Required reading: the lyrics to BLACK MAN while listening to the funk. AS - This 7:03 gem gives me rolling chills, as very few songs do, when it breaks at 2:03 into the "Until..." list. Love it. [[ One negative thing about having sold/given away all my vinyl is that I can't sit on the floor and read the liner notes to see who played what. There's so much going on here, I'd love to know who's doing it. I bet they had an absolute blast.GO HERE: https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songs_in_the_Key_of_Life ]] I would give this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+⭐ if I could. ________________________________ 🎧 LPs reviewed: 53 🎧 LPs left to review: 948 🎧 LPs I found great/relevant enough to be mandatory listens (5): 12 🎧 LPs I *might* include in my own list (4): 17 🎧 LPs I will certainly *not* include in mine (1-2): 14
It's always impresive to get a 21 track album, all songs of decent length, but without a hint of filler on it. Maybe a couple tracks aren't amazing, but the highlights are stunning. 'Isn't She Lovely' might be one of the most beautiful and joyous songs ever written. Stevie keeps it fresh the whole runtime somehow, a master songwriter without a doubt. Filled to the brim with pure soul.
classic album, all over the place musically but still fits together. loves songs and social/political songs also. plenty of hits on this one
Sociopolitical anthems, romantic ballads, funky jams. Funk, jazz, gospel, Latin, pop, classical — sometimes all in the same song.
Epically good and sounds so fresh. Charted the way for many I hear so much in here.
Golden Era Stevie
Absolutely classic, timeless music. Incredible stuff.
Rating: 10/10 One of the greatest albums of all time, Stevie Wonder is a genius. The mix of funk, soul, and R&B (amongst other genres) is truly remarkable. The songs are all beaming with life and energy that is incredibly infectious while also being extremely creative. The songwriting is top-notch, the musicianship is fantastic, and the production is superb. A timeless classic. Favorite songs: pretty much all of them. Worst song: Love's In Need Of Love Today.
amazing. wall to wall bangers.
Love everything about this. Just a joyous example of musical genius.
What can I say that hasn't been said? Smart, luscious, catchy.
The absolute culmination of an incredible run of albums that perhaps no other artist has equaled in terms of creativity, critical approval, and fan recognition. It’s like Wonder knew this was going to be his apex moment, so he poured everything he had into “Songs.” It’s the most accurate compliment to say only Stevie Wonder could’ve pulled this off. The record contains some of Wonder’s most uplifting songs, “Isn’t She Lovely” and “I Wish” come to mind, that celebrate new life and childhood. “Sir Duke” wears Wonder’s musical heroes on its sleeve. The first three tracks are social commentary disguised as bright Soul Pop music. It’s just a stunning array of musical ideas, melodies, lyrics, and sounds. And he’s one of the finest artists to ever justify the excess of a double album—there’s no filler here, just expanse and worlds to discover on repeated listens. “Genius” gets thrown around a lot nowadays, especially in our hyperbolic online world. For this record and for this artist, genius is a standard-setting measure. And he sets the standard somewhere in the atmosphere.
Stevie Wonder - I have no words, just FIVE STARS!
Maybe not my favourite Stevie Wonder album but still an absolute classic.
A master piece.
Love’s In Need Of Love Today // Village Ghetto Land // Sir Duke // I Wish // Knocks Me Off My Feet // Pastime Paradise // Ordinary Pain // Isn’t She Lovely // Joy Inside My Tears // If It’s Magic // As //
Smash
If I could give this ten stars, I would!
love it!!
There isn’t a bad track on this record.
Long double albums....I was ready to hate on it because when I scanned it I didn't recognize any of the tunes. I'm an idiot. So fucking smooth and dynamic and rich. His influence on ALL music is on display here. Amazing album.