Reviews (page 5 of 14)
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.
Songs in the Key of Life is the perfect title of this album. I feel like it really captures a huge essence of the general human experience. Fantastic song writing. This album captures a vibe without staying to similar from song to song.
For this review, I am looking at the original release of this album. I will not include the four-song EP "A Something's Extra" that gets tacked on to the end of the CD and streaming releases. That still leaves us with a double album that runs for about an hour and a half, and that runtime seems to be the elephant in the room here. As experimental as Stevie gets here, I don't think there's a bad or filler track per se, even though the baby recordings on the album cut of "Isn't She Lovely" are jarring, and some tracks like "Another Star" and "Black Man" go on for longer than they need to. That said, I do not recommend marathoning this album in one session, because there is such a case for "too much of a good thing." Take a break between discs/records for this one. It belongs on this list, but only when approached with the right mindset. Update 3/12/2026: Against the advice of my past self, I re-listened to this album in one session. Amazingly, I was not fatigued and thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through. I will freely admit that I felt intimidated when I got this record so early on in my album journey. I was only a little over two weeks in when this behemoth dropped on me, so I caved in a bit. But, with time, I was able to warm up to longer releases, and that gave me the courage to consider revisiting Songs in the Key of Life, and I was not disappointed. Credit to Stevie himself for being a masterful lyricist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist on this record, as he knew how to make a song engaging and thought-provoking in sonic and poetic detail. Songs like "Another Star" and "Black Man", upon re-listening, were some of the most fun extended funk jams I heard in some time with such aspirational messaging. Even the baby recordings on "Isn't She Lovely" now sound right at home as Stevie sang a heartfelt tribute to his daughter. Not to mention other highlights like the ominous synth-funk of "Have a Talk with God", the baroque arrangement of "Village Ghetto Land", the boppin' expression of music appreciation on "Sir Duke", the super eclectic horn and bass combo of "I Wish", the Latin beat inflluence on cuts like "Pastime Paradise" and "Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing", I could keep going on... I do think it is worth giving Songs in the Key of Life the time of day, and I am glad to have come back to it after so long.
Like Cazales run of movies in a similar time frame, or Eddie Murphies comedy in the early 80s - it doesn't make sense that that much talent and energy can congregate in one person. Not only is every aspect immaculate but he made a whole ass double album after making multiple world-changing albums just before. Sir Duke is pure Joy. Saturn is hilarious. So much funk, but so much musical movement. Easter eggs: Coolio, wild wild west, probably some more I just didn't quite catch. If this doesn't do it for you, there is no hope.
Stevie 10/10, absolute legend. Loved this.
Classic hits and other great grooves. Love Stevie's sound!!
Two Stevie Wonder golden-era records in one week's time! This is probably the third of my three favorite Stevie records, along with Innervisions and Talking Book. A worthy and timeless culmination of his best period. Imagining a 26-year-old writing, arranging, and recording nearly everything here by himself is utterly flabbergasting. It still stands untarnished today, a testament to his genius. Probably somewhere on my shortlist for greatest albums ever recorded.
Just a realll groovy time. A story told beginning to end. The composition of each song is so much more intricate than it appears on first glance. Dying over some of the funky riffs that I think are still sampled today. I got lost in this one - in the best way. Maybe a touch long but that’s literally my only critique
Stevieeeeee the best to ever do it, this album is long but never repetitive he just had too many good ideas
I love Stevie Wonder, and this is really his best album. But listening to it all the way through, since this is a double album, it's very clear that the first album is much stronger than the second. At times the second album was really a slog to get through (and those lyrics to "Black Man"... yikes!). I will say, the four bonus songs are fantastic ("Saturn" is gorgeous) and should have been the second half instead of what's actually there. With all that being said, this is still an amazing album and more than deserves to be on this list. Personally it's around a 4.5 for me, but it's Stevie and there's some stellar songs here, so I'm rounding up.
Isn’t Steve lovely, isn’t Steve Wonder-ful?
I mean, it's no Stevie Wonder's Journey Through "The Secret Life of Plants" or anything, but I guess it's still pretty great, maybe an 11/10, nothing crazy.
Wonder shows the world what he's truly capable of when he puts his all. Here we have a double album and an added EP of his most eclectic, creative ideas put to their limits. Each song pushes the boundaries of music at the time. And although they lack coherency, it's a joy to listen to these mind-blowing ideas back to back. It's not just the ideas. I just can't believe how much power, emotion, and energy is behind everything: Wonder's voice, all the instruments, even the back vocals. It's hard to believe how every contributor just feels so alive. And with how fast-paced it is, not a single second feels wasted. Every moment is being thrown with some subtle instrument that adds so much yet can't be picked out unless you keep listening and point out all the hidden quirks. As a double album experience, it's very easy to get into. There are at least 3 hits on this album that are still played on some radio station anywhere in the US. You can find something to like and groove to in each cut, and I bet each person has their own underrated favorite. Mine is "Ngiculela". Starts off with the patient yet catchy "Love's in Need for Today" which could pull in any listener. The next 2 are a bit strange to put near the beginning since they're some of the weakest on the record. But then the jazz fusion "Contusion" and our two big hits will make sure anyone sticks around. The end finishes triumphantly with the epic "As" and "Another Star." I personally do not like how the A Something's Extra EP is appended to the end. Although very fun and creative, they make the album a bit too long; the cuts aren't as incredible as the rest of the album; and it's weird to follow up on the epic grand finale of "As" and "Another Star." I'd just stop listening at the end of "Another Star." I won't let this impact the score.
This is a phenomenal album. It took me a little while to get into it due to a variety of styles, but it certainly paid off! I absolutely love the funky and jazzy portions of the album...Contusion blew me away! There were two tracks that I didn't quite care for (Village Ghetto Land and If It's Magic), but there's so many high quality songs that I don't even care, haha. Brilliant! Favorite tracks...the hell with it: all of them!
Pastime Paradise! Original gangster’s paradise! 🤔 I never made the connection.
Sometimes the hype is real. Sometimes an album is everything they say it is and even more. "Songs In the Key of Life" is one of those times. Just an overflowing of love, tenderness, sadness, tragedy, hope, despair, and humanity. Oh, the humanity! The musicianship is of such high quality too. It's astounding as each bar will leave you shaking your head in Wonder that something this miraculous exists. It's a miracle.
I forgot how stacked side 1 of this album is. So many great songs with no misses. Side 2 could have been a little tighter. There are a couple of okay songs and some that could be trimmed down a few minutes. Overall still a really great album and it reminds me I need to listen to more Stevie Wonder. 4.5
Stevie Wonder is a genius. this was in his prime of creating great music.
This is a perfect album
Gema.
There are so many great tracks on this album, but listening to it all at once can sometimes be a bit too much - like eating a particularly rich & heavy gateau (Isn't She Lovely being a case in point). I've wavered between 4 and 5 for this one (it's 4.5 for me) but looking at my 4s and 5s so far, it belongs in the company of the 5s (and I did give All Things Must Pass allowances for its bonus EP).
The best songs in the world weren't good enough for Stevie Wonder so he made them and put them all on the same album.
I can't say anything more about this album than has been said. Absolutely one of the essential albums in the canon of American Music.
Classic without thought. It's always there with all the samples and swipes.
Stevie Fucking Wonder people... What more really needs to be said? This is from the sweet spot (arguably the pinnacle) of his classic period and there isn't a bad song to be found on here. Musical serotonin injected straight into your spine right here.
I swear to God if this album doesn’t do it for you on any level you’re dead inside and need professional help. Sir Duke is just what you’re supposed to do with horns. I Wish is the other thing you do with horns. There’s a problem with the rating system here as I only see 5 stars that I can give this album.
Such a happy feel good album that really embodies summer, can't wait to listen when it's warm out. The album is a bit long, but it's so good that the runtime is completely justified and I didn't really even feel that it was that long while listening through. Also had no idea Gangsta's Paradise was based on a song from this album. Favourites were Sir Duke, Knocks Me Off My Feet, Summer Soft, Ordinary Pain, Isn't She Lovely, As, Another Star, and Ebony Eyes. Pretty solid 5, the vibes are too joyous
A revelation when I bought it during my hard-rock years and a revelation re-visiting it now. The depth, the range, the legacy: remarakable.
I remember buying this not too long after it was released, when I was deeply into hard rock. It was a revelation then and it's a revelation now, over 40 years later. The range, the depth, the influence..nothing other than five stars.
isnt this lovely
This was one of those albums that I thought of immediately when I started this list. It took damned long enough to finally surface! And yes, THIS is my favourite Stevie album. This AND Innervisions. They’re like my two babies. I cannot choose only one. Also, still amazed at how much Will Smith (I Wish) and Coolio (Pastime Paradise) owe to this album. I mean, they’re almost cover songs, right?
Starts off beautifully and gets better and better!
it's sooo good. what an amazing achievement for human civilization
Klassieker
Een van de beste en meest indrukwekkende albums ooit, vecht me als je dit geen 5/5 vindt
Die is snel na Innervisions zeg Dit is hét Stevie Wonder album
Pure joy consumed me when I saw this pop up. To me, Stevie Wonder is the idea of a virtuoso in its most powerful form. Name something this man isn’t incredible at, except for maybe seeing things. But honestly, I’m calling bullshit on this guy being blind. I just hear so much about this album. The praise is utterly unending. And I got worried that maybe there was a chance I wouldn’t like it as much as some do. But that’s just not even the case. I can’t believe I ever doubted this gift sent from the heavens. I’m genuinely concerned for people who say they don’t like this. What is there to complain about? This is by and large, without a doubt, one of the most genuine, intimate, and inspiring explorations of human life as a whole. What a perfect title Songs in the Key of Life is. Soul music, and really music in general, was changed forever the day this released. It sounds incredible, wastes no time, and has an excellent amount of variation to keep things moving. This album is entirely in another caliber of excellence. Fuck it, Stevie created that caliber with this. I don’t want to make it sound like I’m overrating this to all hell. But I can’t not. I’m not going to deny this any bit of love it gets. How could I? I try to be fair and consistent, and rate things so that I can’t give an album a ten if it has songs I would personally skip on a full listen. But I’m throwing that out the window for this. I describe 10/10’s as masterpieces. This is a masterpiece. There are few albums to ever come out that qualify for masterpiece as best as this does. That’s it. Listen to this album, all the way through. You are lacking beauty in your life if you haven’t or refuse to. Rating: 10/10!
Very well done. It should be required listening in music history!
an obviously incredible album that is hugely influential. stays palatable through almost 2 hours of back to back bangers. a great listen that channels overwhelming joy and soulfulness. could possibly be trimmed up a bit, but since this was stevie's last hurrah of sorts, where he put out every single idea he had, it deserves a 5 star for the sheer quality of the work.
Loves in Need of Today - lovely song, great little chorus, around the 4 min mark, the vocals are incredible . Very long, but earns every second of it. The last chorus lasts longer than some songs Have a Talk With God - funky, much shorter, great production and instrumentation. Good Village Ghetto Land - violins. Feels like a song that had drums guitar piano etc but has been stripped down to just strings. Good Contusion - panicked funk intro. Sounds like something from final fantasy. Instrumental. Okay Sir Duke - classic, one of the best bass solos ever I Wish - wild wild west. Awesome Knocks me off my Feet - back to a ballad. Okay Pastime Paradise - classic Summer Soft - typical SW song. Some nice stuff. He has this knack of throwing different keys in the same chorus. It's so him. Great piano solo Ordinary Pain - crazy change up when the female vocals come in 3 mins in. Those last 4 mins are incredible Isn't She Lovely - maybe the worst song. I guess thats a compliment. Album version is worse than the single version. Joy Inside My Heart - ballad. Decent. Good production, maybe a touch too long. Black Man - funky departure from ballads. Good I Am Singing - Spanish. Okay If Its Magic - slow, harp, okay As - best song on the album Another star - Good upbeat tempo. Great song Saturn - good Ebony Eyes - very elton, very good All Day Sucker - funky, second best song on the record What can I say? It's brilliant
This is a 10/10. Crazy influential album. I was shocked to see how many of these songs I had already “heard” from later covers. Pastime Paradise = Gangster’s Paradise. I Wish = Wild Wild West. Sir Duke, Contusion, Love’s in need of love today, Village Ghetto Land, all 10/10s as well. Not to mention Isn’t She Lovely. Stevie went *hard.*
Double album, no weak songs.
Wow! It never felt too long.
All timer
What can you possibly say about one of the greatest albums recorded at the height of one of the world's greatest musician's talent?
Masterpiece 5/5
I really cant do justice to how amazing this album is and how magical it was hearing it for the first time when it was released.I will find it hard to believe if this isnt in the top ten of albums reviewed on this site.
One of the best albums of all time.
The only other Stevie I know is in Malcolm in the Middle, but this guy is pretty cool too.
This is from 1976? Confident, continuous party of an album.
I really adore this album. it is one of the greatest songwriters and musicians of all time firing on all cylinders. he's playing most of the instruments on this album himself! it's crazy! my only critique is that I think that we could have trimmed this one a little bit. I don't know if this album needed to be 2 albums and an EP, there are some songs that aren't up to the same quality as a lot of the heavy hitters here (I'm looking at you, 'if it's magic). but overall, this album hits and it hits pretty much the whole stretch.
favorite song: As least favorite song: Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call) rating: 10/10, in my opinion the greatest album ever released
Calling Stevie Wonder a Soul artist is kind of like calling the Beatles a Pop band. Technically correct, but it misses 90% of the story. He's one of those people who deserve a distinct genre. May I suggest "Musical Genius?" This album is usually regarded as his best. Agree or not, listen again every so often to be a better human.
10/10
This album is insanely good and a microcosm for Stevie's talent in general. When considering stepping away from fame and America after thoroughly proving himself, he signs another contract and comes through with this double album of banger after banger. Not only that, the songs are poignant, thoughtful, and get me thinking deeply everytime I hear them. I could write more but... 5/5.
Phenomenal record. Some of the most interesting musical production I have ever heard. I think it might be a little too long but the magnificence of the previous songs make up for it.
Love it! Solid 5!
My favorite Stevie Song of all time is As. Good lord I freaking love it.
We got spoiled with all of this Stevie Wonder so early. My favorite album of his.
A truly classic album from Stevie here. It is a bit of a slow burn compared to the other three albums from this 'classic period' of his, but still so much quality throughout this thing. It stays interesting through the whole 100+ minute runtime, although with one or two songs that maybe don't add much. 9/10
Stevie Wonder is one of my heros! The guy is a master of songwriting, singing, playing. I wore this record out when I was a in my 20s. There's nothing but love in this. I'm not religious, but his gospel preachiness lifts me up. Sir Duke, I Wish, If it's Magic, Isn't She Lovely, etc. are some of my favorite songs of all times. I haven't played this album in quite a long time. Hearing it again is a total joy for me, I'm hearing things I didn't notice long ago. So much music here! Can I give 10 stars?
chill and groovy
Ridiculous talent. I don't love every track, but this is one of those albums that any great musician would be jealous of.
Lots of soul in this album… I can see see how influential he was. I can hear his music in modern bands! This came from his heart and is a masterpiece!
Does not have bad song.
This album was a building block to those after it, it simply doesn’t miss. 4.5
His best album, I think!
Stevie Wonder. Nuff said really.
"Songs in the Key of Life" by Stevie Wonder is a monumental album blending soul, funk, and R&B, showcasing timeless musical genius.
A funky soulful masterpiece full of joyful positive songs that run the full gamut of lyrical content from songs about music to social justice to childbirth.
Honestly it's a Magnum Opus of Stevie Wonder. So many straight up hits on this album.
Great job Mr Wonder.
Certainly I knew some of the songs, but this (long) album was a treat.
A great listen from beginning to end
There seems to be a wide gap between "Quitting music altogether and help needy children" and "Put out one of the best double albums in music history" but Stevie Wonder seems to have managed to bridge this wide gap. It's not hard to say positive things about this album and I won't complain about having too much Stevie Wonder, but this could have been two really good single albums. It's more of a personal issue, as I have difficulty listening to double albums that are truly a double album. Not like a band that puts a "double album" together that is only 75 minutes like, but an album that delves towards the 2 hour mark. It is why I didn't give "Melon Collie..." by Smashing Pumpkins five stars. It's my attention span. Overall, a wonderful album and if you can't sit through a 1 hour and 45 minute album, break this up in to two single albums. It is still fantastic.
Tremendo
Songs in the Key of Life is like a unstoppable cultural force, or a black hole - you may try to live your life without this album but if you have any interest in music it will eventually get you and you will love it. Reminded me a bit of Rumours the first time I heard it - You keep going "oh I know this one as well!". So many of this album's songs just find their way into your consciousness, even if it's via being sampled like Pastime Paradise. It goes without saying that it's incredible fun to listen to, taking you on a wide journey of emotions and musical styles, and just never letting up its hooks and funk An absolutely staggering achievement from a genius artist
BEST ALBUM SO FAR!
Incredible. Understandably considered one of the greatest albums of all time. The bass line to sir duke is still stuck in my head.
Que c'est bon !
I think Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest pop musicians of all time and this is his masterpiece. His mid-70’s run of amazing albums, culminating in this one, may be unmatched in music history. The breadth and depth of songs on this album is unbelievable. Fun, soulful, socially conscious, personal, danceable; this album is everything you could possibly want in a record. I don’t think it would be hyperbolic to say, as many people have said before, that this is the best album ever made.
It really is that good. Can’t help but smile listening to songs like “As”. But it’s also really long. Some parts have also been ruined for me by being featured in commercials. “Isn’t She Lovely” being the most palpable example. Still a total masterpiece of a record.
Wow!
Masterpiece!
Classic Stevie Wonder album. Enjoyed all parts.
Perfect. Probably the greatest album of all time
I must admit this is my first time hearing a Stevie Wonder album. A+ production, writing and performance.
Stevie Wonder showing his musical genius on this album. Not my favorite genre but well crafted nonetheless.
That this was released 46 years ago, and it was Stevie Wonder’s 18th (!) album is unbelievable…a true classic.
Cool! Does not include my favourite songs, but still a great listen
I needed to get past some of the cheesiness, but this is one of the best albums ever. it does not fail to lift up the mood, and musically it's just perfect. Stevie knows when to break expectations and when to repeat the same phrase for 5 minutes
Spilaði gat á þessa veturinn '98-'99, en hef í seinni tíð metið hana örlítið síður en meistarastykkin sem komu út á undan henni. En sko... þetta eru svo geggjaðar plötur. Stevie, maður. Bara vá.
What a talent!
I remember when this album was everywhere, but I never realized just how epic it is. It's one unbelievable banger after another, for two whole albums! These songs, his voice, and the musicianship is just off the charts. It's timeless and wildly ambitious. I dare you to find anything released in the last 25 years (or more) that even comes close.
It’s amazing how vital and current this album still sounds. Lyrically and musically.
My second Wonder this week. I was intimidated by its length, but I shouldn't have been. Pretty much every track just hits so hard and sounds so good, that layered detailed electro-funk never gets old. It's like being at the best party ever. Even when it's awful jazz it's brilliant. Also, this seems to be where 90% of 90s hip-hop stars got their song ideas from.
This is a classic.
Obvious 5 duhhhh. Could go on an on about my number 1 album of all time on Spotify but wont
Such a good album! Feel good music and lyrics.
What a great album! Listened to the whole thing!
Amazing!!!!!
Nearly perfect album. One of the greatest ever
A favorite of my ff and I
This is a beautiful album by a beautiful human
Not as good as the Talking Book/Innervisions/Fulfillingness First Finale trilogy, but undeniably damn' good.
I can already tell that this will be one of the coolest discoveries throughout this project. How is this his eighteenth album? How is this so long and still SO GOOD? I'm afraid I have grossly underestimated Stevie. I'm a convert. I can imagine we'd have no modern-day R&B, soul, pop or funk without the influence of this album...
Such a great album that for some reason I never listened to before. Besides the “radio classics” I grew up on there are so many more that are such amazing songs both in lyrics and music. Truly a must listen to album for musical, historical and cultural significance.
Excellent
SO creative. Wonder embraces beauty. Still a lot more songs to hear.
Amazing voice amazing album sooo groovy!!!
awesome
I’m so grateful this project has finally allowed me to explore music I should have so long ago. I’ve always known about Stevie, but until this project I never really gave him the time of day. Man… such a legend. Literally every single song is exceptional. I could listen to this all day.
Awesome classic!
Awesome listen! Stevie Wonder is a genius!
Stevie Wonder is butter.
Only quibble is that it may be a bit too long but this is an all-time great record.
Classic.
It's a long album. But it's a classic album - I had tried in the past to get into and didn't manage, however I think my palate has changed since and I loved it. Yes it may be a bit camp and kitsch at times - but it's such earnestly and beautifully executed, and such a unique masterpiece that you take it in your stride.
One of my favorite albums. Sir Duke alone earns this double album a 5, to say nothing of I Wish or Isn't She Lovely, but there are so many fabulous songs on here.
I don’t love all songs, but the ones that I do…there are some killers here that make this an amazing album.
Some great tracks, definitely worth listening to again.
Loved it, not what I was expecting
This album is mind boggling. It's got pop, it's got jazz, it's got Stevie's signature R&B, literally what more can you ask for. The records first few tracks feel like the start of a roller coaster, slowly going up the hill and prepping you for the rest. Then, Contusion fucks, simple as that. It's like if prog rock and jazz had a baby. From there leading into Sir Duke and I Wish should be a crime for how it makes me feel. The rest of the first record is just as good, Pastime Paradise is a classic, Summer Soft is beautiful, and Ordinary Pain is a joy to listen to. AND THEN IT KEEPS GOING. As if the first record wasn't good enough, he just does it again. It's almost like he could SEE the LOOK on my face. Anyway, he's totally not blind.
This is one of the best albums of all time.
There are some works of art that are just so perfect that it’s hard to be objective about them. For novels, it’s Anna Karenina, for plays, The Importance of Being Earnest. Songs In The Key Of Life is one of the greatest collections of music ever written performed and recorded. There may be works of art that I personally prefer, quite often because the flaws inherent in them make them seem more human. I prefer The Brothers Karamazov to Anna K. for example. But personal preference is just that, personal, and I don’t think that it’s exaggeration to say that there are very few pieces of art that are objectively better than this album
Incrível. Lindo. Reconheci muitos e muitas músicas que foram sampleadas. Rico pra caramba, cheio de vida.
A masterpiece
As perfect and as eclectic as soul music can get. Stevie’s ear for melody and arrangements are just flawless
Thats it
Simply amazing music and idk what else to add Like telling people that Gangsta's Paradise was not an og track
Long album. Really good though.
fantastic!
Wonderful album. Amazing music, incredible singing, fantastic ideas. You could say it’s slightly too long, as are some songs, which dilutes the impact ever so slightly… but it’s still magnificent (and hey, everything in the ‘70s was a bit overindulgent).
Truly one of the greatest of all time. Stevie Wonder is, and I don't say this lightly, one of the most gifted musicians to have ever lived. More than a generational talent. A centennial talent and then some. Songs in the Key of Life is just one of many masterpieces by Wonder. One of the things that makes this stand out amongst the rest of his work is its lengthy run time. It's rare that a double albums plays through without overstaying its welcome. SitKoL manages to maintain its extremely high quality while spanning three LPs! It's a miracle that over a quick hour and a half I'm still fully engaged and entranced by the funky, lush instrumentation, and Stevie's smooth soulful voice. Maybe it's not as tight as Innervisions or Talking Book, but it doesn't need to be. SinKoL takes up as much space as it needs; its unabashed in its passion. Just a couple days ago this site served me up a Cee-Lo Green album where he constantly talks about soul, and how soulful he is. SitKoL makes me wonder (heh) how such an album could ever occupy the same space as it. I can't imagine anyone listening to both of these albums and thinking the Cee-Lo album is something that must be heard. SitKoL doesn't need to tell you that it's soul, because it IS soul, and you can feel it in every corner. *Heard before.
Listening to this album again made me realize what a genius Stevie Wonder is. 5/5
If we think of an album that can be described as wonderful, the first one that would come to mind would definitely be "Songs in the Key of Life" by Steve Wonder. It was the first time I listened to one of this artist, at first I thought it would be boring because it wasn't one of my favorite genres and its duration was very long, but now I can say, every second of those 1 hour and 45 minutes was worth it. The songs are sweet and happy without becoming silly and innocent, That sweet sound explodes into an incendiary chorus that makes every particle of your body want to shake.