Songs In The Key Of Life

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.

Many legendary tracks :)

6

A powerhouse album only someone at the top of their game could make. R&B, jazz, pop, classical, funk -- it's all over the place, but pretty cohesive. Might not be my favorite Stevie album, but it's a high water mark for music. 4.7

A true classic

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.

An absolute masterpiece and Stevie Wonder’s defining achievement which portrays the fullest range of the human experience.

long as fuck but for a good reason. stevie had a lot to say and he did it with a refined artisty that few artists have had the privilege to achieve in their youth. this album is an all time treasure.

Don't know what else can be said about this album that hasn't been said. Easily one of the best - if not the best album ever made. An album that I go back to all the time, an album that has defined key moments in my life, and an album that brings tears to my eyes every time it plays.

One of the very few exceptions I’ll Make to a long album, this is Stevie’s true masterpiece. It’s just filled to the brim of brilliance. One of the best of all time.

Crazy I never heard this before

I can feel it all over

the goat's best

9/10 - Saturn is an absolute banger. I was feeling the music throughout the whole album and it was so jazzy.

If it weren't for the first few songs this would be an easy 10, like 8.5/10

Truly an amazing album

Incredible to think that this is one of the greatest albums of all time, yet it’s probably Wonder’s weaker album from this period of his career.

Masterpiece

It would be an act of meanness to deduct from this incredibly generous double album for occasional sagginess when it has enough classics to fill half a best of.

Where Stevie does everything. It also has innovative use of synths.

This is an incredible album. It is joyful, soulful, and even angry (at time, in a "Stevie" way). This is an amazing expression of life, love, and strife. This is Stevie's 18th studio album, and may be his best. Some of the songs are now classics, bigger that R&B, or pop, or rock. This is a cultural expression, and may be one of the greatest albums of all time.

I know this is the album everyone is saying “easy 5 stars”…but this is easily 5 stars. Fucking AMAZING front to back! This is the rare double album that I feel doesn’t drag at all, doesn’t have filler, doesn’t feel repetitive, it just bangs. It’s an all-time artist at the top of their game proving their mastery of their craft. This must have been a laborious record to compose. It’s so deep and intricate, but feels so smooth and effortless. The production is godly, the arrangements are lush and full, it’s truly beautiful. What an honor to be able to experience this record. It’s one of those albums that truly makes this list worthwhile. I truly feel my life is a tiny bit more complete having listened through this album in its entirety for the first time, and knowing I’ll be able to revisit it on demand from now on. I wanted to start doing my top tracks again on this one, but there are simply too many to list out. Beautiful record, 105 minutes well spent.

another certified classic

Wow, just fantastic front to back. I really don’t want to stop listening. This is what music is meant to be

Un feu roulant de chansons funky, entraînantes, marquantes, revendicatrices. Un chef-d’œuvre, je crois

Any album with Sir Duke deserves 5 stars. But there are so many great tunes on this album aside from that one. Bonus points for discovering the source material for Coolio's "Gabgster's Paradise"

Don't get me wrong, the wole album is relentlessly strong but when Sir Duke hits it's like getting bodied by a train. Curse Will Smith for planting his lyrics in my head when I hear I Wish. It's a shame Saturn isn't the last song, it's so good and tonally would finish it perfectly. Also All Day Sucker adds nothing to the album.... sorry Stevie. Stevie Wonder is so good. No more notes.

Incredible

Soul music for the soul! I want soul food

Hot damn, what an album. Stevie Wonder is a goddamn national treasure. Hot take: this is a superb album. Hot take 2: other superb things include sex, Cheers, and pizza. Teenage wunderkind turned soul impresario. Nothing to not like here. We are lucky to have Stevie Wonder’s contributions to music and the universe. Cannot say anything objective about this album. It’s perfect.

Gold!

holy shit its long what christians wish their shit sounded like just makes u feel so nice iconic smooth and easy listening

So great. Lots of memorable riffs and emotional songs

1hr and 45mins is very long for an album imo, even if it is as good as Stevie. Great album. "Sir Duke", "I Wish", "Pastime Paradise"??? wtf, I never knew this is where gangsters paradise came from - mind blown.

Such. A. Great. Album. We aren't talking about Stevie Wonder enough. Loved almost every track. Stayed a little long, still easily 5 stars.

Funk, Disco and Pop. One of the greatest albums of all time. I tend not to like albums that are this long, nonetheless it is a smooth listen. I love Stevie's voice, it is very soothing and at the same time it's a super active album, it makes you want to dance. My favorite song will always be "Isn't She Lovely".

Still not fully convinced that he is actually blind.

оказался при втором прослушивании полным под завязку просто потрясающим материалом, звучащим ровно но так разнообразно. это потрясающе похоже все двадцать из двадцати это классика, это шедевр да это потрясающая запись и вторая частьне разочаровала она движовая и певучая это класс

One of the finest albums ever created

Mother Fuckin Stevie Wonder bro. This is his 18th album?!!?! Christ. GGs boys time to go home, homie won the game. 5/5 Village Ghetto Land Sir Duke I Wish Knocks me Off my Feet PastTime Paradise (did you know Gangsta's Paradise wasn't original) Summer Soft Ordinary Pain Isn't She Lovely I kinda lost track after this point but I was vibing the entire time

Best best best😿❤️

The second disc of the album is not as good as the first, but still a solid double album

Classic songs in here. Genius.

Didn't realize Stevie was basically a child star. Took him till his early twenties to find his signature sound, perfectly melding funk, soul, gospel, motown. That style culminated in this flawless gem of a double album. This record is why this project(1001albums) exists. This is for all music lovers to gather and agree that no matter personal preferences, this is the art of music perfected.

I've heard this album before, but damn is this amazing!! The songs I thought were kinda weak beforehand have grown on me so much since the last time I've heard it! Every song here has so much depth and passion. There's so much to uncover here and although it's almost 2 hours long, it never fails to keep my attention. Although I've given 5/5s before this album is perfect or the closest thing to it.

Peak. This album is so unbelievably good. Every song is a banger. Stevie wonder is just built different. Favorite songs: all of them

Love's In Need Of Love Today Sir Duke I Wish Knocks Me Off My Feet Pastime Paradise Isn't She Lovely As Another Star Ebony Eyes

Great album. I came in knowing the big hits like Sir Duke and Isn't She Lovely which are all deserving of their classic status, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed a lot of the deep cuts: - Contusion is an unexpected jazz fusion instrumental that is great. - Pastime Paradise is instantly recognizable as the basis for Gangsta's Paradise, but the song itself is a true standout on this album. - Black Man has a really cool groove. - As is one that I didn't think I knew...until I listened and it was instantly recognizable with another great bass groove. This is a long album with long songs that's never boring, and that has lyrics that are often providing meaningful social commentary. I really enjoyed this album and its definitely Stevie Wonder's masterpiece.

One of my all-time favorite albums. An impressively robust and strong double album, with amazing song after amazing song! What I love about Stevie Wonder is the strength of his lyrics, music, and playing. He is at the top of each field. His music can be fun and bubbly, or dense and political. Harmonically complex without ever sacrificing catchiness. You turn on the album, and even within the first four tracks, you’re treated to a bevy of styles and ideas, all excellent. And that’s before you even reach the hits! Like, there’s not a single song on this album I would cut, and that is exceedingly rare for double albums! It puts to shame other albums to which I gave 5/5 stars. Track Picks: “Sir Duke,” “I Wish,” “Ebony Eyes.”

11/2/23. Masterpiece. Anyone that says otherwise I cannot trust. Still sounds excellent and every track is an 8/10 or higher.

- Absolute banger. - Incredible all around.

Masterpiece

A perfect album. If this were the 10 albums you must listen to, this album would be on it.

I can't believe I haven't heard this album before. I've heard some songs from it before, as they are very popular, but it's unfathomable to me that so many hits spawned from one album. In fact the quality and volume of this album is insane to me. I enjoyed nearly every track on the album. I'm definitely going to listen to some of these songs over and over again, what a powerhouse. Stevie Wonder is an icon.

they need to play this album in all hospital delivery rooms

How did I not know about this album? Perfect road trip vibe album. I had no idea.

It is a masterpiece

Words cannot fully describe the perfection of this album. Each piece is a journey through what music can truly convey in its simplest and complex forms. If this isn't the best album of all time, I don't know what is.

Brani Preferiti: Sarebbe da elencare gran parte dell'album, ma difficile fare a meno di: - "Sir Duke" - "Isn't She Lovely" Note: Come si fa a non apprezzare questo album, ogni canzone è spettacolare e il disco difficilmente perde di qualità durante il suo ascolto. È chiaro quanto questo disco sia ben accolto dal pubblico e diciamo così... è tutto ciò che dicono, ma è anche molto di più di quanto si possa immaginare.

5. God, this album is good. They pulled off a 2 hour album perfectly

the jazz flute

Absolute classic album by ‘Sir’ Stevie Wonder. Full of quite brilliant songs like Sir Duke, As, I Wish and Isn’t She Lovely. My favourite though is Pastime Paradise which Gangsta Paradise was derived from years later. 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This has always been a favorite of mine 😍

Un album d'une qualité exceptionnelle qui saura plaire à tout le monde sauf à eltrapeze. Pour information, si jamais on vous montrait la photographie d'une déchetterie et que l'on vous demandait d'y retrouver eltrapeze, vous en seriez tout bonnement incapables.

Genius. Timeless. Soulful.

Epic!

I remember playing this day after day when it came out, loads of real bangers on the album, difficult to pick best song but Pastime Paradise is my current favourite.

Amazing, complex instrumental composition. Sounds full, sounds like songs in the key of life

10/10

What an album

maybe one of the strongest albums ever, front to back. His 18th! recorded in Sausalito

I love this album and it is a go to for cooking, cleaning, and other household task!

So many amazing songs, and his sound is so iconic and influential.

You're dead inside if this music doesn't make you feel things. And he was twenty-six when this was released. Twenty-fucking-six. What am I even doing with my life.

Although Stevie is one of the greater musicians to have walked the Earth, I have not been a big fan of this style of music for a while now. As a guitar player however I know I’m missing out, and I do learn a lot of the rhythms. This album got me into it again.

So good. One of my all time favorite albums. There are weaker moments here and there, but overall its many strong moments are delightful. A friend of mine used to take a random line or two from Stevie Wonder’s lyrics, print them out without attribution, then anonymously post them around at his job.

Most Stevie albums, particularly in this era are essentially perfect. This album is a sprawling, almost 2 hour epic that is also essentially perfect. I might prefer Innervisions but there’s no denying the quality of this album, an easy 5 stars

Maybe the best album of all time?

Best album till now.

Finally a Stevie album I actually like. Glorious

The easiest 5 star I'll give. Beautiful, inspired, confident, vulnerable, free. This album is a pure gift to music and the world

Greatest stevie wonder album, so positive and incredible

If you don't love Stevie Wonder you don't have a soul. I can't tell if Stevie Wonder is the Bob Ross of music, or Bob Ross is the Stevie Wonder of painting. This man loves making music and music loves being made by him. And I love listening to it.

Awesome music. Way too long. Never finished it. Maybe will have time to later this week. 5/5.

So good. Just next level.

i mean come on

The first disc is absolutely flawless. Sir Duke, Summer Soft, Pastime Paradise, Love's In Need of Love Today its shining jewels. Overall great CD. Its soul, funk and borderline gospel sound flows perfectly and makes me feel at ease. Stevie Wonder is a musical genius. Second disc is also very good. It has a much calmer tone, instead relying on slower tempos for many of its songs. Loved this album! It surely got me interested in everything related to Stevie Wonder.

Exceptional: never would I ever think on first listen an album can shoot straight up to one of my favourite albums of all time, this was a real journey. The lyrics were crafted in the hands of god perfectly and it flowed without resistance at all. An instant classic I would recommend to anyone who cares for a listen. AND HIS 18TH ALBUM?!? This was insane.

First track was an insanely amazing intro, super catchy hook Second track is a nice vibe talking about God. Third track has orchestral parts. They are good. Fourth track funky. insane instrumentation. Chant at the beginning of second half. Fifth track is super vibey. This album is super funky. Stevie Wonder’s vocals are fantastic. Trumpets are fantastic Eight track has a orchestral part at the start of the song, really good. “Ordinary Pain” has a really great synth break. No other comments, all tracks are outstandingly amazing. Love the instrumentation all throughout

Perfect

Essential Tracks: I Wish (Playlist) Sir Duke Pastime Paradise Black Man

I hateeeee long albums. But I can make exceptions like this. Amazing front to back. Stevie never fails!!!

Come on. A double album with this much variety of rock, soul, R&B, jazz, *prog???* ("Contusion"), incredible songwriting, smash hits, amazing production .... This is like cramming 1982 Gretzky, 2023 Ohtani, and 1979 Balboa all into one package. 10/10 5 stars.

Stevie's masterpiece. Straight bussin

Just give me this one every day and we’ll call it quits yeah?

Mixed in with the Helen Reddy, Anne Murray, and Barry Manilow albums in my parent’s record collection were a few gems that made a huge impact on me as a kid. One was box set of Motown hits and another was Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book, from which I would play Superstition over and over. In high school I scored multiple Wonder albums— this one, Innervisions, and Fulfillingness’ First Finale (the ones with similar cover art)— in one lucky purchase. Sadly, I can’t say I’ve listened to this one much since then. It’s 7 a.m. on work day and I’m in the basement with it on now. One of the nice things about this music group is that it’s forcing me to listen to things that have been sitting on my shelf for a long time. Things I’ve wanted to hear again but haven’t made the time for. (Not to say I own every album here. There have already been several I haven’t heard or heard of.) It’s also nice to force myself to write— something I haven’t done regularly for years. This is becoming a music diary. Rambling musings I’m sure no one else wants to read. Anyway, I pulled out my vintage copy— it’s got the 24-page booklet advertised on the front cover; the completist in me is frustrated that it’s missing the bonus 7 inch with the extra tracks. Oh well. Some of these songs are familiar once they come on. Some of them I don’t ever recall hearing. Stevie really runs the gamut of styles on this— funk, r&b, prog, experimental soundscapes. I’d forgotten how good it is.

5/5

En fest

Very good 5/5

First of all, kudos to the generator for guiding me through Stevie Wonder’s classic period in chronological order. SITKOL feels like a summation of the albums that came before, only bigger and more ambitious. Inevitability, then, some of the same flaws are present (namely overly schmaltzy numbers like Knocks Me Off My Feet, and long, repetitive funk sections). But there’s some kind of voodoo going on here because even these tracks - which would usually be a big turn-off for me - grew on me after a few listens. Many of the tracks go on for ages, repeating the same few chords, but somehow I was ok with that. I’m guessing this is down to the sheer ambition/grandiosity of the thing - even the schmaltzy love songs became *epic* schmaltzy love songs. As with his previous albums, my favourite bits are often the squelchy, downright filthy sounding tunes, and those that employ less traditional sounds, like the superb All Day Sucker and, improbably, Have A Talk With God. Then there’s Sir Duke, which is my favourite Stevie song and absolutely joyous. I guess it’s this joie de vivre (plus ridiculous musicianship, obvs) that’s at the root of his appeal in general. I wouldn’t have scored this so highly earlier in the process, and I definitely wouldn’t have scored it so highly after the first listen. But my scoring system, my levels of perseverance, and, dare I say it, my tastes, have changed since then. Some ‘classic’ albums baffle me as to why they’re so revered, but I definitely understand the hype with this one. 4.5

One of may all time favorites

Incredible music, incredible lyric writing, incredible playing and incorporating sounds. Stevie Wonder should be considered by me more in the greatest artist of all time conversation.

One of the greatest albums ever created. 5/5.

Album of the week, and it's not even close.

It's amazing how many iconic songs are on this album, but I was equally amazed at how many incredible songs are on here that I'd never heard. It truly is the taqueria from the review matt shared the other day! What really blew me away on this album is how much work Stevie Wonder put into this. There's only 4 other people who get writing credit on this, besides that SW wrote, composed, and arranged the entirety of this monolith. I'm glad they gave us this on a friday. It took way more than a day to digest this one.

This is what I was waiting for all week! So many hits on this album but as a whole this thing is pure gold.

Not much to say other than this is quite possibly a Top 10 album of all time. Great stuff!

So many great songs

It really doesn't get much better than this.

first time listening have heard sir duke isn’t she lovely

Some people claim that you can recognize some 5-star albums already in the first couple of minutes. For this album, I completely agree, a great record in every aspect. Overall score:10/10

A few seconds in and you already know this is going to be a five star album.

Brilliant and far-stretching: basically everything is great about this record but on this occasion I particularly valued the infinite jam on Another Star.

It was kinda good no lie. The album was full of variety. Although I won't necessarily add all the songs to my list, some of them stood out to me. I didn't even know Pastime Paradise was that song I always hear around haha. Stevie Wonder is a legend so I guess this is why.

It’s considered one of the best of all time for a reason

Double album....always tricky. 18th album by SW. Run out of ideas? Utterly brilliant. Inventive, tunes, production, politics, voice. Genius. Have a 5.

Nice to hear again. Still sounds so current! Brings back childhood memories Didn't realise that pastime paradise was remixed into gangsta paradise.

Inmenso. Aquí hay mucho más que las colecciones de grandes éxitos dejan ver a los iniciados

👑

This album is a true 5 out of 5, 10 out of 10, no notes. I have always enjoyed Stevie Wonder and his voice, he has so many good songs but I was not prepared for this album to be so amazing. The instruments used throughout the whole album are so vibrant and unique the harmonica is so essential to these songs and this sound and maybe it's an overall underrated instrument in music in general. I think that's one takeaway listening to this. This is the blueprint for so many albums to come, I feel like it's specifically a blueprint for the miseducation of Lauryn Hill based on the array of topics covered in this album. It's talking on so many important and pivotal events and subjects in life, from love to birth to racial equality to dream like traits in life, the title is so aptly given to this. It deserved all it's praise and more than I can give. My favorites that I can remember are I wish, Ordinary Pain, Isn't She Lovely, As, and Another Star. This took me 2 days to finish because it was so long but it was so great. This kind makes some other 5s I've given out look like 3s now.

Wow, this one was long, but still great. Some of the songs were pretty long, but still very enjoyable. I was worried the length would bog the album down, but it really didn't. I don't there's much here that I can say that I didn't say in my other two reviews. Only one Stevie Wonder album left for me on here! I'm excited for that. My favourite songs were Sir Duke, Pastime Paradise, and Ngiculela - Es una historia - I Am Singing.

Stevie wonders a musical genius

So so good yes Gowan ther Stevie pal

Favourite tracks: have a talk with god; contusion; sir duke; I wish; knocks me off my feet; pastime paradise; ordinary pain; isn't she lovely; black man; as

One of the best soul albums of all time, great melody and song writing. On top of that the intricacy of Stevie’s piano playing makes the songs interesting for the listener and challenges your ear to not just listen but understand

Some filler but mostly killer songs in this stellar set. Hugely influential and full of joy.

Absolute classic. Pacing of the album is perfect, love the hits, and have a couple new favorites to add to my playlist.

This album is perfection musically, solid recording and great in every detail!

Looking at the length I was expecting some boring parts but there were none. Every song is musically great and exciting. "As" has to be one of the greatest love songs ever written. It's a bit lengthy for a full active listen but I guess an album that could be split up into two 5 star albums deserves a 5 star rating!

It's Stevie at his finest. How many samples came from this one album?

Man, in 1971, Stevie Wonder released Where I'm Coming From and didn't really let up until 1980's Hotter Than July. That's a full decade of once in a lifetime level albums. This is pretty much the apex of it all. A remarkable run from a remarkable musician.

A remarkable album. Possibly the best ever?

I hate to admit that I was really unhappy to see that this album was an hour and 45 minutes long, and that the first 7-minute track didn't pull me in. Mind you, I've had a lot of music to catch up on, and not being familiar with this album, I didn't know what was coming up. Then it started blowing me away. This is a pretty incredible album with incredible songs, all the way through, with well known favorites and happy discoveries.

As if I could rate this one any other way...

I've had this one in my library for a while but there's a lot here, so I'm always appreciating new things. This is a good one.

How can you be so creative to make 17 albums then create a double album with nearly 2 hours of incredible, beautiful, meaningful songs?! You be Stevie Wonder, that’s how! An extraordinary album!

Legendary. Feel blessed to have seen him live in the action

Album 91 of 1001 Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life Rating : 5 / 5 Favorite Tracks : Wish / Sir Duke Not much I can add about this one that hasn't already been said. It has been a classic for a long time and has been honored with about any praise I could possibly come up with. A great listen. Great tunes. Great performance. It has an overall feel that is a constant throughout.

Wowowow, extraordinaire du début à la fin, du bon soul/funk boosté au stéroïde en prenant le meilleur des genres qui l'influence.

Yes Please! 5

I feel blasphemous admitting that this isn't my favourite Stevie Wonder album. But I can still say that this is an absolute masterpiece. It feels so cohesive, despite covering several genres and topics over the course of its 105-minute runtime. This is often seen as the end of Stevie's incredible mid '70s run, in which he delivered four or five near-perfect records back to back. But what a way to go out!

This. Is. A. Stonecold. Classic. This album has a grip on me almost like no other. It is so influential in the funk, soul and r&b department. But I feel the first half is the stronger one, with almost all perfect songs. The second one feels a bit more lacklustre, but still, even solid Stevie is better than anything else out there! 9 out of 10

Omg this rules

I often used to discuss new bands and albums with a good friend of mine and he often replied with it's ok but either Stevie Wonder or Steely Dan had done that only much better. This album is full of great tracks, ok Isn't She Lovely is a bit cheesy, but that is far outweighed by Sir Duke and Contusion. This is an album you should definitely listen to

There really isn't anything I can say that has not already been said. Plenty of other reviews have more eloquent, more interesting things to say. Read them, or better yet, listen to this album and decide for yourself.

Stevie is crazy man. Legendary album for good reason. Absolutely on the shortlist of albums you have to hear

På rätt dag är det mycket lätt att tro att det här är den bästa skivan som någonsin gjorts.

It’s Stevie whats not to enjoy?

Bloody masterpiece

Those horns in 'Sir Duke' always get me. I've listened to this album start to finish several times. I don't think it's a perfect album, but it's really good. On the verge of being 4 stars for me, but the songs I like are so good that I have to give it 5 stars.

Wonderful! Sir Duke might be the perfect song. Every song on here is a toe-tapper. Stevie at the height of his power.

I mean this is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. Stevie at his best. So many different styles, so many different themes in the lyrics and yet everything flows. Tremendous album. would give 6 stars if I could

4.5+/5

A real gem! A great album. 5/5

Obvious 5

Stone cold classic 5/5

Really nice, didnt know it at all!

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

Absolute banger

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

OUTSTANDING classic

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

Groovy, funky, amazing

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

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

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

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

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

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

💎

Elite

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

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

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

all bangers

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

Work of art

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

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

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

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

phenomenal

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

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

Pure class

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

listened to again one of the greatest albums of all time

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

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

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

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

Wonderful album with far reaching influence

Wonderful album

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

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

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

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

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

Wonderful!

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

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

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

so sick

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

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

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

Best album ever ❤️

Really good! Enjoyed the whole album front to back!

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

Love Needs Love Today

Wonderful, but quite a long album!

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

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

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

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

An absolute marvel

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

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

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

New to me. Love it.

Only bangers

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

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

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

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

Top Album durch und durch

Classic

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

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

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

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

Probably my favourite album of all time