Songs In The Key Of Life

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 influence 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!

This is a really awesome album. So many cool instruments, lots of cool blues harmonica, saxaphone, brass, great keys. The sound is really full. This is not music that was played in my house growing up and as my music tastes evolved, I didn't listen to a lot of R&B. So when I listen to this type of R&B, it always sounds a bit foreign. It's probably how some listeners feel when they hear John Prine, his voice, the style is objectionally great, but it sounds a bit foreign. Which is a shame, because this is truly great American music. I have put in the work and effort to listen to more Stevie Wonder over the past 2 years, and so I am familiar with this record. This one does feel a bit more "poppy," than Inversions (which I think I like more.) However, I really love the social and civil rights focus of the lyrics. For as fun and playful as this record sounds, its has some heavy undertones. The thing that I notice the most though, is just how much fun Stevie and the band are having with each song. He's just bringing the heat with every song. They're mixing instruments, sounds, vocals, even like full on choirs at some points. There is a lot going on, but it never feels overwhelming. This is a great record that I need to spend more time with.

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.

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.