Songs In The Key Of Life

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

Although I’ll probably always turn first to Inner Visions or Talking Book for my classic Stevie fix, good god there are some classic bangers on this wildly ambitious, genre-spanning album. Right from the off, and right to the end. As a double album its always going to be accused of being a bit bloated and filler, and well, there is some. I can live without Contusion, a technically fantastic freakout that feels oddly out of place here on an album ostensibly made up of many of the most popular songs of Stevie's ridiculously high quality canon, With Contusion I forget I’m not listening to Magma or something. So, when I say I can live without it, I just kind of want to have the Stevie freakout album separate. The only songs that aren't completely five star smashed out of the park are maybe Ordinary Pain, and If Its Magic. But this is followed by two of the greatest circa-8 minute songs ever made, As and Another Star, neither of which feel a fraction of their length. I don't think I've ever heard the EP before, but Saturn and All Day Sucker are up to this standard, the other two I can take or leave. I’m splitting hairs because the vast majority is killer and this is obviously getting five stars.

SOOOO SO SO COOL очень атмосферное очень круто очень понравилось, да очень много "очень"

5/5 - Phenomenal

Heel divers. Topper

The keyboards on this record sound great and Stevie's distinctive voice does as well. Top-tier songcraft is supported by lush arrangements that keep revealing more complexity after repeated listens.

5/5. Hard to not like this album. A perfect one front to back. No other notes needed.

Stevie Wonder är ändå smått otrolig

Stevie Wonder is one of music's true geniuses, and possibly my favourite singer ever. This isn't my favourite album of his, that's Innervisions, but impossible to give this less than 5. A true visionary. Pun intended.

I am shocked at how much I enjoy this album. It is an absolute tour de force that I had no idea was so good. Every bit the equal of What's Going On or Stevie's own Innervisions. And epic in scope and variety, almost 2 hours of music that sparkles throughout, with its varying styles and moods. Many of the songs clock in at 6 or 7 minutes, but somehow never wear out their welcome. Disc 1 has more hits but it also has some beautifully arranged lesser known songs that are uniformly beautiful. Side 2 starts off with Isn't She Lovely which I had previously considered just radio shmaltz but it is in reality one of the most beautiful love songs from a father to his child that I know of. There is just not much to criticize in this epic album. 5 stars

The opener is a gospel tinged ballad which belies what's coming, while it drifts along the rest of the double album pretty much explodes, with some exceptions. But then this is a massive double, as only the 70's could deliver (other than The 60's contribution the incomparable White Album) and he uses this broad canvas to traverse so many genres it is astonishing in its scope and scale. Have a Talk is psychedelic, Village Ghetto pure glissando, Confusion sounds like Stanley Clarke's template for School Days, then the first two smash hits. The bassline on I Wish, nothing needs to be said, and while Sir Duke is great and a lot of fun I do think it unleashed Harry Connick jnr, Michael Buble et al, but hey whatareyouguunado...It's great to go back to Pastime Paradise unsullied by Coolio, what a sound! Summer Soft is simply beautiful and would probably garner more attention on another album, ditto Ordinary Pain. Isn't She Lovely, while a little on the American mawkish side (they can't help themselves) is funky as fuck, would have made a cracking Stevie instrumental. That said, smartarse, I bet we all can't get it out of heads...then he hits us with the exquisite If It's Magic, the best bit of pop music harp since She's Leaving Home. Blimey, still six tracks to go...As....I don't have the words to properly express how much that melody moves me...who is this guy! Look enough, this is what we listen to pop music for, the sum of the whole is greater than the parts, Allah Akbar...wallah this record could have this happy atheist convert to Islam as it and the Fabs are evidence of a possible deity...but then I'm reminded of David Gray so there you go..

Let’s get one thing straight - Innervisions is definitely Stevie’s finest album. It’s been decades since I’ve played Songs In The Key Of Life from go to whoa ( I remember one review at the time of its release with the headline Songs In The Key Of Money, referring to the record deal he’d just signed with Motown). The thing about Stevie was that as far back as the late 60’s, he could write songs that my parents generation would love (people born in the 1920’s) - think My Cherie Amour, Yester-Me etc. This side of his huge talent peaked with For Once In My Life. Between 1973 & 1975 I worked weekends in an RSL club to support myself through Uni. I could not count the number of 3rd-rate tenors I saw sing that song in the club auditorium. I’ve always thought that there was too much of that material on this album - Sir Duke, Isn’t She Lovely (glad I’d moved on from the RSL in time to avoid endless interpretations of that), If It’s Magic etc. I was wrong. Unlike a lot of bloated double albums, there’s gold on this one. I’d forgotten how good Joy Inside My Tears, Black Man, I Wish, If It’s Magic & Pastime Paradise were. There’s funk here that I’d forgotten about. The only filler is the 4-track 7” EP included in the package - it didn’t need one. A great record.

Stevie Wonder at the height of his imperial period. a double album, plus bonus EP, will always raise the question of whether some judicious editing might have strengthened the overall album experience somewhat, but it is really hard to fault this record. Stevie won his 3rd best album Grammy in 4 years with this, and it is probably the peak of his career. there's a some good material on Hotter Than July, but it is hard to think that any of his other albums after this are really worth a listen. (To quote Barry in High Fidelity "Rob, top five musical crimes perpetuated by Stevie Wonder in the '80s and '90s. Go. Sub-question: is it in fact unfair to criticize a formerly great artist for his latter day sins, is it better to burn out or fade away?") But those are quibbles for another day. I prefer the funkier, more upbeat material on this record to the ballads, which tend towards to overly sentimental. But the playing and production are exquisite, and I would listen to Stevie Wonder sign the phone book. Stevie Wonder is one of the all time great singer/songwriter/musicians/producers/harmonica players, and this is his master work. Did he really know where to go from here? Do any of us?

Almost every Double Album has a few skips, some filler shit that only exist because the artist needed enough material to fill up two entire albums. This might be the exception, the rare Double Album where every track is essential. There's an argument to be made that anyone could take their 12 favorite songs from this album and sequence them as one single album, and that album could stand as one of the best ever. But cutting anything almost seems sacrilege, and it's one of the best albums ever as it is. We don't appreciate Stevie Wonder enough, especially his insane run of masterpieces through the 1970's. I still get a kick thinking about Stevie Wonder fooling the world by pretending to be blind. If there's anyone who could pull something like that off, it's the mastermind who painted this canvas. Even if this isn't your favorite Stevie Wonder album, there's no denying it's his Magnum Opus.

Sir Duke was my first real introduction to Stevie Wonder (minus superstition) in high school but I had never listened to this album before. In a 100-minute album, I never got tired of any of the music or felt that it was overlong. It was great from start to finish and joy inside my tears was awesome too

Wii Sports music + Gangsters paradise sample

Masterfully blended. Great album from college days

too many bangers to list

Copado y chill. No sabia que Pastime Paradise era de este cantente/album xd

sisisi :)

Absolutely fantastic.

One of the best of all time

Sometimes a relisten is worth, 3hr meeting at work, decent vibe, let’s try to read again

Una maravilla de disco. La primera la había escuchado en cover de Charly García. La segunda es psicodélica La tercera es un synth de maravilla!

I normally think double and triple albums are ridiculously self-indulgent. This is one of the rare exceptions! All killer, No filler.

Definitely a masterpiece. Words can't state how much I love this album right now, it is so consistent for an album this length, has so many of Stevie's best songs, and still sounds remarkably polished all the way through. What else can I really say except it's obviously a phenomenal album. An essential record

What's not to like about this one?

‘72-‘76 was an incredible run.

If you know, you know.

Probably the best album of all time.

Full of fantastic feel-good songs. Really enjoyed listening to this album.

I've been waiting for this album to pop up and am very pleased it happened so early! There is no question that this album is 5/5 and I'm sure I won't say anything that hasn't been said about it before. Sir Duke is 1 of the best songs ever. It sounds as fresh today as I'm sure it did when it was released. Love's In Need Of Love is a great way to start, a sign of things to come. Stevie's voice is at his best in Village Ghetto Land and accentuated with the strings arrangement. Sir Duke into I Wish is so phenomenal, probably the best 2 song set ever recorded! Only to be followed by Knocks Me Off My Feet! Those 3 songs by themselves is enough to garner 5/5! And then the album keeps going!! Pastime Paradise is strong and of course was famously sampled by Coolio (RIP). Isn't She Lovely is another example of musical perfection. If It's Magic is another great vessel for Stevie's voice and it's simplicity is a nice contrast between more complex arrangements and leads perfectly to As! This is the back end anchor of the album leading to Another Star which is another example of the albums musical diversity. Saturn is definitely underrated and Ebony Eyes is infectiously catchy. While I don't love every song on the album, there are so many good ones that after finishing I went ahead and listened a second time. This really is 1 of the best albums of all time and I say that even though it is not my preferred genre. The complexity of the arrangements, diversity of instruments and musical styles, and Stevie's tremendous vocals continue to hold up even a half century later!!

The only bad thing about this album is how long it is. Too long a runtime for today’s ears. However, it would be impossible to remove any specific song because they are all of such high quality. The production is one of a kind, his vocal performance, his unique melodies, his hands on all the different sounds. Definitely his mangum opus and a benchmark for music making. This is my second listen and I can see now contemporary artists like Frank Ocean and Kanye West through his impact.

Great piece of music! I'm humiliated for someday being afraid or disliking Stevie Wonder songs. This is a very diverse album with many music styles and fun music.

Ég gæti skrifað ritgerð um þessa plötu. Stutta útgáfan: Hún er æði! Stevie er æði! Knocks me off my feet er fallegasta ástarlag allra tíma! Don't @ me.

Masterpiece! 1 hour and 45 minutes of pure class. Everything in this album is amazing, his voice, the production, the lyrics. I was already a small fan of his work but never took the time for the full album. It is hard to pick favourite songs, there are many worth mentioning but I will pick 3. Favourite songs: - Sir Duke - Isn’t she lovely - As

Beautiful album. Can't think of a thing wrong with it. 5/5

I'm listening to this record whilst sitting on a busy road, out in the pissing rain. I've been here all night. I like to creep out at midnight and shag cars up their exhaust pipes. Today, my dick swelled so much that it is stuck and I've had to wait for the fire brigade to come and release me. The humiliation intensifies my pleasure.

If it's good enough for Coolio and Big Willie Style, it's good enough for me. Absolute masterpiece. Well in Stevie lad.

a vibe

Stevie Wonder is an artist I've heard about many times, but until now never really listened. However, his reputation as a pop music pioneer is well-deserved, and the things he was doing on this 1976 album with elements such as synthesisers is really impressive. I can totally see the influence that his work must have had on the music of today, and this album was just a treat to listen to. Favourite: Sir Duke

I mean I've listened to this album many times, it's one of my favorite. My father introduced Stevie to me, and I've loved it ever since. It's catchy, heartwarming, easy to listen, memorable lines & melody. It's a great introduction to soul music. It's a classic album for sure.

1st September 2022 Listened throughout the day while working from home. Chilled and picked Jen up from the airport in the evening. This is amazing, it’s such a rainbow of an album. Feels like it tells the story of the black experience, but a true life story full of colour and joy as well as depth and sadness.

Brilliant album from start to finish.

I was really looking forward to listening to this album. Started slower than I expected, I’m used to big strong songs opening an album. Tons of hits that I recognized. Some of the tunes were longer than I expected with more extended jams than are typical these days. The fusion tunes were a surprise. The variety of styles was a surprise as well. I look forward to exploring more SW in the future.

Very good

This was my first time listening to this album, but I knew all the songs.

Album of the century. Banger after banger after banger.

Sometimes I give an album five stars just because I love it. Sometimes it's because it's such a high quality piece of musical art. Sometimes it's because of its historical importance or because it's the best, most representative work by a bonafide musical genius. "Songs In The Key Of Life" is all of these things. It might be the best album I've gotten so far, it might even best album of all time.

I don't think I need to explain much here about this album. It's an absolute influential masterpiece in world music history and Stevie Wonder's Magnum Opus, Even though it's already his 18th(!) album, this has him playing, singing and writing at the peak of his creativity. Before it all crumbles apart and we go into the 80's. Absolutely packed with masterpieces like Sir Duke, I Wish, Pastime Paradise and If It's Magic.

Stevie is such a freak - fantastic.

One of the most ambitious and heartfelt artistic statements ever recorded. It covers so much emotional ground it's staggering. After 17 studio albums, this is Stevie's creative supernova before he became a neutron star.

Everything about this album. The instrumentation, the emotion, the singing, everything. This album is perfect. I can see myself listening to this album in every situation in my life, on a walk, working, etc. I think this is a TEXTBOOK 10/10 album. I think this is the best album we've had so far in this, right beside Ágætis Byrjun. EASY 10/10

Epic

A jam from front to back. Forgot how many samples came from this record. "Pastime Paradise" = Gangsta's paradise. Every song had me nodding my head. Stevie is a goat

Ubicaba cosas sueltas de Stevie Wonder, pero no tenía ni las más remota idea de lo prolífico y exitoso que fue. Este disco es una muestra de ello. Un disco con 21 rolas y más de 100 minutos de buena música, muy variada y muy bien hecha. Obviamente destacan las muy conocidas: Sir Duke y Isn’t She Lovely, pero también hay otras joyas como Black Man y Ebony Eyes. Sorpresa extra con Pastime Paradise y aprender que existe un muy famoso cover.

What an outstanding album. I’d never listened to it the whole way though and it’s beautiful, uplifting, wonderful.

I almost convinced myself this isn't a 5/5 because it's too long but nah, fuck that. This is 104 minutes of straight up good vibes. That might be an intimidating length, but once you get into the zone, it'll be the shortest 104 minutes of your life. Stevie's the man.

Love it!

Wow! What an album! Too long, but too good

LOLZ. Like you need to ask.

I loved this album so much, this has really got me into listening to a lotta stevie wonder.

Brilliant album. Not listened before but loved it.

Damn this was a great listen. I forget just how many great songs are in his collection, many of them on this album

Prefs: Love's In Need Of Love Today, Have a Talk With God, Village Ghetto Land, Confusion, Sir Duke, I Wish, Pastime Paradise, Summer Soft, Ordinary Pain, Isn't She Lovely, Black Man, Ngiculela – Es Una Historia – I Am Singing, As, Another Star, Saturn Moins pref: Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call)

Never heard this one before. Incredibly solid.

Legendarisk album - harmonisk, vanvittig vokal, originalt

I'm not generally a fan of double albums because they start to feel tedious and I don't always have 2 hours of uninterrupted listening time to fully appreciate them. But goddamn, Stevie provides ample variety tonally, musically, sonically, and lyrically throughout that the hour and forty-five minute runtime never gets stale. I think almost every single song on this album has been sampled, imitated, or borrowed from in some way, it's just such a massive supernova of influence! Conceptually, you think "life" is a very broad topic, but damn if Stevie doesn't find a way to hit on every universally relatable facet of it in these songs. Everything about this album works, it is an immaculate listening experience and an absolute tour de force from one of the all-time greatest musicians to ever live.

This album is pretty close to being perfect, and is a strong contender for best double album ever. It radiates beauty in a way you wish all music could do. Even in its most serious moments, Songs in the Key of Life has a brightness and a warmth that is incredibly engaging. The album showcases Stevie Wonder's unique musical gifts and musical point of view with such depth, but always with an ear toward what is entertaining. The songs are gorgeously crafted, joyful, confident, heartfelt, soulful and affirming. And oh yeah, the album is simply great fun. I absolutely love it. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): As, I Wish, Sir Duke, Isn't She Lovely, Love's in Need of Love Today, Another Star, Black Man, Joy Inside My Tears, Ordinary Pain, Knocks Me Off My Feet, All Day Sucker, Pastime Paradise, Saturn, Summer Soft, If It's Magic, Village Ghetto Land, Ngiculela – Es Una Historia – I Am Singing, Ebony Eyes, Contusion, Have a Talk With God, Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call)

maybe the greatest album ever made

I put this in the realm of some of the best albums of all time.

Just wonder!

THIS IS MY FAVORITE ALBUM OF ALL TIME AND IT WILL ALWAYS BE!!! Legitimately the best album EVER RECORDED in the history of Western music!!!! I would give it 100 stars if I could.

For being 1 hour 45 minutes it was never bored. Really liked if it’s magic

There's just too much to love on this album to give it a lower rating

classic

delícia de ouvir. nem tão funky como algumas músicas do stevie, mas menos baladinha do que a fase 80s dele. amei conhecer e quero absorver tudo desse álbum

I don't really know why but I usually find Stevie Wonder's albums to be long, even when they are not, so when I found myself in front of his double (and highly praised) album I felt a bit overwhelmed before even embarking on the journey. But what a journey this was! Yes, it's long, but it's thoroughly consistent and varied at the same time.  Village Ghetto Land with its string arrangement is a nice change in pace. As Confusion came up, I had to check my player, as I thought it had switched me to a 70s prog band. I already knew Pastime Paradise as it was sampled somewhere. Ordinary Pain is plain funk with female vocals and it also comes out of nowhere as if it were played from another artist, another album. I also knew Isn't She Lovely, probably a radio staple? He's kind of cute singing in Spanish, but please don't let him do that again! No Spanish to be reported on As but pretty much Latin rhythm with gospel-like choruses, while Another Star has an eye on Rio.  Final verdict, an absolute classic, in spite of its length. It feels at times like a various artists compilation. Very few songs feel like filler and it was less tiring than expected. 

Amazing

Amazing album. Loved it growing up, and it’s still just as great today as it was upon first listen.

My second Stevie Wonder album in this exercise and what is considered his masterpiece. I'd have to agree: what an achievement! This is a big, double album; it is a sprawling in the best sense covering a lot of ground, musically and lyrically. Just look at Side A: "Love's in Need of Love Today" - a very soft, soulful song with Stevie longing for more love in the world, "Have a Talk with God" - complex keyboards and noises and more spiritual by having a talk with God about problems, "Village Ghetto Lord" - more serious song about the crime, poverty, starvation with a majestic symphonic background, "Contusion" - mostly instrumental and a 70's jazzy-guitar and prog-rock feel and finally, "Sir Duke"- a joyous homage to Duke Ellington and one of my all-time favorite songs. And now, we still have three more sides of music. The rest of the album does not slow down in variety, originality and excellence. So many highlights: the grooves of "I Wish" and "Isn't She Lovely", the soul of "As" and the majesty and uplifting of "Another Star." Some may crtique the excess with the album and some song lengths. A number of songs do clock in at the six to eight-minute length. It did not bother me too much. This album is rightfully considered one of the best albums of all time and also included into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its culturally, historically and aesthetically significance.

Good album. Some big hits

Wonderful album and probably Stevie wonders most complete. Between the Melodies and great songwriting this album is an R&B classic. Almost half of the album is full of classic songs. This is a must listen and relisten all the time. 8.9/10

Vinyle

Absolutely loved this album. It's so funky. Stevie Wonder is obviously a legend but I had never sat down and listened to an album of his all the way through, and I'm really glad that I did. There are some obvious favorites like Sir Duke and Isn't she lovely, but some of the lesser known songs on the album like I Wish, Ordinary Pain, Another Star, and All Day Sucker are real gems as well.

5. It's a 5. The album is a 5. Everybody knows it's a 5 even if they're too afraid to give it a 5. I've listened to this album before and I remember when I first saw it in my parent's album collection. I thought it would be okay, I mean it's Stevie Wonder after all, but I never expected (before I listened to it) that it would be so impactful, creative, and masterful. It was album of the year, it's his bestselling album, and it's a 5. 'Love's In Need Of Love Today' as an appetizer, moving into 'Have a Talk With God,' just, how can you listen to those two opening songs and not fall in love with this album. And then it hits you over the head with 'I Wish' and 'Pastime Paradise.' And that's just the first half. Incredible. 5/5. It's just a 5. Get over it.

FIVE STARS An all-time classic As is usually the case with those five-stars albums, I won't write a full-blown review about this particular record, because others have already written wonderful stuff about it and there's not much I can add that I feel could be relevant and interesting. It's just a gem. Go and listen to it a.s.a.p. Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 951 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 23 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 12 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important to me): 15

One of the best albums, period

I have loved this album for years. Between talking Book and this album I don't think Stevie could have really done anything poorly in the 70s.

4.6 - what an epic opus of an album. It’s hard to put out nearly two hours of music without filler, but Wonder did it here. Was filled with songs I know themselves, songs I knew through later samples and songs I was unfamiliar with, but utterly amazed by. “Black Man” was my favorite new discovery off the album. Will be coming back.

Fantastic album. Imagine my surprise when I noticed it was a double!

An absolute classic. SW at his peak.

Prachtig album, dit verdient wel 5 sterren

This album is one of my all time favourites. Great and catchy songs from start to finish. I think I have a slight preference for Volume 2, especially because some of the tracks on Volume 1 are just slightly too long sometimes. Nevertheless, both are great.

So many hits on this (admittedly long, though never boring) album. Consistently excellent. The only songs I might skip on occasion are Village Ghetto Land and Ngiculela, but that's probably just because I suck rather than the songs, ya know? I also hate the baby crying on Isn't She Lovely. Yes, I know the story behind it and yes, I still hate it. Other than that, though, it's *chef's kiss*.

This was an impressive effort. I really think it is one that would have been improved by making it shorter but even the songs I didn't like as much were still 3+ or 4+ songs. I'd listen to this any place any time. Some of the social commentary was a little too heavy-handed for my taste but usually the groove made up for it. 4.6 stars

Album de la vida

Nothing new to say. Genius from front to back. Classic status for a good reason

One of the things I really liked about this album was how every song was different from the previous song. I have only seen that happen once before (Faith No More's King For A Day, Fool For A Lifetime). Sir Duke... I played this song when I was in the Marching Ravens, what a great piece, but that brass part is a bear. Pastime Paradise... did not know that that was where Gangsta's Paradise came from. Shows you what I know. Easy Goin' Evenin' - Loved the harmonica on this I was surprised at how much there were a few songs that sounded like things were sampled, but it was 76 so I know that that wasn't the case. Great album, listened to it a few times and that doesn't happen too much for these.

Dang. They don't make 'em like Stevie Wonder anymore do they? I've always been a "radio" fan of his - love his music and profess to be a fan but I don't own any albums and mostly listen to him when he's on the radio. And really that was when I was a kid/teen. I do have a group of friends where we'll put on some Stevie when we get together but really, I think this was the first time I listened to an entire album of his on my own. And what an album! 2 discs, 4 sides, and a bonus side - it almost doesn't even matter what the second disc sounds like after the first one. The legacy of this album is clear in how many of these songs have been sampled. He brings so much variety - soft, subtle arrangements on some songs (Knocks Me off My Feet, Summer Soft, Joy Inside My Tears), funk or upbeat tempos on others (Sir Duke, I Wish, Ordinary Pain), and still something in the middle on others via funky/upbeat tempo but softer content (Have a Talk With God, Isn't She Lovely, As). Some songs that I didn't remember but thought were awesome were Love's In Need of Love Today (beautiful), Contusion (a funk odyssey), Black Man (powerful), If It's Magic (also beautiful). He pours his heart and soul into every minute; while he sometimes reminds us of our shortcomings he also often reminds us of what is good in this world. Could use some more of that these days. A nearly 2hr masterpiece.

Pastime Paradise --> Gangsta's Paradise --> Amish Paradise = evolution, fool. Just kidding. This album is longer than it needs to be but there are lots of great moments. Favorite tracks: Sir Duke and I Wish are a one-two punch of coolness. Ordinary Pain - I dig the "response" section. Isn't She Lovely? is a beautiful song but I could do without the crying baby (even if it's about his first daughter). "As" is one of my favorites on the album - no idea why he didn't just title it "Always." Least Favorite - Saturn - um, yeah, those lyrics are pretty bad. Technically this was on a "bonus" disk, so maybe it doesn't count. I'd call this album a 4.5 and I'll round it to a generous 5, because I've been listening to and enjoying it for days.

- I like Stevie Wonder a lot, so that's easy. - I listened to "I Wish" a lot with another arrangement, but I do not remember where. - "Pastime Paradise" is another song that I think has been sampled/remixed a lot. - "Isn't she lovely" is a great classic and it needs no comments. - The second half of the album is weaker and slower.

A Five Stars album from this soul master ...

5 O álbum é bem longo, mas é ótimo! Conhecia o básico de Stevie Wonder e nunca tinha ouvido um álbum completo dele. Favoritei várias das músicas no Spotify, são elas: Village Ghetto Land Sommer soft All day sucker Have a talk with God Another star

Muito gostosinho

That's a lot of Wonder.

What an extraordinary piece of work, the sort of album that inspires other artists to reach for higher ground themselves.

An easy 5. Thought that this album would end up getting tired by the end but... loved it all. All day sucker, second last song, was one of my favorites! Loved the bass line

One of the best to ever do it. His voice is like butter for my eardrums.

hsninsiusns

Loved it

A classic

Una de les obres mestra dels '70 i un home en plena eclosió de creativitat i inspiració. Més enllà dels seus temes més destacats, tot el disc, gairebé hora i mitja, mereix un monument a la música millor entesa, sentida, i expressada

Full of classics.

Great album love soul and funk

that was a REALLY good album, 10/10 it was a bit of a shock to find out that Gangstas Paradise was actually a cover tho

מדהים. כל מילה מיותרת. יצירת מופת

Classic 4, slaps. Actually probably a 5 this is great

Stevie is one of the greatest of all time. I Wish I’d have got this album over the weekend to really do it justice and listen to every song properly - some dark moments in there - families eating dog food to survive. Even the double album with the bonus 7” doesn’t out stay it’s welcome. I’m probably going to listen to this again today.

Great Album! Sir Duke is one of the most uplifting, fun songs out there

genial

Really good.

Stonking

D kanon!!! Lite biased för pappa spelade det mkt när jag va liten. Alla låtar är inte hits men de bra väger upp för det och overall vibe 10/10

Ett klockrent album rakt igenom, finns ingen låt av de 21st inkluderade som inte drar sin del i detta toppenalbum. Det skulle verkligen kunna vara ett samlingsalbum a'la 'greatest hits' för ett banbrytande band med massa album under bältet. Men att Stevie bara skiter ut banger efter banger på vad som ser ut att vara hans 17:e album utan den minsta antydan på att ens skrapa på ytan av sin inspiration är beundransvärt. Kvaliteten på albumet matchar låtarna i att vara absolut toppklass. Där ljudet omfamnar huvudet mjukt med bra separation, och där kören och blåset bl.a har häftig dynamisk steriomix som får ljudet att 'pop' på ett sätt som annars lite 'för proffsiga' album kan sakna. Stevie lyckas ta höga volymer utan att slå i taket och kören är fortfarande kristallklara då de sjunger lägre. 'Omfånget' är enormt och allt återges superläckert. Jag tycker Stevie lyckas bemästra både "less is more" OCH "more is more" i detta album. Det kreativa geniet bakom t.ex. "Talk with God" där det verkar vara typ 20 olika ljudspår av diverse synt, slag och analoga(?) effekter, svag backing choir och munspelsslingor som studsar runt, fram och tillbaka, upp och ner i ljudrummet utan att framstå plottrigt eller stökigt utan istället 100% naturligt och självklart? Stevie följer direkt upp detta med "Village Ghetto Land" som vad jag kan höra bara är synt och stråk (?) utan att kännas för avskalad mot kontrast av föregående låten? Samma mästerskap över minimalism kan man hitta i andra melodier på plattan, vilket verkligen förkroppsligar Antoine de Saint-Exupérys citat "Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." (LOL förlåt) vilket vissa smoothbrains inte verkar förstå. Efter den rätt snygga uppvisningen i återhållsamhet så följer Contution, en kort men intensiv proggrocks-runk som tagen direkt ifrån Frank Zappas katalog. SEN kör han "Sir Duke" vilket har dissekerats av folk kunnigare än mig som hyllar den till skyarna över dess kreativa tonsättning. Allt jag vet är att den SLAPS. EFTER DET så kommer de funkigaste slingan sen Superstition; och så fortsätter det ...i 21 låtar!! Alla tallar lite på diverse teman, utförande, genrer men alla är på en sådan nivå att det kan vara det bästa kombination av utförande, produktionskvalitet, känsla, musikalisk talang och geni i sina respektive genrer, för Stevie är det mest ett kul sidospår. Man plockar inte albumets övergripande tema för än man är några varv igenom (och läser titeln..) där alla låtar (med kanske några utantag?) touchar på olika aspekter i ett liv, från fattigdom, rasism, kärlek, romans och övergripande samhällskritik och framtida utsikter. Enbart detta album innehåller flertal låtar som man har visslat på sen man var liten utan att ens veta om vem Stevie Wonder är. Mannen ÄR ett musikalisk geni som andas, dricker, äter, pissar och skiter ENBART certifierade BANGERS. Allt han rör vid blir till guld.

Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Sir duke, I wish, Pastime paradise, Joy inside my tears, As, Another star, All day sucker

Truly a classic album. Very soulful.

Zo funky zoveel hits op 1 plaat

a soul extravaganza, brimming with energy and joy

Love this album. It’ weird to hear the source of some famous samples sometimes,

10

Simply put, it's a classic album by one of the world's greatest artists. Pretty much have to give it five stars, although it may be a little biased because I grew up listening to Stevie Wonder.

too long

Love's in need of love today is so poignant, especially seeing as it's an over 40 year old song. He was not wrong, and look where we've gotten.

Even though I've heard most of these songs a million times, sitting down and listening through was incredible. The songwriting, vocal performances, and the playing - all so so good. And the production is great!

If you listen to this 💿 it is full of Stevie’s love for so many areas of his life: Sir Duke, I wish, isn’t She Lovely, As , are just unforgettable for me. Then learning he was blind soon after birth you realize you are in the presence of one of Gods gift to us all…appropriately named Wonder!! Such a cool cover in the 70’s. Superstitions was unforgettable too

Wow, first time I've had two in a row that I own on vinyl, and it's while I'm on vacation. Classic. This is an album that I've somehow never listened to fully before, but boy was I missing out. I just didn't know Stevie's catalog like that. Man, there are so many unbelievable jams on here. Songs I've heard, songs I've never heard before, songs I didn't realize were actually Stevie's. Pastime Paradise--I didn't know that was the original prior to Gansta's Paradise (which became Amish Paradish courtesy of Weird Al). But of all the songs on here, "If It's Magic" stopped me in my tracks. Almost brought me to tears. Never heard that before, and it's impossibly lovely. Such beautiful lyrics, chord changes, and melody. The harp is perfect. Man, what a perfect song. Even without that track, this would get a 4.5 but I'm going with another 5 star here. The album runs a bit long, but the tracks I loved accounted for an entire hour. I'll be returning to this quite a bit. Favorite tracks: If It's Magic, Isn't She Lovely, I Wish, Sir Duke, As, Another Star, Pastime Paradise. Album art: Iconic. Seen this a million times. This and Talking Book are my favorites from him. Such a cool, warm design. 5/5

Blind

Variety, excellent hooks, eminently listenable over and over. I was delighted to be reacquainted with this album after a long layoff.

Beautiful but so long. 9/10

YES! What an amazing record. For such a long double-player the overall quality of the tracks is amazing. Stevie's talent shines through on this. The musicality and lyricism is incredible.

An all-time masterpiece. So many wonderful songs on this album.

Wow what a bloody long album that was. Enjoyed dusk 1 more than dusk 2 but some brilliant songs on there. He's a song writing power house. Didnt know gangsters paradise was a rip off one of these songs. its gotta be a 5

🎨

очень крутой альбом от легендарного Стиви)

Uno de los mejores discos de los 70. Y de la historia. Escúchenlo en vinil.

Maravilloso, apabullante, lamento mucho llegar a esto luego de tantos años. Se oye "macizo", me encantó. Sobre todo el disco 1, aunque el 2 no es que le ponga peros. Canciones que más disfruté: "Contusion", "I Wish", "Pastime Paradise", "Summer Soft" y "Another Star" 10/10.

On elf the greatest of all time

Amazing album. Going to be hard to beat.

Amazing album. So many hits.

Oh man very familiar with this album. Fucking pristine tracks cover to cover. Have A Talk With God up next to Village Ghetto Land is lots of whiplash. Contusion!! Sir Duke sparkles like a new copper penny with lush orchestration and feels just as joyful as when it was first made. Then to hit the listener with I Wish. Past time Paradise is a great track. I mean everything on here is a great track. Even the Extra LP tracks add a bunch of great tunes.

Excellent

oooh yeah babyyyy “Joy Inside My Tears”😍😍😍 hottie

Nonostante la durata di quest'album vada oltre i miei standard, l'ho ascoltato almeno tre volte prima di decidermi. Non so che dire regà, è tipo curato a livelli maniacali! L'ultima volta, l'ho ascoltato con le cuffie e sono rimasto colpito ancora di più dai dettagli che mi ero perso. Ogni cosa si incastra alla perfezione. A livello compositivo lui è un genio. Quindi concludo dicendo che il mio voto nasce proprio da tutti quei dettagli che caratterizzano la sua musica e dal fatto che riconosco una certa visione nel suo modo di scrivere che a me è quasi aliena.

Sir duke & isn't she lovely zijn echt een masterpiece

5 Boys hoe goed is dit. Prachtig ook wat samples in de hiphop van dit album (eerste song --> smile -Jay-z). Ga ik zeker nog opzetten, sowieso op het werk in de office maar het is ook gewoon een dagelijkse vibe. Als ik dan toch iets negatief moet zeggen is het dat het wel een zeer lang album is (double disc i guess). sir duke <3_<3

JA dit is muziek bruurs, hier word ik gelukkig van. Isn't she lovely; i cry everytime Ook een lang album maar hierbij stoort het niet want dit is voor die mooie lange zondagochtend.

Wonderful

Stevie Wonder is a goat

Such an incredible album, I think it's one of Stevie's best, if not the best album of his. My favourite songs are Sir Duke, Have A Talk With God, Pastime Paradise and Isn't She Lovely. 5/5 stars.

What can you say...classic!

stevie wonder. a classic. he has a number of incredible hits. excellent songs. beautiful lyrics. excellent vibes all around.

It's not perfect and I prefer the tighter Talking Book / Innervisions but jesus, what a talent.

Simply put, one of the best albums ever made. A singular artist working at the peak of his abilities.

I FUCKING LOVE THIS ALBUM

we can't even give stevie a peek?

Brilliant. All say Sucker

Masterpiece

Loved every song! Powerful then, powerful now.

This album is full of hits and one I will go back to forever. Amazing all around.

Maravilloso

Lots of styles within the album, and the songs are so good and they flow so nicely.

Saved Prior: Sir Duke, Pastime Paradise Not Saved: 21. Easy Goin' Evening 20. If It's Magic 19. Love's In Need Of Love Today 18. Ngiculela-Es Una Historia-I Am Singing 17. Black Man (without the outro this would've been saved) Cutting Edge: 16. Ordinary Pain 15. Summer Soft 14. Have A Talk With God 13. Knocks Me Off My Feet Saved: 12. Ebony Eyes 11. Joy Inside My Tears 10. All Day Sucker 9. I Wish 8. Contusion 7. Village Ghetto Land 6. Saturn 5. Isn't She Lovely 4. Another Star 3. Pastime Paradise 2. As 1. Sir Duke Overall Notes: Another album where I didn't think I was going to give it a 5 but after looking back over it I clearly liked it a lot. Even the songs I didn't really like clearly belonged on the album (except the last one) and these songs work on their own and hit even better when placed with one another. That blind mf don't miss!

The best

steeeeeevie

This album is amazing and a must-listen. There have been so many modern songs that sample this gem.

Steviieeeeeee

Easy 5, amazing album

Oh fuck ya Ser

Great album. A bit soft but still amazing

Un classique tout simplement. Les 1h45 en valent la peine 100% 5*

An absolute masterpiece. Pretty much perfect. 10/10 1. Pastime Paradise 2. Love's in Need of Love Today 3. Sir Duke

Wonder's most successful album, and widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time (Rolling Stone has it in top 10).

Stevie Wonder is one of the most talented musicians I have ever heard. I'm grateful for this list solely on the fact that I was introduced to his music. Thank you!

Amazon of course.

Certified fresh classic

One of the best albums ever

What can you say? Real genius, and with such tremendous range

say less. 10 out of 5 stars.

Just one of the absolute greatest of all time. Though I will say there are a couple of songs that go on a little longer than I would like, it’s okay because they are great songs. Ambitious in length and material and yet it includes a plethora of songs that are as well known as anything.

Funky masterpiece

Bonza. Cmon.

One of my all time favorite albums

This is an even better album than I remember it being. Even without the hits, it's solid all the way through. Stevie captures so many emotions so well 5/5

10/10 Stevie is the GOAT and the album an easy top 10 all time pick

Dig it, funky, groovy, moving. Had heard many but really dug some new ones like talk with god, village ghetto land.

Stevie’s masterpiece

endless listening on repeat

So great! Love this album.

6/17 Masterpiece.

74/100 some great stuff. Not all my cup of tea tho, good

Amazing musicianship with some very powerful songs. Stevie is in his bag on this one. My only gripe is the length of the album and in particular certain songs. For instance, "Isn't She Lovely" might be one of the better songs dedicated to the pure joy a child brings. But after the 3 minute mark it just carries on for another 3.5 minutes. There are several songs like this that just carry on. Overall, it's a powerful album with excellent vibes. A solid 4.

This is a great album, but I think it ranks behind the other Stevie Wonder albums from that era. Somehow it feels like this one gets more of the love, perhaps because that is a classic album title and because it's a double album. I do love Love's In Need of Love Today and Have a Talk With God, but doesn't feel as chock-ful of classics like his other albums.

Love it, beautiful instrumentation, a couple songs I feel like go on just a tiny bit too long for me. Steak too juicy argument I guess but I just hesitate to fully love it

I've never listened to Stevie Wonder's music beyond the singles but this is a very catchy and enjoyable album and ep.

Good. Long album

Would have been a 5 if it wasn't so long.

This was a tough one because it’s an exceptional album. It has at LEAST 7 or 8 BANGERS. But it’s a long double album with a few songs here and there which I wasn’t THAT into. Feels harsh, but going with 4. But a HIGH 4.

Clearly class and mostly magnificent, apart from the vomit inducing 'Isn't She Lovely' obviously.

Yeah, its pretty hard to find a criticism for this. Smooooooth and delicious the whole way through. A bit earnest for me but I'm a 2026 Brit not a 1976 American so that's hardly Steve's fault.

Pretty peak

so classic I hadn’t heard everything on it in a full listen but I actually listened to the album like 3 times it was really nice 8.89/10

I don't know how to even comment on this - I know its a classic, some songs that were album cuts really resonated with me - others could feel like filler (?). The background skits/baby noises could become super annoying. Keen to listen more and over more than 1 day.

"Songs" is always good a good listen. i heard it many times before.

Classic. His best. One of my favorite alblums. Love Sir Duke and I Wish

Clearly THE Stevie Wonder album

Good album with a lot of cool songs. Really interesting harmonization and instrumentation. Worth a revisit someday I’m sure. 7/10

The highs are incredible high.

This album has so many great songs

Grande álbum, grande início. Disco 1 combina muito com dias ensolarados, manhãs de final de semana em casa, passeios de carro com família. Disco 2 é absolutamente completo, qualquer ocasião.

Overall: 8/10 Another banger album from Stevie. Fun, funky and beautiful in so many ways, this album is a real treat. The one big issue for me is that some of the songs drag on, and there's SO many of them. But it doesn't even matter because Stevie knew how to write a good jam song. Fav Song: I Wish

Nice, veel bangers en tijdloos

Magical ambience. Stevie is one of the greatest of our time. Glad to hear it's songs with him performing. Great album.

Number of songs known going in : 2/17 favourite song : sir duke favourite new song : black man Nice background vibes notes: I did struggle with pastime paradise with how iconic gangstas paradise has been growing up in the 2000s. not super excited by all of them I find the really upbeat saxophone jazzy vibes coupled with its all going to shit if you grew up poor on the streets a little jarring in the case of village ghetto land. rating : 4/5

Apart from suffering the variability that comes with almost any double album, there's little to criticise here.

Really enjoyed this one, some real classics and a few sampled in songs that I am more familiar with. As with most double albums, I think a single disk would have made this ‘all thriller no filler’ but still a really good listen.

I've been thinking between 4 and 5, but needed that only one more song probably ha-ha. Still this one is very-very good

A classic! Vocal performances unreal, some weird bold arrangement choices that work. Some huge tunes, and some weird little b-sides

Just when you start thinking this one's overrated it hits you with the Sir Duke-I Wish 2x combo

Masterpiece obviously, but just not quite my vibe. Too happy. Solid 8.

Great album. A few songs get a little too noodle-y and go on to long at the end. "Saturn" (where you live to be 205?) is a place where even Stevie's genius is outdone by his ambition. Seriously, what the hell was that? Those are the quibbles. Otherwise, it's fantastic. Love all the classics on it. Love most of the dep tracks (especially "Black Man"). Great stuff.

Unique instrumentation that fitted well with the lyrics. Nice breath of fresh air.

Just a phenomenal record here. So many hits. As Mitchell pointed out, the highs are unbelievably high here. “Have a Talk with God” who is in the conversation for greatest song of all time. With that said, I felt the runtime was egregious. If you’re gonna make an album this long, you have to back it up. The last four songs could’ve been completely removed in the record would’ve been fine. Stevie’s genius is in full force here, but the fat should’ve been trimmed.

So much brilliance, so many different styles, had no idea “Gangsta’s Paradise” was a take on a Stevie Wonder song. It’s objectively a five, but it’s soooooooo long, and those last few songs had me checking how many were left, even though I split it up into multiple listening sessions.