Songs In The Key Of Life

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.

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.

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.

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.

It feels like a sin not giving this five stars, but alas, I’m a sinner. I recognize that this is a masterpiece—a monolith of an album. That being said, I feel like I resonated more with the less flashy Fulfillingness’ First Finale more. Blasphemy, I know. Sidenote: Stevie Wonder and Weird Al Yankovic have more in common than I thought.

Some great Stevie, some just okay. Good listening.

This this is long and meandering but it is still Stevie and it is still great.

Stevie is Stevie!

Ok

Like many of Stevie's albums, there are some all time classic songs on here, but there are some kind of filler songs as well. "I Wish" and "Sir Duke" are amazing and "As" is one of the greatest love songs ever written. However, some songs go on a little long and the album may have benefited being shorter and a little more refined. Still a great listen. 4.5/5 Will listen again

This is an excellent album. I had heard several of the songs before but I enjoyed listening to this entire album from beginning to end.

Only giving 4 stars because this is not my personal preference for genre, but this is one of the few albums on the list so far where I've thought yeah, this is absolutely an album that people should listen to even if just for its sheer cultural impact.

I liked this. But it is too long for me. It was a good mix of hits, well spaced throughout the album to keep me listening. But I'm just not into R&B enough to listen to it for 2 hours.

Nice, 8.5 Linolt: 9 Hatwg: 8.5 Vgl: 8 C: 10 ⭐️ Sd: 9.5 IWish: 9 Kmomf: 7.5 Pp: 7 Ss: 8 Op: 6.5 Isl: 8.5 Jimt: 7.5 Bm: 8 Neuhias: 6.5 Iim: 6.5 🚮 As: 9 AS: 8.5 S: 9 Ee: 8.5 Ads: 7.5 Egemmc: 8

I would have given it a 5 if someone of the songs didn’t become as jammy. I love a long song but it has to have a purpose.

Good, very good

Il y a de gros banger quand même. Un peu indigeste à certains moments par contre. J’aime les albums long mais je dois dire que 1h45 c’est peut être long quand même

Ambitieus album met veel muzikale informatie maar wat tegelijkertijd toegankelijk blijft voor iedereen. Het album is wel lang, iets over de helft ben ik er wel al beetje klaar mee, had geconcentreerder gekund. Alles op de plaat is technisch bijna perfect met de beste studio muziekanten. Heb er eigenlijk niks op aan te merken. Stevie wonder is op alle vlakken aan het maximaliseren. Het is voor mij soms iets te zoet maar dat is een smaak kwestie. Het raakt mij niet, ik zal het ook niet zo snel opzetten.

Amazing. Mark off for being a bit long in parts

Number: 219 Familiarity: Moderate (3) Rating: 4 Before: ======= Oh, I thought I already had this one. I guess not. Let's see...OK, it was Fulfillingness' First Finale, which was my 3'rd album in this challenge. I gave it a 2 but I was rating more harshly when I first started. Maybe I'll revisit that one or not. Looks like there are 4 albums from him on the is list and that is one too many imo. After : ======= I did not have anything from this album on my 1976 playlist but added 3 tracks: Sir Duke, I Wish, & Isn't She Lovely. Overall I though it was a good album but not great, based on my own personal opinion, but it's not really my style. There are some very good songs but a lot of mediocre owns as well. Anyways, if it were whittled down to a single album at 40 minutes, there is a decent chance I would rate it a 5. As it is though it came out to 3.48, which I decided to round up to 4. But as I said, it's not really my style, For reference, my favorite three albums from 1976 are in order: T. Rex's "Futuristic Dragon", The Modern Lovers' "The Modern Lovers", and Boston's Boston.

As if you need to Have a Talk With God about this album. Isn’t She Lovely? Knocks Me Off My Feet.

Very fun if not a little too long. Love Stevie Wonder, but don’t think I need an hour and a half of nonstop Stevie Wonder

7/10 - Didn't finish the album due to length but every song I heard was good at worst so worth a solid review

Pretty good, liked the other Stevie wonder album more

A great album with some absolute classics and I really enjoyed Contusion. Stevie Wonder’s voice is magical and he shows off some great songwriting pomp in this double album. I think there is some tail off in this album that caused me to lose a bit of engagement in this listen. For me it doesn’t quite make it an all timer perfect album. But I’ve been wrong before.

Just like most Stevie Wonder albums, they are just great to listen to. There were so many songs on this album that I've heard multiple times and are just great and iconic songs.

A bit lengthy, several really great songs, most of the rest ist also very good, but IMHO there are some skippable tracks.

I’ve seen this listed as an album with no skippable songs, which seems crazy to me. Next time I listen to it I’ll tap out after ”As”

LONG. The hits were good but I guess it held together? I need to hear it again

Good listen

Solid. A little long

Magical listen through, thank you Stevie

How did I not know that Gangster’s Paradise was ripped off? This album is legendary Stevie album, and for good reason: this ain’t little Motown Stevie, this is full-power Stevie on the move. I was a little surprised by the song Pastime Paradise, as it was an inspiration for Coolio’s Gangster’s Paradise. Isn’t She Lovely is a lovely song, and Sir Duke is pure show off goodness subject to a thousand bass videos for being one of the hardest songs ever. But then there is Pastime/Gangster’s Paradise, which caught me off guard, and kind of just destroyed my childhood, like discovering Ariel kills herself in the original HC Anderson version of Little Mermaid. Contusion is pure fusion jazz but my favorite song was Black Man, which I had never heard and regret it. Speaking regret: WHAT THE FUCK!? PASTTIME PARADISE?!?!? Another Star was cool too, with the Afro-Jazz style. If this is ever in the stacks, this may come home. I’m going to listen to again while contemplating the shattered reality of my gangster/pastime paradise….

Random thoughts: * Stevie wonder had music and talent to spare! A double LP + another 4 song EP tacked on. Wow! * Standout tracks were: Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn't She Lovely, and As * Surprisingly the first track on the album is one of the weakest. * I kind of wish Stevie had maybe made this into two separate albums. One could have been a bit more upbeat and jazz influenced while also containing the racially progressive songs; one could have been more just life songs like Isn't she Lovely and As. But you gotta respect the artist and his choices. * The album peaked for me at the song trio of "Contusion", "Sir Duke" , and "I Wish". Wanted a whole album upbeat like that. * I did appreciate the racially conscious tracks on LP 2 of "Black Man" and "Ngicuela" * This is quite the range and really does encompass the songs in the key of life. Really great album!

volume 2 was niet nodig behalve isnt she lovely maar het zijn allemaal solid nummers

kijk ik snap waarom dit een 5/5 album zou moeten zijn maar het klikt niet zoo erg bij mij.. sommige liedjes zijn iconisch, maar sommige zijn ook mega saai.. het gaat gwn te lang door

Too long but fun

R&B and soul are not genres I typically gravitate toward - as a general rule, they aren’t for me, much like hip-hop and jazz. However, I am well acquainted with the style; my brother had that side of the musical spectrum firmly covered when we were teenagers back in the 1970s and early '80s. Because of that, I was already somewhat familiar with "Songs in the Key of Life" before sitting down to give it a proper listen today. I admire Stevie Wonder's musicianship and the production on what is an incredibly adventurous undertaking of an album is crystal clear, punchy, and remarkably full-sounding. It’s far from a standard R&B record; Wonder throws in an array of styles, from the Beatles-esque chamber pop of 'Village Ghetto Land' to the fiery, jazz-rock-infused fusion of 'Contusion'. There is the pure, joyful pop of' 'Sir Duke' and 'Isn't She Lovely', alongside the vibrant Latin influences on 'Another Star'. Personally, Wonder's music clicks most for me when he leans into the funk, as he does brilliantly on 'I Wish' and 'Ordinary Pain'. Meanwhile, a track like 'Knocks Me Off My Feet' feels like a timeless standard written straight for the Great American Songbook of the 1940s or '50s. Ultimately, I found myself sitting right on the cusp of a three or a four-star rating. At one hour and forty-five minutes (including the " A Something's Extra EP"), the runtime is a bit too much Stevie Wonder for my personal taste. However, choosing to accentuate the positive, it earns four stars. Side one 1 "Love's in Need of Love Today" (3/5) 2 "Have a Talk with God" (3/5) 3 "Village Ghetto Land" (3/5) 4 "Contusion" (instrumental) (3/5) 5 "Sir Duke" (5/5) Side two 1 "I Wish" (5/5) 2 "Knocks Me Off My Feet" (4/5) 3 "Pastime Paradise" (5/5) 4 "Summer Soft" (3/5) 5 "Ordinary Pain" (4/5) Side three 1 "Isn't She Lovely" (5/5) 2 "Joy Inside My Tears" (3/5) 3 "Black Man" (3/5) Side four 1 "Ngiculela – Es Una Historia – I Am Singing" (3/5) 2 "If It's Magic" (3/5) 3 "As" (3/5) 4 "Another Star" (3/5) A Something's Extra EP Side one 1 "Saturn" (3/5) 2 "Ebony Eyes" (3/5) Side two 1 "All Day Sucker" (3/5) 2 "Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call)" (instrumental) (3/5) Total - 73 Average - 3.5 381/1001 202/381 albums reviewed were new to me.

Enjoyment: 9 Replayability: 5 Cohesion: 8 Flow/Pacing: 7 Artistic Merit: 8 Weighted Average: 7.5 Review: This was a great album to listen through with plenty of well-known hits and hidden gems found within. I loved how uplifting it was, especially the baby in the bath in Isn't She Lovely - such a sweet and tender addition that I never heard with the radio edit. My only mark is that since this is a double LP, it loses some points in the Replayability category due to its extended length. Long albums aren't a problem on their own, but this one seemed to drag a few times, but not as I expected really. Liked Song(s): Love's In Need Of Love Today, Sir Duke, I Wish, Pastime Paradise, Summer Soft, Isn't She Lovely, Black Man, Saturn Disliked Song(s): Have A Talk With God, Ordinary Pain, Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call) Recommend? Yes

I enjoyed Innervisions more - the extra run time meant that there were a few lulls in here interspersed with the bangers.

Funky, classic R&B soul

It is a very long album, nearly 2 hours so will have to finish it another day.

Nice

Thankfully, this was a much more enjoyable album compared to the last Stevie Wonder album I reviewed, especially considering it’s a double album. “Songs in the Key of Life” is a very soulful album that covers a lot of ground. It features a wide array of instruments, from traditional ones to horns, strings, harmonica, keyboards, and synthesizers. Another fun fact I learned while listening to this album is that Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” is a complete rip-off of Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise.”

Sir Duke I Wish Pastime Paradise Black Man As Ebony Eyes

I’ve heard a lot of these songs as a kid, but hearing the version of Isn’t She Lovely with the sounds of his daughter made me emotional

Hyviä biisejä ja hyvä kokonaisuus kaiken kaikkiaan. Stevie biisit on hyviä ja soitanta myös. Hänen tulkintansa ja äänen sointi on erinomaista.

Really very excellent.

Absolutely iconic. Mesmerizing collection.

Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: Have A Talk With God, Pastime Paradise, Isn't She Lovely I was, practically, only able to listen twice, which itself a tall ask, given this is a triple album clock in at 1h45m. Despite the long runtime it's very easy listening, with plenty of variety on the tracks. You put this album on and it breezes by. The key tracks, Pastime Paradise and Isn't She Lovely are great, and catchy to boot, and while I enjoy them very much, I am even more about those funky tracks like Have a Talk With God, Contusion, I Wish, etc. Anything with a funky bass line and brass instruments. Definitely an important piece of music. Should be on the list. Not my personal favorite, but I recognize the talent.

Great album; and if the world has problems creating new songs, covering a Stevie song is always an option :)

Really funky, some incredible songs on here. However there were a few skips and some songs were a bit too long for me

Yesss!

Soulful goodness!! Had no idea Gangsta's paradise was created from pastime paradise. Saturn was a lovely song.

This album exudes joy and love and family, what life’s all about. It’s chill and approachable with many beautifully written tracks, but it’s overlong in my opinion.

Great vocals and songs, just a bit too long for me to give a 5.

Really good for a double album. Some of it is just okay but most of it is either solid or really good. Stevie has a great voice and great storytelling but this album just doesn't cut it for me to be 5 stars. It's too long and too much of it is just solid.

This is an album I’ve been waiting for g to listen to for a while. Stevie is such an incredibly talented musician-loved the variety, composition, lyrics had so much depth. Only thing holding it back from 5 is length-I broke it up into 2 sessions. 4.5 stars

*Great hit songs but the length makes it a little daunting to listen to with some filler *The piano/synth work is top notch

Banger absolu, je connaissais plus de musiques que ce que je pensais : 4/5

This is such a jolly album wau. I didn’t think that Stevie Wonder did such good tunes but i am glad to say that this album is most definitely worth a listen!

Good rock. Surprised me that I didn’t find it annoying and same-y

its crazy how much artistry used to go into making music. like they were PLAYING those damn instruments perhaps the history of this album is cooler than the actual album long ass album... i already have two songs liked in this album (bet you can guess which they are) 1. Love's In Need Of Love Today- i like 2. Have A Talk With God- bleh not my fav 3. Village Ghetto Land 4. Contusion- good boogie music, the guitar was sick 5. Sir Duke- are we in mickey mouse clubhouse or what? fun sing along song 6. I Wish- so fun and dancey, already had this liked and for good reason 7. Knocks Me Off My Feet- this song feels so nostalgic to me 8. Pastime Paradise- BRO WHAT???? did not know this was stevies song this sent me down a rabbit hole 9. Summer Soft- feels like a broadway song 10 Ordinary Pain- groovy all the way through but i was ready for the song to be over with about 1 min left in each half 11. Saturn- 12. Ebony Eyes DISC 2 1. Isn't She Lovely- such a banger. the intro can go, i really didn’t like that 2. Joy Inside My Tears- loveeeee. vocals on this record have so much soul and depth. 3. Black Man- chills. listening to this right before the fourth of july made me cry. so good. 4. Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing 5. If It's Magic 6. As 7. Another Star 8. All Day Sucker 9. Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call)

Almost two hours of funk and soul from the amazingly talented Stevie Wonder? Yes, please! I’ll gladly take it and tap my foot and bob my head the entire time.

Stevie is speaking to us on this one. Giving us his perspective on struggle, community, and love. Musicly it's clearly R&B Soul, but each song has its own identity, this is a long album yet never get repetitive or tiresome. Hints of jazz through out, a bit of funk, and Stevie's flawless voice. Perfection. Just a wonderful album. I need to listen to this one more often.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. Some great songs, some really interesting songs, and overall a solid vibe.

Despite not being my favourite genre, I have to admit (as anyone with a minimum interest in music would) that the guy is a musical genius and this album is full of good songs (with some being terrific)

Classic

very relaxed, slower tunes that are still catchy I really liked the political ideas. He combines jazz with R&B with impressive vocals and catchy lyrics.

The sheer scope of what Stevie pulled off here is definitely impressive. A double album that pivots from upbeat funk and jazzy rhythms to softer piano ballads shows off his versatility as a musician. I forgot how incredibly catchy "Sir Duke" is, it instantly puts you in a great mood. "I Wish" always makes me think of the "Wild Wild West" song where Will Smith sampled it back in the day. I totally forgot "Pastime Paradise" was on here too, and man, those strings are just so good. Coolio and Mary J. Blige definitely knew exactly what they were doing when they sampled that track for their own hits. Then you have "Isn't She Lovely," which has pretty much been every single bride's walkout song since 1976. "Black Man" was also a really good, powerful social commentary for America's 200th birthday, and it is honestly well worth a thoughtful listen right now during America's 250th. He handles a ton of the instrumentation and production work himself, which gives the record a really distinct, unified perspective. Even though a few of the longer, sprawling tracks can drag a bit and make the album feel a little bloated as a whole, the deep grooves and solid melodies make it a highly enjoyable and memorable listen from start to finish. Favorite song: “Pastime Paradise”

While I don’t think it’s one of the greatest albums of all time, it’s undeniably a classic

If gods were real, you'd think after hearing the opening track one of them would have talked to Stevie and been all like 'Jesus Stevie, why in the name of fuck is this seven minutes long? That's four minutes longer than it needs to be! And quit it with the whole blind thing, I know you're faking it just so you can stare at titties all day'. If you needed any more proof that gods are make believe, the fact that the song remains in its seven minute form should be the final nail through the palm of thr hand. I have been underwhelmed by Stevie's albums, going in as someone who believed I would love them, to coming out of each wondering what the fuss is all about. This is the best one I've heard, but I have no desire to listen to it again, ot any more of his albums. A common issue with double albums is the dross which inevitably makes it through. Look no further than track 3 which is fine to hear a single time and never again, bu would never have made the final cut on a single album. He then follows it up with one of a depressingly small number of true bangers in his discography in track 4. For such a stupidly talented human, his music often fails to touch me in the same way less talented artists do. I think it's the jazz influence and inflections in his vocals - as I know you'll agree, Jazz is anti-emotion and rarely makes me feel anything.

Such a great album!

Stuart Maconie said "You can here where he gives up half way through side 4..." And he's absolutely right. 3.5 sides of masterpieces and then trash. Side r open with As and I suggest that's where you stop listening.

pretty nice and long album. lots of good tracks, especially pastime paradise

This is #day685 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… apparently, some records just need the right time of year. Like this one, which happened to pop up in the second half of June. It might just be the ultimate summertime record, or at least one of them, just like, perhaps, any Stevie Wonder album from his classic period. With a cone of raspberry ice cream in my hand, I'm digging into an hour and a half of mid-'70s jazz, funk, and soul. One of the first records to make extensive use of the synthesizer. Ain't it fun? While it's summer, I should probably revisit his other records I've already had. Looking back, I feel I rated them far too low. This is a 4 out of 5. Looking forward to #day686.

I enjoy Stevie Wonder in moderation, I liked the variety across this production (would say double album but it felt much longer). Hits were tremendous, first time I heard ‘Pastime Paradise’ as the inspiration for Coolio and by extension Weird Al, ‘Sir Duke’ probably my favorite here as the kid-noises in ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ was a bit unnecessary. This was really great. For a while. But ended up being way too long and overstayed its welcome, and is hurt in the process. Overall 4/5

Kept me from going insane during my shift today.

I am a huge fan of Stevie Wonder and at the same time, this album was a bit too long. It should’ve been split into two different parts as opposed to just one long album. That’s the only thing I’m docking a point on.

Well it’s SW so it’s quality and there are some great songs. Goes on a bit. Just a 4.

A bit long, but enough bangers in there

명불허전... 첫곡부터 좋네유

Today I learned the titles of all the Stevie Wonder songs I already knew

Already had a couple of songs from this album but it was nice to listen to the whole thing. Overall pretty cool

Life is like a box of chocolates

Great album by Stevie Wonder, a ton of signature classics, including Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn't She Lovely and As.

this is the stevie wonder i would reach for. why are the other albums by him even on here.

It reminded me of a man I use to know. Even more it reminded me of memories that in the moment where sad but now looking back they were beautiful and I was glad to have had them.

It is certainly one of the best albums of all time. That should go without saying on this album - you can literally hit shuffle and get a unique masterpiece out of any song on here. That being said, the way I should feel about this objectively versus how I do feel about it subjectively clash here, and because I took this project as an opportunity to document my subjective listening experience I have to say this didn't blow me away or expand my viewpoints as much as my 5's did, but thankfully it did for others here and this can remain near the top of this website even with my one point docked.

The first Stevie Wonder song I can remember hearing was 'I just called to say I live you', and as a preteen in the 80s it was sappy and dull. I had decided I didn't like Stevie Wonder. This relatively "early" album is so much better.

Damn enjoyable journey through this album. Well I have heard several songs, I had never heard the entire thing. This definitely deserves its place on the list

-Village Ghetto Land is darkly comedic mostly due to beautiful symphonic music while he's describing the most horrific place possible. Its stark contrast between wonderful & darkness that Wonder proves his point. -Today I learned that Stevie Wonder's real name is Stevland Hardaway Morris. It just never occurred to me to want to know his name. -I am under the weather today & it's lifting my spirits. So it's got that going for it. -Pastime Paradise is a better song than Gangstas Paradise. It makes me wonder what exactly an original song is when it comes to sampling. Pastime is about race relations & whatnot while just Gangstas just changed it out with thug lifestyle. I guess it doesn't matter as long as Stevie gets credit. -I like how not all the songs sound the same. I like the more funky songs than the slower more easy listening tracks. The album is a bit long but I still enjoy it. -Stevie can write a sickly sweet, yet great, about his baby while giving you songs about race relations, poverty, etc. strong songwriter.

This is an absolute classic album and has a number of different sounds contained within it. There are some huge hits and few songs that have gone on to have lives of their own after being sampled by artists later. I think that it is hard to overestimate the impact that this album has had in direct and indirect influence of other artists. At its core it is a funk album that can has a serious message like "Black Man". But it can also have more playful and light hearted side like in "Isnt She Lovely". I enjoyed this album but my only criticism is that some of the songs can feel a little bit self indulgent and repetitive. But when you are a musical legend, I suppose you have the scope to be a little self indulgent. (4.000)

So, my process so far has been to listen to the album and read the Wiki article for context but try to avoid paying attention to critiques. This is one album that I may be influenced. I like the sound of this album. I like most of the songs on this but I do find my attention wandering. Without the Wiki article, I may have gone a little as three but after it feels like a four or maybe a five. I must admit that I don't like 80s Stevie Wonder and there are a couple of songs here that have that flair. There is an unevenness, in terms of what is presented here. It does feel like a personal and political album from a person's life. There are plenty of songs that reflect his life at the time. Having his kid on one song can seem indulgent in one way but also very personal and just doing where he is at. There are a couple of songs that I love and some that if I relistened might become skips. Given that it is an almost two hour album, I don't have the time to go over it again and again which would probably iron out my misconceptions and uneasiness with where I am sitting right now. Have a talk with God - Why have I never heard this before. Such an odd thing to hear something like this fifty years. I have heard a lot of electronica but this sounds different. There are some choices on the rest of the album that are interesting ones. I guess I'll give it a four.

I really really enjoyed this. I want to go 5*, but I don't think I can quite get there. Maybe the length is what's in the way? Or maybe I'd just need another listen or two to get there.

This is a kaleidoscope of groove and good energy. No wonder it's #20 overall.

heard much better on this list, still exceptional