Reviews (page 9 of 15)
Helped me strengthen my grasp on finding a wide variety of music to listen to as a lad.
Descobri atraves de este album que "gansta"s paradise" é um sample. Bom equilíbrio de moods. Adorei
Amazing album. Can I get a one-disc record of just the soft and easy songs?
Perfeito para combater o cansaço da semana e dar um boost final!
So many classic like Isn't She Lovely and Sir Duke
i LOVE IT
4 ☆ Es increíble como toca varios temas en el álbum, ahora entiendo porque Stevie Wonder es de los artistas más importantes. Igualmente un poco largo para mi gusto
I LIKE THIS ALUMB ALOT
Hard to say on this one, all over the place from theatrical sound to funk to reminiscent of gospel maybe, theres some classics and a lot of random sounds I didn't know what to make of it, will have to relisten
A true masterpiece, loved it so much; each song is different, carrying its specific emotion and story; it is evident how wholesome artist he is, how he feels the music and melodies deeply, how easily lyrics come to him and how precious of inspiration he was, and will be, for generations to come; Pastime Paradise was a discovery I wasn't aware of, so just WOW! 💖
Knew this was the big Stevie album but didn't know how big, this was full of huge songs I didn't know the name of. Plus the album tracks were all melodies for other peoples hits, no idea gangstas paradise came from here! Despite the clear heft of this album SW isn't really for me. He likes an outro a bit too much, lots of the songs went on a minute or two too long. And generally soul funk is not my genre. Can't fault it's quality, would understand a 5 but I think it's a 3.5 for me.
Like other albums of his we've had, some of this I really like, while other fairly large parts of it are just a bit soft and mushy and not my thing at all. When it's funky, it's great though. Recognised more of it than I thought I would too. My favourites were: Sir duke Pastime paradise Black man 3.5 bit worthy of a 4
Easy listening.
Intensiv musik, stor bladning av instrument, någon låt som var helt galen, typ Contusion, hade ingen aning om att Gangsta Paradise troligen tagits från Pastime Paradise i detta album, även Isn't She Lovely härifrån! Mest min musik hitills med mycket som händer - på gränsen som sagt
Really enjoyed this but too damn long
R&B, funky Motown, gospel…quite eclectic. There’s a lot to recognize here and enjoy even if not my normal thing.
Soulful. Enjoyed.
Review Score: 4/5 Amazing album from Stevie Wonder. The highs of this album are amazing but i would be lying if i didn't say there are some songs I wouldn't skip. Incredible jazz instrumentals followed by Stevie's amazing vocals. There's not much more I can say about this album other than it's amazing.
Strong 2/3. Not as familiar with the back half of this album as I am with the front half, but man the first two sides are about as good as music gets. The back half will take some more digging, definitely some cool songs on there and the musicality of Stevie is just undeniable. Love's In Need Of Love Today and Isn't She Lovely might be two of his best, but the whole thing is great.
classic
Long time favorite
Great album that probably could have used a touch more restraint on the runtime
Fantastic, great energy, perfect length. Probably won't listen to the whole album again, but there were a lot of highlights
Favorite by far I wish and Knocks me off my feet
A bit bloated and the songs air out a bit too long. Didn’t have an attention grabbing opening track like innervisions. The melodies were impeccable, and were reused extensively in the 90’s. I guess this is more soulful to Innervisions funk, and I love funk.
Canzone del trenino
No me cuadra rankear todo el álbum junto Tiene unas 5 Otras 2
God start! Faktisk tæt på et no-skip album. Kendte kun en af sangene i forvejen, og er positivt overrasket over resten også.
Great album, a little too long
Don Stevie Wonder, uno de los mejores vocalistas de la musica popular, creo que requisito para cantar bien es ser negro y ciego. Que voz tan particular, esos agudos, ese rango vocal, sus melismas, vibratos y todo sin abusar de esos recursos vocales. Songs o the Key of Life es quizas su disco mas aclamado, y es que es rebueno en muchos sentidos. Muy Funk, muy soul, RyB en su maxima expresion, incluso con elementos clasicos y pop, sin duda una influencia tremenda para muchisimos artistas. Este disco tiene mucho flow, no lo pudo haber escrito un blanco, tiene la escencia afroamericana. Suena una banda, muy buena producción. Por lo que escucho dejan su voz al centro, guitarras muy funk y minimalistas a la derecha, teclados y piano van generalmente al medio, muy brillantes, un bajo bien presente al centro con lineas que te dan ganas de mover el esqueleto y la batería también al centro con un sonido bien brillante en los platillos pero apagado y cremoso en bombo y caja a veces acompañado por otras percusiones que van a los costados. En general una producción sin ninguna gran novedad pero con varios detallitos que le dan más color a las canciones, agrega arreglos de cuerdas, vientos, percusiones, etc. y a pesar de ser un disco triple con dos LP y un EP, que puede volverse largo en ciertos momentos, es muy rico musicalmente, muy hipnótico, a mi me mantuvo pegado escuchándolo en gran parte. Creo que la segunda parte es mas floja y tiene algunas canciones para mi gusto excesivamente largas. Como todo disco doble, creo que se pudo haber hecho un gran disco simple merecedor del 5. Más que nada por eso por eso le bajo la nota. Canción favorita: I wish (buenisima linea de bajo). Pd: Tremendo plot twist me comi al cachar que pastime paradise era de él y no del rapero JASJAJ (muy ignorante de mi parte).
#809. This is another one that was a double album, but didn't really need to be. I like the more funkier songs, but wasn't a huge fan of the church chorus-ey ones. I feel like it could have been better if trimmed down to about an hour or an hour fifteen. 4/5: still pretty good though.
Pretty goood
A lot of great songs on here, but the composition overall takes the cake of what makes it special and really stuck out to me. Still had a couple skips.
not my thing but this is obviously good stuff
Just some stellar stuff here. Don’t think it justifies being a double album. But it’s pretty great. 4.5/5
I want this to be 5 stars so bad. There are just too many songs for me. If I could hand pick 10-12 songs it would be 6 stars. 1/5 didn’t finish the album 2/5 didn’t keep the album 3/5 kept it and will listen when songs randomly show up on shuffle 4/5 kept it and will listen to it again front to back on my phone 5/5 buying the vinyl
There are some great tracks here, but it’s too long and some of it gets a little boring. It could have been a five star single album. It’s still very good, but I’ll take a star off because of the unnecessary fluff.
Super groovy, even the slow songs make you want to move. It’s one of the music styles that I really like, and I had a great time listening to it.
4,5 stars reeeeeally nice but double albums will never be my thing
Fantastic album. So many great songs.
Turns out Isn’t She Lovely might be one of Stevie Wonder’s worst songs! This album was a banger.
Mostly happy or calming songs, overall good album.
Ganz gutes Album. Ziemlich abwechslungsreich. Mega Stimme. Einige bekannte Songs. Ordinary Pain, Pastime Paradise, i wish, isnt she lovely sind die banger des albums
nice album. hani schomol glost gha. het paar bangers
Toller Künstler
Stevie!! This was a great double album! So many good songs!
There are some really annoying songs on here. And some good ones obviously
Crazy good, songs are a bit long and the album too
Wonderful! Was exactly the album I needed after being up with a sick kid all night. Love ya, Stevie!
really stellar stuff. it's a big album, which fits a lot of stone cold bangers, but that also means a few skips. favorite is Sir Duke or Pastime Paradise. like a solid 4.49/5
I really didn't love the opening track and was ready for 2 hours of RnB, but then Have A Talk With God had some character, and Contusion was just cool af for no reason, and then the rest of the album just a solid fun rich varied listening experience. This steve guy is talented 7.4/10
Bangers. 8 hanging by a moments out of 10 lizard wizards
Extra star for Pastime Paradise and Isn't She Lovely
i absolutely love the seamless transitions between the songs omg
3.5
good
Another blockbuster from 1976.. except I disliked it back then. Several songs were massive hits on mainstream radio so I skipped them as much as possible. 50 years later, I didn't mind it all. Maybe not in rotation but not something to be ignored. Very good songwriting, musicianship incredible.
Stevie never disappoints
I don't really listen to much of this genre of music, however this album sounds so upbeat and catchy, yet makes you feel emotionally calm and at ease
Pretty good 4/5
Wow at the guitar playing in contusion. Never knew Gangsta's paradise had used Pastime Paradise. Perhaps I live under a rock. A really good one. I think it slowed down a bit at times but in general very very good. Tempting to give this a 5.
Another one I already know. It's a bit inconsistent here and there because some songs are very underwhelming compared to the rest - but still a great album I would say.
Stevie Wonder needs to learn when to stop singing. The songs in this album are really good, and obviously his voice in incredible, but you don't need a 6 minute long song with 3 minutes of outro. Cut the fluff out of this, and it would turn it from a 4 rated 86 minute behemoth to a more manageable length with an easy 5. Starts off nice and chill with Love's In Need Of Love Today, Have A Talk With God, and Village Ghetto Land. Sir Duke was pretty fun. I Wish is a classic, wonderful song. Knocks Me Off My Feet was really sweet. And then I got hit with quite the surprise. Pastime Paradise comes on and I hear that music. I did not know Coolio sampled Stevie for Gangsta's Paradise. And Stevie's version is also incredible. Next couple tracks drop back down a little bit. Then Isn't She Lovely takes it right back up. Joy Inside My Tears was beautiful. Black Man had a really nice message in it, that was a fun listen. As and Another Star end things out nicely. This was my fourth and final Stevie Wonder album on this list, and it was the best one of the bunch. Love you, Stevie! Best song: Pastime Paradise
Excellent but he does keep going on a bit too long sometimes
хороший альбом, но нудный и долгий, пиздец
A massive album full of wonderful music. However the length also means you'll quickly forget some of the less memorable songs
It was good, in special the pastime paradise song. The others is also good, but not so good. Its a very long album, and in the end i was tired of listening. If it were a little smaller, like just one hour, it would be better. Very consistente and the instrumental are very good. I think it make sense that Stevie Wonder be a great name of the music. After all, still not the kind of music i would listen again, maybe one or other song, but thats it!
It seems blasphemous to say anything critical about one of the best regarded albums ever, and I don't have much bad to say. The 2nd album starts with my least favorite Stevie Wonder song (Isn't She Lovely") even worse is that I've never heard the 6 minute version with the kid squealing noises halfway through...which made it worse. If it were me in the producing booth, I might have pushed for a couple fewer songs, or maybe a shorter edit here or there... but for the most part, this was truly an excellent album.
Overall an enjoyable album - but was a bit long. Ofc Sir Duke and I wish were favorites. I appreciated the message conveyed in Black Man. Was shocked to learn that Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise is based off of Pastime Paradise!
Great album! Such soul!
Classic. So many styles in one album.
Listening to Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life is like signing up for a quick coffee date and realizing you’ve accidentally agreed to a 2-hour TED Talk on joy, heartbreak, and cosmic funk. It’s not an album—it’s a full-blown life seminar with a soundtrack so good you forget you’re being educated. Every track feels like Stevie personally broke into your soul, rearranged the furniture, and left a disco ball in the living room. The man plays more instruments than most people own socks, and somehow makes you feel guilty for not practicing piano harder in third grade. Favorite tracks are still the commericially known hits- Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn't She Lovely, and I had no idea Coolio sampled from Pastime Paradise
Some fantastic songs, a little bloated but nothing bad.
Downright listenable, downright lovely. Hard album to review - Stevie Wonder's an unimpeachable god of music and he deserves to be - but this album didn't inspire some kind of grand exaltation in me, some great epiphany...it just made me feel pretty goddamn good for 2 hours. That, itself, is pretty goddamn good.
Really enjoyable on the whole. Would have benefitted from being cut in half, 1hr 44 is definitely too long and does start to drag on but there were a chunk of fantastic songs along the way. Listening to this also makes me wish I was growing up in this era of music, some proper talent on show. Solid 4/5.
Fucker be jammin
Fun! Could definitely see his influence on others. Wish I had time to write more but I want the next album.
Solid solid album. I think I will like it more and more the more I listen to it, but it’s just too long to fully appreciate the first time through- 80/100
Really not a fan of the filler / non-classic tracks (I didn’t realise how whiny he can be), but this had too many greats/classics to be punished too harshly…..and I feel bad for doing that on his previous offering, so…
Bit too long. Very pleasant listen though.
Plethoric
It’s very nearly a five star record, but for me, Stevie’s oeuvres - even at their absolute pinnacle - always contain works that are overly sentimental, borderline saccharine. Key of Life is true to that form with Summer Soft, If It’s Magic, and others. One is reminded of the artist responsible for I just Called to Say I Love You. Mind you, half of the tracks are absolute classics of the era and the genre. It’s a string record and deserves the accolades it receives.
It's 4.5.
A really good album, but like all double albums in genres you’re not super in to, a tad too long.
Stevie Wonder's finest hour, and also his longest and most ecletic record. There is so much going on here. Pretty much everything you'd want from Stevie and more appear on this album at some point. Yes, it is really long. Not only is it a double LP, but it also include and extra EP at the end. But I would say it's 100% worth it. Key tracks: Sir Duke Pastime Paradise Isn't She Lovely As
Starts off slowly, then gets into the type of songs I was expecting. Had no idea Gangsters Paradise was a rip off of a Stevie Wonder track. Enjoyed this more than I expected to, trying to be objective it’s probably a 4 but I wouldn’t liste to it again
“Sir Duke” and is such an upbeat, energetic song. The chorus of “I Wish” sounds like Will Smith’s “Wild Wild West”. “Pastime Paradise” was maybe sampled for “Gangster’s Paradise”…all of this is making me feel like I have such little knowledge about music history. So many songs from this album (or possibly even other earlier songs from other artists) sampled for songs that know so well. Really like “Ebony Eyes”
Das macht schon Spaß, bei so einem überbekannten Künstler, mit dem man sich selber nie beschäftigt hat, Songs wie „As“ wieder zu erkennen
if the color yellow had a sound to it, I think it would be this album.
Пока я не понимаю, почему это величайший альбом в истории музыки, но слушать песни отсюда можно в любое время дня, пору года, и так далее. Лучшая песня - Pastime Paradise.
liked songs: Contusion, Sir Duke, Summer Soft, Another Star Very good 4.25
I remember seeing Stevie Wonder on American Bandstand with his first of many hits! This double album has many great songs but it could have been cut to one.
Absolute banger of an album. But it's so fucking long.
Pretty good, one song is the same as the rap one
Stevie Wonder is one of my favorite musicians. He has 4 albums on the list and they're all great. Many people call this his masterpiece, but it's my least favorite of the four. It has some of his best work, but also more filler than the other albums. Still solid 4 stars. Favorite song: another star
Album was a bit long so I did get a smidge bored. It sure was smooth, though!!
TIL: Stevie Wonder wrote the original song “Pasttime Paradise” which was sampled heavily for Bay Area Rapper Coolio’s “Gangstas Paradise.” This album is so obviously in Prince’s influence list, as well as Michael Jackson and Ween. The album flows well and I was introduced to some great deep cuts. Only thing I have never been able to stand is Stevie’s harmonica sound. I don’t know why, but it bugs me when I think about it being a harmonica. I’m still not convinced this man is blind.
Pretty chill and groovy, good lyrics, a little bit sleepy overall. I'd give 3.5 if this project had half-stars, but I'll round Stevie up to 4.
Härligt men hade kunnat trimmas ner lite
Toppen!
Brilliant album. Essential classic. Diverse, innovative arrangements.
He's a genius, but some of these ramble on a bit long.
God I wanted to love this and I…didn’t. I only liked it, sigh. There are some all-time classics here and Stevie is always Stevie. He’s wonderful to listen to. But many of the songs arrangements tilted orchestral mid-‘70s, almost Muzak at points. It’s a 4, but only because it’s him.
Meh
4/5
Beautiful album
Wowza this is a big one. Recognize the intro of Love's In Need of Love Today from Jay-Z's 4:44. Have a Talk With God is awesome -- will have to come back to this one. Village Ghetto Land is made up of synth'd strings, but sounds great. Contusion is a wonderful prog-funk explosion of an instrumental interlude. And Sir Duke is one that everyone and their mother knows -- and rightfully so, its a jam. TIL that Gangsta's Paradise is based on a Stevie Wonder song. Isn't She Lovely is another song that everyone knows; fine little ditty. Black Man is a hell of a jam. All Day Sucker is a fucking jam through the back side. Although this was quite long, it was a great listen. The vocals and writing are fantastic end to end and the upbeat songs ripped. I'll say that there were a few points during slower songs where I sort of glazed over and lost focus. But other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this. High 4.
This album had tons of hits holy moly Pastime Paradise was hilarious because I had no idea it was the original for Gangster's Paradise. Plenty to like in this album, especially because it clocks in at 1:45 which is really the only downside of this whole album. The entirety of it is full of great songs. High 4, but could easily be condensed down to an hour.
Have really enjoyed all the Stevie Wonder we've gotten so far and I know this is his magnum opus. All jams and then we get to Sir Duke which is absolutely incredible. Having I Wish right behind it just makes this seem like a greatest hits (I know it's not). TIL this was the original Gangsta's/Amish Paradise. Isn't She Lovely has been on my chillin playlist for quite some time what a beautiful song. I can see why this is revered as one of the best albums of all time, but something doesn't click enough for me to give it a 5. Either it being too long or some songs just going on a bittttt too long to make me lose focus. Either way I can see this being a 5 from me eventually, but today it's a high-ass 4.
Excellent. Should probably be a 5, but just too many songs.
Wasnt sure it would stand the test of time, but most of it does. Some really well written music.
This is a long ass album Stevie. I can see why this is considered a masterpiece, but honestly I could live without 4 or 5 of these songs and several of the extended intros/outros that seem to make every song 6 minutes long. You can hear the influence from this album in so much of the music from a generation later, either directly or indirectly (I had no idea “wild wild west” and “gangsta’s paradise” were direct Stevie rip offs). I also thought the sappier songs that weigh down his other albums have a little more juice on this one. Deducting a point for length (and the fake blind thing).
4.3 Deducting a half point for being fake blind. Probably essential for any record collection
What a joy this album is. It’s a little too joyful and has a bit of an agenda (an agenda I support, but nevertheless, one that is a little distracting). Stevie Wonder’s compositions are wonderfully complex and musical. And the man can *sing*. A joy, but not one I’d leave on repeat because it may be too joyful for my tastes. A 4.
This record is overflowing with hits, influence and fun. 3.7 outta 5
Solid.
Great album - Sir Duke is a classic
Could make an argument for a 5 here. It’s crazy the influence this album has had on the music world.
Great album but too much fluff to give a 5.
Is it good? Absolutely. But I don't think its five stars. The instrumentals are all great, as is the singing, but it's just not quite there. Too many of the songs just drag on, like they don't know how to end properly. This is especially evident on the second half of the album. However, it is still worthy of this list, but I'll give it 4 stars.
Haha I remember putting this vinyl on one of our early floor hangs at my old apartment and being like “this is one of the best albums ever!” Then we started making out and got bummed out by Village Ghetto Land and had to change theeee channnelll. It’s actually so funny to think of us making out to “families buying dog food now, babies die before they’re born…” and not knowing each other that well. I didn’t listen to this whole thing, but I have many times, and I love putting this album on to clean. Isn’t She Lovely is just so sweet
Disc 1 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ disc 2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Double Album Sir duke I wish Isn't she lovely
Patch Notes The one-two punch of Sir Duke / I Wish is nerfed. It was too broken. Coolio and Will Smith were removed from admin status. That one song with Wii Menu Music mistakenly used as backing was fixed. Isn't She Lovely has been duplicated in place of all the filler tracks. Now it appears 6 or so times on the album. Seriously, when it's great it's incredible, but anyone can see this album is too long. Save some for the nineteenth, Stevie!
Incredibly strong album, Stevie Wonder at his best. However, I really do think this album suffers from too long of a runtime. Nothing here sounds bad at all but my mind can’t help but drift off and want a different soundscape, 1 hour and 44 minutes is far too long for an album that sticks to the traditional RnB sound. Looking at Content alone, it’s a 5. However while the content is great, it’s too much of the same for too long to maintain that 5. Favorite songs off this album are Sir Duke and Black Man.
The upbeat material here is very, very good. I can see the influence on a lot of the funk artists I enjoy. The slower, easy listening stuff can be a bit of a slog. Still, this is clearly a very high quality album
Vraiment bien rien a dire !
J'aime trop la soul, Stevie Wonder le goat je le savais bon mais là c'était de la très bonne.
Pretty good. Great voice, great lyrics, groovy and fun instrumentals. Nothing not to like, but for me, just not the exact style of music I listen to. This is about as good as a album can get without me wanting to come back to it. Maybe a song here and there, but not the whole album again. It's also iconic, so bonus points there for what it's worth.
Muy bueno, aunque no es un estilo que me enganche mucho tiempo seguido. Temazos inolvidables.
4/5
gangsta paradise original version
Espectacular. Suena tan grande y relevante como dicen que es. Esteban tiene un sentido del ritmo que no tiene nadie. Pido perdón por no haber escuchado suficiente música suya, intentaré hacerlo a partir de ahora La de samples y covers que han salido de este álbum es heavy. Favs: I Wish, Black Man, As
Bangers
Had no idea gangsters paradise was taken from this album. Funky stuff. Liked it
So many highlights. Never outstays its welcome. No bloat. Interesting throughout. An easy 5.
Some great songs, and what a voice! I wanted the bass to be dialed up a little funkier and some of the songs dont know when to end (looking at you joy inside my tears)
I was expecting this to be 5-starrer for me, what can I say I guess I'm more of an Innervisions guy. Some of it just went on a little too long for my warped 2025 brain, but Stevie Wonder in the 1970s was on fire.
So verstücklet glosed dasi gar nüm weiss öbs bahnbrechend gsi isch oder biz überdurchschnittlich. Guet ischs sicher sehr gsi! Und mal d OG version vo Paradise z lose het sehr spass gmacht. Lehn mi vlt biz us em zugfenster aber ich denke vier Weltwunder het de Stevie verdient
Stevie rocks
Love SW. But there are others I like more.
This album is very pleasant
This could have been a 5!star album. But there was no need for it to be a double album. There was bloat, no need for the extended version of isn’t she lovely. But the core of this album is awesome - production, musicianship, his voice - all top tier. One hour and 44 minutes is too much.
****A very good album. Easy listening.
Day First listen- I have been meaning to listen to this album as a whole for a long time! Such a precious and a pleasant album, the tracks are very enjoyable and Stevie's voice is marvellous.
Weird gem - Sunset - Dreamy. Muy bueno, sobre todo la primera carátula, la segunda ya innova un poco más y no me agrada tanto
Well, this is another album I will have to buy. I knew the singles, of course... I grew up in southern Michigan in the 70s and 80s... but I had no idea how good the rest of the album was.
Stevie Wonder is in the same category as Michael Jackson, George Michael, Madonna etc in that I know they are the best at what they do but it’s not something I’d voluntarily listen to. There are some superb tracks on this album (As and Saturn are my favs) and to make a double album as good as this is almost unheard of (Beatles white album the only one I can think of that’s better off the top of my head) but I’ll prob never listen again so it isn’t a 5 star album to me. Same as Madonna’s Like A Prayer, a 4 seems fair because its undeniably good, just not my thing.
An explosion of creativity from a singular talent. Suffers a bit from bloat. Were there enough quality songs for a double album? I don’t think so. Eliminate the subpar tracks, which are predominantly on disc 2, and you have a tight all time great album. That may be picky because there are so many all time great songs here.
Wow! This was amazing. His voice is beautiful and I am so used to hearing a few classics that I was a bit shocked on a couple of the songs like, Pastime Paradise.
It's been awhile since I've listened to this one, but you can hear the influence he has on all genres of music from the time this was released. 4/5
Always loved this album. So incredible prolific to stick so many incredible songs on one album. Black Man and Isn’t She Lovely were stand outs this time. Forgot the beautiful sweet and long outro for Isn’t She Lovely.
4.5
great album but very long
I didn’t listen to the whole album as it is quite long. But it is a real feel good album and there are some fun tracks. I didn’t know gangster paradise came from one of stevie wonders’ songs. Normally I can’t stand religious music but the more religious tracks on here were great.
It's Stevie. It has the juxtaposition of all of his great albums for me. He gets so cheesy you get constipation and then he gets so funky it shakes all your shit out. There's rarely anything in between. He often hides pretty heavy messages behind his insanely catchy melodies - the man is a beast. This is an *important* album in every sense of the word. Yes everyone should listen to it - but the cheese!!!! Best Tracks: Sir Duke; I Wish; As
There is not a whole lot you can say about this one that hasn't already been said a million times, an amazing album by an amazing artist.
Quality piano playing. Fun and funky to listen to.
pleasant background music
Great stuff -1 star because I wasnt able to listen to the full thing
It's a solid, easy to listen to funk album.
Listened to one song. I need a job where I can listen to the whole album every day!
It’s just music that makes you feel good, you know? I will say, 1 hour 45 minutes is toooooo long, so I’m taking away half a star. But I’m giving it right back because I just happened to check Wikipedia while listening to Isn’t She Lovely and learned that it was written about his first born, which made me tear up because my first born went away to college last week and I love him so much and I’m so sad and excited for him at the same time.
Well, it's certainly the best 18th album of all time, right? Stevie Wonder is someone I've had mixed feelings about, but other than it being long, and having some duds that fell in the middle, it's a great album. It versatile in genres, and style; you never know what you're going to get(what do you mean that wasn't Coolio's idea?). The closing track gives me "Animal Crossing" vibes, and overall, it's such a a pleasant album to listen to. Favorite Track: "Pastime Paradise".
As a double LP recorded after he opted against retiring from making music and signed a fat new deal with Motown Records, this feels like a pure flex by Stevie Wonder. It’s a kaleidoscopic, sprawling, nearly overwhelming melange of soul, R&B, funk, tropicalia, proto-electro and Afrofuturism. “Contusion” even brings some jazz fusion to the mix.
It is so rare that you get a minor-chord jam with a hook as good as "As" has!
Knew the singles, did not expect a double Lp. Even the less good songs are not worth skipping.
Not just an LP. But a double LP. And not just a double LP. But a double LP + 7". Kind of nuts to pull that off. But he did. And somehow made a song with a crying baby in it heartwarming rather than annoying.
Had to skip 'Isn't She Lovely' but otherwise an album full of joyful bangers
Nice
A joy to listen to. All be it, a long a joy. 4.5⭐️
Not a perfect album, even the non-hits were hitting me just right. There's some ridiculously good funk on that album. 4 stars.
Some classic tracks on this album, and some great ones I've never heard. "Sir Duke", "Isn't She Lovely", "I Wish" being so major for Stevie and "Pastime Paradise" being pivotal for Coolio. It's an enjoyable album.
No me gusta mi automático recuerdo del pendular man. Pero admito que sus producciones son exquisitas en el reto instrumental y compositivo
Some slow jams in here for sure. Sir Duke and I Wish pick up the tempo. Pastime Paradise led to the great Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio and Amish Paradise by Weird Al. Isn’t She Lovely is a really sweet song about his daughter. I like the whole sound of the double album but the lyrical portion is over in the middle of the song. After that it’s just instrumental jams, which isn’t terrible from someone named Stevie Wonder. It does get a bit long though.
Undeniably a great and classic album from one of the best to ever do it. It's influence and imprint on society is huge. That being said, it's also a bit long and bloated. Not my favorite even though it's likely his best.
wow Pastime Paradise. No idea Gangsta's Paradise had direct inspiration from this song. Overall this album is incredibly soulful and funky. The lyrics are powerful and significant, but at times hidden behind music that feels upbeat and positive. It's a very interesting juxtaposition. Not to mention the obvious hits Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn't She Lovely; Pasttime Paradise and Village Ghetto Land were very interesting songs that made me stop and reflect for a bit. Disc 2 was a bit exhausting and difficult to get through. With the exception of Isn't She Lovely, I just got tired of it. There were so many parts where there was some dialogue or dramatic scenes in Black Man and Isn't She Lovely specifically that seemed so out of place and distorted that it was difficult to enjoy the song and in Black Man specifically, lost meaning. I understand the point of Black Man is to shine light on the achievements of people of color throughout history, but the part with the teachers and children regurgitating facts was more annoying than powerful since you couldn't really hear what they were saying other than the......color of the skin of the person they were shouting about. Is it about the accomplishment, the person, or are we just reducing them to the color of their skin? I think we could think of a better way to highlight the achievements of black or indigenous individuals in the past. Overall, If we put Isn't She Lovely on Disc 1 and just removed Disc 2......it would be a better experience.
Brilliant 👏
This is probably the first 4 I'm giving to an album I'm unlikely to listen to again. It's not for me, but the music was just undeniable.
7/10 Massive amount of hits in one album. 8-11-2025
Great!
Great work
Vrhunski album, uvijek ga je gušt slušati. Rijetko što mi može biti ispod 4 njegovo, pa je tako i ovaj put. 4/5, 8/10
Listen again.
Highlights: Sir Duke, Love’s In Need of Love Today, I Wish, As. In a nutshell: a culmination of greatness. I am generally adverse to double albums, because they’re fraught with filler. Stevie and the band start strong, get wobbly on Side B and Side C and finish strong on Side D with "As" and "Another Star". A lot of jamming to fill out the side length... But that is the only criticism I have. SITKOL is a legacy album and its influence spreads far and wide. Overall: 7/10
Cover 6 Love Stevie Wonder's voice. This album took me several listens to get into. Initially I just thought it was not for me. But the problem with music is, depending on my mood, an album can either be 3 stars or 4 stars, even 5. So my opinion for any album should only be considered with a grain of salt. One of his best albums despite not havung many radio friendly hits.
Very good! Sonically not consistent but every song was interesting and fun to listen to.
Difficult not to enjoy this funky, soulful, progressive record with masterful musicianship and songwriting (at least aspects of). It’s simply a pleasure to listen to. The songs are fun and groovy or emotional and heartfelt. The whole album is strong with only occasional moments where I get a bit less interested, which is still impressive given the long runtime (the 3 song run of Contusion - Sir Duke - I Wish is next level). Can’t really criticize any musical or technical aspects - it feels great, it sounds great. The bass and synths alone are enough to keep me listening. Overall it’s an album that I like and admire very much, but just not an all-time favorite that I go back to at any time. Certainly a massive achievement and no argument from when that it’s highly discussed as one of the best of all time, and its given me a greater appreciate for Stevie Wonder.
His eighteenth album. Wow, this is a one hour and forty four minute long double album. His eighteenth ! By this stage you'd think that he'd be running out of ideas or just phone it in. Nope. Magnified vocals, production and delivery. Isn't She Lovely is a beautiful song. Sir Duke is another good one. The album is an epic, sprawling mess of genius song writing and musicianship. It's fucking long though.
Great album… I’ve always loved Stevie Winder growing up. Had no idea that pastime paradise was a thing though!
4 - great album but had to much bloat
Stevie at his apex. It does not get much better than this. His voice….the instruments….the music…..the melodies….the messages….it’s a masterpiece.
Objectively good, not really my thing compared to other jazz/funk type stuff
Masterful. Pulls you into a world of groove. It’s amazing how many songs have sampled and nicked bits of this - this feels like tapping into the source. For its length there doesn’t feel like much filler, but it is too long even without the bonus EP. For that reason it loses a star, but a very strong four. Stand out tracks: Contusion, Sir Duke, Isn’t She Lovely
Only thing that hurt this was the length. Could have been a little tighter but I won't be too upset at getting to listen to all this good music. My first real listening of Stevie Wonder. I had heard most of his hits but never at length. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Definitely added more than a couple of the songs to my hits playlist.
Lots of great stuff on here, but a few skippable songs for sure.
While I knew that Stevie was one of the greats, I've never taken the time to sit down and listen to a full album. I was a little annoyed that it was an hour and 44 minutes, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't believe how many songs I recognized! His voice is incredible and every song was beautifully crafted and rich and just a lovely listen. This is why I do this project - so I can visit albums that I've never taken the time to visit and hopefully finding gems in things I've overlooked. This was wonderful.
4.5 :)
My man can't see a thing but still kills it on every track.
Love a bit of Stevie. I think my favourite of his albums - as a bassist sir duke is by default one of my fave bops ever
almost a masterpiece cause some songs are filler, but so many faves
A bit too long
Un disco doble de Stevie Wonder que probablemente esté entre sus mejores, pero que tiene, para mí, un gran problema: es excesivamente largo, a mi parecer. El disco 1 es absolutamente genial, el disco 2 me pareció en su mayoría relleno, a excepción de As, una canción que he amado siempre y me sorprendió que la versión original fuera de Stevie. Mismo caso con Wild Wild West y Gangsta´s Paradise. Todo salió de aquí.
Probably his best. Love Sir Duke.
Ok it's way too long and some parts slow down but it's elevated by some real surprise bangers.
Some great songs and vibes but very long
Better than Coldplay
Long but great album. Pastime Paradise was the first time I heard it not knowing that Gangstas Paradise was basically a cover. Best song was Sir Duke
Interesting how long it takes this album to get going. Contusion is where it really starts going. Wonder if the gospel start was a strategic choice. Most of the songs here would benefit from radio edits. I appreciate the funky jams, but they get a lot of airtime. Ordinary Pain and on definitely started to feel repetitive within the songs and as a whole. Good music, might add a few songs to my playlist to listen to on shuffle, but not an album I'll listen through again. 4*
This is an excellent album. No question. Worthy of the hype. There are tracks here that are truly ascendant that warrant a five star rating. It's technically incredible, versatile, and an undeniably pleasant listen. I would agree with a bit of the modern day sentiment that it's a bit bloated. There are tracks that feel out of place, overly long, etc. That being said, I'm a walking contradiction as "As" is an all time favorite of mine. Thankful I had the opportunity to listen to this in its entirety. I can't help but wonder what this album would be like if reduced by a third.
Sir Duke Pastime paradise
What an album, what a talent!
Knew more of these songs from samples 🫣
Was gonna give this a 3, bc I was expecting only a few good songs amongst this double album. But was surprised to hear a few bangers I wasn't familiar with, and also learned Gangster's Paradise is nearly an exact copy of Past Time Paradise.
Muy bueno
This was fantastic, loved the energy on this and liked hearing the original sample for “Gangsta’s Paradise”. 4.5/5
Excellent
Pretty heavily produced, super ambitious album
Definitely one of the greatest albums.
Sometimes literally preachy but whatever. I'm sure it fit the times. I can see why about half of it has been sampled though.
Was amazed to learn that Coolio's Gangsta's Paradise was a rework of Pastime Paradise.
This is his *eighteenth* studio album and it's somehow still packed with memorable songs. "Sir Duke," "As," "Isn't She Lovely." Somehow I wasn't aware of "Pastime Paradise" and I almost had to go lay down after I heard it. "I Wish" walked so "Wild Wild West" could run. Probably others too I am forgetting. I think this is a big step up in quality above the other two Stevie albums that have come up. My only complaint is the runtime - Stevie, you obviously you like making lots of albums, just cut this up and pad out the count even further.
It was good had a lot of songs I liked Like Village Ghetto Land, Past Time Paradise, Sir Duke, and Saturn
Groovy tunes. Almost perfect, just not quite.
A real achievement but not quite doing it for me
Primera vez escuchándolo, grata sorpresa de saber que ganstans Paradise uso un canción de este álbum, buena compañía de fondo para las mañanas frías de Buenos Aires, hoy fueron 2°.
I love the funky upbeat tunes of Stevie Wonder, but the slow ones always grate on me
A great album
I’m still mad about Limp Biscuit yesterday. This ALMOST makes up for it. Has anyone ever been on a heater like Stevie Wonder here? Innervisions , Talking book and this one of the greatest runs in music history. It runs a little long. Would probably be a 5 star single album.
Favorite Track: I Wish
Good album. Great hit songs
4.2 - It's good, don't get me wrong he's great. It just feels soooooo bloated
Timeless album, one can actually pinpoint how this masterpiece got referenced or influenced other media that came after. It's so well produced it's tough to acknowledge how experimental it is also. I personally don't think I'm aged enough to fully appreciate it, thus the 4 stars, but I'll surely come back to this one every year. Fav tracks: Joy Inside My Tears
Vaya discazo la verdad. Buena musica, buenas voces, buena producción y buenas vibras. Me esperaba cosas buenas porque sabía que Stevie es un buen artista, pero guau. Se notaba la cantidad de pasta que había para hacer música en la época porque suena brutal. Una cantidad casi perfecta de variación entre canciones en cuanto al estilo y el flow, mezclando baladillas chill, con soul y medio funky por momentos. Las lineas de bajo son espectaculares, sobre todo en temas como "Saturn" o "Sir Duke", el cual es el hit del disco y un top caciones de la historia. Destaca tambíen la originalidad e innovación en cuanto al sonido en algunas canciones, ya que suenan mas a los 80 que a los 70. El disco 1 es un 10/10 sin duda. Y de hecho probablemente regresaré de vez en cuando. Puede ser medio banda sonora de verano quien sabe. El disco 2 pega un bajón. Todos los temas de 6 min para arriba son canciones de 3 min cuya ultima secuencia de acordes se repite hasta el infinito, y ni los primeros minutos merecen especialmente la pena. Me da rollo porque realmente se llevaría el 5 el album si no fuera por el disco 2. Tambien en general 21 canciones son una burrada pero bueno, si fueran todas como el disco 1 no impotaría. Resumiendo: Disco 1 -> 10/10 Disco 2 -> 6/10 Conjunto -> 8.75/10 (supongo)
Menuda putísima pasada de album. Las primeras canciones son mega brutales y Stevie wonder es un compositor exageradamente bueno. Lo malo q las ultimas canciones decepcionan un pelín pq las primeras son super buenas pero en general es muy buen álbum.
1st half was 3 ish stars for me but really liked the 2nd. There’s a 45 minute 5 star album but it’s stretched out a bit with some filler
Can't be anything but a 5 star rating. Legendary.
It was good but a little long, should have cut some of the fat. Also, they did Stevie dirty on that colonoscopy album art.
Stevie Wonder's only double album - full of great tracks.
Obviously it’s a classic with numerous outstanding tracks … but it is too long (double albums should be reserved for greatest hits … which I suppose this is!)
Great
Overall it was good. I didn't really enjoy the two or three songs and I could have done without the extended child bath sounds, but aside from that I really enjoyed this.
A bit mixed but the highs are SO high and it feels so cohesive - 7/10
Good blend of R&B, pop, jazz and smaltz. Didn't remember that Gangster Paradise is an offshoot of Pastime Paradise. Sir Duke was a staple of my pre-teen self.
He's so awesome, I hear the influence he had on so many other artists in every song.
Stevie Wonder is such a talented guy. He writes all songs, masters the groove by playing most of the band instruments and produces his own records. This is great album, but maybe few songs too long.
Ultra sleek and almost too sleek to my taste. Big credits for amazing multi-instrumental Wonder.
His voice is really good and some of the songs are great. There are a few that I don’t like as much and a few production choices I wasn’t fond of, but overall it was a very enjoyable listen and I would probably listen again. Fav song: Sir Duke Least fav: Summer Soft
The vocals are amazing. A really enjoyable album.
that ish was long good for sure, crazy range in genre while still adhering to a lot of jazz/funk archetypes favs probably village ghetto land, contusion, and summer soft
Great album with a lot of hits, soul filled.
Good Stuff.
Could do with revisiting from time to time as it is such a big album. A very enjoyable listen though and a good balance of recognisable and new songs for me.
Love's in Need of Love Today 3.5 Have a Talk with God 3.6 Village Ghetto Land 3.3 Contusion (instrumental) 3.7 Sir Duke 3.8 I Wish 3.7 Knocks Me Off My Feet 3.7 Pastime Paradise 3.8 Summer Soft 3.6 Ordinary Pain 3.6 Isn't She Lovely 3.3 Joy Inside My Tears 3.4 Black Man 3.5 Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing 3.6 If It's Magic 3.5 Asking for It 3.6 Another Star 3.7 Score: 3.582352941
Classic funk album
Granted, there are a bunch of fantastic songs on this album, but it does go on a little long for me. There seems to be a bias in this list that long albums are great albums. I can't agree. A little editing would get you a really great album. Throwing everything on the wall and celebrating that you you nailed it on a half dozen songs doesn't make a great album. Don't get me wrong, Songs In The Key Of Life is a great album. I'm speaking to the concept in general. This album could have been a 5, but not for me as it is.
This album is even weirder than I remember. Very inventive and creative, with several classic tracks. Listening in one go is too much of a good thing for my tastes. Would be better as originally on vinyl with a break every 20 minutes.
if i were reviewing this album back when i first heard it... when i was 14... i would've said it was one of the greatest albums of all time... now, as an old man, my review of it has somewhat tempered a bit... 20 songs... which if pared down to about 15 would be at the very top of every list... oh but those five... they now seem like preachiness... and a bit overdone... but, musically it is like a trip through the world of R&B's many stylings... "I Wish", "Isn't She Lovely" and "Sir Duke" were all timers... but my favorite song was always "As"...
I've only heard this album a couple of times and didn't remember it well. My problem with many of Stevie Wonder's albums is there are a handful of solid hard funk/soul then a lot of whiny songs that lack that hard funk edge. So most of the first disc doesn't suffer from that, it's best moments are transcendental--I Wish is my favourite, but Sir Duke and Pastime Paradise are obviously absolute classics as well. Have a talk with god isn't the kind of track you'd think would have a deep funk groove, but it definitely does. Second disc opens with a longer album version of single Isn't She Lovely which made me think my baby daughter was talking before I realized it was the track. Joy Inside My Tears... pretty whiney. Black Man is a solid funk track. Then the latter half of the second side gets a little slow for a while, with some high points. As is good, then Another Star solid. 4/5, would be a five if not for some filler--could have been shorter. Probably Stevie's best album.
Good work. He played it safe while opening up. Great album
Amazing incredible music, but wow it really is so long. Some of the songs go on for longer than I could enjoy.
Can’t go wrong
Four stars, but more of a really-begrudging-3.5-rounded-up-to-4-stars four stars. There's so many good songs but it can be toothachingly sweet on the whole.
A bit controversial maybe, it’s good and all but is it a bit on the long side? I have listened to Stevie in a hits capacity so it was nice to hear an actual album and when Pastime Paradise came on it blew my mind, I thought Gangstas Paradise was an original thing!
[5/10]
Very impressive double album with one strong track after another. I have probably heard the big hits a few too many times but great to discover tracks I never knew like Saturn. A lot of the songs are a bit too long though and I could have done without the two instrumentals!
Bangers after Bangers, somet8mes a bit too sweet
Vyborny, asi ne do hospody :D
How can it be mere coincidence that I got this back-to-back with Ray Charles? It's a very solid album, but I wasn't quite as transported by it as many others were. I liked it a lot, just the same. Kinda like the Ray Charles album -- a solid four.
Great album by one of the Greats.
Ok.
Truly WONDERful album.
Absolutely fantastic album! Never heard the whole thing front to back before but all the songs are complete bangers. Phenomenal record, deserving of all the praise!
Well I was just complaining about the lack of nu jazz and the generator comes out and reminds me that Stevie Wonder did all that stuff back in the 70s. This is the culmination of an amazing decade of albums. Have a Talk to God has some seriously wonky synths and sound effects. Village Ghetto Life combines a Wendy Carlos baroque synth with socially consciousness unmatched by anyone but Gil Scott Heron (maybe Chuck D?). Contusion is a dizzying fusion number which feels just like the kind of bewildering confusion that comes from a TBI that leads straight into Sir Duke, which starts out like a big band swing number before some of those iconic chord changes and about the funnest horn line in the world. I Wish is a rollicking funk number with a direct line to George Clinton. Pastime Paradise is of course a critical track for anyone who came of age in the 90s. Ronnie Foster and Wonder on Summer Soft soar with every verse. The second half is weaker with quite a few longer songs that probably could have used a razor. Highlights are Black Man for some more consciousness and some great solos, As for the gospel choruses and All Day Sucker for recognising fellow genius George Clinton. I do question the track ordering, it seems to go from social consciousness to big brassy fun to love ballad without any rhyme or reason. Two separate LPs might have been more effective. I know people find this frustrating because of its length and I see where they are coming from, but I feel like its just a demonstration of how deep and broad Wonder's talent went that after three of the best albums released in the 70s, when he's demoralised with tired and thinking about leaving music he could still put out another double LP reprising everything he achieved.
All of Stevie’s albums in the 70s were part of my constant listening during that decade. So much consistently brilliant music from this phenomenal musician. Every song on this album is genius.
Rating: 4.5/5 | Favorite Track: Sir Duke --- A nearly perfect album – I'm upset with myself that I waited until this point in my life to listen to this. I adore the warmth and the optimism of this album; it's simply fun to listen to.
What a ride. The jams are JAMS on this, although I’ve never been a ballad guy.
Excellent. The first disc would get a 5. The second disc has some great bits but didn’t quite reach the sustained high level in my opinion.
Long album but worth it. I can see why Stevie Wonder is a living legend. Lots of solid hits
Really enjoyed. Team Stevie!
:)
this is one of my all time favorites, great vibes and ive heard it alot for years so i dont have much to say, this is truly songs in the key of life i love this album
Iconic
Masterpiece.
Dear Stevie, the album cover looks like a butthole with your face shining out of the middle. I'm sure it looks better in your minds eye. Thankfully its not reflective of the music, solid album. Lots of sample genesis. you get an extra star for that.
A classic album and for damn good reason. Stevie Wonder is one of those artists who is instantly recognisable and utterly unique. Really enjoyed this one!
Wow, what an absolute joy this album was to listen to. Double LPs are always bloated and self-indulgent - and the same does apply in Stevie’s case. But the pacing here is so strong, and the bangers so well placed that they mostly stave off the exhaustion. Yes, the tunes are just that strong. On first listen it’s genuinely difficult to pick a favourite side let alone song. Side 1 and 2 feel more concise and focused, whereas Stevie kind of just loosens up and takes the listener on a long groovy journey towards the end. If like me you’ve given yourself over to the groove by side 4, you’re going you have a hell of time. A high 4 for me on first listen but would not be surprised to graduate that to a 5 if I find myself returning to this one. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Fourth SW album I've been recommended so far, I think this might be my favorite. Had no clue this is where 'Gangsta's Paradise' comes from.
😍
Amazing just a bit too long. CUT IT DOWN STEVIE
Ok, Stevie is great, but this album is way too long and the baby crying on Isn’t She Lovely always makes me uncomfortable. There are some undeniably great - masterful even - tracks on this, but I could speed run Mario 3 faster than this. 3.5/5
This is clearly a master at work with some incredible songs…but I just didn’t connect on an emotional level/ visceral level with most songs in the same way I do things I love.
Probably a 5 star for me if it was trimmed to single disc. That’s true for most double discs. I can only think of a handful of double discs that hit the whole way through.
First album, and maybe rating it a little too low because of that. A lot that is undeniable, obviously, but I could imagine a single disc that's *perfect* and it's not an LP I return to all that often. 4.5 stars would be more accurate.
Was so hyped when I saw this one come up but I was a bit dissapointed not going to lie. Sir duke As and isn’t she lovely are fantastic but feels like the other ones don’t really live up to them. Still a good album overall thought The added baby sounds on isn’t she lovely were sooo unnecessary as well Specific rating - 4.2 Fav song- Sir duke Least fav song - Saturn
Way better than Talking Book-a ton of variety and great songs. My only issue is that, at almost 2hrs long, there is too much weight to avoid some adult contemporary flab. Overall, though, a great album and probably my favorite of his.
There is a LOT of good stuff on this. Blending R&B, Disco, Jazz, Pop, Soul, Gospel...big boppers to iconic ballads.
Always love Stevie dubs, it the best but always love the energy and makes me happy to hear his albums.
A lot of fun songs and sounds on here. I probably wouldn't have guessed this came from the 70's because it still sounds fresh to me. Also, who knew this is where Gangsta's Paradise came from? Not me.
Really cool to get this as my first revealed album. Bought the vinyl a few years ago when I received my turnable as a birthday gift from Nicole.