Fulfillingness' First Finale

The first time I listened to this I was riding in the front passenger seat on a road trip, tripping balls on mushrooms. It is, to date, one of my all-time favorite records.

a little sesame street for me

10/10 how the fuck do you not like Stevie Wonder? the man has contributed some of the greatest albums on earth to humanity

Can't believe I overlooked this album for so long. The guy who say to listen to Wonder's albums chronically are correct over the ones who just say to listen to Innervisions or Songs in the Key of Life. This album is fantastic. Doesn't have any hits, but these songs are pure genius. It just sounds incredible, with unconventional recording techniques that somehow manage to excel with the theme and Wonder's style. It's still distinctively soul, but it's really atmospheric, and you can hear the decades of influence these songs would have on neo-soul from the late 90s to modern age. Not to mention the diversity of these tracks. We go from the echoey emotional "Too Shy To Say" to the funky "Boogie on Reggae Woman", and neither sound like anything else from its time, yet both are fantastic, and that transition does not sound out-of-place. And who the hell plays the harmonica in a funk song? Who does that? Stevie Wonder, and he's been doing that since the 60s. It's so high-pitched but I'll be damned it works. And then what comes after that? I wish I knew music theory to talk about these songs. All I know is that it's weird and highly unconventional but still identifiable and sounds really good, like the Beatles. There's something that sticks out to me about every song, whether cool or unusual and yet it's aesthetically pleasing. It's odd how this is probably considered the weakest of his classic era, but I still consider this is a perfect entry. The only complaint is the lack of star tracks to tie it all together, but the two lead singles come close. Favorites: Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away, Boogie On Reggae Woman, Creepin, They Won't Go When I Go, Bird of Beauty

I love Stevie Wonder and I feel this album is underrated in his catalog. Goes down easy all while making some genuinely heartfelt and poignant statements. No small feat. I used to put "They won't go when I go" on mixtapes and we'd get high and listen to it in silence and it would give us chills. Stevie is the real deal.

Our second album from Stevie, and it's another great one! So many funky instrumentals here, with unusual rhythms and instrumental runs. "Boogie On Reggae Woman" is just otherworldly. As an album, not as grandiose or monumental as Song in the Key of Life, but really great nonetheless. I'll be returning to quite a few on here, they sound unlike anything I've heard before. Favorite tracks: Boogie On Reggae Woman, Bird of Beauty, You Haven't Done Nothin', Too Shy to Say, Please Don't Go. Album art: Absolutely fantastic art, wow. The piano key staircase, all the shadows and colors, this is really awesome. And I love the nod to the Grammys right there on Stevie's cheek, don't forget that this guy won like 300 Grammys in a span of about 10 years. 4/5

I think this the weakest of the albums from Stevie's "classic period", so it suffers a bit in being compared to them. Compared to most other albums from most other artists, it's outstanding, but compared to his body of work, it's doesn't hit the same highs. For 1001 Albums, I think the average person would understand Stevie Wonder's brilliance with Innervisions and Songs In the Key of Life, so having four albums represented seems like overkill. The big singles both work: Boogie on Reggae Woman is slinky and funky, while You Haven't Done Nothin does have a Superstition vibe to it. Heaven is 10 Zillion Years Away is also a standout. The slower tracks don't have the same immediacy - Creepin isn't bad, but Too Shy to Say is pretty dull excepting the steel guitar from Sneaky Pete Kleinow. Again, I like this album, but it's never going to be my Stevie Wonder album of choice.

Jazz people love to say how great Stevie Wonder is at harmonisation and songwriting. Alas, I am not a jazzman, nor – it seems – constitutionally able to get through one of these songs unbored. More like Stevie Natural Occurrence!

It's hard to listen to Stevie and not feel good. His voice is one of the best and the message in his music is so positive, even when it's a slower tune you still need to move along with it. Incredible artist, and this was great to peek into his lesser known stuff.

When I die im donating my eyes to Stevie Wonder 🙏

Compositional greatness unmatched, but the delicate baroque palette means the songs simply don't jam, and that reduces his generational reach, which is when he's at his best. Very pretty though.

Released between two absolute 5 star crackers (Innervisions and Songs in the key of life). First few songs seem light weight sentimental ditties, and it takes a few songs before the funky grooviness starts. Then you realise that they’ve all got under your skin and you’re humming away to some lovely love songs. Subsequent listens double down on all this and before you know it your listening to a classic Stevie album. Just a pity it falls between such giant corkers!

It’s slower than I prefer. Musically it’s there, the production is good.

Beautiful, happy music. I feel like music is rarely just purely happy, but Stevie Wonder always hits it right.

So talented and soulful. There are so many weaker copies of SW out there, it's refreshing to hear the real thing.

I'm surprised I missed out on this one back in my wider music nerd phase, but I'm sad I did - this was extremely good. "They Won't Go When I Go" is an absolute classic.

It was good but not great.

I tend to score Stevie's albums on the strength of the iconic hits with their ground-breaking keyboard licks while holding my nose for the syrupy ballads. In this case "Boogie on Reggae Woman" is great, "You Haven't Done Nothin" borrows heavily from "Superstition" but there are too many over produced ballads.

Stevie Wonder was on such an incredible roll in the 1970s. I was thinking of downgrading this to four stars just because I slightly prefer Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life, but that feels like I'm penalising him for being too much of a genius.

Is it heretical to say that this is possibly one of the weaker albums during Stevie Wonder's classic run? But that is by the standard of STEVIE freaking WONDER in the middle of his imperial period! This still won Album of the Year at the Grammys and is better than 99.99% of releases by everybody else ever. The singles are bangers (although I have often mused on what 'You Haven't Done Nothing' would have been like with a real drummer). Deep cuts I liked best: the gospel 'Please Don't Go' and hymn-like 'They Won't Go When I Go'. 'They Won't Go' has a lot of cultural legs; covers by George Michael and Chance the Rapper (check out the performance at NPR Tiny Desk) amongst others, and Stevie movingly played it at Michael Jackson's memorial. Stevie Wonder is a genius and a treasure. Five stars, no notes.

Wonder’s run has spoiled me: this is great, just not as great as some of its siblings.

Pretty nice. Stevie never puts out mediocre music, that's for sure.

This is pop gospel for the masses. My husband doesn't like Stevie Wonder and he is wrong.

Excellent album. I'm not sure it's aged well though. The cheesy keyboards were probably amazing in 1974, but not so much now. If I were reviewing this in the '70s or even '80s, I might give it 5 stars, but... I hate to hold a trend or "fashion" against an album, but if yodeling was really popular for a few years, it's simply not going to age well, and I can't ignore it. A decent example is the last song, "Please Don't Go". It's a good song, but the "bass keyboard" hasn't aged well. Ever since the '70s, that line would have just been played on a bass guitar. It doesn't change that it's a good song, but production and implementation does matter. Still, 4 stars.

Fav: Too Shy To Say Least Fav: Boogie On Reggae Woman

Decent, but sounds like Innervisons B-sides in comparison. [EDIT: Mark, this is a prime example of one I return to because I'm sure there's more there if I just listen better; still didn't find it yet though.]

Good album. Stevie is so talented and at the top of his game at this point in the 70’s that even in second gear, as he is here, it sounds beautiful. It’s laid back and almost easy listening music but it consistently sounds warm, pleasant and interesting.

I used to (Stevie) WONDER what this album sounded like because I had never listened. Now I no longer (Stevie) wonder.

Overrated and repetitive

Mostly super boring.

Surprisingly not so good.

Stevie was at the top and this album is one of the tops, so tops of the tops.

"I got Music on My Mind, I got Talking Book, I got Fufinity, Fulfillity, fuck it, you know, the GOOD one!" - Eddie Murphy, Delirious

This is my second Stevie Wonder album. The other one was Songs in the Key of Life. I really like this, especially songs like "Boogie On Reggae Woman" The question with artists like Stevie Wonder is do you judge them by their standards or by the standards of his contemporaries. If I was going purely based on the run this album is in the middle of, then maybe it is not as highly rated as the other two around it. If you rate him based on his contemporaries then this is head and shoulders above so many others. Stevie, even on an off day is just so damn good as a singer/songwriter. In the end I'm going with 5 stars because even though I like the other albums. I still love this and it is a cracking album.

Got to love Stevie!

Another great Stevie album, full of amazing grooves, excellent lyrics, and the type of music that makes you want to throw your ass 5/5, fav song: Boogie on Reggae Woman

OH HELL YEA STEVIE WONDER

Saved every song

TO JEST TAKIE DOBRE, JEGO PŁYTY MOGĘ W CIEMNO BRAC

Great

This is my first Stevie Wonder record and I had an excellent time with it. As soon as the buttery smooth 'Smile Please' kicked off the album, I was immediately charmed by the warmth and the soulful voice of Wonder. The production on here is sublime, with the harmonies of backing singers helping to create such a rich and dense sound throughout the entirety of the runtime. There's not a bad song here and everything feels varied. Wonder can turn down the pace with a slow jam like 'Too Shy To Say' before bringing you immediately bring you back to to life with the funky Moog-driven 'Boogie On Reggae Woman'. Wonders tackles a number of important topics here, from attacking then-president Richard Nixon on 'You Haven't Done Nothin' ' and reflecting on his own mortality on the haunting' They Won't Go When I Go'. If this is considered the weakest Stevie inclusion in the book, then I am absolutely buzzing to see what else this immensely talented man has to offer.

Really enjoyed the album. None of stevies biggest hits but still some great tracks. 5

Een leuke Stevie Wonder-plaat, als altijd energiek, lyrisch, uitgelaten. Met af en toe een stemmig, gedragen uitstapje. Het soort kwaliteit dat je in een boek als dit eigenlijk zou mogen verwachten, kortom. Het swingt, het is origineel, en compenseert iets van alle over het paard getilde bagger die we plaat op plaat te verstouwen krijgen van de samenstellersnobs.

had one of the most metaphysical boners while listening to this

The first song was so happy and with these lyrics so full of hope. I am amazed of the second song. I LOVE ITTTT. I have to say it again: these lyrics are incredible, they are so peacefull. WHAAT, Too shy to say it its soooo good. This song its like a chill walkout on the countryside when youre in love with somebody and have to think it without anyone around you. Kinda like a frank ocean song If he did music back in the 70`s. Boogie on reggae woman, danzable song, I imagine this in a party of the time. Creepin is also good, Im loving it. I totally understand why You Havent done anything its the one with most streams. BUT I dont get why It Aint no use is the least stream, this song is beautyfull. Hello? The piano? wow. NO ONE CAN KEEP ME FROM MY DESTINY. WOW. There is too much in life for you to feel. Man Im loving everything of this peace of art. I like this song to be the last one. Please dont go its so good too.

fantastic as always

Just amazing. How can you not like Stevie Wonder?!

This is a much more chill groove than previous Stevie offerings we’ve been assigned. Still, though… it’s Stevie, and he’s a genius. Period.

Unlike many of the artists with multiple albums on this list, I did not find myself saying Jesus Christ how many fucking albums can Neil Young possibly have on this list. Instead I found myself going holy shit even if this is slightly lesser than Innervisions it is still a 5 star album.

Excellent!

Groovy, nostalgic, light

No bad songs

I didn’t know this gem existed 😍 I loved every single song!

This is brilliant.

I always knew Stevie Wonder was special but I wasn't expecting something quite this level. And it's not even considered one of his best albums, wow. The whole thing is giving musical theatre, with touches of jazz and gospel. There is such a clear message in each song and throughout the whole record. He has definitely discovered joy and that's always exciting for me to see. Vocals are 5+/5, WOW!! What a silky smooth, rich, versatile voice. I could listen to him for hours. Production is 5/5. So much creativity, incredible grooves, and fully formed ideas. No filler; each song serves a purpose and is masterfully ordered. Great lyricism, good melodies. Very well written songs. I don't really consider myself a religious person, but my favorite track was Heaven is 10 Zillion Light Years Away. Such a powerful message. Too Shy to Say was really beautiful and the transition into Boogie On Reggae Woman had me hooting and hollering. I wish this album was longer, honestly. Gonna have to listen to more of Stevie on my own time. 5/5

i have never wanted to be wife’s up making pancakes in my kitchen so bad

que álbum delicioso, lindo, encantador.

a simply fascinating jazzy experience

Шикарный альбом

I love Stevie wonder!!

Дуже крутий альбом, Стіві майстер синтезатора, кожна пісня дуже атмосферна і приємно слухати, вокал також на рівні, хочеться купити вініл цього альбому, обов'язково ще переслухаю

Dit is m'n favoriete Stevie Wonder album!! Ik weet niet helemaal waarom, maar het doet iets. Heb het op m'n platenspeler geluisterd, wat misschien niet voor de beste kwaliteit zorgt, maar agh het gaat om de vibe. Alhoewel dit album in z'n classic run van de jaren 70 zit, wordt deze toch weinig genoemd. Het feit dat hij hier 24 was, maakt me extreem jaloers. Sowieso ga ik aanraden om zijn optreden op de begrafenis van Michael Jackson te zien (dan zingt hij o.a. they won't go where I go), het is echt adembenemend! Het leuke van Stevie Wonder is dat het zo ontzettend muzikaal is, maar ook rommelig. Ik heb de multitracks van hem en het is ontzettend rommelig en vrij gespeeld. Zo hoor je mensen net een fout nootje spelen, maar door de muzikaliteit maakt dat echt niet uit. Ik denk dat er daarom ook zo veel leven in zijn muziek zit. Er zit iets ontzettend melancholisch in dit album. Het voelt dromerig. Het is zo ontzettend muzikaal, God wat een prachtige piano partijtjes. Natuurlijk ben ik gaan googlen naar de muzikanten die meespelen en agh wat zien we een diversiteit!!! Het laat wel weer zien dat iedereen elke soort muziek kan spelen (Paul Anka als achtergrondzanger? Vrouwelijke percussionist (Bobbye Hall). En ook de originele Moog synthesizer maker (Bob Moog) die de Moog heeft geprogrammeerd?? En I LOVE moog bass!!!! Ah wat een muziekgeschiedenis. Meestal ben ik geen fan van muzikanten die zelf alles spelen/produceren. Vaak wordt het dan niet echt interessant, is het te eentonig of te veel één persoon (denk aan Prince of Jacob Collier). Stevie Wonder is een van de mensen die dit op een of andere manier wel kan. Natuurlijk helpt z'n bizarre talent hier ook bij. Al zijn classic albums zijn tijdloos, het klinkt gewoon nog zo vernieuwend en goed!

Holy crap this album is so amazing i cant even

AKA “Fuck it, you know! The good one!” per Eddie Murphy’s “Delirious”.

flying fish music thank you sir

Absolutely lovely.

Another album I own on vinyl that I had yet to dive into fully, much to my detriment. How does a 23 year old make work of such profound depth and feeling? This man is truly touched by god. Re: the album artwork- has anyone else ever put Grammy Award statues on their cover and then won them for that album? Favorite song: Smile Please

A warm hug of an album from the soul music great.

the world cooked with this man

Wow what a man SW is and has a superb voice and is a whizz on the piano and what a performer

Stevie. Not my favorite of his classic period, but still.

I love the muzz of jazz and soul on this album. It was familiar and strange all at the same time.

Great album, particularly enjoyed the instrumental in the second track

Another great Stevie Wonder album!

What a beautiful album. Stevie does great work, with groovy, soulful, and at times even haunting sounds all coming together artfully.

Seriously loved this album. The instrumentals in the beginnings for almost all songs were super fun and funky. Instrumentals throughout were so good too. Thoroughly enjoyed!!

I'd never heard the whole album before. Another masterpiece by Stevie. I just can't with all his top notch music. Stevie was the king of the 70s, and there was a lot of competition.

rly enjoyed (((:

very melodic and nostalgia induced, reminds me of the sun breeze when i was a child. 4.5/5

Great 70s R&B

I just love the vibes, super easy, clean, chill. Definitely a Sunday morning driving to the beach

Der vibe war so chillig und das instrumental war übel krass!!

Goddddd, mindre kommerciel end jeg of life, og en tand bedre end talking book imo, man kan høre harmonikaen fra isn’t she lovely allerede testes af her!!!

what a gorgeous album. no skips, essential listen

Really nice listen, mix of types of songs, all flows well together

That man can do no wrong. Adding "You Haven't Done Nothin'" to the playlist.

I mean, this is Stevie Wonder. These are the gold standards of the genre. It's not a genre I particularly enjoy, but I'm not going to poo poo on Stevie Wonder, man.

Excellent.

Haven’t heard Stevie Wonder quite like this before, only know his huge hits. Really interesting to hear and cool to hear a more raw or rough around the edges kind of sound than something like superstition. This feels like an album you smoke to

Classic Stevie wonder

Fuck me, Stevie Wonder is incredible. Thats it.

4.5/5 Stars Top Songs: Boogie on Reggae Woman, Smile Please, Please Don't Go

Peak

Amazing

The OADc journey is full of surprises. Oddly enough, I bought Songs in the Key of life and Innervisons on vinyl the day before Fulfillingness' First Finale popped up. I'd consider myself a fan of Wonder's classic period, but this is the one album from that era I don't have and had never heard. I get why this one slipped under my radar. It's more subdued than the others, the quiet kid sitting in the back of the party. There are still some funky tracks on FFF, or, rather, one funky track and funky sections of others. And I didn't enjoy it as much as, say, Innervisons, but damn this is a pretty record, and I'm so glad that I finally heard it. While FFF won't match the experience of the other four classic period albums, it's still a masterpiece. Five stars.

Absolutely brilliant!

I just love Stevie Wonder so much. I've never heard any of these songs before and I don't even recognize this album title, despite it being between two I know well and despite it winning Album of the Year at the Grammys. It feels like it should be more familiar. But the fact that it's not at all made for a fun new exploration. And it's true that in listening to it there really is no big obvious single. So for that reason, it's a little behind albums of his that also showcase all-time great songs like "Higher Ground," "I Wish," and "Sir Duke," but with Stevie, that doesn't really matter. Still a 5 star album.

This is highly regarded among Stevie fans. It didn’t change my mind that innervisions is his best album, but it’s Stevie. One of the handful of acts who deserve more than 2 albums here. Most need only one. But Stevie, man. Also extra point for the appearance of Michael sembello, who wrote 'maniac'. Michael plays guitar here. 21 stars.

Absolutely incredible.

Absolutely blown away by this one, the mix of impressive performances musically with heartfelt expression and emotion is incredible