Innervisions by Stevie Wonder

Innervisions

Stevie Wonder

3.87
Rating
24479
Votes
1
1%
2
6%
3
26%
4
37%
5
30%
Distribution

Album Summary

Innervisions is the sixteenth studio album by American singer, songwriter, and musician Stevie Wonder, released on August 3, 1973, by Tamla, a subsidiary of Motown Records. A landmark recording of Wonder's "classic period", the album has been regarded as his transition from the "Little Stevie Wonder" known for romantic ballads into a more musically mature, conscious, and grown-up artist. On the album, Wonder continued to experiment with the ARP synthesizer and the revolutionary T.O.N.T.O. (The Original New Timbral Orchestra) synth developed by Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff, and Innervisions became hugely influential on the future sound of commercial soul and black music. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart and number one on the Billboard Soul LPs chart, eventually finishing at number four on the magazine's Top Pop Albums chart for 1974. At the 16th Grammy Awards, it won Album of the Year and Best Engineered Non-Classical Recording, while "Living for the City" won Best R&B Song. Innervisions is widely considered by fans, critics, and colleagues to be one of Wonder's finest works and one of the greatest albums ever made. It was ranked number 34 on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time", and, in 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

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Reviews

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Rating: All 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1★
Length: All Short Long
Jan 25 2022 Author
5
I was lucky enough to see Stevie Wonder live at the time that these songs and those from Talking Book were most what got played. It was one of the best concerts I ever saw.
Mar 07 2023 Author
5
It used to bug me to no end when I’d be out at a bar or a party and the band would say “we’re gonna do a Red Hot Chili Peppers song!” and then kick into “Higher Ground”. Show some respect, you clods.
Dec 11 2021 Author
5
The perfect blend of funk and soul. The beats are incredible and Stevie’s voice is one of a kind. Fav tracks: “Higher Ground” “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” “Too High”
Dec 17 2021 Author
5
Innervisions is such a well-crafted record. It feels like a snapshot of American life in the mid-1970s and a feeling of hope. But, well, Richard Nixon isn't the only American president that "He's Misstra Know-It-All" could apply to. The album shifted forward R&B and soul (and pop crossovers) with its sounds and we are richer for it.
Dec 20 2021 Author
5
it’s Stevie it’s a great album
Apr 18 2023 Author
3
I always wanted to like him more than I did. Just never quite worked for me.
Jan 29 2022 Author
5
It's Stevie! At the top of his funk game, bringing slick catchy grooves and buttery, yet emotionally charged vocals together in perfect harmony. Living For the City, Higher Ground, AND All In Love is Fair on the same album blows my mind. He's an incredible artist and he's unparalleled at constructing hit songs without it feeling formulaic or manufactured. It's just beautiful, compelling artistic expression in every song.
Jan 21 2022 Author
5
Overall, I think it’s a great album. My favorite track had to be Living For The City - extremely groovy and had a great story that brings up issues that people are still experiencing today, many years after release of the album itself. Not sure where Stevie draws his inspiration from, but you can hear and even feel elements from this album in pop R&B of the 2000s which is what I grew up with and to be able draw these connections is a testament to how influential this album is.
Nov 07 2023 Author
5
An eye-opening record. Beyond amazing.
Sep 17 2024 Author
4
I'm reminded once again (this is my 2nd Wonder album from the list) how good a musician Stevie Wonder is. Some stunning songs on this album including one of my favourites, Higher Ground. Unfortunately there are a few I like a bit less because too poppy for me (Don't you worry about a thing) or tooo smooooth and romcom outro-like. But that's being picky, this album absolutely needs to be on the list esp. given how well it aged.
Sep 02 2022 Author
3
I think Stevie is incredible for so many reasons, but for reasons I cannot explain, I've never been wildly into his music. I like quite a few of his songs, to be sure. But overall, I've never really reached for his stuff.
Feb 14 2025 Author
5
living for the city? more like living for this album.
May 13 2022 Author
3
I didn't know it was possible, but this album is Grammy bait
Sep 24 2023 Author
5
First song ~ Too High ~ draws you in with its jazzy drum beats and soothing synth sounds, Preparing u for an experience. Transitions into each song are beautiful, almost like a page off of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Nine amazing songs leaving you want more. Don’t be greedy.
Feb 21 2022 Author
5
i always admired Stevie Wonder but only really knew his 80s / more commercial stuff. This album is fantastic. the funk, the soul, the rhythm, his voice. The fun they are clearly having making it. This is an album that makes me smile when listening to it. The first track sounds like something from Jamiroquai, who were obviously 20+ years later, and no doubt inspired by this sound. 5 stars from me.
Sep 16 2023 Author
2
Beside the occasional killer baseline, this confirms that Stevie Wonder is not for me.
Sep 25 2025 Author
5
249/1089 - A few days after Innervisions came out, Stevie Wonder unfortunately got in a bad car accident and was in a coma for 10 days. I wonder if when he woke up he pulled a prank on the doctors and went "AAAH I CAN'T SEE!" If I was blind and in this situation, I'd totally do that. Also this is Stevie Wonder's best album.
Apr 25 2023 Author
2
It was funk and soul. It was alright but I don't have a need to revisit
Jan 08 2025 Author
5
5/5. Stevie does it again. Just a perfect album, front to back. Some of the slower songs are a little harder to get into but there are just some absolute bangers on here. Feels so much longer than it is and that just means the songs are so dense and full, I almost don't want them to end. His vocal range is excellent here, although it may shine more on Songs in the Key of Life. The instrumentation is unique and fun, trying out more minor keys for style and experimentation. Also, each song is so unique that any one of them could be someone's favorite and I would not argue. Another masterpiece. Best Song: Jesus Children of America, Living For The City, Higher Ground, He's Misstra Know-It-All
Dec 30 2024 Author
5
Innervisions It's pretty astonishing that this was released only 10 months after Talking Book. The two albums definitely have a kinship in my mind, almost like part 1 and part 2, Talking Book tending more personal and this one looking more externally. Either way they are both fantastic albums. I’ve always loved Too High, with it’s bubbling synth, simultaneously upbeat and subdued, emphasising the druggy subject. I never took to Visions much when I first got the album, but it’s grown a lot on me over the years, and now I think it’s great, a lovely latin inflected soul ballad. Living for the City, of course, is superb, maybe one of his best songs, with a superb groove and melody and subject matter. Golden Lady really feels like you are on a boat in the Caribbean, coasting along on the laidback breeze. It also sounds a bit like he sings Gordon Liddy, which would make sense with the Misstra Know It All being about Nixon, even if the song seems to be a love song. Higher Ground is equal to Superstition for Stevie-funk for me, absolute banger. Jesus Children is the sort of song that only Stevie can do, propulsive synth, a soulful and catchy melody with a dark edge. Brilliant. All in Love is Fair is probably my least favourite track on the album - it’s a good ballad but it doesn’t quite reach the standards of the rest of the album. Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing is superb, like You Are the Sunshine of My Life, one of those songs whose melody feels like it might be a latin jazz classic from the 50s, with a sense of instant familiarity. And He’s Misstra Know it all is a fantastic closer, with the lovely piano line, jazzy drums and flute and brilliantly memorable lyrics and melody. Easy 5. 😎😎😎😎😎 Playlist submission: Could be any track, but I’ll go Too High
Sep 21 2024 Author
5
Behold, one of the most likeable figures in the music world! Stevie Wonder is fantastic, and his music pretty much never fails to deliver. Innervisions has a versatile yet consistently high-quality setlist, with great high-energy blues-rock tracks like Living For The City, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing... I could go on. There aren't any bad tracks on here, though a couple are slightly forgettable because of a lack of any obvious musical hooks to keep the listener engaged. But the stronger tracks are interesting, exciting, soulful, and sung from the heart. According to my research, Innervisions is also a creative and musical milestone in Stevie Wonder's career. This album is the end of a transitional phase from mostly 60s-style ballads (and the "Little Stevie Wonder" persona) to a mature, musically complex, and self-performed style. And that self-performed element is a big one. Stevie Wonder plays nearly all the instruments on nearly all the songs here, and this sets the agenda for the albums to follow. Great singing. Great horns. Great guitar and bass. Great jazz-rock-jam drumming. 5/5 Key tracks: Living For The City, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing, He's Misstra Know-It-All, Too High
Jun 06 2023 Author
2
I only really liked Higher Ground. I'm mostly a fan of his hit songs. I've been judging my albums on whether I'd go back to listen to it again. This isn't a bad album by any means. It's just not something I would replay.
Jan 17 2026 Author
5
I knew him a black man in a time like that. His musical talent had to be insane. But after listening to this album, I am blown away by how freaking good it is, it's insane what he's doing on this album. I'm obsessed with it so good, so glad it's on this list. The funky beats are to die for and his voice is that of an angel.
Dec 24 2025 Author
5
SOOO GOOOD OH KY GOSH I AM NIW A STEVIE WONDER FAN
Dec 23 2025 Author
5
One of the greatest albums of all time. Perfection down to its last notes
Dec 05 2025 Author
5
One of the best music albums I've ever listened to, I highly recommend it. It was my first time listening to this artist and I'm already in love.
Sep 26 2024 Author
5
You can't go wrong with Stevie Wonder. His unique vocals and heartfelt performances are fantastic.
Sep 05 2024 Author
5
Stevie Wonder had a couple of big hits before and one album which really put him into the conversation of the best current Soul artists but it was THIS album which made him one of the best Soul artists of all time! It is full of incredible and forward thinking production, beautiful arrangements, incredible songwriting and just magical performances that makes this one of the essential listens for everyone. It is pure magic to the ears and it's even crazier when you realize that this isn't even considered his best album. (It's my favourite but most point ot Songs in the Key of Life) The Psychedelic Soul and Funk mix of 'Too High' gets the album started with a groovy and beautiful song full of incredible instrumental performances but also gets some of the conceptual ideas started. The song is hypnotic and enjoyable with many great moments and it delivers the whole way. A perfect song to start such an incredible album with. 'Visions' replaces the Funk with Folk and a surprising amount of Folk. This song is just Progressive and Psychedelic Folk with a very Soul-like vocal performance and while that sounds like a strange combination, Stevie pulls it off in the best way possible. It is a beautiful and yeah psychdedelic experience full of beautiful lyrics and ideas that some might even call philosophical. Do I need to say much more? This is perfect even when the placement of the song could've been improved as it is a very hard cut from the Funk, it still is just wonderful. The albums most forward thinking song is without a doubt 'Living for the City'. It mixes the Funk and Soul like we were used to and it even adds a little Rock into the song and how can you forget the crazy vocal performance that Stevie offers but that isn't necessarily why this song is so good and viewed as so influental. It is the "weird" second half that adds some Spoken Word & Radio Recordings mix that isn't just there as a nice add-on but actually as a conceptual continuation of what the song itself spoke about. It is there to get more people to understand what he wanted to achieve with the song and he absolutely delivered. The "actual" song returns and closes the song properly but still, this idea was a big thing in the way he implemented it. The slightly Smooth Soul 'Golden Lady' is an absolutely beautiful ending to the albums first half. It flows through the verses and the pre-chorus and the chorus itself is just the cherry on top. It is an absolutely stunning piece of Soul music and easily one of the albums best songs and also one of the best songs in Stevie Wonder's whole career. The second half is started with 'Higher Ground' which is a very groovy return to the strong Funk sound with the very, well, funky guitar and bass which absolutely drive the song. Stevie is absolutely killing it with these vocals and the whole way that the song is structured is just incredible. It not only flows but I feel like it flows so fast that you feel on some very strong substances that go far outside of LSD. This song makes me want to get so much energy out like I haven't moved in days. Perfect, it's a perfect song! 'Jesus Children of America' is one of the albums "worst" songs which crazy because it still is an absolutely incredible song with great Gospel vocals and some really well made bass and the whole song is just beautiful. It just fails to really take the edge that most songs here did. Incredible song and better than 90% of music ever but it isn't more, at least for me. Christians might go really crazy for this but I don't. I just really like it. The Smooth Soul returns on 'All in Love Is Fair' which is just a beautiful performance all the way through. I am just stunned by how emotional he sings on this song and it also speaks to me more with the topic. It is just so beautiful and incredibly performed that I am again thinking that this is a perfect song. The emotional and smooth sound is replaced with the Salsa inspired Latin Soul song 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing'. This track just wants to make you dance and groove until you're out of breath. The details with the maraca, the bongos and what else there's on here just gives this a very tropical feeling that adds even more to the dancy and warm song. Absolutely amazing song from start to finish! The album finishes with 'He's Misstra Know-It-All'. A very Pop Soul finale to the album that isn't overly energetic or overly relaxed. It's a beautiful mix of both that makes it a perfect closing track because no matter which sonic paths that the album took you prefer, you will enjoy this song from start to finish. And it again, is a perfect song like most the album is. favourites: Higher Ground, Living for the City, Golden Lady, Too High, Visions, Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing, He's Misstra Know-It-All, All in Love Is Fair least favourites: Jesus Children of America (still incredible) Rating: decent 10 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes
May 18 2024 Author
5
Easy 5 stars. Maybe not as perfect as “Songs in the Key of Life” but pretty damn close.
Sep 27 2023 Author
5
Absolutely fearless album, that goes into whatever genre or mood it likes, when it likes. The artistry is unmatched in Stevie's discography and in spite of the record's ambition, it still works perfectly as an album. Top tier Stevie and just a top album in general.
Jun 23 2022 Author
5
Mixing the wild playfulness of a crayola-wielding infant with cosmic level compositional chops and the oversized emotional sweep becoming of a generational figurehead, this is one of those rarest of things: a 70s masterpiece that doesn't have "I couldn't have happened without the 60s" written all over its face.
Jan 26 2022 Author
5
A Motown classic. Stevie Wonder at his finest.
Jan 11 2022 Author
5
duh
Jan 11 2022 Author
5
The fadeout on He's Misstra Know-It-All is comically long
Aug 04 2025 Author
4
By itself, “Higher Ground” gets the album close to 4.0 stars, eh? Nothing else on “Innervisions” is quite as transcendent, but Wonder set a cool funky-soul vibe and committed to it. So good. This is probably closer to 3.5 stars than 4.0. But I’m happy to round up.
Jan 16 2025 Author
4
It's Stevie Wonder.
Sep 21 2023 Author
4
This was the first time I've listened to this album. I picked up on a lot of samples and references to it by 90s hip-hop artists. It starts with a sample from one of my all-time most listened to and loved songs: "All Night" by the Alkaholiks. The chorus of "Living for the City" was repeated in Wu-Tang's "The City." In that line someone comments, "New York City, skyscrapers and everythang" which was repeated in the track "All the Critics in New York" by Westside Connection. I also had forgotten that the RHCP song "Higher Ground" was actually a cover. So in addition to pointing to how pervasive the 70s were in 90s music, my lack of awareness of this album's influence also points to a generational and cultural disconnect between me and the artists who created that music. There is a lot of depth to this album and I'll need to listen to it again to fully appreciate it. I was taking in the sound and music and less the lyrics, and I understand that these are laden with social commentary of life as a Black man in mid century America, personal experiences with drug addiction, and so on. Plus there is clear significance in the title Innervisions that can't be appreciated without hearing the lyrics and getting to some of the deeper layers of the music.
Sep 22 2023 Author
3
Not quite what I expected. A little more rock and funk influenced, including in instrumentation. Highlighted Stevie's voice and has some great tracks like Jesus Children of America and He's Misstra Know it All.
May 13 2025 Author
1
Steven Wonderful, or as he’s known to you, just regular old Stevie Wonder. Sad. It is I who so deeply abhors informality. You? Well. Let’s just say if you could call him “Steve Wond,” you would. I don’t know what I’m saying here. Listen. I thought the last Stevie Wonder album was far too sweet and whilst the funk instrumentals delivered some edge, the vocals were like being waterboarded with maple syrup. I like the abstract art in the cover, but I don’t hold out hope that the inside matches the cover. Proceed wonderfully. Too High - What a start. Bizarre, off-kilter funk. It really is the vocals that I just can’t stand. Man, those are rough and my word are they LOUD. You know what? I think he may have been too high for this. That vocal refrain was poison. No matter how nice the rest of the meal was, the arsenic kind of ruined it. Visions - Will anybody find me out here, somewhere? Sung in the style of a scorned Disney Hero at the bottom of his character arc. This SUCKS. What are we doing? Living for the City - Ok, after that inexplicable addition to the track list we at least have sings of life. Stevie is alive. I like when he leaves that dumb sweet voice behind and does a little screeching. Not a horrible song. Congratulations. Whoa, psychedelic Stevie Wonder crime interludes. Then he comes back sounding like Grover and I rescind any positive comments made about the song. Golden Lady - A flock of butterflies has appeared in my office. Oh? What’s this? They have lovingly placed a sleeping cap on my weary head. They have wrapped me in a sleeping robe and are lifting me towards a bed. Yeah they had to call in the backup bluebirds, but here I am, nestled gently in my bed. Goodnight birds. Goodnight butterflies. “Sweet dreams” they call in unison as I fall into a deep and restful slumber. Oh fuck was there an album going on? SHIT. Uh. Yeah this song was uhh exhilarating and err a paragon of ummm genre based excellence. Higher Ground - The original? Where did this even come from? The rest of this album has been so, so bad and even more long-winded. This is just a fun song. An aberration, or a sign of things to come? Only Stevie can tell. Jesus Children of America - Is this a modern Republican campaign speech? Just quote it word for word. Including the long vocal runs. The religion involved stinks big time, but this isn’t a bad track. Are we really on an upswing? All in Love is Fair - The butterflies are back, but they were chased off with those bee smokers and several of them died. Now I’m sleepy AND sad. This place is a prison. Oh god and I actually have to listen to this song?? No, Stevie, no. Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing - Everybody’s got a thing. Some people like committing to torturing themselves with hundreds of bad albums for a period of more than three years. Some people like writing the bad albums to torture the world. Me and Stevie are birds of a feather. Well. He is a falcon, and I am an injured pigeon with no concept of my proximity to the falcon sanctuary. Allow to peck at my final cigarette butt in peace. He’s Misstra Know-It-All - That is apparently the name of the song. I am famous for my typos and nonsensical garbage writing. Famous to the tune of like 6 “likes” on this page. Read it and weep, scrubs. However, this is the actual song title. I checked. I didn’t fuck it up. He even says it. Score 2 for me. What about John Waters and a soufflé? This sucks. God, he is just so boring. Why we, as a society, choose certain artists to latch onto, I’ll never know. I can’t even go into some tirade about that right now. This album felt like it had three ideas and two of them were executed poorly. Each bad song was stretched out interminably and each of the two decent songs were also taken too far. The Sesame Street shouting hits extra hard as the real-life supervillains known as the American government recently shut PBS down. I would genuinely rather listen to Snuffleupagus power out a couple of funk ballads over whatever was on offer here. I’m sure Stevie will be back to terrorize me sweetly once again, but as far as “Innervisions?” It had the impact of a gentle breeze downwind from a sewer plant. I remain unmoved, but kinda nauseated. As the kids once said, “this ain’t it, chief.” 1.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Higher Ground, Jesus Children of America
Mar 17 2026 Author
5
What a voice, Funky, and Soul, love this album, some real bangers on here, my favourite SW album, this man is sheer class🎶
Mar 17 2026 Author
5
Just magnificent
Mar 17 2026 Author
5
Timeless.
Mar 16 2026 Author
5
stone-cold classic, an all-time great at his artistic peak, what more can you say
Mar 16 2026 Author
5
I love Stevie Wonder. I don't even need to listen to the album to know this gets a 5 from me. I liked the other album I've listened of his a bit better, but this one still rocked. Saved a song, but would go and listen to the album in general again.
Mar 12 2026 Author
5
I love Stevie wonders voice I could listen to him sing forever
Mar 11 2026 Author
5
First ever Stevie Wonder Album Surprised by the sound - was expecting Motown but hearing almost elements of folk or rock in amongst it which I love! The track Visions is great! Living for the City added to playlist! Higher Ground is a banger of a track, so surprised this is Stevie Wonder, I’d never have guessed it! Don’t you worry bout a thing is the only song I recognised. Funk, rock, soul all laid into one record! But each track gels so well with the next! What a voice he has! 100% a record I’ll revisit! Great first album of this list for me! Very uplifting!
Mar 11 2026 Author
5
It’s Stevie Wonder.
Mar 10 2026 Author
5
Awesome
Mar 10 2026 Author
5
great stuff. this is the first time I've listened to any amount of his music. before this it was just the occasional track on the radio. so, yeah, great stuff
Mar 09 2026 Author
5
This is the first album i will play for my future baby
Mar 09 2026 Author
5
wow stevie wonder just wow. I had heard about him but never list to his music this properly, Innervisions album is what i felt funk and as i googled it shows, its a funk and progressive soul masterpiece..... indeed it is a masterpiece, My favourite song of the album have to be Living in the city and no.2 will be "He’s misstra know‐it‐all".. But damn each song has its own vibe. Higher Ground is the best hehe :)
Mar 09 2026 Author
5
I pity the fool who hasn't heard this album.
Mar 09 2026 Author
5
Overall a gem. It has a blemish or two (the skit in the middle of Living for the City being an example of one) that distracts. But otherwise, this is 5-star album.
Mar 08 2026 Author
5
A phenomenal album. I never listen to full Stevie at a time and now I have to wonder why that is and what's wrong with me . Living for the city is still one of my all time favorite songs
Mar 07 2026 Author
5
Phenomenal album I loved every song it really did nothing for me
Mar 03 2026 Author
5
Truly a no skip album. Love Stevie Wonder
Mar 02 2026 Author
5
:)
Mar 02 2026 Author
5
All killer no filler, one of the all time great albums from the format’s golden age. The mid point of Stevie’s imperial phase - how many artists get that in the second decade of fame? Michael Jackson and that’s it…. Hard to fault this recording at all - Stevie and his two professor longhairs with the synths.
Mar 02 2026 Author
5
A favourite. I spun it 3 times.
Feb 28 2026 Author
5
This is probably the Stevie Wonder album that I am the most familiar with, and while I don't know all of his discography, I wouldn't be surprised if this was his best or at least most focused. The synth bass that can be heard on the first track and others reminds me of Herbie Hancock (watermelon man); I'm sure they were inspiring each other in this era of abundant musical innovation. The slower ballads reminds me of Cleo soul's music (contemporary R&B artist, Ray is familiar), and I have no doubt she was inspired by Stevie as well all are. I was especially familiar with golden lady, higher ground, and living for the city, but I've forgotten how great the rest of the tracks are. Too high is my new favorite again. Very Stevie wonder in the way it alternates from a groove to a dissonant jazzy melody. I can think of any other songs where he does something similar. ( Sir Duke for example, has a jazzy melody in unison before it gets into its main groove). 9/10
Feb 28 2026 Author
5
5 stars. Great ALL the way through. "Living for the City" and, especially, "Higher Ground" have (unfairly) lost (for me) a *little* of their sheen, from having been played on the radio so much, especially in the early years. I think I love all 7 of the OTHER songs on the album even more than those 2 hits (actually, sorry, AI reminds me that "Don't You Worry Bout a Thing" was also a minor hit - but not as big as the other 2 hits, and I don't remember hearing it on the radio all that often). Anyway, back to the album: the first two tracks start off the album nicely with an introspective mood, and then the rest of the album just keeps laying down one great song after another. And, ok, you know, I HAVE to give loving salute here to my dear mother (Mombo), because she's why I know this album so well. She bought all of Stevie's great mid-'70s albums, and we heard them fairly often at our house, and came to know them and love them, thanks to her. So, thanks, Mom! :) Ok, I know I'm not saying a lot about the music itself. It's both complex and catchy; it holds up to MANY repeated listens, and gets better with time (like a fine wine, lol). The more you listen, the more you hear and appreciate Stevie's genius, the depth and variety and perfection, and the cumulative greatness of the songs on this album.
Feb 28 2026 Author
5
It's either this or Songs In The Key Of Life that's Stevie's best album. Working in this one's favor: there are no weak links, it feels like a consistent story, almost a musical. Innervisions inspires just that; it makes you imagine scenes, characters, visions. Like with What's Goin On, I'm amazed that there can be elevated music that is also so immediately accessible and enjoyable. I have no critiques, only gratitude
Feb 25 2026 Author
5
Excellent album. Highlights: Too High, Living For The City, Golden Lady, Higher Ground, All In Love Is Fair and Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing. Solid 5
Feb 25 2026 Author
5
Chef's kiss. This album is stacked
Feb 25 2026 Author
5
Excellent album. Had a great time listening to it, I think I ended up going through the whole thing around 3-4 times. I'd heard some of the songs before but the whole thing as an experience was even better.
Feb 23 2026 Author
5
Discazo 5/5
Feb 22 2026 Author
5
Another amazing album and all-time favorite.
Feb 21 2026 Author
5
Really enjoyed this album, some really groovy clavs n synths. Living for the city is unreal. Potentially enjoyed more than songs in the key of life, we shall see which one i come back to
Feb 19 2026 Author
5
if this album doesn't just make you happy out of nowhere no matter what, then you don't understand music imo
Feb 17 2026 Author
5
totally digging this holy moly. yeah.
Feb 14 2026 Author
5
I think my whole life I've actually just been searching for Stevie Wonder.
Feb 13 2026 Author
5
Perfect album.
Feb 11 2026 Author
5
Super Dope
Feb 10 2026 Author
5
Heel nice
Feb 10 2026 Author
5
5/5. An easy 5 IMO and it’s not even the best Stevie Wonder album on this list. Just front to back bangers and jams on this thing that are injected with funk. One of those albums where when listening to it you can feel the fun that the artist had recording it. This thing is just bursting with personality, even with some of its darker lyrical themes.
Feb 10 2026 Author
5
On 'Innervisions', Stevie Wonder took everything he learned from 'Talking Book' and took it to the next level. The soul/funk is far more developed on this record, and Wonder was diversifying his lyrical content outside mere romantic ballads to include songs about the city's seedy underbelly and its racially-driven damage on a young man ('Living For the City), reincarnation ('Higher Ground') and deceitful individuals ('He's Misstra Know-It-All'). The production on 'Innervisions' is outstanding. Wonder makes use of his Fender Rhodes electric piano and T.O.N.T.O. synthesiser to great effect across this entire record, solidifying his case as one of the finest and most innovative players to keep the piano stool warm. He also plays all the drum parts and manages the Moog bass on most songs. It's such a dense and multilayered sounding record that you often forget it's mostly Wonder on his own. There's session musicians here and there adding small vocal, guitar, keyboard snd bass flourishes here and there, but it's mostly Wonder driving 'Innervisions' along. Remarkable. The songs are simply genius. Wonder's confidence oozes through the songs, and it's clear by this point that he's completely shed his youthful "Little Stevie Wonder" Motown persona, revealing a mature, confident artist with a firm point to prove. With a record a good as Innervisions, you'd forgive Wonder for never being able to top it, and yet he would top it three years later. If we're talking about a moment in musical history where funk and soul truly started to peak, it's probably when 'Innervisions' was released. Stevie Wonder truly reached 'higher ground' with this record, and it's considered highly influential on the further development of African-American artists. Michael Jackson, Prince, Lionel Richie, Bruno Mars, Pharell Williams....Stevie showed all of them the path to greater success: by being fearless, uncompromising and always open to innovation and change. Best songs: Too High, Living For the City, Golden Lady, Higher Ground, All In Love Is Fair, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing, He's Misstra Know-It-All
Feb 09 2026 Author
5
I love Stevie Wonder, some of my favorite songs of his are off this album. Higher Ground and Golden Lady are 10/10s, but I wouldn’t say this is up to Songs in the Key of Life. That is a straight up 10/10, this I would say is still like 9/10, so I’m rounding up to 5 stars
Feb 09 2026 Author
5
Amazing.
Feb 08 2026 Author
5
Interesting. I loved it!!!!
Feb 08 2026 Author
5
Classic Stevie! Sadly, the lyrical picture he was painting in 1973, hasn't improved much 50+ years later. Liked Songs Added Too High Living For The City Higher Ground Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing
Feb 05 2026 Author
5
stevie wonder always a 10/10
Feb 05 2026 Author
5
Beautifully sung, great tunes and at least a couple of classics. I think I have to give a 5.
Feb 04 2026 Author
5
If you don't even as much as like this album, then you have no heart, no soul, no being. 10 stars out of 5 for me.
Feb 03 2026 Author
5
One of the best of Stevie’s classic period
Feb 03 2026 Author
5
It was nice, funky
Feb 03 2026 Author
5
STEVIE WONDER LETS GOOOOOO!!!! TWO HEATERS IN A ROW!!!! He unequivocally has the sauce, there's really no denying it. After so, so, so much Br*tish *slop* these past two days have been a breath of fresh air.
Feb 02 2026 Author
5
“Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” will always make me cry and feel a way. this album is really a mark of his spiritual journey. he really steps into authorship of his inner life. this album is full of joy BUT it’s joy that acknowledges suffering without being consumed by it.
Feb 01 2026 Author
5
My second Stevie Wonder album from the list, and one I was very excited to listen to. I didn't think I'd ever heard the entire thing, and after listening I'm certain I haven't. Overall I really enjoyed it. The songs I already loved from the record, Living For The City and Higher Ground, were the absolute standouts. But I also very much liked Too High, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing, and He's Mistra Know-It-All. The only thing that makes me not sure whether this will be a four or five star album are two of the slower songs, Visions and Golden Lady. These felt very paint by numbers to me and I found them somewhat boring. The other slower ones had some interesting musical parts that made me more interested. I look forward to more of his albums on the list, as I assume there will be at least one or two others.
Jan 31 2026 Author
5
Claasc
Jan 26 2026 Author
5
I was very late discovering Stevie Wonder. I knew he was a talented musician who’d written some big hits but it wasn’t until I listened to Innervisions, followed by everything else in this incredible five album run, that I realised that he is a true genius. Not a single wrong step on this record, which ranges from upbeat Motown and funk to some absolutely beautiful ballads, covering everything from love to inequality and political injustice. Every song - from Too High to Misstra Know-it-All - is essential, making it one of the greatest albums of the 70s, and only second to Songs in the Key of Life, which is one of the greatest albums of all time.
Jan 26 2026 Author
5
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Jan 26 2026 Author
5
Part of the best 4-record run of all time.
Jan 25 2026 Author
5
Gear: Hifiman HE6se v2 SE Artwork: 🌄☀️🏜️ Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🔮🗽⛓️‍💥 Rating: 𓂀 𓂀 𓂀 𓂀 (𓂀)/5
Jan 23 2026 Author
5
Such an incredible album!
Jan 22 2026 Author
5
Love love love
Jan 22 2026 Author
5
I wasn’t as immediately sold on this as I was on Fulfillingness’ First Finale, but a second listen solidified it as another 5. I may have to revisit Talking Book…I guess it took a little bit of time for Stevie Wonder to grow on me. Anyway, this album is so smooth and pleasant sounding, but also has deep and soulful songs and good variety. Must-listen #284.
Jan 21 2026 Author
5
This album is so good... bangers from start to finish. Absolute genius.
Jan 20 2026 Author
5
I don’t use the term lightly. Stevie Wonder is a musical genius. His sense of harmony is something that will be studied for decades to come. I can’t help but rate anything by him a 5.
Jan 20 2026 Author
5
LOADS of great songs on this album. A fun listen.
Jan 20 2026 Author
5
So good want to listen again straight away