Innervisions

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.

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”

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.

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.

it’s Stevie it’s a great album

An eye-opening record. Beyond amazing.

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.

I always wanted to like him more than I did. Just never quite worked for me.

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.

I didn't know it was possible, but this album is Grammy bait

Beside the occasional killer baseline, this confirms that Stevie Wonder is not for me.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It was funk and soul. It was alright but I don't have a need to revisit

living for the city? more like living for this album.

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

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

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.

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

You can't go wrong with Stevie Wonder. His unique vocals and heartfelt performances are fantastic.

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

Easy 5 stars. Maybe not as perfect as “Songs in the Key of Life” but pretty damn close.

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.

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.

A Motown classic. Stevie Wonder at his finest.

duh

The fadeout on He's Misstra Know-It-All is comically long

It's Stevie Wonder.

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.

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.

Really enjoyable listening experience

Fantastic, agitated soul music. Some truly top level pop songwriting here. Glad it’s kept short and tight, as there is a slight lull between Higher Ground and Don't You Worry...

A monster of an album. Funky and creative and full of classics. Never annoying, never boring. I love it.

King

Magnificent. Some absolute classics on this record, and even the less well-known ones are better than many an act's entire output. I am a fan of Stevie Wonder, and it's hard not to be when he had this quality of material to his name. Do yourself a favour and check it out.

So good!

I'll need more than 5 stars for this. Unbelievable work of art. Stevie is a genius and this album really demonstrates his talent. This is an absolute must listen.

When I rolled Stevie Wonder this morning, I knew how popular he was. I’d never actively seeked out his music before though besides what I already knew. Quite frankly, I was a tad concerned whether or not I would like him. After all, this is the highest rated album I’ve heard so far. Well, now I can certifiably say that Stevie Wonder FUCKING SLAPS. There is not a single song on this album I would want to ever skip. Listening to this made the day go by so much faster, and it only got better over time. Picking a favorite song here is so tough. The popular one is “Higher Ground”, a song I have heard covered relentlessly before. It’s good, but man do I have to think hard on if I want to take the easy way out and label it as my favorite or not, as I may be a bit biased. The whole album really is that good.

Loved this album for decades. Love the whole trilogy so much. It has been quite a few years since I have listened to the whole album. It is so absurdly good. As many times as I have listened to it, it is still so fresh and jaw-droppingly good. The songs, the musicianship, the singing… good god…

I loved this album, from the beginning to the end. You can tell the guy is a genius. Fun fact : I always thought the song “Living for the city” was an original Disney song, cause there’s this Lindsay Lohan movie from 2004 where she sings it. LOL Silly me

Amazing! 10/10

I've always loved Stevie Wonder. and this is one of his most fine albums. It's short enough that you're captivated the entire time and it has some of his best grooves and licks. His best album? I think so. Love it

Tykkäsin! Monipuolista, mukavaa menoa. Ja hyvälaatuinen äänitys.

Huikeet soundit, huikeet biisit. ,groovaa ku miljoona volttia.Timanttia!!!!

This is probably my favorite Stevie Wonder album. I know "Songs in the Key of Life" might rank higher for some people and it's also an excellent album. But "Innervisions" is perfect. It's so beautifully crafted and impeccably performed (almost entirely) by Wonder himself. The variety over the course of 9 songs means that it never risks becoming dull. The lyrics are powerful and demonstrate that Wonder has both shed his child star roots and very much remembers where he came from. Tracks like politically minded "Living for the City" force the listener to pay close attention. And there's a huge reward for doing so. The album is at both desperate and hopeful, anxious and calm. It takes the listener on a journey of love, injustice, addiction, and redemption. I could listen to this album on repeat for ages.

A masterpiece

Awesome album I'd never listened to before. Up there with Songs in the Key of Life.

already listened, very good!

I listened to this one twice, one sheet the other. Clever, catchy music; the pointed yet hopeful lyrics; the range of emotions covered. A straight up masterpiece.

The bassline and groove on Too High immediately grab me, but Stevie's effortless vocals are just as good. Visions drops the tempo down and oozes atmosphere - hypnotizing and beautiful. Then we step it back up for a few songs (Living For The City and Higher Ground are highlights) before All In Love Is Fair, a piano ballad with some of the most powerful vocals on the record. He's Misstra Know-It-All is a strong closer too, smooth and evocative. I'm surprised at the songwriting maturity on display here. Bass, drums and synths combine in quite a wonderful way. Soulful? Certainly, but it's more than that. I can see how this would influence music to come. For me - an instant classic.

I've always been a Songs in the Key of Life guy (so much so, that it's going to be in contention for my favorite when all is said and done.) But I saved the rest for this project, knowing they were coming. Talking Book was a great album, but good in Stevie standards, FFF was also great, but this one by far takes the cake. Legit one of the best albums I've ever heard. Crisp production, captivating bass and backing tracks, and great lyricism as always. Easiest 5 in a while.

fabulous & funky

Fantastic album. Stevie Wonder in his prime was a force to be reckoned with. This one was worth a second listen. 5/5 Album 36/1001

Another genius album from Stevie’s golden era of releases. His SIXTEENTH studio album and he absolutely crushes it. So funky, so soulful, so beautiful. He truly could do no wrong at this time in his career.

Amazing album. I wasn't that familiar with Wonder's studio albums before listening to this and was blown away by.

Do-do, do, do, do, do-do; do, do, do-do, do, do-do; do-do, do-do, dooooo. From the first lick, this album is fresh, soulful, funky, and just a blast. Every song has such a ridiculously strong identity while being 100% Stevie Wonder and prerty much everything here is great. My favorite is probably the very pretty Golden Lady, but the heartbreaking story in Living For the City is close. The breakneck groove in Higher Ground is also such a classic, though I've mainly only heard the RHCP version and this is certainly better. I actually think the weakest song here is Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing, which is good in its own right, so that says a lot. Loved it.

All-timer

Beautiful soulful funk. A must-listen alongside Talking Book and Songs In the Key of Life.

One of my favorite Stevie albums. It's great.

Secret prequel to the plant one

Just some of the most classic, beautiful soul of my lifetime.

My favorite album from one of my favorite artists. What more can I say, it's Stevie Wonder. He is just incredible and I'm literally always in the mood to listen to his music.

chill wholesome vibes

Stevie in his imperial stage where he could do no wrong. The beauty of Stevie’s 70s/early 80s output is every day you can choose a different album as his best and never be wrong. For the social commentary alone this would rank high but throw in an all time classic like Living for the City and it’s often a favorite for the title.

Ieder nummer klinkt bijna weer als een single, en als het geen single is is het een soort emotionele boodschap. Volgens mij ook nog alles zelf gedaan, en dat blind

Innervisions isn’t an album. It’s a human organ played by the urban nature disguised as men. Here, Stevie Wonder stitches exposed nerves with golden threads, harmonies that bleed soul, and grooves that pulse like dilated veins. All in Love is Fair is pure gold. A lot of songs I’ve heard before, but listening to them all together was like the first cigarette I’ve smoked in my life. A sentiment of inner realization through an innervision."

Não deu nem tempo de pensar, cara. Dei play no album, imediatamente entrei em transe. A primeira nota. PQP. Stevie Wonder. De acordo com os créditos, ele tocou TODOS os instrumentos em 7 das 9 faixas do album. Dispensa comentários. Alma analógica. 5/5

Anything by Stevie Wonder is great and this is one of the best IMO!

Very enjoyable

I think Songs in the Key of Life was just sliiightly better, but I really have nothing critical to say about this one. Phenomenal.

It's a perfect album - what more is there to say?

Stevie Wonder is so amazing

Stevie Wonder, one of the greatest recording artists of all time, realeasing an amazing album in one of the greatest series of albums of all time. 4.5 of 5. Only reason it didn't get a five is because Songs in the Key is just a few years away.

Exceptionnel album, timeless. Les lignes de basse sont toutes incroyables, énorme boulot de panning sur les synthés notamment dans Living for the City

Stevie wonder at this point was the greatest musician alive. Unbelievable string of albums.

Guess I'm a Stevie Wonder fan now

Stevie got the funky soul here, electric pianos and clavinets in full effect, "Too High" is a deceptively upbeat groove about drug usage, and the whiplash of the *HARD* R N word during the interlude of the hard "Living For The City" compared to the almost joyous infection in "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing". "Higher Ground" remains the highlight, a worthy addition to his greatest hits collection.

Ovo je petica ravno u glavu. Znam dobro ovaj album i svejedno ću si ga pustiti, samo da opet uživam u ovom remek-djelu 🫶🏻 mislim lik je odsvirao sve instrumente na cijelom albumu, o čemu mi pričamo. Stevie 🙇🏻 5/5, 9.5/10

exceptional.

Outstanding album. Bought this as a pup in the late 70’s, and played it til the needle broke. A top Stevie Wonder offering, doesn’t get much better.

It’s just so good!

I've got to say. This is definitely one of the best songs from System of a Down's 2002 album Steal this Album! I'm kidding lol. "Innervision" is one of the best songs on Steal this Album though. This, however, is not that song. This, of course, is Stevie Wonder's 1973 album Innervisions. Honestly? It might be better than the SOAD song. This album's amazing! I liked Talking Book quite a bit, but I definitely felt it could be improved upon. Fortunately, it was improved upon in its followup. Innervisions definitely feels like a more cohesive album experience than Talking Book. Of course, the positives of that album are still here in full force. Stevie's singing is still pleasant, and his immense instrumental talent is insanely respectable. Again, he's blind. It's amazing that he's as talented of a musician as he is. However, while Stevie Wonder may be blind in the literal sense, he is not blind to the world's issues. Case in point, the songwriting! This album has some truly phenomenal songs on it, many of which tackle social issues, which is awesome! Perhaps the most obvious example of this is "Living For The City" which I absolutely love. The closer "He's Misstra Know-It-All" is apparently directed towards Richard Nixon which is pretty cool. You have some songs that are more personal though. There's some spiritual songs in here too, including the album's biggest hit "Higher Ground," which is another masterpiece of a song. Of course, you still have some ballads on here, but comparing the ones from Talking Book to a song like "All in Love is Fair" really goes to show the improvements made on this album. I also love the song transitions. I'm a sucker for albums where the songs all flow into each other. Innervisions is excellent. The fact that this isn't even considered his best album makes me really excited for Songs in the Key of Life. That album's probably even more amazing, but Innervisions is still an incredibly strong showing of musical talent. I love it. 5/5.

Definitely a top 10 desert island disc for me. Stevie's absolute peak. A transcendent delight and surefire mood lifter.

genius

Noice

The depth of this album is ridiculous. The sound is silky smooth, love the synths. Glorious

My desert island disc all killer no filler , exceptional album

I cherished this album and I wrote much more in depth stuff that got deleted because I forget this website doesn't autosave, but I loved (almost) every single song. Very wonderful. Also I just discovered 2hollis's week-old single, style, which is very good! Not as purely wonderful as this album but it's hard. Different.

Pretty much anything during Stevie’s three record run is going to get five stars. I like how the one song flies into the next. Just Enough For the City remains an uncomfortable listen.

Je connais beaucoup cet album alors je l'ai juste échantillonné, aveuglément, à tâtons. Dur de s'imaginer un aussi bon album, surtout quand on a jamais vu de quoi à l'air un album.

Too High: Ça commence en force. J'aime beaucoup le coté soul et prog. Le jeu de drum de Stevie est toujours délicieux. Visions: Jamais un fan des balades de Stevie, mais y'a un coté dark avec celle là que j'aime correct. Living in the city: L'apres refrain instrumental, iconique. Gros message politique à la fin. Golden Lady: Fonctionne, surtout après la génialissime Living in the city. Toute seule, je trippe pas mais en album, comme ça, elle est parfaite. Highest ground: Un gros blues, j'hais le blues. Mais avec les synthés et les modulations, ça marche. Un gros classique sale. On y ressent le groove incroyable qui vit dans Stevie. C'est criminel. Jesus: Gros funk. All in love is fair: J'aime pas les balades. Mais quelle prestation vocale quand meme! Dont you worry about a thing: Oh yeah. Il est incroyable ce Stevie. He's MIsstra know it all: Finale Gospel. moins mon truc mais c<est bien senti. Malgré les themes de religion qui gossent et les balades, je crois que c'est un 5!

Manque de temps pour écrire, mais cette musique a qqch. d'extrêmement original et personnel, en plus d'offrir des sonorités jouissives et de la virtuosité bien dosée.

I think this is one of the best albums I've ever listened to.

Such a blast, bought the vinyl at goodwill and never looked back. Walked into it not knowing and glad I found out.

Perfection

Perfect album!

Легкий и приятный альбом. Наконец благодаря ему стало больше понимания, что такое соул и рнб. Хорошая аранжировка. Особенно удивляет, что почти вся она записана самим Стиви Вандером

One of my long standing five star albums, my absolute favorite Stevie Wonder album, and currently my #2 of this project. Just solid end to end.