Innervisions

Beetje cheesy

There's a big chunk of these albums that just kind of wash over me, not leaving much of an impact. This is one of those. There were a couple of moments that stood out, like Higher Ground. Maybe I just like funky Wonder the best (I love Superstition and Pastime Paradise). I liked most of it, but it didn't keep me engaged.

This will be my second Stevie Wonder album to review, after Fulfillingness’ First Finale, which I gave three stars to. Unlike FFF, I see that this album has one song that I know already: “Higher Ground.” I tend to enjoy Stevie Wonder’s music, so hopefully Innervisions will inspire me to add a copy to my collection. Well, like FFF, I thought Innervisions was pretty good. There were two songs that really wowed me, one song that I thought was really good, and the rest of the album was just fine. “Living for the City” was hands down the best song on the album. I loved the epic storytelling of the lyrics, and since I just finished reading The Warmth of Other Suns (about the 2nd Great Migration), this song really resonated with me. The scene in the middle of the song was great, and only added to the tragedy of the song’s story. The Fender Rhodes playing was fantastic, as was the synthesizer. Stevie’s vocals were fantastic too, and the pacing of his delivery really punctuated the funky beat. “Higher Ground” was my second favorite song on the album, by a very slim margin. The first version of “Higher Ground” I ever heard was the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ version, but hot damn, it’s really nice to hear Stevie sing it, because you can actually hear the lyrics clearly (and they’re incredibly powerful lyrics). I love the main clavinet hook, and the synthesized bass is fantastic too. “Higher Ground” has such a funky sound that I really love, and it stands out from the rest of the funk sounds of the album. I thought “He’s Misstra Know-It-All” was really good too. I loved the softness of the piano, and the rhythm of the vocals on the verse. But on the chorus later on in the song, I really love the intensity Stevie sings with. I love it when Stevie sings in a higher register, and he knocks it out of the park on this song. As for the rest of the album, it was sounded really good, but it was a touch boring. I don’t think the other songs on this album really showcased Stevie’s abilities at creating great hooks and riffs, and that’s a shame. I don’t know that I’d come back to this album, but I’m still excited for the other two Stevie Wonder albums I have left to review.

I really wanted to like this more, and it was good, but a little too mellow and not funky enough for me to be as great as everyone else seems to think. A solid album though, and I have hopes that there are more Stevie Wonder albums on this list that I like more.

da fehlt nur einer der "großen" Hits

Some of it was pretty boring but overall just ok.

OK - hangs it hat on two cracking songs.

3.5

Yeah fine, not his best.

Pretty chill

Not much of a vision but not a nightmare

I was sleeping on Steve’s music and enjoyed the diversity of tracks. I also feel like I have a true Gen Z attention span and did genuinely get “bored” of some the repetitiveness but also appreciate that it almost sometimes felt like some sort of early version of house(?). Rate : 7.2

FINALLY some color. i enjoyed this album, but there aren’t any particular songs that stuck with me. this did make me want to look more into stevie wonder though.

This is the first album I’ve heard through this journey that I liked. It was good songs and I didn’t immediately want to move on to the next song. Good stuff

3.5

Alright

the melodies and textures on this record are really interesting. the lyrics are sincere and insightful, albeit a bit preachy at times, which is a tendency for some political writing. compared to the lyrics on marvin gaye's "what's going on" record (which is comparable in the sense that it was released only two years prior), a lot of the words here didn't land as effortlessly to me. that being said, the song arrangements are spot on and wonderful to listen to.

Not my favourite album of his. But it's stll Stevie Wonder so it's great.

Too High has jazz elements in instruments, but chaotic vocals. Visions is comparably calmer and more acoustically structured. Living For The City, nice tempo, structure and storytelling, drums and synths? Interesting interlude (real??). Golden Lady, piano bass drums, repetitive topline, how much can we modulate?. Higher Ground has funky sound, grooving bass. Jesus Children of America, funky synth, simple drums, background vocals. All In Love Is Fair, moody piano and simple drum chops, Don't You Worry Bout A Thing, latin beat with piano and drum. He's Misstra Know It All, chill piano, nice beat added in.

Not my fave Stevie album, but love Stevie. And "Don't you worry 'bout a thing" is one of my favorites.

I really liked a lot of the funkier songs but the slower ones didn’t resonate for me. I got 4 liked songs off the album!

Good listen. 2 great songs.

Lots of soul in the record. Higher ground is a banger. Living For The City was great as well

The weakest of his string of 4 great albums from Talking Book to Songs in the Key of Life. Some great tracks, but a little too earnest in dealing with serious issues for my taste. He plays almost every instrument here, so kudos to him for that. A 3.5 rounded down to 3.

Not really a big fan of the genre but I liked a few songs

Good on the surface. Nothing really wrong with it at all, excellent production, but it's not as accessible as I'd like it to be to keep in regular rotation. Favorite tracks: "Too High", "Golden Lady", "All In Love Is Fair", "Jesus Children of America"

Nice

It's pretty nice-sounding. Gives a sort of spiritual feeling, one I typically don't feel.

Higher ground and for once in my life are superior songs, but the album as a whole is not one of my favorites. A little too jazzy for my liking.

Decent album. Not as great as some of his others, but two solids hits. Worth a listen.

This was pretty good. Stevie wonder is a great performer and didn’t disappoint.

Groooooovvvvvyyyyyyyy

Love a bit of Stevie

Funny

Can’t really give it less than a 3, and while I appreciate the music, it just isn’t for me.

I've come to realize that I'm not all that much of a Stevie Wonder fan, despite wanting to be, and while that's kind of disappointing, I *do* appreciate that this project helped me realize this. There's certainly nothing wrong with this album, and despite that this came in the middle of his rapid-fire album releases, it's got a nice and somewhat distinctive groove to it (and I had no idea that he got in a serious car accident just after it got released, nor that this experience made him even more spiritual). But I'm not sure if it's simply from already listening to three other Stevie Wonder albums in this collection already, or the heavy (and impressively early) synthesizer layer, or just something...missing...from his almost-funk sound, or something that just makes the album kind of bland to me. My favorites were probably the classic "Higher ground" (I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I kind of prefer the Red Hot Chili Peppers' cover version to the original), and the surprisingly stark "Living for the city". I also enjoyed the opening to "Don't you worry 'bout a thing", and I can totally see how Barbra Streisand made "All in love is fair" into her standard (although I'm not a big fan of either version).

Enjoyable enough lacked a real good single though

7/1-

A strong album that got both a lot of airplay and critical acclaim. I could listen to this one again, it brings back memories.

Enjoyed it, but it just doesn't connect nearly as strongly with me as Songs in the Key of Life.

Very well-produced and well-performed, but it feels like more than half the album is ballads. Just makes the whole thing feel like a downer, despite there being a couple great, high-energy songs.

This is a good album, but falls short for me of Stevie Wonder's absolute classics on this list of Songs in the Key of Life and Talking Book. This is a high 3, nearly pushing to 4

Ganska skön.

not really my vibe with the voice, like dont you worry bout a thing

It’s pretty ok for what it is. I got tired of it after awhile, but overall it’s solid.

3- Stars (7/15)

Decent, but as background or so.

grandpappy of funk

Better than I expected, and although it's not really in my lane, I've added to my list of albums to revisit.

I enjoyed it more than the prior Stevie Wonder albums. I'm not sure if that is saying a lot or a little. It's a very approachable album that has the right mix of Stevie's juice for it to work. I wouldn't consider myself a big Stevie Wonder fan but after some representation on this list I can see how he is a huge cultural icon. He is a solid songwriter and does a lot of the right things to keep a solid fan base satisfied. 2.70 stars

It's interesting how my opinion changes on multiple listens and sad I don't have the time to do this for many albums at this stage in my project. I didn't like this on first listen, as I felt it was a let down after the previous Stevie Wonder album, but after I let go of that on my second listen I found it okay. Rating: 3

Nice is the word that I think of when listening to Stevie Wonder. His upbeat stuff is nice and jaunty, his slower stuff is nice and soulful ... but nice is just that. Nice. Not amazing. Not brilliant. Not great, or even good -just, nice.

3.8

If this album was a mountain then 'Higher Ground' would be aptly named as it would be the summit. Such a groovy tune! 'Visions' and 'Living in The City' would be half way up, good tunes held back by some bad lyrics. Everything else sits at the base, just not my thing. He's a great musician, there's a lot of good music and he probably plays most of it but I don't like many of his songs, most of the lyrics are terrible! I love 'Higher Ground' though, and the Chilli Peppers version too, so that adds an extra star.

#386. This album hits in spots, but it doesn't maintain it through the whole album. Definitely a few skippable tracks. 3/5: decent

A young Stevie sound. Most of the songs I haven't heard or I have forgotten them. Thankfully, one of my favorite tune from him (Higher Ground) was included in this album. Overall, not bad listening.

Stevie’s got his funk back! A vast improvement on the previous offering of his.

This album is better than the last one we reviewed but I still struggled with it Again, funky songs good, everything else, poor!

While it’s wall to wall hits, I can only now compare his albums to Songs in the Key of Life, and while this is good isn’t as good good as that, it’s just not funky enough. And as this is the 4th Wonder album we’ve now had, I can’t be arsed to write anything more. Message ends.

Steve's clawed his way back after that last offering. More funk thank god and less creeping about in people's dreams. Love a bit of mistra know it all.

Started out ok. First few songs had some decent music, but not really anything great. Then it really started to pick up. Higher Ground was fun, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing was solid. He's Misstra Know-It-All was a great way to end it. But the high point was All In Love Is Fair. Incredible piano music along with Stevie's incredible voice. Best song: All In Love Is Fair

stevie wonder ist stevie wonder.

godin buen jazz

Me gustó pero no lo escucharía de nuevo, higher ground y living for the city es lo mejorcito

still midway

Too high - DECENT Visions - ROUGH Living for the city - LIKE THAT Golden Lady - DECENT Higher Ground - STAMP Jesus Children of American - weird but DECENT All Love is Fair - ROUGH Don’t you worry bout a thing - ROUGH He’s misstra know it all - ROUGH

Eh, except for Higher Ground

Would rate 2.5 stars, higher ground was great and the rest was outrageously mid (misstra know it all was mid+)

Stevie Wonder is so hard for me to rate. Every album has at least one or two top-tier all-time faves (like Higher Ground). But to get to them you have to nap through some real challenges. Incredible magical talent that often uses those talents in boring ways.

A very good album, high threes.

nice

Listened Before? N Another good one from SW. I enjoyed it, but not as much as some of his others. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Higher Ground

TRACK BY TRACK 1. Too High - I have never listened to Stevie Wonder before. Jazz is outside of my comfort zone. This is my first time actively putting on his music. Of course, I knew his name and of his legendary status. Immediate thoughts: not the voice I was expecting. I dig the descending 'doodoodoo's. Bit repetitive for me but I would put it on as background music. 2. Visions - I wish the song ended at 4:12 when he says "an ending...". I like the song. I'm still not a jazz fanatic. 3. Living For The City - Nice transition from the previous song... 1 minute in: okay maybe I'm grooving... The political skit halfway through is unexpected. Sounds like an end-of-album type of track. 4. Golden Lady - Catchy. Is that a key change at the end? I like it. Might be my favorite so far. 5. Higher Ground - 6. Jesus Children Of America - 7. All In Love Is Fair - I realized I stopped paying attention towards the end of this song so I'll be revisiting the last three songs on this record. Sorry. I was playing Roblox. 8. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing - Wow, sounds like a drastic change. I dig it. This is definitely more my style. Loses my attention as the song goes on, though. 9. He's Misstra Know-It-All - This sounds like it would be a well known song. Update: Wikipedia confirms it was released as a single. Tee-hee. REVISIT 5. Higher Ground - So, this was the lead single. Let me listen and actually pay attention this time. Update: I don't really dig it that much. Would groove to it as background music. 6. Jesus Children Of America - This is forgettable too. I stopped paying attention again. 7. All In Love Is Fair - I like this one more than the last two. Glad I revisited. FINAL THOUGHTS I would have never listened to this had it not been for this challenge. I don't know if I'll keep doing track by tracks every single day as it's quite time consuming. But I'm excited to hear more music and educate myself on classic and popular albums. 7/10 - Enjoyable listening experience

Haven't listened to this album all the way through before. I know Higher ground and Dont you Worry bout a thing and they are jams. overall 3.5 stars for me

I liked he's misstra know it all

not my favourite stevie album but still one of his best imo. too high and golden lady are my favourites

Blind album, know the artist. Stevie always sounds great, but this album fell more flat than I thought. Higher ground is a great track though!

Again, need to listen to it more to really appreciate. 6/10

this was okay. I mean he’s such an icon and there were classics on here but it didn’t make me want to get up and dance, you know?

For me, personally, this album was good but nothing that really grabbed me at all. I think it's definitely one of those "for fans of the genre" things, because I can't get excited about it, personally, but I could see how R&B fans or whatever would return to it and really love it. I did recognize a few songs, and It's great to hear the full context, but it's not an album I see myself revisiting - though it is obviously not a bad album at all.

frekar gott, er ekki mikið fyrir undrið. mjög góð lög inn á milli og svo flatneskju rogb þar á milli. 3,5.

Stevie is undeniably very talented and this was fine to listen to. But it’s just not really for me

Amazing album

I didn't get a whole lot out of this one - most of it just didn't click with me, including the only song I recognized, "Higher Ground." But I did like "Living for the City," and it picks up a bit near the end with "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" and "He's Misstra Know-It-All."

I really liked the style of this. As someone who likes music, I don’t know why I’ve never really listened to Stevie Wonder before. For most the album, I was pleasantly entertained by the songs, until ‘Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing’, which felt so fresh and unique, despite being around 50 years old. And then I had to listen to the entire album again with a different perspective and loved it.

I appreciate this album. A couple of great songs. Not a go to for me though.

I think I've heard this album before. Two great songs, the rest are pretty so-so.

Stevie Wonder is good, but most of this album didn't really resonate with me.

Aight

Much more enjoyable than anticipated.

Det är Stevie. Det är funky och groovy. Det är föredömligt långt 44 min men det blir ändå lite för mycket funk för mig. En låt i taget funkar. Ett helt album lite för mycket funk. Det finns riktiga guldkorn. Som t ex Living For The City, Higher Ground och Dont You Worry Bout A Thing.

Jag hade hoppats på att jag skulle gilla Stewie, det känns nämligen lite creddigt. Men det här är ju inte första skivan. Det är absolut inte dåligt. Men trodde att han var en "bättre" låtskrivare. Men jag är nog lite besviken. Skivan har typ inga hits känns det som. Higher ground är väl närmast. Funkigt och kul, men inte svinbra.

Hann bara med en genomlyssning, vilket säkert inte gjorde den rättvisa med tanke på hur mycket Songs in the key of life växte på mig efter flera lyssningar. Stevie är ju så otroligt begåvad, så allt han gör blir ju som sämst hyfsat bra. Tycker inte denna når samma nivåer som ”Songs” utan är mer i stil med ”Fulfillingness” (den första skivan vi lyssnade på av honom), kanske t om något bättre. Stark trea.

Erittäin menevä! Pidin! Toki hyvin puhdistettua, ei silti kliinistä vaan tekeminen kuuluu. Karseita sanoja mutta tässä pitävät paikkaansa.

Eka biisi on hirveä ja hieno, mutta se ei vastaa levyn yleisilmettä: kaiken kaikkiaan biisinteko on minimalistista ja hillittyä. Jazz on selkeimmin läsnä tekstuurissa ja väleissä, mikä sopii minulle. Sen sijaan parhaimmillaan artisti on sillon, kun hän uskaltaa rokata, kuten jossain nimeltään Jesus Children of America. 3+

Don't you worry about a thing and higher grounds

Just OK, I enjoyed Living for the City and Higher Ground. But it's not something I go back to.

the hits are super upbeat and rightly very recognisable, the filler tracks are so slow, couldn't get on with them

Had songs in the key of life this past week, this album is not as good compared to that one for sure. Well made and everything, this one just didn't stick as much. Will I listen to again: 30%

Surprisingly modern sounding. A few tracks off this could've been recorded a few years ago. Nice album. Got some of the hits too, and some deep cuts that were worth a listen.

Love Stevie Wonder’s voice! Not my favorite of his albums but enjoyable.

bongos 3.5

Just... Nothing really stands out.

Not my favorite by Stevie, but still had some good songs.

I have to say that this is not as good of an album as the previous Stevie Wonder one that we had on here. The last one that we got was an absolute bop whereas this one is slightly disappointing and it might be because this one was an earlier one. Overall, pretty nice though, not too bad, I enjoyed listening to it.

Klinkt wel lekker, misschien meer voor achtergrondmuziek

Not really my thing, but nowhere near as cheesy as I thought

I want to like this album. I really do. But besides 2 or 3 tracks I'm just bored.

This album only has 4 good songs: Higher Ground (obviously), All In Love Is Fair, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing, He's Misstra Know-It-All. The first 4 songs on this record are awful. I didn't care for them at all. Unlike the other Stevie Wonder songs, they l had this great groove and his singing and lyrics were great. I can't say that for the first 4 songs in this record. The last 5 songs were the only good songs. One of those 5 was just tolerable.. I'm not sure what to rate this. I guess it had more songs good than bad on the record... So it's a 3? Feels like a two.

Good, but not up to par with Stevie's best.

Hmmm, I can't figure out what bothers me with this album. Too cerebral, maybe, in a way that makes me go "ah, a curious note indeed" instead of "oh yeah!" Who knows, maybe I'll come around at some point.

Good album with some stand out tracks

Classic and funky. A good mix of different tempos throughout the album. The storytelling is good and highlights important narratives. He has such a powerful voice! Interested to hear some of his other albums on the list eventually. The album started off slow, and with the exception of the more popular songs many of them seemed to go nowhere. However, the highs are good enough to keep my score level. Highlights: Living For The City Higher Ground All In Love Is Fair

Beast, didn't know he wrote some of these songs

Obviously, Stevie is a virtuoso. I’ve always been wowed that he doesn’t read music. Like.. what?? This album has some real bangers; Living for the city, Don’t you worry bout a thing. Some of the songs, despite their musical impressiveness, fall flat with me. I think it’s probably due to the style of the time.

Fun rock album with some catchy riffs.

Bra grejer. Det hörs verkligen att han har inspirerat mycket ny musik. Däremot tycker jag att flera efterkommare har lyckats ta det till nästa nivå

Living for the city was the first track to grab me. That and Higher Ground, which I already knew.

Solid but not something I’d listen to consistently. Fav Songs: Living For The City & Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing.

Not my style of music. Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing is a good song from this album.

Somewhere between the Crash Team Racing OST, Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds, and 80's Doctor Who. Favourite track: Golden Lady.

Not the best by big Stevie but some songs banged

not sure how this will stack up in the big picture

Pretty good album. I don't know if it's one I will return to, but I enjoyed listening to most of it. I like it more than Songs In The Key Of Life. In a weird way, I wish I liked Stevie Wonder's music more than I do.

Старина тут немного спокойней стал, много зашло, а много и не зашло

kinda liked some bits kinda didnt care for others YNN

I'd listen to Higher Ground again. I don't see listening to the whole album again.

Rough to get two albums in a row from an artist that you don't really enjoy. Higher Ground is good, that's nice.

Easy listening while working.

Gostei é naquele groove dançante

3, it was fine.

Enjoyed it but not the best Stevie

Some really good songs on this album. “Living for the City” is a real stand out. Album is good, but lacks a bunch of real great songs throughout. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again

Enjoyed the track visions. Good album, probably not one I will listen to again.

85/1001

Enjoyed

Not my thing Redux review: I was too harsh on this album, on relistening it is still not my favourite genre but the musicality is there. Upgrading to 3/5

This album is a lot funkier than I was expecting! A lot of fun, but not my favorite. 3/5

Funky, love it. Living for the City sounds like a song to open a musical. Higher Ground! Weird without the Flea slap bass opener.

Alri ye

Still good, but it's not "keys to life", solid songs all the way through

Favorite track: Living for the City

Not my genre.

Didn’t seem very cohesive but some classic songs included.

I know this is highly regarded. But except for a couple of songs this didn’t vibe with me at all. Not that it was bad. A lot of the lyrics, music, and production I can recognize are good to great. I just was never moved by it. 3/5

Living for the city is a good track that I've never heard before but the rest of this was not super memorable.

A pretty fun album, but this genre just doesn't really grab me for whatever reason. Fave track was "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing"

Ik ga heel eerlijk zijn, ik was echt hyped voor dit. Stevie wonder heeft een paar van de beste nummers ooit gemaakt, maar die staan niet op dit album zeg... Er staan nog steeds een paar knallers op het album hoor, zie de favo nummers, maar err is echt een hoop gewoon ontzettend saai op dit album.. Stevie heeft later toch echt wel betere albums gemaakt dit wel gewoon interessant zijn front to back. Jammer! FAVO : Livin for the city, Higher ground, Don't you worry bot a thing

Ok

Very soothing and interesting. I liked the use of interesting chord progressions which made the album feel like a soulful journey. 3.5

Soulful and smooth as butter

Good album, not my fave but still a good album

First Stevie Wonder album I've listened to. Enjoyed it.

Love it! Good songs🫶🔥

The album starts off slow and just kind of messy. Living for the City finally caught my attention about half way through the song. I really liked the vocal onslaught that came just before the talking came. Higher Ground really picked up the feel and momentum of the album, that alone deserves a star for helping me understand its greatness. All in Love is Fair was a nice change from the funk sound to a piano driven one. This album got better as it went on. It’s better than I thought it was going to be. Choice Cut: All in Love is Fair

Good vibes

It was decent. A few familiar songs. I’m glad to have listened to it.

Perus Stevie Wonderia tällee vuonna 1999 syntyneen maallikko/blondin korvin. Levyltä löyty yks bängeri, jota en oo kuullut ennen: ”Golden Lady” - päätyy soittolistalle! 2,5/5

Buen rollo, no me ha cambiado la vida. 3

Didn't like this one as much as FFF

Good

Fine vibes.

3.5/5 ⭐️ Best song: Higher Ground Worst song: Jesus Children of America Comments: Very funky with a few good songs, I prefer the upbeat songs though to the more emotional ones. Not something I would usually go for but I did enjoy the listen!

Jazz

Chill but unremarkable.

I really wish I liked Stevie Wonder more, cause I know he's a really amazing artist with a unique voice, but it's not the style of music i like.

Pas mal, ça pourrait être une BO d'une série ou d'un film de cette époque.

The first song absolutely did NOT HIT, but then I gave it one more chance and listened to the most popular songs on the album... I can get into it a little

I have, of course, heard a couple of songs of this one. But first, listen from start to finish. Stevie is definitely worth a listen. Love the soul and funk influences and the Motown vibe. Good listen.

I didn’t recognize many songs, but I enjoyed the upbeat sounds.

Always enjoy Stevie wonder

C'était cool.

less my vibe, but really melodic. Really calm music. more for background

It was quite enjoyable, i wished for more variety and maybe some experimentation. I love the dialogue parts of Living for the city. It's nice. Vocal-wise, im not the hugest fan, but they nice.

A generous 3. Higher Ground is a great song but the rest is largely forgettable.

The visions were truly inner. Well, it's no "Songs in the Key of Life" (not many things are), but it's still pretty damn sweet. Maybe a bit too soft and not funky enough? Like a strong 3/5.

Some good classics

nice but too soft for me 2.9

Best Songs: Living For the City, Higher Ground Listen Again: Probably not

Anden halvdel er satme funky! Havde regnet med meget mere orgel.

Meh

Pretty fun album

Great work from Steve. Just tight across the board. Solid 7

3.5

Funky and fun

3.5/5

Classic, funk

A classic but not my bag

That was nice and full of excellent rhythm and melody. I enjoyed or took meaning from the lyrics. I think it's worth a re-listen or 5. So, put into my 'of future interest' list. 3 stars.

The high points on this album are some of the best music ever made. But the low points get so bad as to be almost unlistenable.

This feels like the hottest take of the summer but this was mostly just fine.

Good stuff

Stevie is incredible! Never sat down and listened to a bunch of his music, and while I enjoyed this album I will admit I didnt enjoy it nearly as much as I expected to. Feel like Ive had my fill and ready to move on.

Fun album, bit too long. I can see where a lot of hip hop songs I like get inspiration from Stevie

I found it slow to get off the mark and although there are some classic songs, it’s not as good as I was expecting

Super fresh pero kinda turret

Starts slow, then has lots of classic bangers in this one! Enjoyable but beginning and end of this album can be forgettable.

This was a decent listen and I'd bet this is one of his best albums but Stevie Wonder never really did much for me. I wouldn't dislike hearing this again but it's not something I would seek out either.

duplicate

I mean its definitely a must listen but not necessarily my cup of tea.

Undeniable classics in don’t you worry bout a thing and higher ground. The songs are noticeably longer and there are less of them than the last few albums.

This is a tough one for me because I can appreciate the genius Stevie Wonder, but I don't think I will ever go out of my way to listen to him. I would say this is good album, but it's not for me. A few things to note though: -Higher Ground is originally by Stevie Wonder not RHCP -The arrest scene in Living for the City was wild! -This feels like an important African American album especially in the early 70's -I will never be able to hear Don't You Worry Bout A Thing without thinking about the arrest in Living for the City again.

Good album. I had a funk phase in high school and listen to this album before, but not as one work. It's cohesive and feels like it has a good structure overall.

Meh. Wish I could give this 2.5 stars because it's bang average, but I'll round up to three since it's Stevie.

Has that sky diving song from the power rangers movie

More progressive than I thought it would be. Not to say it's Prog, but it felt more so than modern pop. Standout track is obviously higher ground, the rest were decent background music. Living for the city is a good second. Don't you worry 'bout a thing oddly reminded me of Ben Kenny's solo stuff (he's the bass player from Incubus!)

its Stevie wonder.

The hits are hits for a reason, and the rest seems kind of self indulgent and meandering.

Slow except Living in the City and Higher Ground. Love those two and I like the funky vibes but more of a background music album I'd say!

Higher Ground = corker

Very atmospheric. Basslines on fire (obvs). That being said, it's not very memorable aside from one or two tracks.

Nice chill album

It was actually alright, but probably wont listen to again

A couple classics here

Kind of slow. It was decent.

Erstaunlich, wie sehr Wonder Wonder sein kann, obwohl das Album eigentlich sehr sehr abwechslungsreich ist. Wie gefühlt immer erzählt das Album eine komplette Geschichte.

Higher ground slaps. Just a fun album. Funkalicious

yeah it's stevie, but not for me....

Love Stevie Wonder, but this album is a bit boring

I know this is considered one of the greatest albums of all time, and I deeply respect it, nearly perfectly executed, great funk beats, and Stevie's voice is one of a kind. But, I've listened to this now 3-4 times, and outside of a few tracks (Living for the City, Don't You Worry About a Thing - both slap) the rest just doesn't do it for me. Excited to dig into the rest of Stevie's 70s catalogue, but won't revisit this one unless I do this list again. Can see my opinion changing on this one as I get older though

Always love Stevie but this one ain't my favourite.

This album was really good but not great. I really enjoy Stevie Wonder and there is some amazing music on this album. To me, the transitions between songs and tone changes of those songs were not as smooth and silky as Stevie's voice.

3.5

There are some high points but the slower songs are boring.

Ik weet hoe goed en uniek Stevie Wonder is, maar toch begin ik me gedurende de tweede track van dit album al te vervelen en dat trekt niet meer helemaal weg (al zijn de nummers daarna wel iets gezelliger om te luisteren). Z'n nummers lijken ongelofelijk lang te duren omdat er nogal veel herhaling in zit of omdat ie woorden enorm rekt. Ik had dit probleem ook al bij een ander album dat ik van hem heb geluisterd. Ondanks de kwaliteit heb ik er niks mee en ik ga ook niet doen alsof. Ik neig haast naar een 2, maar dit album is net wat leuker dan dat andere album en die gaf ik uit respect een 3. Dus nu zit ik vast.

3.11 per track. Stevie is very hit or miss honestly.

Good album. Classic 70’s soul.

i said this last time but i just don’t really like Stevie Wonder. nothing bad at all just doesn’t hit me for whatever reason

Stevie is always hit or miss with me..when he hits, he hits hard...big grooves a-plenty.. When he misses, the songs fall flat and don't really do much of anything...Stevie can be brilliant, and some of his most brilliant shines through on this record

A good album but didn't really resonate with me.

It's got some very good songs on it, but there are some I just didn't connect with.

6.5/10 Highlights: Living for the City Higher Ground

Seemingly one of my more controversial takes on this list, but there are more songs on that album that I wouldn't listen to again than songs that I would. Stevie's vocals are great and everything, but some of the arrangements, especially earlier in the album, feel a bit too chaotic or messy to me for some reason. There are a handful of great songs on here, but not enough to really impress me as a whole. Maybe I'll like some of Wonder's other albums better. Highlight: Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing Lowlight: Golden Lady Surprise Hit: All In Love Is Fair

You can tell this was created with passion and skill. Not my vibe though. My favorite was Don't You Worry About A Thing.

Reminds me of me mom.

Good easy listening

Love Higher ground

too high -type of song you can’t help but tap your foot to lol. -he’s put effects on his vocals but it’s subtle enough that you almost don’t notice it on a first listen -smooooth base line -nice opener, made me exited to listen to the rest of the album -7/10 visions -like the acoustic guitar fingerpicking and arpeggios -i honestly don’t like that guitar solo lol. i’m not a shredder or anything but that solo was weak af -everything about this song is boring me vocals, instruments used especially as a follow-up to opener - meh 5/10 living for the city -it’s nice to hear political themes in songs. gives the song more purpose -kinda reminds me of a michael jackson song -i like this change in vocal style. i honestly can’t tell if it’s stevie or not but if it is it works for him very well especially on this funkier track. reminds me of paul mccartney on monkberry moon delight -nice transition -it’s ok but i wouldn’t listen to it again 6.5/10 golden lady -smooth bass line -like this song more than the previous songs so far -danceable, positive -i’m a sucker for a corny love song -fun 7.5/10 higher ground -wah good -stevie’s strengths seem to reside in composing rather than songwriting lol -nothing particularly special or interesting about this song, typical funk track but not too bad 6.5/10 jesus children of america - i actually like this song quite a bit -lots of soul and funk -i always love a gospel choir in a song 7.5/10 all in love is fair -love a good ballad -I don't think I'm a fan of stevies voice tbh -6.5/10 don't you worry about a thing -spanish!!!!!!!! -love it, very random stylistic change but I'm not complaining -7/10 hes misstra know it all -sounds like something my grandma would like lol -mj vibes -not really my thing 6/10 overall not a bad album, but I don't think stevie wonder is for me. he's a super talented musician but his vocals are not very appealing to me. nonetheless this was a cool, funky album: 6/10 or 3/5

Het album van het swingende Higher Ground, met het kleine rauwe randje van zijn stem. Jammer dat de rest van de nummers daar wat bij verbleken. Het is mij allemaal wat te degelijk, soms zelfs echt te saai.

Steviee

It was pretty average for me. Don’t love Stevie wonder but this stuff was pretty good. Top Tracks: 1) Visions 2) Higher Ground 3) All In Love Is Fair

Kind of mid. Kells is clear of Stevie but shout out to him anyway

Loved

Rigtig hyggealbum la´ baggrundsmusik til fredagsbaren.

Stevie wonder was good.

This was better than I expected. I quite like what I’ve heard of him, but there are a few songs that are incredibly overplayed. This was better. Couple of big hits mixed with some quite nice soul/funk(?). There were a couple of tracks where I thought the music didnt suit his vocals (second track in particular), but overall quite canny. Think this might be a grower too so I’ll be back

Not listened to much Stevie but I found this to be fairly enjoyable. He's got a great voice and the Soul Funk sound blends well. Might listen to this again because I think it might grow on me. Highlights: Living For The City Higher Ground

Listened to this before. Not sure Stevie wonder if quite my thing but it's pretty enjoyable. Higher ground is a great track. Visions is good too 3.5

Plus mélancolique que je ne m’y attendais, mais quand même funky et groovy.

I love Living in the City. The rest wore a bit thin. And how many times do I need to hear the words ‘Golden Lady’? My patience wore out.

I feel very much the same about this album as I did "Talking Book," which is that when the songs hit — in this case, "Higher Ground" and "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" — it's brilliant. But I have to admit, even on some the more acclaimed songs — "Too High" and "Living For The City," specifically — I was less enamored. I expect it was a different experience hearing these songs at the time of their release, but today, "Too High" struck me as a pedantic take on addiction, and "Living For The City" had a hint of that a well. The latter song is still excellent, and to be fair there are lots of pointed and evocative lyrics, but I guess I'm feeling caught in the middle. I either loved a tune or felt indifferent, and while Wonder didn't linger on musical ideas the same way he did on "Talking Book," there was a little of that going on here. I am amazed at the visual imagery in Wonder's lyrics — he does it quite a bit. But, I'm going with a 3-star — the two albums we've reviewed both rank closer to 3.5 in my book, so I'm balancing them out. I own both of these albums, but I don't spin them often, and I guess that says something. I love the tunes that speak to me, and the others sorta fade into the ether.

Nice record. Sounds great. Three stars.

Leuk. Gewoon een leukie. Mooie stem goeie instrumentals

Not bad

Funky

Besides Living for the City & Higher Ground, quite liked 'He's Misstra Know-It-All'. Can't quite give it a 4 but it's a solid 3.5 for me.

I like the funky and soulful sound of this album. Might revisit.

B Too High 2 Visions 3 Living For the City 3 Golden Lady 4 Higher Ground 3 Jesus Children of America 4 All In Love Is Fair 4 Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing 5 He's Misstra Know-It-All 4 On the first listen, I did not like this. The only tracks I knew beforehand were Living For the City, Higher Ground, and Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing. None of them sounded as good as I remembered. However, as I listened the first time, I had a negative gnat flying around me saying how bad Coloring Book was. This gnat's absolute negativity altered my mind and almost ruined Stevie Wonder for me. Luckily, woofmeow, I mean the gnat, wasn't present for my subsequent listens. #StevieOverEverything

en stark trea. den sista låten är nog den bästa. svag öppning på albumet med två dåliga låtar som etta och tvåa.

Really enjoyed this. A couple songs will be in the regular rotation

I’m never going to dislike a Stevie Wonder album but I’m yet to love one either

I love a bit of Stevie. This isn't his best, but it is a real nice, funky time. He obviously has great soul and presence, and a WONDERful voice. I really love the ballads most on this album, I think they're reeeal nice. 3.5 rounded down.

Нейтрален для меня. Временами были интересные мотивы, но они быстро переходили в скучные. 3.

Not his best but definitely a good album and I especially like higher ground.

Not bad

meh, it's alright. Higher Ground 9/10

Viihdyin, helppo kolmonen

A lot of the tracks felt more riff/vibe based, was expecting catchier tunes. Would probably grow on me with repeat listenings, but didn't immediately grab me.

Good album. Starts off slow but picks up by the 3rd song. Did not care for "Too High" and "Visions" at all. Arguably three best songs are also the three that probably received the most airplay" "Living for the City", "Higher Ground" and "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing." Most impressive: Stevie Wonder reportedly played all the instruments. Also, was surprised to read that this was his 17th album.

"Higher Ground" "Living for the City"

I did enjoy this album. Nothing really stuck out to me however.

Got some hits, overall good album 3.6

This album was just okay to me. It started off kinda strong, as I enjoyed Too High and Living For The City a bit! Unfortunately as the album went one, I just didn't find much for me here. Higher Ground is a good song, but other than that, I just don't have much to say. I do think this is a good album, just not for me.

For the most part I thought this was a good album. It could have used a little more funk than soul as it got a little slow at times. But first full album I've listened to from Stevie and felt it was solid. I was already familiar with Living for the City and Higher Ground, but the rest of the album were a first time listen. I wonder how many people were surprised to know Higher Ground was not a RHCP song? I also wonder if Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five "stole" a little from the Living for the City song where they get arrested by the NYPD? Good listen and also enjoyed quite a few songs. All in Love is Fair, especially the piano, Don't Worry About a Thing, Jesus Children in America and He's Misstra Know-It-All. Again, was hoping for a little more up tempo and more funk but enjoyed overall. Didn't quite bring the excitement level where I thought, so I'm going to leave in the middle of the road. 3

Not my favorite SW album but not my least favorite either. Still Iconic as fuck. Still a couple of really good tracks including a cover of RHCP's Higher Ground! Wow! 3

3 So, Stevie Wonder definitely has songs I like, but I think this album and Fulfillingness' First Finale have cemented for me that I’m just not the world’s biggest fan of his. I know that’s probably sacrilege, but I really haven’t been blown away by anything I’ve heard on either album. That’s not to say anything about them is bad, but my general impression of each has been “that was fine”. There are highs and lows, with the lows on this one for me being the first two songs right out of the gate (those and the Jesus song) - I really didn’t feel like this album started picking up steam until Living for the City. From there, I generally found everything pretty enjoyable, with Higher Ground being a highlight, but I gotta say (prepare yourself for further sacrilege), I prefer the Chili Peppers version - and yes, this is as someone who just dunked on this era of theirs twelve albums ago. There’s just so much more energy to their version that I think benefits the tune greatly, but admittedly I say that as someone with a natural disposition to punk music, so do with that what you will. After a bit of a lull with the aforementioned Jesus tune and All in Love is Fair, the Latin-inspired Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing jumped out to me as a jarringly different, but fun tune, and it’s culmination into He’s Misstra Know-It-All was something I felt satisfying enough for the album’s conclusion. Don’t feel like I have a ton else to say. Has fun, funky moments, but nothing I can confidently say I loved. Think Stevie is just going to be one of those guys I opt for individual songs over albums if I choose to listen.

A side of Stevie I don't believe I've heard before. Fave tracks Too High, He's Misstra Know-It-All

It was better then the other one I had previously. It had two songs which I really liked. But it’s not really my type of music.

Mais um disco dele, mais soul e funk. Beleza, mas eu não tenho necessidade de aprofundar minha experiência musical, mesmo reconhecendo a importância cultural e artística.

Too much filler to justify the lofty ratings

I’m gonna stop the debate right now. This dude can see!

This was fine. Not the same energy as other albums by him and more of a swooning/swaying sound to the whole thing. Still decent but not Stevie at his finest, in my opinion.

Incredibly impressive and formidable, but ultimately maybe a bit less than the sum of its parts? It's still very good

All of the pieces of Stevie's wonder (see what I did there) are in place, and it all falls perfectly into place on the track 'Higher Ground'. The infectious energy, spatial mixing, and lip biting funk is just about as near perfection as a song gets. The subdued tone of the remainder of the album, is a stark contrast. The closing tracks of 'Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing' and (to a lesser extent) 'He's Misstra Know-It-All', work to reprieve that energy with their steadily building structures. A good album to be sure, but more one I'd pick songs from, then appreciate for its entirety.

Not for me

also pretty nice 3

There is a lot of love for this album, and it is a well-written, and rather experimental, album. With that said, I just could not get into it like I have with other SW releases.

It has a few good moments, but it's not as good as his later stuff

3+

¿Cuánto le debe Jamiroquai a Stevie Wonder? Muy buen disco con dos canciones excelentes "Higher ground" (hay versión de Red Hot Chili Peppers muy buena) y "Golden Lady".

All day.

hmm yea i can hear it real good (fav tracks: higher ground, jesus children of america, don't you worry about a thing)

Fun listen

The Allmusic review mentions funky, but I just find this to be a little lightweight and lacking. Stevie went forward in time to steal this RHCP song and record it before they could to make ALL THE MONIES! Eh. 3 / 5 stars.

Bien mais pas transcendant

Ikke det bedste album jeg har hørt fra Stevie. Klart et mere roligt album, hvor jeg finder hans funky side den bedste. Den fortjener dog endnu et lyt herfra.

Didn’t like the synth but liked piano. Can see this as early R and B.

Didn't catch me as much as I thought it would

Its OK - a couple of nice tunes - but it primarily stands in the middle