Reviews (page 11 of 14)
No
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.
Another solid album from Stevie. I think I like this one better than Songs in the Key of Life, personally.
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
A work of genius
Did not like this at all
Some classic Stevie Wonder. Some very interesting Stevie.
What am I gonna say about this one? Stone cold classic. There aren’t enough stars to rate this one properly.
Something of a transitional album for soul giant Stevie Wonder, bridging from his early pop work into more complex songwriting, both musically and thematically. This album shines bright with the typical soul elements such as drums and bass, but also plays successfully with synths and electric pianos. Some tracks are a little experimental in their melodies, but the lows definitely don't detract from the highs. Stand out tracks include "Visions", "Living for the City", "Higher Ground", and "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing".
such an infectiously upbeat and groovy album. stellar.
Great album from Stevie Wonder and even more impressive to see that he played 90% of the instruments on the album. Introduced me to the concept of prog-soul. I'd heard of prog-rock before, but not prog-soul.
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.
This Stevie guy don't miss.
A genius album, maybe Stevie Wonder's best? Beautiful songs, with Stevie's keyboard skills to the fore, superb lyrics. In an album full of excellent songs it's hard to pick a stand out but Living for the City is peerless
Great tunes, good lyrics.
Wow!! What a stunning album! I believe this was Stevie Wonder’s 16th studio album, in 1973… It really dignified a change in America at the time - there’s a story about him taking journalists on a bus ride, blindfolded, so they could listen to the soundscape like he would, and then to listen to the album blindfolded as well. Intense stuff. Brilliant album.
Just WOW!
First listen Saved 6/9 Best track: Higher Ground
I adore this album, absolutely gorgeous
I didn’t recognize many songs, but I enjoyed the upbeat sounds.
One of my first albums and still amazing
Stevie is a Wonder. Amazing talent - as a writer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist - he’s just got it all. Truly a magnificent album.
Always enjoy Stevie wonder
Fantastic album, thoroughly listenable from start to finish, fantastic social commentary whilst being listenable with some solid average love songs
Living for the city with only 18 million listeners look a little underrated to stevie wonder's other songs. other then that, great album. Higher Ground, Living for the City, Dont Worry bout' are the best songs in this album.
Nu al een stuk beter dit was lekker hoor. Higher ground echt een banger.
Prima hoor. Begin was erg sterk, daarna blende alles een beetje samen.
Een van mijn favo artiesten en eigenlijk ook een van mijn favo personen. Nog niet zo goed als songs in the key of life, maargoed de meeste albums zijn dat niet.
Erg leuk album, higher ground is natuurlijk even een momentje zen genietnen.
fucking banger Injecteer Higher Ground recht mn aderen in ik ben echt een dibo
One of Stevie's many masterworks. A true artist flexing on his multi-instrument skill set with grown up lyrics that still resonates with his growing audience.
Hot take: better than Songs in the Key of Life. I said what I said.
C'était cool.
Renndi þessari snilld einu sinni í gegn til að gleðja mig, vissi samt alltaf að hún væri að fara fá fullt hús.
Excelente
less my vibe, but really melodic. Really calm music. more for background
love last 2 tracks, so nice
Standouts: Living For The City, Golden Lady, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing. Whimsical otherwise
Great album from STevie.
Can’t go wrong with Stevie Wonder
This is my favorite Stevie Wonder album. Innervisions has some of the greatest sequencing I've ever heard, that the transitions between songs are perfect. This music is fantastic; Stevie Wonder cycles through several musical moods anchored in classic motown, soul, funk, and jazz to create a musical landscape that complements his lyrics perfectly. The songs deal with themes of drug abuse, racism, love, and even politics in the final song. The result is an album that covers an incredible amount of musical and lyrical ground in its short 44 minutes.
Mäßig interessanter progressive Soul.
Joyous
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.
One of my favorite albums of all time. Can’t say enough about its brilliance and this incredible run Stevie was on.
Enjoyable album, Stevie has a smooth voice and his choice of instruments pairs nicely, songs are soothing and relaxing jazz vibes. Enjoyable album so far. Very diverse album, the almost tango like song in don’t worry about a thing as well as pop flairs in this album such as higher ground. After finishing I’d say this album has a little bit for everyone and I’d give it a 7.5/10
Just a magical album - had heard all the hits, of course, but the whole record was amazing - probably my favorite SW album
I didn't love it! 😫 Please don't kick me out.
What's not to love about Zeppelin IV? Full of iconic rock songs, and the Tolkien inspired Battle Of Evermore. Sandy Denny provide the vocals on that song along with Plant. She was from the folk tradition of Fairport Convention, and had a short and troubled life. But she left us with some tunes, one of which is Who Knows Where The Time Goes, also recorded by Judy Collins.
SUPERB! Just beautiful from beginning to end. I want to give Stevie a big hug. Here is a great article about Living in the City: https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2015/06/05/skyscrapers-and-everything/
- ahhhh I love myself some Stevie Wonder - Ich finde der Mann ist ein Paradebeispiel für eine sackstarke Diskografie. Besonders zwischen '71 und '85 hat der Kollege Alben rausgehauen… unfassbar. Auf jedem Album konsequent mind. zwei große Hits. - Wie man als Einzelkünstler ein oder gleich mehrere Musikgenres so sehr prägen und auch verändern / neues Leben einhauchen kann, finde ich wahnsinnig beeindruckend - Meines Wissens nach, höre ich hier grad keine Remastered Version von Innervisions und HOLY FUCK klingt dieses Album 50 Jahre später fantastisch!!! - Herrlich arrangierte Song, in Stevies Stimme Power und Gefühl zugleich, der legendäre Wha-Wha Sound seiner Orgel - Mit „Higher Ground“, „Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing“ (und ggf. „Living For The City“) bestätigt sich meine mindestens-2-Hits-Theorie - Insgesamt der perfekte Start in einen wunderbar entspannten Morgen! Rating: 4,25-4,5
- Das war cool. WIeder mal ein Album, bei dem ich überrascht war, wie viele Songs, Samples oder Melodien man doch kennt. - Higher Ground natürlich absoluter Bangera - Stevie Wonder einfach eine geile Stimme und als Komponist ein Genie. Jedes Stück ist irgendwie total markant und charakteristisch. Alles fühlt sich super rund und "perfekt" an - Die Beats grooven wie sau - Auch beim nochmal durchskippen bestätigt sich der Eindruck. Einfach eine geile Platte 4,25/5
Too High fand ich als Einstieg erstmal gar nicht so gut, wobei das Album für mich danach dann stark angezogen hat. Wirklich stimmig und entspannt (gerade wieder mal für den Start in den Arbeitstag). Hatte Stevie Wonder nie so auf dem Schirm, aber werde ich nochmal hören.
A generous 3. Higher Ground is a great song but the rest is largely forgettable.
Fun funky album
Naja.
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
Simpelthen bare klasse
I’m not an R&B guy, but holy cow does Stevie Wonder have an incredible voice. He’s got charisma and a lot of stories to tell. Everything has a positive vibe (regardless of the lyrics) and is of the highest quality. A great album to chill with. Strong 5.
nice but too soft for me 2.9
Good album.
Ah, my favourite Stevie album! I’m “living for this album”. AHHAHAHAHAHAH. I’ll see myself out.
It's Stevie Wonder. So 10/10. Thought I couldn't rate it this highly because Songs in the Key of Life exists, but then I remembered that's an 11/10.
Every thing about this album is perfect. The lyrics cover such a wide range of topics of the time (most still relevant today), Wonders vocals deliver every line with passion, tenderness or rage as needed. Musically speaking i believe this album to deliver peak performances couple that with the incredible tones captured in the mix it hits so perfectly. I will admit i have a long history with this album but it truly blew my mind the first time i heard it as much as it did on this most recent listen through.
Best Songs: Living For the City, Higher Ground Listen Again: Probably not
The envelope filter guitar+synth+bass combo is often replicated never duplicated and one of the best sounds of all time.
Stevie is musical genius personified ❤️ This album gets better with age.
1972-1976 udgav Stevie Wonder kun 5'ere
Fed futuristisk lyd, vanvittig stemme. Nogen gigantiske bangers herpå, men også et par numre der bare ikke lige er min stil (som holder den under 5 stjerner)
Anden halvdel er satme funky! Havde regnet med meget mere orgel.
Meh
Absolute banger of a soul and contemporary funk album. Stevie Wonder really composed some of the greatest and most timeless melodies known to man for all eternity. Production value on this late 1970's masterpiece is incredibly high. Overall, its very unique yet also contemporary. Stevie struck gold!
amazing production and vocals 4/5
Pretty fun album
Great work from Steve. Just tight across the board. Solid 7
Dang, what a brilliant album.
3.5
One of the greatest albums ever recorded. Every song a gem!
Have always enjoyed listening to this great collection of thoughtful entertaining songs by a confirmed musical genius. Glad it was on my list!!
Clssic stevie, political, a little preachy, solid musicality
An amazing album!
An extraordinary musical document of the second half of the 20th Century. Powerful words, amazing musicianship. Stevie Wonder is IMPORTANT.
Perfection
Funky and fun
Not heard the whole album before. Enjoyed it. Great voice.
Every track on this album says something that applies to life and culture today. Amazing to think that in 50 years, social justice, equal rights, faith, and the looming threat of Misstra Know-It-All is all relevant.
3.5/5
Loved it
It's definitely a strong album, but a couple songs didn't have that spark for me. I would still listen to it again for sure, though.
Classic, funk
•Not owned: Streaming; Will get •A masterpiece that follows the thread from one person of vision, Innervisions is pitch-perfect example of composition, execution and production. It's a perfect album. •5/5
Couldn't ever take to his voice or music Automatic 1
Spot on funk. Exactly what you might expect from Stevie Wonder.
Stevie Wonder’s greatest album. This record is just insanely great. It’s of so many skillfully woven together musical styles and genres. It just sounds beautiful from a recording and production standpoint. There’s love, social commentary, hope, despair, joy, and anger all in one place. There are no bad moments on this record. Instant five stars from me.
Some of the best Soul I've heard
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.
Who doesn’t love Stevie Wonder
Better than Talking Book IMO. Wonder’s rhythm shines much better in this album and is just overall a better experience, despite some of the songs feeling lesser quality.
Misstra Play-It-All
stevie wonder: log defeater, synth pioneer and Nixon disser a wonder indeed
All of the best aspects of funk and jazz are here, and Stevie's vocals are majestic as always. Even the slower songs were groovy
Good shit
Great album. Every time I listen to the early Stevie songs I wonder what it would sound like if it was recorded today!!!
There are so few artists in the history of popular music that can instantly immerse you in their world as soon as you drop the needle, and Stevie Wonder had that ability at his peak. Although I prefer a bit more grit with my Wonder, it's undeniable that this album tells a story like few others. Living For The City and Higher Ground are immortal, and the album as a whole has a cohesive narrative that certainly makes a lot more sense than most "concept" albums. Wonder's orchestration, songcraft and mastery of melody and harmony are unsurpassed. Definitely an essential album.
Flawless. Favorite song: living for the city, but they're all good.
This feels like the hottest take of the summer but this was mostly just fine.
Good stuff
Stevie is great! Sounds even better in headphones
naja??
Classic 70s LP from Stevland Morris Wonder.
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.
Yeah man. Almost impossible to knock from any angle. If you met someone who had never heard pop music and you wanted to give them a top flight example of great tunes, great performance, great recording this would have to be near the top of the pile. Big hits, groovy album tracks, only the slightly embarassing New York arrival bit stumbles. Do your self a favour people. Just great to hear such a multi-talented individual at the top of his game.
AWESOME
Fun album, bit too long. I can see where a lot of hip hop songs I like get inspiration from Stevie
One of Stevie’s Best!
Another awesome album by Mr. Stevie Wonder! This opportunity to listen to 1001 albums, has really reminded me of how great an artist Mr. Wonder truly is.
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
I haven never really given Stevie Wonder a chance. I think it's because I had a different idea of what kind of musician he was. I think maybe I just thought he was a bit of a mainstream pop artist that wrote love songs. The opening track was a bit of an eye opener. I didn't think he'd have a song about being too high haha. The synths sound awesome and funky. I'm a sucker for synth. The political messaging in Living For The City was powerful as were the female vocals. Higher Ground is amazing. Jesus Children of America is such a great soul/funk song.
I already got this one a few weeks ago. So here is my review: So good. I love the synth and even proto-auto-tune on some of the tracks. The music feels so flowy, bouncy and groovy. Really cool composition of keys, brass, drums and vocals. With really cool bass lines. Stoked on this one.
Super fresh pero kinda turret
Stevie is an inspiration and one of the greatest musicians to ever live. Still, this album is not my cup of tea.
Ruhig, funky and really good.
Starts slow, then has lots of classic bangers in this one! Enjoyable but beginning and end of this album can be forgettable.
one of the funkiest, coolest artists ever! 16 album in 1972 this dude has been around! This was great and you can hear its impact on may artists today. what a dude! Love = higher ground!
I didn't mind most of the songs on this album. I wasn't a fan of the synth in Living for the city, but the rest was ok. Good to hear it as a full album, but probably won't relisten - I'm just not very funky! Fave track: Don't you worry about a thing
Exquisite. Melodic voice. Among the top pop soloists. Heartfelt music.
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.
Phenomenal album, but I knew that going into it. Stevie is timeless.
Stevie met encore une fois sa claque à tous les autres artistes du générateur. Dommage pour lui, Eddy Mitchell continue de roder et de grogner autour de sa propriété.
Stevie ne se prive pas poru venir ridiculiser les autres artistes du générateur, et on l'en remercie.
Like a Time Machine to my childhood of the 70s. Stevie as a mature man and no longer the child prodigy- speaking through his art on important social subjects in songs that would become timeless and classic.
"living for the city" is a bop and so powerful "higher ground" fuck yea "all in love is fair" 🥲 "visions" yeah 🥲
Funky and melodic songs with Stevie's narrative genius. This album is just astounding. Lyrically it's a beautifully gloomy look into the world in 1973, with songs addressing politics, drugs, urban life, divorce and more. Sonically its wonderfully diverse, something even more astounding when you realize that Stevie played most of the instruments himself. This album is a masterpiece.
Everyone knows Stevie Wonder. But, I don’t think everyone knows all of these songs. I sure didn’t.
duplicate
A classic Stevie Wonder album. It’s dated but in a historic kind of way, a good way. Not an album I’d put on but definitely entertaining.
Classic, cant believe it came out so long ago
Expected more of stevie
4.1 - great album, tired not got much to say
Great album. The musicianship and mixing is so impeccable. Too High - wonderfully smooth, but has some edge to it. A bluesy undertone to the "Too High" refrain. Visions - this is a fine song, but I'm here for the funk and the grooves rather than the ballads. Living for the City - the main riff of this one doesn't really captivate me, but the way the track builds and the spoken word/foley interlude builds a really compelling song. Golden Lady is sultry. So earthy. Higher Ground - iconic. Stevie played all the instruments on this track. Jesus Children of America - another solid track, but not too much to say about this one. All In Love Is Fair - again, not such a big fan of the ballads. Don't You Worry Bout A Thing - this is not my favourite track either, Latin vibes. He's Misstra Know-It-All - a gentle closer. I have to imagine this album sounded refreshing in 1973, and it still sounds fantastic today. Fave Tracks: Golden Lady, Higher Ground 4/5
Some sounds I wouldn't have associated with SW so that's nice. Very good but didn't punch me in the face so misses out on a grade 5.
I mean its definitely a must listen but not necessarily my cup of tea.
It was gonna be hard to be objective on this one cause I automatically love any Stevie song. That being said, this is a great album. It has everything I want in an album. Interesting chords, amazing Vocals, and a harmonica solo. Great variety of songs. Also was not prepared for that racist talking bit during living for the city. Key tracks: golden lady, higher ground, all in love is fair, don’t you worry about a thing
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.
Funky but not always funky on every track. The different instruments used throughout the album really add a lot. And of course, Stevie’s voice is timeless. ‘Higher Ground’ and ‘Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing’ and absolute classics and by far the best songs on the album. Bass line on ‘Too High’ makes me want to have loud-ass noise cancelling headphones on while I smoke a blunt. ‘Golden Lady’ is a jam. Kinda reminds me of melodies that Chicago would have in their songs.
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.
Loved this album. Huge variety of moods among the tracks. All In Love Is Fair is hauntingly good, I had to stop working and pay attention then it came on. I was legitimately dancomg to Don't Worry 'Bou A Thing. The jazzy chords and melodies add a unique flavor that make the songs stand out from other songs in the same genre. It goes without saying that Stevie is an amazing singer.
Lively, sometimes lost itself though
This is just about as good as an album can be. Absolutely great.
I especially like the song Visions
It's marvelous how someone, after making 14(!) mostly decent albums and lots of sales, all of a sudden goes: and now I'll make 5 albums of brilliance, before succumbing to mediocrity again. This is one of those five.
Artistic wonder
Has that sky diving song from the power rangers movie
He is amazing.
Great album!
When Stevie's good he's good. Quite familiar with this album already, some Stevie Wonder tracks can get a little slow, but on the whole i like this album. Living for the City is my favourite.
Sorry, this is not ranking high for me. Boring to my untrained musical ear!
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!)
fucking beautiful. every song is a wonderfully eclectic banger that bleeds perfectly into the next. stevie wonder’s delicate and masterful musicianship really shines on this one. can’t wait for songs in the key of life!
its Stevie wonder.
The hits are hits for a reason, and the rest seems kind of self indulgent and meandering.
An absolute banger. Some of the all time great songs like “Higher Ground” and “Living for the City”. My day was better having listened to Immersions
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.
Super Album, ohne Golden Girl wäre es noch besser.
Very soulful
Doesn’t get enough credit, for all he’s done throughout his life. Great artist.
Nice chill album
Great historic record, of course. I've always loved it, but it doesn't all hold my attention in 2024. Salute to Margouleff.
It’s a brilliant, beautiful, classic album. Tonnes of atmosphere and the production is perfect. I listened to it on vinyl because it’s one of those records I dug out of a charity shop and felt like a winner.
I grew up knowing and loving many of the songs on this album, but there were also some real gems that I wasn’t familiar with. Had a great time listening to this one and enjoyed it a second time through with my husband.
Very nice Album.
It was actually alright, but probably wont listen to again
A couple classics here
Wie geil! Rhythmik, Harmonik, Mix. Allererste Sahne!
It's not bad. Innervisions and Living For The City were an absolute vibe. I guess other people didn't feel it as much since not so many plays. In comparison, the highest played one, Higher Ground, was definitely upbeat/quick, but kinda meh in comparison to Innervisions and Living For The City for me. Overall a good album, just wasn't that exciting to listen to. Maybe its baseline is even 3, but my standards probably just went up honestly. Maybe Tigermilk should be a 0, then Dusty could be 2, Arrival could be a 1, and this could be a 2 right along Dusty. Could be.
Some of the better writing in Stevie’s career. Arrangements capture the era. Solidly performed from start to finish.
One of the great albums of all time.
Utterly unstoppable funkiness
So good. I love the synth and even proto-auto-tune on some of the tracks. The music feels so flowy, bouncy and groovy. Really cool composition of keys, brass, drums and vocals. With really cool bass lines. Stoked on this one.
Stevie is the man. Great album. Pure funk goodness that you can’t help but move along to.
Great fun, stevie very good on this one.
Fun poppy stuff, with funk and latin influences
Oh wow, bijna alle nummers goed, divers, echt een paar knallers.
10/10 effort for Stevie. Not a skippable track throughout.
a couple gems in this album.
Feels like a journey through Stevie Wonder's mind, amazing
Gute Mukke!
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.
Good tunes, not totally my style. Higher Ground is a classic
I just don’t like Stevie Wonder’s music. Not sure if it’s the harmonica, the jazz undertones, the voice, the electric organ, the “on hold music” vibes, the constant minor chords or all of the above.
Originell
Great Album, love Stevie
I'm starting to think that life has been extraordinarily difficult for Black people in America for many years
Absolutely superb!
First two songs were nothing special, and then Living For The City started and the album started popping off. I was night swimming in the rain while listening to this and felt like I was in a Scorcese movie or something. 7.25/10
This was good. Real good. Probably now my 2nd favorite Stevie album (after songs in the key of life)
Higher ground slaps. Just a fun album. Funkalicious
Inspiring music - especially „Higher Ground“ is my favorite.
Too high ! Too high !
yeah it's stevie, but not for me....
It's a classic for a reason but the overall sound doesn't 'do it' for, so it will never be a personal classic.
Great listen.
Classic Stevie
Always 5 stars.
Very nice album. One of the best of its genre.
Love Stevie Wonder, but this album is a bit boring
This album is a staple in our house! Can't say enough about this funk. Love Stevie!
Sing it to me Stevie
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
Funky. Love.
I hope this one of many Stevie albums.
Always love Stevie but this one ain't my favourite.
Golden Lady, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing, this album had some great songs. It's funk, it's soul, r&b, whatever you want to call it, the album was great
Sublime. Deserves to be on this list. That is all
This album is so damned good, I don't even mind that Stevie has spent his entire life trying to convince the world that he's blind.
Too High Living for the City Higher Ground All In Love is Fair Very fun album, should listen to Stevie Wonder more
Dammit. Tale of two halves. First 5 songs are pushing 5*. Last 4 songs are lucky to get 2*... 3.5* average then? I'll round up but Stevie's a lucky boy
Jaw dropping. Incredible sound. This feels like quintessential soul, ike he perfected it and everything else from Thundercat to Bill Waterson to Vulfpeck is just riffing on him. This music doesn't fee 50 years old, it feels like it was written yesterday
All Stevie, all the time. Some well know huge hits, and great deep cuts.
Excellent album with some great songs
Difficult to gauge how influential it was at the time but still holds up well
Funky Fridayyy
This is Stevie's best album. Little political, little romantic, funky, great vocals.
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.
It's strange - I deeply respect Stevie Wonder as a musician, but at the same time I cannot get into his music. Like, at all. It's not that this album is bad objectively. But sadly, the music does nothing for me. 2/5
That'a it.
Can't go wrong with Stevie Wonder. He's the king of soul. Haven't properly listened to all of it just yet, but I will.
Yes! I love his music, very happy to see it here.
3.5
Pretty groovy
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.
Stellar.
Funky and psychadelic undertones. Has odd musical pieces obviously designed to change up the flow. Different moods across the same distinct sound throughout the album. 8/10
Beautiful. Love the first track
Beautiful songs throughout the album
pretty good funk soul
Good nice to hear his voice young and found a great slower song by him
I need to listen to more soul
3.11 per track. Stevie is very hit or miss honestly.
This is awesome.
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 a genius. The layering of the vocals is unbelievable. No one has achieved this level of artistry on an album in 50 years.
Beautiful
Talking Book has some of my fave singles, but this album really takes you on a ride. 4.5
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
Great album. #2 of 4 in Stevie's 'classic period'. Multiple listens and it's ingrained. 4.8
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
jgf
The first Stevie Wonder album I ever bought and still my favorite. I would name favorite tracks but I honestly love them all. I really love the overall sound. The synthesizers and other instruments come together brilliantly.
A couple songs on the first side keep this from being a five star album for me; it’s more of a 4.5 in my mind. The second side, however, gets all the stars and is immaculate from beginning to end.
I think I gave Songs in the Key of Life 5 stars and still said I liked this album better, so I have to give this one 5 to be fair. Listening to it again in entirety, I actually forgot about the few tracks toward the end which slump a bit. Still, the first half is thoroughly great.
Pretty good stuff.
Another Wonder-ful album!
Too High is a weak opener but then it is back to back bangers.
Amazing: Steve Wonder makes another absolute banger of an album. This man makes music like no other. Strong basslines and very solid lyrics. What's not to love.
This is a classic Stevie album. Eminently listenable, it easily demonstrates that pop music when it’s done well can be musically interesting. Unfortunately, the “kid from the countryside” skit hasn’t aged as well as the rest of the material so I can’t rate the album a perfect 5 stars, but it’s still good enough for an imperfect 5.
This album is incredible. Stevie had a phenomenal five album streak. Each one I’d give a perfect score from Talking Book to Songs in the Key of Life. The lyrics are incredible and the chords are so visionary and original while also remaining familiar and not a challenge to listen to whatsoever. Especially considering how out there some of these rhythms and progressions are. The vocals and instrumentation are obviously impeccable. I have nothing bad to say about this album. 5/5
1. Too High starts rather funky with a nice melody. "the bed is green but she's a tangerine" interesting lyric. The production so far is rather clean surprising. Pretty song but starts getting long and repetitive by the end. 2. Visions slows down the album with a nice acoustic and lax vocals. Stevie sounds like he is trying to be intimate with the listener. Strong vocal performance towards the back half. 3. Stevie pops off immediately on Living for The City. The funk comes back with a strong vocal performance. Story based song with a relatable story even to modern times. Favorite track so far easily. 4.Golden Lady immediately slows it down with more of a love ballad type song. The song has a nice melody but doesn't exactly stay memorable for me. 5. Is the original version of higher ground??? Classic song that is extremely memorable right off the back. Very much a song that was ahead of the curve sonically. 6. Jesus Children Of America returning to the usual for this album. Nice vibe overall. Strong vocal performance from stevie as per usual as well. Strong conclusion to the song 7. Another love ballad from in All in Love is Fair. Beautiful and from the heart. Strong vocal performance. 8. Don't you worry bout a thing is sweet song with fast pace melody. Stevie really sings the hook of this song to the melody quite effectively. He really sells the overall sentiment of the song. 9. Misstra Know-it-all another strong vocal performance but to be expected at this point. Not the most interesting of the songs and a bit weak as a conclusion.
The Stevie I always expect. It was much more chill than other albums but it was great. Didn’t expect to find the Usher “Lil Freak” sample on here.
There’s something so magical about Stevie. My fav was All In Love is Fair.
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
A masterpiece by a musical genius
You can tell this was created with passion and skill. Not my vibe though. My favorite was Don't You Worry About A Thing.
Great album! Classic tracks.
Mind-blowing
Mehhh
How have I never sat down and just listened to Stevie Wonder? Super fun album that I liked every song on, very energetic and addicting. Added two skipped zero.
Each song is so unique in this album, it is beautiful. Stevie Wonder really feels like he is having fun here. Stand-outs: All In Love Is Fair, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing
Reminds me of me mom.
NOOOO STOP GIVING ME GOOD ALBUMS ITS GOIND TO MESS UP MY AVERAGE RATING Masterpiece.
Just not good, didnt finish
funkadelic babey!!
Best Song: Higher Ground. That wobbly funk is so fun to listen to. A palace of funk built on a foundation of jelly. Worst Song: Visions. Kind of boring for the (nearly) titular track. Overall: There's just something about Stevie Wonder's voice. Even songs which start slow and seem as though they'll never end up anywhere interesting have at least a moment where his voice takes off and it makes it feel like the whole song was worth it. Sadly, it does feel sometimes that his voice is carrying the whole album, and the rest of the musicianship really doesn't rise up to meet him.
Whilst I respect his general talent and appreciate how special Stevie Wonder is, I thought this was pretty awful. Best song - golden lady
Good easy listening
Innovative, catchy and modern. Truly expressive masterpiece
Love Higher ground
Similar to the summer vibe of Madame Butterfly that I was just chasing. It may have something that would work for my 2024 choreographers' concert piece if it was made instrumental. It relaxes me and I love his conversational tone. The songs are a perfect length.
It's Stevie Wonder, and it's superb. Expected nothing less.
Some nice songs wrapped up in between pretty ordinary tracks. Ultimately, I can't say I got along with this particular album's sound.
so funky!
Great album front to back! Living for the City and Higher Ground are personal faves!
Novateur et exemplaire dans tout ce qu'il a entrepris dans cette album confirmé par la suite avec le parfait album qu'est Songs in the key of life
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
Peak Wonder, for me. But it’s a broad ridge line.
An eye-opening record. Beyond amazing.