Reviews (page 3 of 13)
One of the best ever.
Not much has changed it seems.
Качественная музыка, чувствуется с первой ноты и до самой последней. Проходных песен нет ни одной и, мало того, вся пластинка достаточно разнообразная. Кажется, я привыкаю к Стиви Уандеру и начинаю с каждым разом его ценить всё выше. 8,5 из 10.
I kinda thought I knew what to expect going into this album. I figured it would be a pretty good album that would serve as a prelude to Songs in the Key of Life. What I wasn’t expecting was for this to be a masterpiece of its own. I mean, Stevie’s a master in his own right. Of course, his vocal range is excellent. But this is definitely one of the best funk and soul albums I think I heard period. Every song is well-crafted and it all goes so smoothly. I think the second half suffers a little bit, like a really small bit. I didn’t really care for Jesus Children of America, but that’s really the only downside. Honestly, it puts a little more pressure on Songs in the Key of Life for me. It’s going to be very interesting to compare these albums. But the bottom line is that, yes, I’m sold on Stevie Wonder. Favorite track: Higher Ground Other hits: Living for the City, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing, Visions, He’s Misstra Know-It-All, Too High, Golden Lady
5. One of the best of all time!
Everyone knows Stevie Wonder can party, but I was surprised by how much I was moved by the love songs . All In Love Is Fair is beautiful , and the way it rises to fill your ears is great. Big win here all around
i listened to my first stevie wonder album, this one, back in december last year (2024) from a friend’s recommendation at the time when we started this project in a discord server. absolutely amazing album! love it so much. “living for the city” is a masterpiece: lyrically powerful, stevie played all the instrumentals himself, which he did for the most part of thee album. just amazing! “all in love is fair” is an incredibly beautiful song where stevie’s voice really shines so strong! the vocal walk in the chorus of “don’t you worry about a thing” is one of the coolest things ever and i’m obsessed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of the best LPs ever. Filled with great grooves smooth musicality and thoughtful lyricism that Stevie is one of the best at. A must listen and add to your record collection. Filled with hit songs.
Loved it - such cool rhythms and made me want to check out his other albums from this period. Very golden vibe
Really groovy, really interesting, unlike anything I’ve heard before and loved every second.
groove. harmony. melody. creativity.
I didn't even have to listen to it, (but I did), to know this would be a five star experience. I bought this one when it came out, and love every minute of it.
I had no idea how young he was, how spontaneous the talent. His voice is one of the instruments. I would say his music was the earliest exposure I had to black culture of any kind. I was one of those Sesame Streeters.
If i could rate higher than 5 stars I would. Pretty much all tracks were standouts
Stunning
Quite simply one of the greatest records by anyone in any genre. Stevie is one of the GOATs and I honestly can’t believe that this isn’t a 5 here. People listen to this and think, nah, I’d rather hear (insert tepid garbage)? JFC.
Best song: Livin' for the City. This album is one of Stevie's greatest works.
an incredible al um from 23 year old stevie wonder in a concise package of soul and funk with lyrics that resonate so many years later.
So good I listened to it twice.
Can we have too much Stevie Wonder here? No, I don’t think we can.
Stevie was my first concert and it was this tour; what needs be said? Timeless genius layers of beauty.
Forgot how much light and life there is in every single one of Stevie's songs. One of the all-time greats.
visions pretty this shit groovy as hell misstra know it all gonna be on my mind for some time
Stevie Wonder should be required listening for every music lover.
Funky and easy to love.
Op het niveau van Songs, maar dan korter. Het aantal sterren wordt er niet minder om.
it's so groovy I like it yay can't go wrong with Stevie Wonder but honestly I haven't really heard this type of music from him? mainly some of his more iconic songs. didn't know he could sound like this, like the cooler silk sonic lol.
Higher ground
Awesome record!
There’s a scene in the film “High Fidelity” where a record-store customer is looking for a copy of Stevie’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” and is aggressively verbally berated for being basic. The more of his albums I listen to, the more that scene makes sense. The range of his artistic talents is amazing.
On this album, Mr. Wonder shows he not only has a mountain of talent, but he also has a social conscience. As a result of these two strengths, these funky, soulful songs demand multiple listens. Too close to top notch not to give it.
One of the greatest albums of the 20th century.
The burst of creativity from 1972's Music of My Mind to 1976's Songs in the Key of Life is, for my money, the greatest run of music there is. Five years, five albums, five masterpieces. You can have your Beatles and Dylan runs. Give me Stevie. In fact, inject it straight into my veins. It's dealer's choice whether Innervisions or SITKOL is the pinnacle of that period. For me it's the latter, but just by a hair. Innervisions is 44 minutes of tightly-woven songs that rip. The ballads move. The funky jams jam funkily. More than once a song does that thing where they become a whole different song halfway through, and both sides are revelatory (I initially cringed at the “skit” (in modern terms) in the middle of “Living for the City,” but now think it’s an incredible flourish.) And there are multiple songs that do that thing that Stevie is the best at -- taking a song and letting it climb higher and higher and higher until it bursts into a new octave, a new key, a new stratosphere, a rush of beauty. "Golden Lady", "Jesus Children of America", "Living for the City", and "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing” all give me chills. Sometimes they feel like there are 2 or 3 distinct vocalists at the helm, but it's all Stevie. From his deep growl to his pre-Michael Jackson "heeeee"s and James Brown “Ow”s, he has an uncanny sense of when a song needs just a little something extra to send it over the edge (dig the way the album ends with growl-Stevie singing underneath heavenly-Stevie.) I love the way he does from the plaintive softness of “Visions” to the urgency of “Living …” to the silky smooth Bruno Mars-esque “Higher Ground” to the powerhouse, knock-em-dead performance on “All in Love is Fair,” an earned earnestness that too many American idol-y folks aim for without any conviction. This album embodies beauty to me. And did I mention how *fun* it is? All the stars.
Oh my god, what an album! So easy listening with smooth funk soul melodies and Stevie's silk voice and harmonies. There are no bad tracks on it, all pure gold. I listened to this album at breakfast and my 2.5 daughter was jamming listening to "Higher Ground." I had to repeat it 3 times and all of them were amazing, it is nice to see her dancing to the song. Cant wait to listen to more of Stevie Wonder, definitely one of the singers that deserve more attention on my part. An easy 5/5
Love!!!
The flow on this is insane
This is a great album. However, I have a hot take. I don’t see what all the hype is around Stevie Wonder. There. I said it. Let me explain what I mean by that. He’s great, objectively great. He’s a pioneer, musical genius, creative genius, the list goes on. But so was James Brown. So was Marvin Gaye. Al Green, Issac Hayes, Barry White, countless others. They may not have all had same level of commercial success, but that doesn’t make them any less than, as artists. I feel like people put Stevie on a pedestal above everyone else, and I don’t understand why. I see all those other artists as his contemporaries, not being a notch below Stevie Wonder. Maybe that’s just my experience, but I think there is some overhype happening. Still an amazing album though.
The best funk-soul crossover of all-time. What an album, what a musician, what a man! Visions, Living for the City, Golden Lady, Higher Ground, All in Love is Fair, He's Misstra Know-it-all. Some of the finest songs out there. From the Stevie Wonder albums I've listened to, it's certainly his best. Picked up on CD in Dublin!
Jamming!!! I love how this isn't doctored up..so raw and so talented
Fantastic piece of music, no notes other than it's great. I love it and will be listening again. 5/5
oh hell yes
Beautiful album. A perfect mesh of funk soul and jazz. Favourites: higher ground, don’t you worry bout a thing, he’s misstra know it all. G
Stevie wondering around cause he’s blind, flawless record the greatest musician of all time, too bad he couldn’t see and couldn’t go to Epstein island
Such a well constructed record, production is so clean, songs flow together with plenty of creativity. As always with Stevie vocals and music is excellent.
It’s been a while for me on Innervisions, for a couple of very important reasons. Firstly, and I’ll just get this out of the way, it had quite actually stopping me from kiling myself, which is crazier the more I think about it. Listening to it now is a bit of a trip. Secondly - and this is linked to point one - I’ve played it to death. But this listen confirms it to me as Stevie’s tightest and most impressive work, and just one of my favourite god dam albums of all time. Songs in the Key of Life is probably his best contribution to music, but I think I’m taking this one in a fire. Doubles as a brilliant time capsule into the mind of a unique and brilliant young mind in its early 20s and a set of straight BANGERS. I mean I do truly feel every song here is exceptional, and the sequencing is immaculate. Starting with Too High is quite a bold choice as probably his most psychedelic song from the 70s run, and then it launches into one of Stevie’s quietest and most beautiful with Visions. Then the propulsive tension and scope of Living For The City sweeps you off your feet before the explosion of Golden Lady, one of his greatest compositions, a harmonic marvel. Side A is the best side Stevie has ever put out. Then the rollicking and impossible-to-play Higher Ground, one of his funkiest singles that almost recreates the spine-tingling highs of Superstition, into Jesus Children of America. A much needed change in pace. Next is All In Love is Fair, a brilliant vocal performance in a melodramatic piece of songwriting that has no right to work, which somehow bounces into the absurd joy of Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing. And Ive always thought Misstra Know It All is Stevie’s best political song outside of Living For The City. Most of my favourite albums are dire and depressing dirge, so it’s good to have some joy once in a while. And nothing encapsulates that remotely like a Stevie Wonder song. He can get away with anything because there’s a warmth to the sound and to his soul that just picks you up and takes you with him wherever he wants to go.
Funky smooth soul. Love it.
Not my absolute favorite from the stunning run of albums in the 70s - that’s maybe Talking Book - but I love this.
Such a relief to get a genuinely great album. I tend to neglect this in favor of Songs in the Key of Life and Talking Book but I'm not going to quibble.
i remembered this as the weakest of stevie's big three albums, but it's really killer. just hit after hit after hit
Fantastic vibes
Innervisions is on just about every “best of all time” list for several reasons. Of course, the music is amazing, more on my thought on that in a minute, but the more interesting story is the tech used to create it and its importance to Stevie Wonder’s career. Central to the unique sound at the time was the most advanced synthesizer ever created, the T.O.N.T.O (The Original New Timbal Orchestra). This room-sized device combined numerous synthesizers into an array that could be controlled and modified in an almost infinite number of ways. The result was the creation of unique sounds and methods of modifying them that continue to be incorporated all modern synthesizers today. Innervisions was the first album to fully utilize the creation, making the record an important contribution to modern music history (listed as either TIDAL or moog bass on liner credits). If you are reading this, do yourself a favor and watch this video Malcom Cecil (one of the inventors) discuss the device: https://youtu.be/flaystdObkQ?si=ZtBstnlAC4ncBxfE This technology was important to Stevie Wonder because it allowed him to fully realize the music he was trying to create. In an important coincidence, he first heard about the device at the time his Motown contract was expiring, which granted him the freedom to pursue his interests as opposed to those of the studio. A serendipity that ultimately resulted in critics separating Wonder’s music into the one consisting of the 15 albums produced before Innervisions and another encompassing everything afterward. Wonder is credited with creating virtually every aspect of this record. In addition to writing and composition, he literally plays every instrument on seven of the nine tracks. Wonder explores many different sounds on this album, yet they stitch together seamlessly into a cohesive masterpiece of progressive soul. Yet, that categorization is not really fair because like many truly great records we hear influences from many genres in Innervisions including: jazz, funk, blues, latin and reggae. Almost everyone will immediately recognize the singles on the record. In fact, most of us have probably danced to the grooves of “Higher Ground” at least one. The widely familiar funky-blues vibes in “Living for the City” take in a different, but equally fun direction. The third released as a single a couple of years later, “Don’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing” moves in the direction of Latin jazz. The differences among these tracks serve as a great example of the creativity explorations of Wonder on this record and those that followed. There are tracks like “All in Love is Fair” or “Golden Lady” are more reminiscent of Wonder’s previous work, love songs with decidedly more laid-back grooves. Other more serious songs explore sociopolitical issues within the black community following recent Civil Rights victories. Yet, even within songs about drug abuse (Too High) or urban decay (Living for the City) we still hear a faith in human spirit demonstrating Wonder’s insight into humanity. Innervisions was a joy to listen to again, especially in the context of this project because I got to learn and think about the surrounding historical context. It is a beautiful musical creation, truly one of the best records ever, well deserving as an album everyone should hear before they die.
Perfect
Gorgeous
It’s quite an experience — having heard all the derivatives, facsimiles, samples and straight up rips offs — to hear the real deal
Loved it!
Not my favorite Stevie album but still great.
petica ko kuća
Jedan od nekoliko klasika
One of the greatest records I've ever heard, though it'll always make me laugh how Living in the City is the song from here I overplayed to numbness. Also, Visions as the second track has taken a long time for me to get used to, I very vividly remember having a hard time getting into Innervisions when I first spun it because of the jolting pace shift between Too High and Visions.
this one’s good!
Phenomenal. Visions makes me cry. Higher Ground makes me forget the worst band in the world ruined it. Livin for the City is astounding. The rest also great.
Stevie Wonder is such a talent to the world. Whilst not his best album, this album is just… so insane. Every song oozes with charm and fun, it’s like you get transported to another world of just soul and vibes. I knew half the album also haha. Phenomenal listen on my morning commute
I can appreciate the beauty of this album from many different lenses, but the way I view this is stemmed from the way that Stevie Wonder sees the world. The music is his eyes to the world, with the instruments being the different colours. And still it transfers to this world of colour and slight adding a much beautiful and dynamic sound that only he can envision. How could you not appreciate something as beautiful as this.
I've heard it before! I really love it
Great to hear some of the non-hits, and also the extended version of "Living for the City."
Fantastisk godt album. Bringer mig helt tilbage til gymnasietiden. Og en (fra mig af) en undervurderet genre. Ny playliste!!! 9/10
stevie, du checksches eifach.
One of the best from the best to ever do it.
"Stevie Wonder is a musical genius" !!! lol
Hard to top early Seventies Stevie. This is not my favourite of his albums from that period, but there are enough absolute classics - City, Higher Ground, Too High, for this to warrant all 5 stars. Peerlesss perfection, for the most part.
Amazing. Stevie Wonder is ALWAYS a good choice. This is a 5 stars album all around. Favs: 1. All In Love Is Fair 2. Golden Lady 3. Vision 2. Living for the City
Great album from the midst of Stevie’s peak
THE KID WONDER STRIKES AGAIN
Up there for new personal favorite from Stevie. Too High honestly takes the cake.
track 1: LOL I feel like I'm high listening to this song track 2: this song is so peaceful omg, need to sip a matcha while listening to this track 3: The beat and the way Stevie sings it pumped me up, two songs before were better tho (wait this song narratives really caught me off guard) track 4: INSTRUMENTAL!!!!! THE OUTRO!!!!! track 5: UGH WHAT A NASTY INTROO!!! PUMPED ME UPP REAL GOOD!!! track 6: Can't relate tho, but the INSTRUMENTAL!!! track 7: THE VOCALSS!!! track 8: DAMN SALSA MODE!!! MY FAV FROM THE RECORD track 9: What a song to end a record. *Chef kiss* (10/10) Stevie Wonder never disappoints !!!
#13 Innervisions ~ Stevie Wonder I think the one big thing we all like to point at Stevie Wonder and say 'Wow, what a genius' is the technicality and structure of the songs of Innervisions. And yes, songs from the funky opener 'Too High' to soul classic 'Living In The City' to 'Higher Ground' all the way to the end of 'He's Misstra Know-It-All' are all built like classical paintings, where Stevie bares his hand and reveals the full extent of his musical prodigy. It sort of makes sense, a man who cannot see to describe a world must have a phenomenal sense of hearing to build such an orchestra of synth keyboards, gospel choirs and drums that provoke a feeling that you can 'see' the mental world of Stevie Wonder in 1973. Frankly, Stevie's lyrics are a bit of a conundrum. Sometimes he sounds like a prophet, preaching about the harsh realities of the city, systematic racism and his abuse of drugs. And sometimes it really feels he's just running off his mouth, spouting really anything he believes conceptually rather than physically see for himself. But then again that's a prophet to you. Regardless of what he sings and spouts, his vocals have just enough conviction and control to sell you the story. What the fuck is 'Golden Lady' about? Does he think white ladies are 'golden'? Or is about the sun? Who knows, all these pseudo-nonsense lyrics sound incredibly touching to me. Perhaps the real real best thing about Innervisions: its accessibility. His dense, orchestral instrumentation and production, and his preachy, sometimes pretentious lyrics never feel over-the-top, overwhelming or annoying. Sure there are many incredible albums out there which you could say sound more impressive than Innervisions, let's take Loveless by My Bloody Valentine as an example. That album sounds crazy good but you wouldn't be blamed if the desire to make deafening blended guitar distortions sounds obnoxious as all hell. Innervisions sounds deceptively simple, more Mozartian than Wagnerian. It's highly catchy and light on melody despite being so technically dense. With combination of his freakishly powerful instrumental arrangements, Innervisions ends up being a powerful voice that speaks to you the listener: the definition of soul. Verdict: Music that makes you believe in Stevie's faith
Fantastic album, front to back. Loved every second of it, and I listened to it at least five times and heard something new every time.
One of the best to do it. Has some really great classic hits on this album. Should give it another listen at some point.
Groovy
5/5 bängää alusta asti. Too High, Don't You Worry ja Higher Ground lemppareita. menee listalle.
Fantastic.
What can I say? Stevie is a god, a genius, a great great man. This is a wondrous album. Beautiful songs produced to such a high degree tears come to my eyes.
Some of my all time favourite Stevie Wonder songs in there!
He’s best album. A more gritty sound telling the story of the hardships of life.
An Easy 5 Stars from me. The first Stevie album that I bought, I didn't know what I got myself into. Blown away by this, and I still hear new details on this album that I'd never heard. First time listening to this digitally, it does not disappoint, better instrument separation makes for an even more engaging listen. My favourite Stevie Wonder album and a welcome change from last week's white male rock music.
5/5
4.5
This was and is amazing, I've heard it before tho
Good Stuff!
Some great tunes I knew, and others I'd not heard and loved.
Love listening to Stevie wonder
enorme banger je suis pas surpris
Joyous. Any album with Living for the City on it would be worth 5 stars, but this is backed up with so many other bangers.
Part of an incredible run of records that are all masterpieces. I love that Stevie played all the instruments himself. His janky drumming on Higher Ground is one of my favourite things on any of his songs.
Loved this album! Every song was excellent made even better after reading he played almost every instrument on the album. Stevie Wonder is so talented Fav songs: living for the city, higher ground
I can see the roots of pretty much all R&B that I'm familiar with borrowing a lot from this record. Stevie's talents are often discussed but surely can't be overstated: His voice and his multi-instrumental prowess is fully on display here. Loved it! 9/10
9/10 Another one of the most essential Soul records you must hear
Stevie Wonder is legendary and this album is no exception. His voice is incredible, his tone is one of a kind, and the way that he blends genres perfectly is basically unmatched. Incredible album from an incredible artist.
Stevie is one of few artists that has truly earned multiple slots in this list
I only knew the hits, but so many other exceptional tracks hidden within this album. And to learn Stevie played nearly all instruments on most of the tracks?! No wonder it's considered an all time classic.
masterpiece, stevie is the greatest gift we have ever had
Really enjoyable listening experience
Songs in The Key of Life is one of the best albums of all time so.... this should be good. This starts off very well, the opener's great. Second song is not what I associate with Stevie Wonder but really good! Great vibe, but I can tell I probably won't listen to it other than when hearing the whole album. Living For The City is immediately a step up, and more of what I was expecting. But this album is definitely different from Songs, I should take it as what it is. Ok so this song takes a left turn halfway through but alright I like it. Golden Lady is very nice, very good, lovely. Highest Ground is funkier and more up-beat, exactly what I was expecting from this album, and I love it! Jesus Children of America is the mandatory Jesus is great song but hey, it still sounds good. Probably my least favourite so far but not bad at all. All in Love Is Fair is... a ballad? And a good one at that. Might need more listens to fully love it but it is good! Ok the spanish jump scare was scaring but ok! And that little dialogue was interesting... the song's good though! The final song is a great closer, and I can see it growing on me with time. Overall, this was a great experience! I was never bored or waiting for it to end, even the few songs I didn't outright love I still enjoyed. It is less grand than Songs in The Key of Life, but the genre here is used differently. Great stuff! Bye
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!
Definitely a desert island disc 🏝️
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.
Meticulous. Flawless. Quintessential. Immaculate. Irreproachable.
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 guy could do no wrong in the 70s. Not even my favorite or second favorite Stevie Wonder album but still a 5-starrer.
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
4(.5)☆→ solide j’aime: don’t you worry ‘bout a thing j’aime pas: rien 20/08/2025 edit: yeah 5☆
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.
Absolutely prime Stevie. About 5 or so true all-timer songs and the keyboards and synths sound simply sensational here. A very supple soulful combo. There might be a couple of inner lesions on the record - Jesus Children Of America and All In Love Is Fair are not the strongest. But grand centrepieces like Living For The City that pack extra biting political commentary along with so much mean gritty funk more than make up for it. Higher Ground is also a beast of a tune but second top dog here however. It’s hard to decide if Stevie or Red Hot Chili Peppers do it better. 4.5 stars.
Blind Man Signs Good
Stevie's best album. Most memorable
Might be one of the most beautiful albums that I’ve listened to. (Visions is like the platonic ideal of what Imagine was trying to be, and I say this as a huge Beatles/Lennon fan.) Just wonderful. Never really listened to Stevie Wonder and I love his young voice here.
i've yet to listen to a stevie wonder album and not be impressed. we've got even more of that pure melodic funk soul goodness. let's see, if i were to use a word or two to describe this album i would use... smashing. holy shit does this guy know how to lay a groove down. every single song i hear from him, it's half mindlessly dancing and half listening hard and wondering how the hell he did it.
I don't have adequate words to describe the genius of Stevie Wonder. This is only one of his several perfect albums. My favorites: Too High, which is my most recent hyperfocus song; Visions - so haunting and gorgeous; Living For The City, a song you can lose yourself to in the groove, but makes me think of "Y'all don't want to hear me, you just want to dance" when really listening to the snapshot of life captured; Golden Lady which is still changing keys somewhere out there in eternity; Higher Ground, all time classic; and Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing with it's joyful Latin piano vibe. Love Stevie, love this album, so happy this is here.
9/10
Another Wonder classic. He was cooking during that era and really couldn't produce anything less than a masterpiece.
Happy to learn more Stevie songs
Legendary.
Would give this a 6/5 if possible
Love it, some is a bit time-capsule-ish but the big tunes you already know totally defy the time that has passed. They are just so very good.
Безумно приятный голос исполнителя, музыка будто отражает его голос, тонкая, текущая. 100/10просто!
I already love this album generator because it recommended this as my first of 1001 albums!!!
living for the city is the best song ever recorded. this is like a 6/5
Another classic from Stevie at the peak of his powers.
Day399 - this one is on the top hundred albums of all time so yeah you need to hear it
One of the album's from Stevie's insane five album run. My issue with Stevie is his cheesy songs are too cheesy, but I can put up with those as when he avoids the cheese he almost always hits pure genius. This album is low on cheese and high on genius. Classic for a reason. Best Tracks: Living For The City; Higher Ground; He's Misstra Know-It-All
Timeless
Stevie Wonder so it’s a classic, love the basslines and the overall groove
Dipshits will give this 2 or 3 stars but give fucking drone noise "music" a 5. One of my top 5-10 favorite albums.
He was untouchable in this era.
Iconic and wonderful. I’d be ashamed if this wasn’t 5
this had no bad songs, feel like it wasn’t long enough cuz it just went so smoothly
Excellent album.
Amazing. *****
Стиви Уандер — человек, которому не нужно зрение, чтобы видеть глубже, чем большинству людей. Он лишь слегка приоткрывает для нас маленькое окошко в его собственный мир, где звуки заменяют краски, а мелодии — свет. Здесь музыка становится языком души, оголённым нервом, который вибрирует в унисон со всей вселенной, какой её чувствует Стиви. Это как исповедь, рассказанная через струны, клавиши и голос. Этот альбом практически полностью соткан руками одного человека, — как такое вообще возможно в большой индустрии? Уандер написал, спродюсировал и исполнил почти всё сам, превратив студию в своё личное святилище. Девять треков здесь — как девять дверей в другие миры, где госпел, фанк, соул и джаз сливаются в одно единое дыхание. И, что удивительно, несмотря на жанровую пестроту, альбом звучит очень цельно и выверенно, как скульптура, которую вылепили из звука. «Innervisions» — это альбом, который остался вне времени. Он бы с лёгкостью мог заменить собою и пространство, но ему просто нужно в чём-то звучать. Не имеет значения когда вы слушаете его впервые: в 1973-м, 2003-м или 2133-м, уверен, он всегда будет звучать классно!
it is a stevie wonder album. i am legally obligated to give it this score
92% Best: Too High; Golden Lady; Higher Ground; Jesus Children Of America; He’s Misstra Know-It-All Must-Hear? Definitely
Masterpiece
More of Stevie Wonder at his best. In fact, he pretty much operates as a one-man band for most of this album, experimenting with the "T.O.N.T.O." synthesizer among other instruments. That's most evident in "Living For The City", the gritty and raw single that details systemic racism and street life. As far as I know, Wonder is the sole personnel listed on this 7-minute track and you can hear the soul put into it as it progresses. Lest I forget to mention that FUNKY clavinet in "Higher Ground"! Stevie Wonder has always had the ability to straddle between social realism and hopeful optimism within his music, bringing heaps of expression via whatever synth-based keyboard or piano he's playing. "Innervisions" is probably the flagship example of the above. Wonder was in his groove here and had no intentions of stopping anytime soon. In terms of Wonder albums, this is probably the "one" for me, although I know another big one is looming in this list... Maybe both deserve a 5!
Great
Besides Higher Ground, I’d never given any of these songs a listen. Loved this album- what a fuckin journey. Golden Lady, Jesus Children and mistra know it all were my favorites.
Another beautiful album by Stevie Wonder. It doesn't quite rise to the heights of Songs in the Key of Life, but almost nothing does. Favorites: Visions, Higher Ground, All In Love Is Fair
On this album Stevie manages to make music that is complex and rich yet catchy and not ostentatious. It all feels very natural. Genius level. Just wish it were an hour long! 4.75
++*: Living for the City ++:Too High, Visions, Golden Lady, Higher Ground, Jesus Children of America, Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing, He's Misstra Know-It-All +: All in Love Is Fair 9,9/10
Stunning classic. Holds up to this day.
Stevie Wonder is really good, man. 'Innervisions' is definitely a good album: a great bland of funk and soul. Great instrumentals, excellent vocal range. Just a bit too inconsistent for me. The songs I liked, I liked them a lot, but a couple of tunes were not great for me. And yet, I just feel like I have to give this one a 5, because it's just such an insanely well-done album with huge bangers. My highlights are 'Too High', 'Living For The City'(!!), 'Higher Ground', and 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing' and 'He's Misstra Know-It-All'.
Favorite album by Wonder so far!
Loved it!!
This is a very familiar album in terms of knowing most of the tracks, although I have never owned the album. I enjoyed every minute, a true classic.
There really is no comparison to classic Stevie, he is in a class of his own. Such a great singer and songwriter, and a lot more funky songs on here than I expected. High 5.
A masterpiece by one of the most underrated songwriters of the 20th century. To me, he is comparable to Dylan and Lennon and McCartney along with many other great songwriters. Let's not mention his voice which is one of the best singing voices I've ever heard.
YESSSSSSSSSS
Amazing
Do you think Stevie Wonder designs his own album covers?
Not as good as songs in the Key of Life, but still some classic Stevie right here
Good all the way through
‘Does Stevie Wonder, as much as we wonder? Or is it just the eyes that we plunder’….just one of the Grammy Award winning lines from Houmous & Chutney’s hit ‘Blind Lies’ 4.8
- masterpiece -
Very good overall, one or two songs I wasn't crazy about. Cool & Funky. I don't think I knew Higher Ground was originally Stevie Wonder.
Incredible 9.9/10
I very much injoyed it. Most of great songs, vocals, and instrumentations. Very soulful and bluesy. Favorite track- He’s a Misstra Know-It-All
Classic - and another opportunity to use the CD player. Nice. Stand out track - Higher Ground. tWangy.
The soaring Living for the City and the towering Higher Ground, and in amongst that some fantastic album tracks (e.g. Golden Lady), culminating in the incredible He's Misstra Know-It-All. Probably my favourite Stevie album.
My favorite Stevie album!
5 stelle. ora posso iniziare l’album
Near-perfect album. Incredible singing and songwriting, and lovely piano, bass and drums throughout. I think it has a bit of a lull during Jesus Children and All in Love is Fair, but they're still good songs.
Stellar achievement
I have nothing intelligent to say about this album that hasn’t been said a dozen times before. My second favorite album of his. Nearly perfect but I would still put Songs in the Key of Life over it.
The man is certainly a wonder. I spent half this album just bewildered at the chord changes and progressive soul sound in tracks like Don't You Worry Bout a Thing. It's a rare talent to craft a pop song while still offering a unique flavor rooted in jazz, not to mention write powerful lyrics dealing with racial divide in the 70s that manage to resonate with all listeners. While this doesn't have the same legacy as SITKOL, there's no world where it wouldn't be 5 stars.
Innervisions, outer revisions: Wonder reimagines a better, funkier world through his soul-stirring musical decisions.
This is one of those albums where if you told me you didn't like it, I would probably discount any other musical opinion from you entirely. Really? You couldn't jam to this at all?
Amazing vocals, beautiful piano - blown away
So funky it breaks the funk-o-meter!!
literally loved this album. it has a good range in terms of sad/happier songs, and the use of instruments is amazing
Absolutely no reason not to give this five stars. A fabulous album that shaped the sound of many things to come.
Excellent
From a man who is unable to view the world through his eyes, he has such an observation of the world around him. This is such a raw album that I feel as though he is lying to the world, he is able to see the world much more than I could see, he sees the struggle of the African-American people that were struggling at that time in Detroit and in Southern States, and uses these fictional characters with beautiful depictions of how the Great Migration was felt during a time where The Black Bottom used to exist before the replacement of the I-375 freeway and the Lafayette Park Residential District.
My favorite Stevie Wonder and one of my favorite albums of the 1970s.
Masterpiece. Higher Ground and Living For The City are incredible songs 5/5
I thought this was really good. Solid 9.5 out of 10 for me
5 stars and 3 of my favorite all-time songs on this album!
Absolutely brilliant. Sheer class
God, I love Stevie Wonder. I only knew two of these songs before listening to this as part of this project. I had no idea that Stevie was ever a "one man band" or even that he could play the drums. This is a beautiful album, filled with sonic experimentation. I love that it's described as progressive soul and I love that it's considered one of his finest, one of the greatest albums ever, and highly influential in its genre. It's always so cool to me when somebody's singular creative genius is recognized as such, and Stevie's one of the best ever to do it.
Another classic that brings me back to hearing on LP in the 80s-90s that my parents would play. Too high is imprinted on my brain. Higher ground and Don't you worry bout a Thing are straight up bangers.
Absolutely amazing
CLASSIC. Living for the City especially but the rest of the album holds up better than I remember too.
Brilliant album with so many well known single releases.
Crazy good funk and soul and R&B really fun
Absolute classic. Simply insane that Stevie himself performed all of the instruments on a majority of these tracks.
Fantastic. Stevie lives up to the hype. Every song had me nodding my head along to the beat, and every lyric had a meaning, serious or not—overall, it's a perfection combination of funk and artistry. Super impressive vocals and all the instrumentation was spot on. The only song I would skip is the one with the hard-r in it—don't exactly want that playing in the car. Favorite Song: He's Misstra Know-It-All
Wow! Loved this album. Stevie Wonder is a legend
So perfectly paced it borders on miraculous.
Bought this on CD from Fopp many moons ago after seeing the great man live in Manchester, it’s a 5 easy
Can't go wrong with classic Stevie. This was so good I listened to it twice. Five stars.
A masterpiece! It ranks, in my opinion, among the best albums ever made.
This was incredible. Stevie Wonder is the man.
Come on... it's Stevie Wonder. Higher Ground is worth the price of admission, but there's other goodies here too.
Genius
Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing should be required listening as an audio anti-depressant.
Modulation. Excellent album an easy back to fronter.
Stevie Wonder is the fucking MAN, modern day Beethoven. I feel blessed to even share the Earth the same time with. Super funky, jazzy, and enough great hits to please anybody. The ballads get a bit weird tho
I only truly developed music as a proper hobby maybe a year ago, but I’m pretty confident in saying that Stevie is one of the most talented musicians in history, and innervisions is one of his true masterpieces. From beginning to end this album is an absolute treat to enjoy, and I look forward to hearing it many more times in my life.
This is an album that I’ve skipped over previously going from Talking Book to Songs in the Key of Life, but it really is a quiet masterpiece with many standout moments. Living for the City hits hard with a story of a naive young black man moving to New York and ending up on the wrong side of the law, complete with dialogue and sound effects. There are brighter songs too, with Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing being an absolute joy from start to finish.
Stevie hit it out of the park again with Innervision. Never heard this in its entirety before but was familiar with seven out of nine songs because they got radio playback in the early / mid 70s. Living For The City, Golden Lady, and Higher Ground are the meat of the album, but it’s all good. Didn’t realize I was a Wonder fan. Strong (4.5*s)
No words Genius 5*
OK, this one absolutely belongs on the list. Stevie is one of the best musicians that the human race has ever created, and this album is one of those pieces of evidence of that. 5/5
To be fair, you could just play the bass lines from this album and it would still be pretty awesome. Classic Stevie, real grooves and great piano work. Loved it.
Absolutel genius
I agree. Stevie is the man! I love Stevie and would put him at the pinnacle of my musical heroes, so I’m biased, but this is a solid album in all ways, even more impressive as the start of his ‘genius period’ after his start as child prodigy (which so many never successfully escape from). I must say I prefer Funky Stevie to maudlin Stevie, but Funky Stevie carries so much weight that maudlin Stevie can get a pass.
So beautiful. I first listened to it this album over twenty years ago and have to admit I wasn’t initially that impressed. But over the years I fell in love with this album and can see its influence on so many artists and albums. Stevie at his finest. Hard to believe how young he was and how he was able to completely reinvent himself and soul music at the same time.
One of the best albums ever. Each song is better than the previous song. It's almost embarrassing how good this album gets. Golden Lady, Higher Ground, He's Misstra Know It All. It's 5 stars every day.
I absolutely love this CD. The trilogy of early 70s Stevie Wonder CDs (this + Talking Book + Songs in the Key of Life) are all straight-up magic. They're immediately recognizable as Stevie with his unique sound, consistently high-quality, and loaded with hits. But this is probably the most complete of the three, more polished than Talking Book and not as bloated as Songs in the Key of Life. Stevie's key trick is in melding jazz-like or classic Tinpan Alley songwriting techniques with the complex rhythms of mostly groove-based soul and funk. Sometimes it's alternating songs in each style, but on the best tracks he marries both. The lead track, "Too High" is a great example - he's got that great ascending-riff groove for the rhythm that he just hangs on a while, and he mixes in a short descending line in the bass over those jazz harmonies on the chorus. Top it off with the bouncy, jazzy vocal riff ("doo-doo-doo" bit) and you've got a song that feels like a real journey with all the ups and downs. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be an Easter egg or not, but he also has a harmonica solo, which to me sounds like a joking allusion to his 60s years as Lil' Stevie (it's a pretty good musical joke). Honestly there's too many good things to say about this CD for one little writeup. Stevie's a brilliant songwriter, he's a damn good singer, pretty much A-level at this stage in his career, and he fills it out with a wild diversity of harmony and sound. The CD is brilliantly paced - it's almost exactly the right length, the intensity peaks right in the middle with "Higher Ground", and it perfectly alternates more exciting and more relaxed tracks. Some of the transitions, like "Visions" into "Living For The City", are flawlessly executed in a way that, like the best concept albums, makes the CD itself feel like a single cohesive unit. I'm just going to list a bunch more things I really like about the CD: -The way he throws his voice to appear to be a different character on the 2nd half of "Living For The City", while also sharpening the contrast with his duet partner/backing vocalist, yet still hits every damn note -Wonder's note on "All is Fair in Love" at 1:13-1:18 -The first time he opens up on the chorus of "Don't You Worry Bout a Thing" -The bongos starting with the solo on "Golden Lady" -The modulation up in the fade out on "Golden Lady" -Really "Golden Lady" the whole song
Visions is a beautiful song. It was my first time hearing this and I was wowed. Too High - nice intro track. I liked this one. Living for the City - great sound with great commentary on urban and racial issues Golden Lady - I thought it started a little slow but the tempo picked up at the refrain. This ends up being a very pretty and enjoyable love song. Higher Ground - this has always been one of my favorite Stevie Wonder songs and still is. Wow, such a great beat! Jesus Children of America - decent sounding song All in Love is Fair - this track really highlights the power of Stevie’s voice. Overall pretty song as well. Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing - another one I was familiar with. Fun song He’s Mista Know It All - this was the weakest track and my least favorite. Almost every track on this album is a winner. This is a great album and Stevie Wonder is a master artisan. 5
Loved this. Super funky. I thought Steve was a product of the 80s, but who knew he was doing his best stuff in the early 70s? I’m now a fan.
His voice is so good
Stevie Wonder es lo más grande que hay.
Stevie Wonder was always a favorite artist of mine, and he always seems to kill it.
Incredible album. The songs have a habit of starting off so insanely funky, they just grab your attention immediately.
Oh my god. I clearly know Stevie Wonder like everyone else on this planet, and I know a handful of the classics, but I wasn't prepared for this epic record. Just totally jazz-kicked me in the teeth from the get-go. Favourite tracks: the whole thing is a work of art.
Its exceptionally good isn't it. I've not really jelled with Mr Wonder yet, but this album changed my opinion
4.5☆/5 10.17.2024
Classic
Stevie continues to amaze me. His albums are so obviously significant and influential for decades to come on all music genres. Of course I recognize a lot of these songs but even the new ones were just so intellectual and unique yet interesting. Love him.
Question: If this is the peak of peak-Stevie, and Stevie Wonder is near or at the peak of all-time musicians, by transitive property does that put this album near or even at the peak of all recorded music? I believe it does. Highlights: everything, although gun to my head "Living For The City" is one of my favourite cuts by anyone anywhere. Too much greatness to succumb to any detailed description. Flawless / timeless / genius: a top 10 all-time album. 10/10 5 stars.
**Album Review: "Innervisions" by Stevie Wonder** Released in 1973, *Innervisions* marks a monumental moment in Stevie Wonder’s career, solidifying his legacy as one of the most innovative and socially conscious artists of the 20th century. The album, produced and mostly written by Wonder himself, embodies a fusion of soul, jazz, funk, and progressive rock. It is a rich reflection of both personal and societal struggles, with Wonder taking bold steps musically and lyrically to address pressing social issues. This review will examine the album in detail, analyzing its lyrical content, musical complexity, production qualities, overarching themes, and long-lasting influence. We will also discuss its strengths and potential areas of criticism. ### Lyrical Analysis **Themes of Social Consciousness** Stevie Wonder's *Innervisions* is deeply political and personal, directly addressing issues of racism, poverty, drug addiction, and spiritual awakening. At a time when American society was reeling from the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War, Wonder used this album to confront the inequalities and harsh realities of the world. The album’s opening track, “Too High,” uses metaphoric lyrics to address the issue of drug abuse. Wonder, while adopting a jazzy, upbeat arrangement, illustrates the dangers of drug addiction, particularly in the inner city. The line "Though my mind is blown, I’m high and alone" evokes the isolating effects of substance abuse, bringing to light a pressing issue often neglected by mainstream media. In “Living for the City,” Wonder paints a harrowing portrait of systemic racism and poverty. The song chronicles the life of a young Black man from Mississippi who, despite his aspirations, falls victim to the cruel systems that oppress African Americans. The track uses evocative imagery such as “His sister’s black, but she is sho’ nuff pretty” to emphasize the pride and beauty of Black identity while confronting the oppressive environment that crushes the protagonist's dreams. This storytelling aligns with the rise of the Black Power movement, reflecting the struggles and injustices that many African Americans faced in urban environments. **Spirituality and Personal Reflection** Contrasting the social commentary, tracks like “Visions” and “Higher Ground” delve into Wonder’s personal reflections on spirituality and human potential. “Visions” is one of the most introspective songs on the album, blending dreamy, folk-influenced guitar with lyrics that ponder the possibility of a utopia free from war and racial conflict. Wonder sings, “Have I lived to see the milk and honey land? / Where hate's a dream and love forever stands?” expressing his yearning for a better world while acknowledging the painful reality of its unlikelihood. “Higher Ground,” with its funky groove and energetic beat, tackles the concept of reincarnation and personal redemption. Written in the wake of Wonder’s near-fatal car accident, the song is both an anthem of resilience and spiritual growth, as Wonder seeks to rise above worldly suffering and reach a higher plane of existence. ### Musical Complexity and Composition **Fusion of Genres** *Innervisions* stands out for its intricate blending of musical styles. Stevie Wonder was already a multi-instrumentalist prodigy, but on this album, his talent for arranging and composing is truly spotlighted. Wonder performs nearly all the instruments on the album himself, showcasing his mastery of the synthesizer, particularly the TONTO (The Original New Timbral Orchestra), which allowed him to explore a vast array of sounds and textures. “Too High,” for example, incorporates elements of jazz, funk, and even some psychedelic sounds. Its funky basslines and dynamic vocal harmonies juxtapose the serious subject matter of the song, giving it a lighthearted yet deeply meaningful feel. Similarly, “Golden Lady” features lush melodies and complex chord progressions that blend jazz and soul in a way that feels effortless. Wonder’s use of extended harmonies and chromatic movement exemplifies his sophisticated compositional skills, pushing the boundaries of what popular soul music was capable of at the time. **Innovative Use of Synthesizers** One of the defining features of *Innervisions* is its pioneering use of the synthesizer. Wonder, along with his engineers Robert Margouleff and Malcolm Cecil, employed the synthesizer in ways that had rarely been heard before in mainstream music. Tracks like “Living for the City” and “Higher Ground” make heavy use of synthesized bass and keyboard sounds, which lend a futuristic, otherworldly feel to the music. In "Living for the City," the synthesizers create a gritty, urban soundscape that enhances the song’s narrative. The use of sound effects—like street noise and the protagonist's interactions with the police—adds to the dramatic tension. This sonic experimentation, combined with a traditional soul foundation, created an immersive experience that was innovative for its time. In many ways, *Innervisions* was a precursor to the electronic music and hip-hop production techniques that would rise in the coming decades. **Funk and Groove** Rhythmically, the album is steeped in funk, particularly in tracks like “Higher Ground” and “Jesus Children of America.” The grooves are tight, propulsive, and infectious, driven by Wonder’s impeccable sense of timing and groove. "Higher Ground" features syncopated rhythms, deep clavinet riffs, and a punchy bassline that adds depth and intensity to the song’s urgent message. Wonder’s ability to balance complex rhythms with smooth vocal lines is remarkable, making these songs both danceable and thought-provoking. ### Production and Arrangement **Stevie Wonder's Creative Control** By the early 1970s, Wonder had achieved unprecedented creative control at Motown, a label historically known for tightly controlling its artists. With *Innervisions*, Wonder took full advantage of his freedom, producing the album himself. This creative independence allowed him to experiment with new sounds, take bold risks, and create a cohesive album that flowed seamlessly from track to track. The production is meticulously crafted, from the layering of instruments to the placement of vocals. Wonder’s vocals are often multitracked, creating rich harmonies and call-and-response patterns that add emotional depth to the songs. His attention to detail is particularly evident in the transitions between songs; for example, the shift from the upbeat funk of “Higher Ground” to the slow, introspective ballad “Jesus Children of America” is smooth yet emotionally impactful. **Use of Realism in Sound Design** "Living for the City" stands out for its innovative use of sound effects and narrative structure. The song includes a middle section where we hear street noises, a bus driving, and a conversation between the protagonist and the police. This was groundbreaking for its time, adding a level of realism and immersion that was rare in popular music. It was not just a song, but a sonic depiction of urban life, giving the listener a first-hand account of the struggles Wonder sought to highlight. ### Themes and Concepts **Social and Political Commentary** At its core, *Innervisions* is a socially conscious album. Songs like “Living for the City” and “Higher Ground” tackle systemic issues such as racism, poverty, and spiritual growth. Wonder doesn’t shy away from harsh realities, making *Innervisions* an album that feels just as relevant today as it did in 1973. His lyrics are direct, yet poetic, allowing listeners to engage with these heavy topics on both an emotional and intellectual level. “Jesus Children of America” critiques religious hypocrisy, highlighting the disparity between spiritual preaching and real-world actions. Wonder’s plea for genuine love and spirituality in the song resonates with themes of social justice, making the track a call to action for listeners to live with authenticity and compassion. **Personal Reflection** While much of the album addresses societal issues, there’s also a strong sense of personal reflection. Wonder had recently survived a near-fatal car accident prior to the release of *Innervisions*, and this experience undoubtedly influenced tracks like “Higher Ground” and “Visions.” The introspective nature of these songs allows for a delicate balance between external critique and internal contemplation. ### Influence and Legacy *Innervisions* had an enormous impact on both the music industry and broader culture. It was one of the first albums to fully integrate synthesizers into soul music, paving the way for future genres like electro-funk, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. Wonder’s experimentation with new sounds and textures opened the door for artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, and countless others who would push the boundaries of pop and R&B in the decades to come. The album’s lyrical themes also resonated with a wide audience, influencing a generation of socially conscious musicians. Artists like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Gil Scott-Heron were contemporaries who similarly used their music to speak out against injustice, but Wonder’s ability to blend these messages with mainstream appeal gave him a unique voice in the conversation. The critical and commercial success of *Innervisions* helped establish the viability of socially conscious music in the mainstream, a legacy that continues today with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and D’Angelo. ### Pros and Cons of *Innervisions* **Pros:** - **Lyrical Depth**: Wonder's socially conscious lyrics are thought-provoking, addressing complex issues like racism, drug addiction, and spirituality with clarity and passion. - **Musical Innovation**: The use of synthesizers was revolutionary, making the album sound ahead of its time and influencing future genres. - **Production Quality**: The meticulous production is rich in detail, from sound design to vocal layering, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. - **Versatility**: Wonder seamlessly blends genres such as soul, jazz, funk, and rock, showcasing his versatility as a musician and composer. **Cons:** - **Complexity for Casual Listeners**: Some tracks may be too intricate or experimental for listeners expecting straightforward pop or soul. - **Darker Themes**: The album’s heavy focus on social and political issues, while essential to its message, can feel overwhelming or emotionally taxing at times. ### Conclusion *Innervisions* is a masterpiece that balances social commentary with personal introspection, all while pushing the boundaries of music production. Stevie Wonder’s ability to craft songs that are both accessible and deeply meaningful is unmatched, making *Innervisions* a timeless album. While its complexity may not appeal to all listeners, the album’s innovation and lyrical depth make it a landmark achievement in music history. Its legacy continues to influence artists today, solidifying Stevie Wonder’s position as one of the greatest artists of all time.
This album is 5 out of 5 enjoyable from start to finish.
First of all: Stevie is an automatic 5 stars! Innervisions is one of Stevie's albums that I've heard the least from this golden period between 68-85 but it's still a masterpiece (and one that I'll listen to more frequently from now on). I really like the psychedelic vibe of some of the tracks, which gives the album a unique sound, but without losing the funky & soul style characteristic of Stevie's albums. The difference between Innervisions and the other albums from this period released by Stevie in the first half of the 70s is that here we have an obvious high point between the songs and it is called Higher Ground. This song completely differs from the others as it is a tremendous Funk & Soul hit. One moment you're listening to the fresh breeze of Innervisions' tracks and suddenly you take a break to riff on Higher Ground and then return to normal programming. As much as it may seem like it was randomly placed in the middle of the album, the song doesn't interfere at all (quite the opposite) with the vibe of the album, much less its maximum rating of 5 stars.
A masterpiece of perfection. Every song flows deliciously. The perfect length of an album where its not too short or too long. Each song is unique in its sound while all staying grounded to a specific style. Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest musicians of all time. So glad I grew up listening to this album as it still is an absolute banger to this day. Eternal perfection. 10/10
I never knew he did pretty much all of the instrumentation and production himself, which is incredible. A great album, you could easily tell someone this was a modern release and they'd believe it.
iconic
I can't give Little Stevie less than five stars. I just can't do it.
This might have been the first Stevie album I personally 'owned,' besides Motown greatest hits collections my mom had on CD, or the occasional, irresistible single (e.g. I Was Made to Love Her.) It's still insanely consistent across a spare 44 minutes. The hits (Living for the City, Golden Lady, Don't You Worry About a Thang, ETC) far outnumber the few lulls. While this might not be a sprawling masterpiece like Songs in the Key of Life, it's an insane run of memorable hits that make the whole thing a classic.
Funk filled Tuesday morning I love it. This album had me bopping in my chair the whole time with the walking bass and steady drums to go along. Stevie has the perfect voice to go along with this style of music as well. Living for the City was the best song on this album. Such awesome instrumentals with a pretty intense skit in the middle of it. Higher Ground is such a good song. Love this original and the cover by RHCP is also great. I am an absolute sucker for some good old fashioned funk and jazz. Especially because it throws some variety into this list.
Stevie wonder was a good listen