Innervisions

Hard to argue against anything in particular, but I feel like the album is inconsistently great

It’s hard not to make a comment about Stevie being a visionary without a tingle of guilty pleasure. Musically he was. This album was a beautiful transition from his early R&B days with the Wrecking Crew at Motown to the disco flare ‘70s R&B . Living For the City is a groovy bop that leaves you with a touch of swagger in your walk while making a social point that still finds relevance today, while High Ground is a classic (with an equally good RHCP cover decades later). Jesus Children of America shares that same vibe of social consciousness and musical progression. Side note: I never knew how powerful his live performance was until I saw him in Summer of Soul. This album I imagine was phenomenal live.

This is Stevie’s answer to Marvin Gaye if I got the timeline right. Some great tracks including: Living For The City, Higher Ground, Don’t You Worry About a Thing. I like some of the lesser known tracks like Too High and Misstra Know-It-All. The slow songs were huge drags though. Pass on those. The great ones almost make up enough to make this 5-star but not quite.

Great album! My favorites are higher ground, he's misstra know it all, and I absolutely loved Living for the city

I'm inching now towards the finish of the list, I now have more than 1001 albums rated, so this is the final Stevie album in here... well, I don't wanna seem like an uncultured swine seeing the incredible high regard everyone holds him on in here, but he is just not for me, my previous rates attest it. I can hear the talent and the soul, of course, but like, this one for example sounds like parody at various times, maybe I just don't have enough context, I know... well for the closing half of the album, this is going out with 4 stars. Hope to someday meet Stevie again with a renewed perspective.

Some great tracks!

I hate Morrisey, but I can’t help but love this album.

Good

Classic. Gets you moving.

Stevie Wonder as always is great even if I feel that some of the tracks have too much going on which detracts from his voice.

It's really hard to go wrong with Stevie Wonder, his music is just so soothing and comforting.

esse álbum é muito bom, do início ao fim

Already knew

What a great album. It deserves several listens. I actually was not initially into it due to the first track. I don’t know what it was, might just not have been in the mood. But I dropped it and didn’t get back to it for a few weeks and man was I missing out. Living for the city tells a great story and I love a song that does that. Also don’t you worry about a thing!? I used to sing that as a kid and never realized who it was. Thanks Mr. Wonder.

Groovy

Great album that I have heard a bunch of times. Not quite as good as "Songs in the Key of Life" in my opinion but still a great listen. I'm sure that I will listen to this many more times.

Its a solid one for sure. Not my absolute favorite Stevie album, but not a disappointing one by any means.

So far, this is definitely my favorite Stevie Wonder album. The lyrics are very socially conscious, with strong political messages throughout. What really stood out to me was how Stevie Wonder played almost every instrument on the album. His production work was also pretty groundbreaking, with all the layering, multitracking, and other techniques he used. Overall, the sound is really polished and the album flows really well.

Lot's of Stevie songs I had never heard before and all were good. All in Love is Fair sounds like it should have been a theme song to a James Bond movie.

Wildly acclaimed and wonderfully performed, "Innervisions" is a landmark moment in the middle of Stevie Wonder's golden streak. It's widely known as the pivot on which Wonder swung into more introspective, socially conscious songwriting. The bouncy, simmering opener "Too High" addresses the darkness of drug addiction, and then "Visions" is a stark plea over equally stark accompaniment for a better world. "Jesus Children of America" sees Wonder turning to the subject of faith atop a fairly gritty funk groove, lifted by some wholesome gospel vocals. Contrary to what I'd read about it before listening, though, "Innervisions" shouldn't be seen as all politics and polemics. Wonder hasn’t sacrificed his art of performance, or creating an emotionally affecting song. "Higher Ground", the lead single, rattles along with a glorious bouncy strut. "Golden Lady" impresses with its spiral staircase of ascending key changes, and the Latin-flavoured "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" helps make "Innervisions" even more of a party. Best of all, though, are the songs which seamlessly bridge the gap between head and feet. "Living for the City" and "He's Misstra Know-It-All" are my two favourite songs on the record because they absolutely nail this balance. "Living for the City", released as a single but lasting seven-and-a-half minutes here, is a perfectly captured descent into the underbelly of city life, and "He's Misstra Know-It-All" should belong on any list of songs with hooks that could run and run for ten minutes before tiring. Finally, there's so much to say about Wonder's maturation as a songwriter here that it's easy to overlook the staggering technical aspects of "Innervisions". I didn't know until reading a breakdown of the album that Wonder plays every instrument in "Higher Ground", "Jesus Children of America" and "Living for the City". Incredible stuff. On the whole, while "Innervisions" isn't my absolute favourite album of Wonder's - "Visions" and "All In Love is Fair" hold it back from the full five-stars, feeling a little too sparse - it's another in a long line of essentials from an outstanding artist.

it's very good. very very good. but not quite the 'peak' of what could be. 8.5

So good, so so good. What else is there to say? Not Stevie's best, that (imo) goes to Songs in the Key of Life, but you can really hear the sounds that inhabit that album being shaped here. Every song in Innervisions is good, some even catch your brain and hook themselves there. 9/10 Album.

Started off a little slow but gets going on track 3 Living for the City. I felt Songs in the Key of Life started slow and picked up a couple songs in as well. Higher Ground is an all timer from Stevie’s catalog.

This doesn't quite reach the heights of the two other Stevie Wonder albums I've reviewed so far, but it's still a good album with a couple real standout tracks in Higher Ground and Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing.

As soon as I heard the opening farty synth bass note I knew we were destined for good things

"Living For The City" is just such a perfect song. Sounding light (with those keyboard), but the lyrics tell of the dark struggle to survive. And the break in the middle is just so... damn, that's good. "Higher Ground"... it's so weird that the cover by RHCP is where so many people hear this song first. I thought "Too High" had a weird ending, like he didn't know how to end the song. And "Jesus Children of America," where he sings about TM? Yeah, I could have done without that. I felt "Golden Lady" was a bit repetitive. They could have cut a little bit of time out of that one. Maybe the same for "He's Misstra Know It All," but that one didn't bother me as much. The keyboards are so 70s, I loved it. Great album to walk to. Top tracks: "Visions," "Living For The City," "All In Love Is Fair," "Don't You Worry About A Thing"

This is definitely a more mature Stevie Wonder (at age 23) than on some of his earlier (15) albums. My goodness. Not my favorite album of his but still very good. Too High is a cool, clever opener. Visons is a nice softie. Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing is a fun uptempo song. He's Misstra-Know-it-All is probably my third favorite song on the album. Not sure how political it is, but it's got a great tempo and is well-composed. But my two favorites are his two masterpieces on this album - Living for the City (perhaps the best political song he ever wrote) and Higher Ground (a great spiritual song with a wicked beat). Not quite a 5. But a damn solid 4.

"Too high" "Golden lady" "higher Ground" and "don't you worry bout a thing" were my favorites. I loved the upbeat feel of everything, the rhythms and grooved locked in really well and felt very comfortable. Stevie wonder's singing is gorgeous and works amazing for the album. 7/10

Solid album. I specifically liked 3 tracks: Living For the City, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry Bout A Thing. But I enjoyed the whole thing, as is often the case with Stevie Wonder.

There were things about this I liked about this more than I liked about Songs In The Key of Life, bit overall it didn't hook me the same way outside of the classic singles. Still great album.

Too High is a jazzy jam to open the album. Loving the deep whomping sound of the Moog-bass and its interplay with the drums. TiL that Stevie Wonder played drums. Visions is great -- makes me think of a much jazzier / soulful Nick Drake. Living For The City is a sprawling soulful stomp where Stevie puts a little more grit than otherwise into his vocals. Can hear a common theme between the synths here and those of Thundercat today. Impressive solo number. Golden Lady is just a great song. While I do love RHCP's deep throated slap-bass version of Higher Ground, the ultra-funky production on Stevie's original is prime. Also, also his vocals are amazing. Pretty crazy that this is a completely solo track. Stevie is a damned talented individual. This was a tight and concise album with very jazzy/soulful arrangements that were made all the more impressive by the fact that Stevie did a lot of individual heavy lifting here. Where he did get support (e.g., Visions) the album is elevated. Great listen. High 4 / 5.

Exactly what I would expect from Stevie Wonder. Is this version of Higher Ground the original or a cover? Either way it's good. Had this on in the background while cooking dinner which I highly recommend.

Really loving the chill, funkiness of this so far. Higher Ground is a classic. Still think Chili Peppers version is one of the best covers of all time. Don't You Worry Bout a Thing is a jam. Didn't realize it was a Stevie song. Def feel like I know cover versions more. Just shows how much influence he has. Lovely listen.

So good

Not my style. I like it and could see listening at home on a quiet rainy day or at the park in the sun sitting in the grass, but not to jam to in the car.

Quite good

Chill album, quite enjoyed it being on in the background

Killer voice and good instrumentals, also funky. A couple songs are duds though but no ones perfect

A solid 4. Not really my kind of music, but I can appreciate it for what it is.

It was pretty nice and sweet. I liked the rhythms, and it was varied enough to not be boring

Another great album by Stevie Wonder, on the same niveau as Songs in the Key of Life. Great balance of soft songs and funky ones. It's a very well produced and performed album.

Having never heard this album before, I’m not sure why I was expecting to like it more than “Songs In The Key Of Life.” It’s been a while since I listened to that album, but I can’t definitively say I preferred this one. It’s still very good, though.

of course mystra knows it all, she's the god of magic

Soulful, funky and smooth. Higher Ground is the best song for me, but they're all pretty enjoyable. Innervisions didn't quite do enough to grab me to get 5 stars though.

Amazing funk bass lines fav songs - Higher Ground Don't you worry 'bout a thing

I really don't like the first two songs on this but the rest is great, so that lets it down slightly but I reckon this is his best album. 4.5*

I really like Visions, although I don't really have a vivid mental vision. But the melancholy vibe of it is my favorite. I like the riff on Higher Ground. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing: "I got my shakers moving"

What is there to say about Stevie Wonder that hasn’t already been said? I said a lot in my previous Stevie review (“Fulfillingness' First Finale”), so I’ll keep it a little more brief here. This reminded me a lot of that album. Very similar vibes, and a similar time in his career. I think I’d rank this one above the first, purely for the grooves. The first one had more ballads which, while beautiful and incredibly well written and produced, weren’t really my thing. This keeps the energy (and the tempo) up and provides some really fun moments. “Livin’ for the City” probably stands out to me as my favorite track, despite its length. Stevie Wonder’s way of so effortlessly making these profound statements out of what otherwise feel like obvious statements and observations is intriguing, and does make you wonder (no pun intended) how he does it. That knack for simple poetry is on full display this track and in “Higher Ground,” the album’s two best tracks. Overall it’s an easy four stars. What’s not to like about Stevie? Standout Tracks: Too High, Living for the City, Higher Ground, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing

really really good

Steve

Favourite songs: Higher Ground, Living for the City, Too High Least favourite songs: Visions 4/5

A great time

You can't go wrong with Stevie Wonder, you just can't. While it's certainly more consistent than 'Talking Book', I still think its predecessor has those higher highs when it comes to individual songs. Thematically speaking, songs like 'Jesus Children of America' and Living For the City' push the envelope in terms of Stevie's poignant social observations. Musically, you're getting that unique fusion of funk, like on the incredible 'Higher Ground', and slower soulful piano-driven cuts, like on my personal favorite closer 'He's Misstra Know-It-All'. On this album, Stevie once again demonstrates that he's more than capable of making soul music that captures everything the genre's history has led up to while simultaneously polishing and propelling the sound forward and closer to its full potential - filling this record to the brim with ambitious song structures and effective genre fusions.

Super funky, super fun. Stevie sure has an incredible voice.

Groovy.

Solid record. I always seem to enjoy Stevie Wonder.

Yeah he could probably see and read this review with 20/20 vision

LP

Brilliant work from a musical genius

I quite enjoyed this. Just a couple of highlights for me, but enjoyable.

It starts off a little underwhelming but by the time I got to Higher Ground, Jesus Children of America and All in Love is fair I was hooked. Amazing that he played almost all the musical instruments on the album.

Really enjoyed this. Had heard it before, but particularly enjoyed the funkier original version of "Higher Ground"...but have to admit that I like the RHCP version better.

Stevie Wonder is an incredibly inspiring and prolific artist, I love his challenging yet memorable songwriting, soulful vocals, and mind blowing work on the keys. While his drumming on Innervisions is a bit distracting for me—an unusual critique as it's the only album where it stands out negatively—I recognize that this is a minor quibble in the context of his multi-instrumental brilliance. When it comes to the songs overall I like Fullfilingness’ First Finale or Songs in the Key of Life better, they would be on my must listen albums list before this one. That being said there’s some bangers on here, personal favorites being “Visions,” “Golden lady,” “Higher ground” and “All in Love is Fair.” After listening to this album I also enjoyed revisiting some of his catalog again and even went back to some of his 60’s albums that I’m not as familiar with, Down To Earth is a stand out from that era for me. Despite my reservations about the drumming, Innervisions remains an undeniable classic, deserving a solid 4.5 rating.

Nice! I have this one on vinyl. Living for the City, Golden Lady, Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing, and Higher Ground are obvious great ones, but I love the mellow haunt of Visions.

Everything I've ever seen of Stevie Wonder, his music and appearances, seem infused with a certain I-don't-know-what, like even if he's singing about something negative, he has this irrepressible spirit and energy that just shines through, this creativity and impishness. So I was really listening forward (hat tip to JB) to hearing this album. There is a good amount of variety on here, genre-wise, but everything is a consistent high quality in all aspects, and Stevie just makes it look easy. Top tracks: Too High, Living For The Citayyy, Higher Ground, Golden Lady.

Some nice songs

I have to say I was impressed by this as a Stevie Wonder album. It felt more grounded somehow than his previous records I've heard. Still, the occasional Jesus talk bugs me a bit. But it had an overall even quality to it, which I really liked. The only real complaint I have is that it lacked some song that stood out a bit more as a hit, but other than that it was a good album!

We've had quite a few Stevie Wonder albums, and they range from cheesy to funky. I think this one was really funky, good vibes through out. "Higher ground" is a real killer but the other tracks have a nice groove too. Specially enjoyed the samba rhythm of "Don't you worry 'bout a thing". Will come back to this one again for some nice easy listening in the future. 4 star.

Stevie Wonder is awesome

Another great record from Stevie. Too High is such a crazy weird song to open any of his records but is a fun funky jam. Living for the City is maybe one of his most epic cuts. Higher Ground is an classic single. He's Mistra Know it All is such a fun end of heartwarming film send off to the record. Don't you Worry About a Thing is so sultry. A great listening experience from one of the best out there.

Stevie Wonder does it again and this time with Innervisions. This album is just really great. The instrumentals are great and all but the main thing that steals the show is Stevie's voice. His voice has so much range, is like heaven to the ears and also tried tons of unique things. I also did think that part in Living For The City where it was basically an audiolog from a crime taking place alongside that one n-bomb really caught me off guard since i really was not expecting that from an album like this. I think this album beats out Fulfillingness' First Finale due to this one just being far more unique and interesting but they are both great albums. Best Song: Living For The City Worst Song: All In Love Is Fair Side note: I also think that its crazy that this was his 16th album and he wasn't even 25 yet.

can’t go wrong with stevie

No one does it like Stevie! Want to spend more time with this album.

Теплый ламповый альбом, лучик света в дождливый день

I feel like almost all the music I’ve heard from Stevie Wonder is just good vibes. Just upbeat tunes. And I love that. This album was no exception. While there were a few songs with different emotional elements, overall it was still upbeat. And some interesting musical variety too. And what a beautiful voice. 4

4.5/5

01) Too High - 8,0 02) Visions - 7,5 03) Living for the City - 8,5 04) Golden Lady - 8,5 05) Higher Ground - 10,0 06) Jesus Children of America - 8,5 07) All In Love Is Fair - 7,5 08) Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing - 10,0 09) He's Misstra Know-It-All - 8,0 TOTAL: 8,50 (85/100) Current ranking: 56/266

This is definitely one of my top Stevie Wonder albums. Lots of great songs, though some of them drag on a little longer than they need to. My favorites are “He’s Misstra Know-It-All,” which is the best song on the album by far, “Higher Ground,” and “Living For The City.” This is a 4.5 for me, but I’m ultimately going with a 4 because it doesn’t compare with Songs In The Key Of Life, which I already rated a 5. But “He’s Misstra Know-It-All” is a 10/10 song. I can’t get over how much I love it.

Thought it was a really great album. I really liked, "All in Love is Fair", "Living For the City", and "Higher Ground". I liked the instrumentals in "Higher Ground" and "Too High". I love how Stevie Wonder tells different stories in all his songs with beautiful lyricism and great vocals.

It's all quite brilliant and nice and pleasant and has twin harmonicas and everything... but. It just goes by?

Timeless! Still not happy about I just called to say I love you, but Stevie this one is great.

This is a great album. Sounds like the new Stevie wonder

Good album and worth a listen, but not gonna make it into the regular rotation for me

Very cool and fun music. Not something I'm itching to return to, but I appreciate the craft! :)

This album has a lot of different flairs, but Wonder shines brightest with the funk songs. His voice is smooth as freaking *butter*, and combined with the funky synths you can't help but bop along to the upbeat tracks. I'm looking forward to "The Key of Life", which undoubtedly is in this project, and I'm pretty sure that album will outperform this one ever so slightly. On a side note, it's a very interesting time to hear "He's Misstra Know It All" in American politics: "The song is essentially a long description of a know-it-all confidence trickster character who is a "man with a plan", who has a slick answer to all his critics and who has "a counterfeit dollar in his hand."" (from the song's Wikipedia page)

Que grata sorpresa conocer al bueno de stevie

Classics from the 70s! Quality; fun and heartfelt songs for all of us.

Very funky instrumentals, great voice. So upbeat yet calming. I felt like I was sitting at a bar in the Maldives, watching the sun go down as the waves gently pile onto the sand

Really solid album. Living For The City is a banger albeit a heartbreaker as it remains sadly relevant today. Higher Ground is a killer as well. Over the years, I've grown to appreciate Stevie's version of the Red Hot Chili Peppers take. Stevie was on a roll here. The 70s were very good to him.

Light, Mellow, Jazzy

Notes

I'm in between a three and a four. It's not my kind of music but I can appreciate it for what it is.

Love me some Stevie. This is a great one!

Fun! Just not as good as Songs in the Key of Life. But Stevie is great.

Yes, Stevie Wonder! Great album! 4

Starts a little slow with Too High (I get it you're hallucinating) but gets better fast with Visions, Living for the City, Golden Lady and Higher Ground. I like the Red Hot Chili Peppers version of Higher Ground but Stevie Wonder kills it. I'm not loving the back half of the album, the big hits from this album are awesome but the rest is mostly average. It all kind of plays like a softer What's Going On, speaking of which, I like the hits less generally speaking, but the rest of the songs on the album are much, much better. In a Verzuz, I think What's Going On wins based on the hits, but I'd be much more likely to put Innervisions on to listen through. No joke as soon as the album finished, what song came on Spotify? What's Going On.

A good introduction to more than just the singles Stevie. A solid album with a lot of diversity and good, funky music. Enjoyable.

Stevie Wonder lyrics can be a little too cheesy at times, but this is such an eclectic mix of styles and subject matter that draws you in enough to overlook any small issues there. Just a great album.

Nice find, sometimes a bit too "loungey"

I thoroughly enjoyed this album. Love Stevie Wonder and the all the funk was fun. Bonus that the lyrics had so much meaning. I don’t however see myself replaying the album. It’s really more of a one and done for me. I guess I find his more commercial stuff something I’d rather listen to on a daily basis.

Just wonderful.

I'm not saying I'm right, but I did prefer Songs in the Key of Life and Talking Book. This is a solid album and the funk is incredible. If this got me on a better day when I could've listened more clearly I wouldn't be surprised if I could've found more but it's a great album.

First time all the way through. Pretty freakin great!

Higher Ground

damn, this album slapped so hard. I'll be honest, wasn't sure what to expect but hot damn, this was fire. shout out to 'Higher Ground'. the first time I ever heard that song was in the Power Rangers movie with the RHCP cover and i will forever love this song. living in the city, all in love is fair, and don't you worry bout a thing are all bangers. this album is just silky smooth and super fun to listen to. I dig it. give me more Stevie

I always thought Stevie Wonder was overrated, but he actually has a really soulful, fun sound. Really an enjoyable record. Best Songs: Living For The City, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing Worst Songs: He's Misstra Know-It-All

Easily my favorite Stevie Wonder album. “Living for the City” is an absolute masterpiece, and I’d consider it his magnum opus. Wonder followed many other musicians at the time who were transitioning from Motown-style love songs to socially and politically conscious protest music. Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and others got there sooner than Stevie, but Stevie ranks up there with the best of them. He critiques systemic racism, drug abuse prevalent in black communities due to lack of resources, and also just rips on Richard Nixon which is an awesome diss track. There’s also more standard love songs and songs with more upbeat messages like “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing”, “Golden Lady”, and “Higher Ground” which together seem to convey a message that there’s a lot going wrong, but we have to cherish the things going right and work hard to correct the things going wrong. Granted, we haven’t made much progress as of 2024 correcting the societal ills of 1973, certainly not as much progress as someone from 1973 would have hoped for, but there’s still millions and even billions of people fighting the good fight. This album is also a masterpiece of production. What could have been a series of disjointed messages is linked by Wonder’s absolutely brilliant mind. He played almost every instrument and layered everything on top of each other for a coherent sound that ties the whole album together regardless of the tonal shifts. He isn’t given enough credit for some of the production techniques that he helped develop, like the extensive use of overdubbing which was later used by Bruce Springsteen, or the blending of non-studio and studio sounds that became prevalent in rap music. It’s scary but awe-inspiring to me that Stevie nearly died in a car crash (…he was the passenger) right after this album’s release and then released another brilliant album a year later.

This sounds great. The music is catchy and funky, with something tender in between.

Stevie is always welcome

Loved the Rhodes keyboard. Stand out tracks: - Living in the city - Jesus children of America - Higher Ground

4 stars

Stevie!

I liked this

Well, it's Stevie. He's quite awesome.

Stevie is an absolute legend, & even an album supposedly devoid of "hits" like this one is miles above some of the crap on this collection. And a full third of the album is Stevie doing every instrument & track (as well as much of the production) *by himself* (for the kiddies who don't already know: Stevie Wonder is also BLIND). Higher Ground is a fun listen for people who heard RHCP's cover first. And "Livin' in the City" is a harsh reminder that we still haven't fixed America's racial inequality problems over 50 years later. So like... let's get on that, people. -_-

Good stuff

I love Stevie Wonder but this isn't my favorite album. That being said, everyone knows Higher Ground & Living for the City, but my favorite track here is He's Misstra Know-It-All. Still a great album, just not the first (or the second, or even the third) that I would turn to if I was in the mood for some Stevie.

Almost everything Stevie has to offer can be found here with Higher Ground being the star of the show and Don’t You Worry and Living right up there. Funky tunes with social comment/observation that doesn’t feel preachy.

nice album! i haven't listened to a lot of stevie wonder before but i've liked everything i've heard. this album's sound really encapsulates the 70s for me. great vocals, guitar, and synth. favorite tracks- Golden Lady and Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing (a classic)

I've always appreciated Stevie but never took to a whole album as a symbol of what he was during the 70's. This might be it. Polished and slicker than the other Soul/R&B that I'm drawn to of that era. I'm taking by the mix of jazz influence, pop and social commentary he brings to this album. Mullings: is Higher Ground a perfect representation of the time or ahead of its time. Requires more listings.

A lot of gems here. Great trajectory: I enjoyed it more and more as it went on.

im not the biggest soul fan and i dont like stevie as much as i do gaye and some other big soul artists but this is better than songs in the key of life and living for the city is great so it gets a 7/10.

YES. This is the vibe I needed this week! Jazzy, a laid-back kind of self-aware, and simply exuding cool. Some lyrics sound a bit dated (ex. Living for the City, which is also kind of overlong) highlights: Visions, Jesus Children of America, All In Love is Fair (this is my favorite), He’s Misstra not-highlights: Not the biggest fan of spoken-word intros. Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing is great in everything but the intro… 4/5

Black man swagger funk. Vibes are unreal easy 4/5

Very very good Stevie is the man

what a groove ! so many good bass lines. 4 stars

Great album. Nuff said.

Good album. Higher ground is probably weakest track

Bangers, with some sleepy ones throughout

The transitions on this album are sick. Great album to listen to walking around the city.

He makes it sound so easy.

Great songs, some are a little heavy to me.

He’s Misstra Know-It-All low key bangs.

Key of Life is better

Another masterpiece by Stevie. Incredible songs, and if it flowed slightly better this would get a 5

Yeah 😎

Damn this is pretty great! Stevie's got one absolute hell of a voice on the go here, and his ability to hit notes in so many ranges, and how he changes his tone & singing style to suit the music, very few can pull it off like he does here. Impressive!

I like that Stevie regularly works a more serious theme into his music. I feel like he was really trying to make racial injustice palatable to a white audience. Groovy tunes as always

Chilled, cool, great. Would I listen again? Definitely!

Good, not excellent, but so close to excellent. I heard some gritty 70's funk in the album mixed with the regular Stevie Wonder pop vibes. I would have liked it better to lean into one or the other; it left me a little wanting by the end.

Started off very strong. There is a bit in the middle that's mostly talking that takes you out of it. It gets back into the good stuff pretty quickly, but that jarring middle keeps me from giving full marks.

Tracks 3 & 5 alone earn this album 4 stars from me! But 6, 8, & 9 are cool too.

Pretty solid album

First time hearing, enjoyed

Mér hefur alltaf fundist mjög gaman að hlusta á Stevie Wonder en aldrei hlustað á heila plötu með honum (þetta er svolítið gegnumgangandi með þekktari tónlistarmenn hjá mér virðist vera). Þarna voru kannski ekki neinir rosalegir slagarar en þetta var samt þannig plata að ég mun setja hana á fóninn af og til. Ég sé fyrir mér að hlusta á hana við matarborðið eða í bakgrunni í stofunni. Fínasta áhlustun.

Great soulful funk.

Stevie wonder slaps

Too High - conflicted. might be one of the worst songs to be high & listening to. if you don’t listen to the lyrics, it’s a vibe. but if you do, and you’re any amount of paranoid it’s kind of the worst. I just listened to Mr. Hands by Herbie Hancock right before this because i actually really liked listening to Headhunters and this has a similar groove but Stevie is making my nervous. maybe i just have my own shit to work through! Visions - take me away, Stevie Living for the City - super nice. my vibe was a little ruined bc a random guy asked if he could turn me into meditative art. but that isn’t stevie’s fault i can’t hold that against him. okay well now he’s getting arrested now. Golden Lady - beautiful transition from the last song. beautiful in general Higher Ground - i know this song! good Jesus Children of America - uhhh i don’t remember but that means it can’t have been terrible All in Love if Fair - honestly not one of my favorites. idk why Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing - he speaks very fluent spanish 🥴 He’s Misstra Know-It-All - not one of my favs either good album tho. 4/5. probably would be someone else’s 5/5 but it’s not entirely my shit, yk?

Years since I heard this. The album is pretty varied in styles and themes with all the Stevie trademarks. Sounds a little dated on some track, early synthesizer stuff seems prevalent of this.

2 great songs, a couple of good songs and the rest were ok.

livin for the citay...

genius

This is very fun indeed, a lot of carefree energy interspliced with a lot of outta nowhere heavy subjects that just stick with you.

Didn’t realize I liked Stevie Wonder until this. Very catchy and can see why it’s influential while still remaining pretty unique.

This was really great, no complaints.

Good production. higher ground is a great song.

No where near as good as songs in the key of life. At times it seems a bit over dramatic. It could do with a bit more of the funkier elements we would later see from stevie Don't Worry About a Thing is a highlight. And Hes Misstra Know it All Is superb.

Another Stevie classic.

SO. FUCKING. PEAK.

Yeah yeah yeah, mid 70's Stevie Wonder is great.

Favorite Tracks: Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing Higher Ground Too High

Another solid album from Stevie. I think I like this one better than Songs in the Key of Life, personally.

Some classic Stevie Wonder. Some very interesting Stevie.

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".

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.

Great tunes, good lyrics.

First listen Saved 6/9 Best track: Higher Ground

Fantastic album, thoroughly listenable from start to finish, fantastic social commentary whilst being listenable with some solid average love songs

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.

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

love last 2 tracks, so nice

Standouts: Living For The City, Golden Lady, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing. Whimsical otherwise

Can’t go wrong with Stevie Wonder

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

- 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.

Good album.

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)

amazing production and vocals 4/5

Dang, what a brilliant album.

Clssic stevie, political, a little preachy, solid musicality

Not heard the whole album before. Enjoyed it. Great voice.

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.

Spot on funk. Exactly what you might expect from Stevie Wonder.

Some of the best Soul I've heard

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

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!!!

Stevie is great! Sounds even better in headphones

Classic 70s LP from Stevland Morris Wonder.

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.

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!

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.

Everyone knows Stevie Wonder. But, I don’t think everyone knows all of these songs. I sure didn’t.

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.

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.

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.

Lively, sometimes lost itself though

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

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.

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.

Very nice Album.

Some of the better writing in Stevie’s career. Arrangements capture the era. Solidly performed from start to finish.

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.

Fun poppy stuff, with funk and latin influences

a couple gems in this album.

Good tunes, not totally my style. Higher Ground is a classic

I'm starting to think that life has been extraordinarily difficult for Black people in America for many years

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)

Too high ! Too high !

It's a classic for a reason but the overall sound doesn't 'do it' for, so it will never be a personal classic.

Classic Stevie

Very nice album. One of the best of its genre.

Funky. Love.

I hope this one of many Stevie albums.

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

All Stevie, all the time. Some well know huge hits, and great deep cuts.

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.

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.

Pretty groovy

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

Talking Book has some of my fave singles, but this album really takes you on a ride. 4.5

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.

Pretty good stuff.

Too High is a weak opener but then it is back to back bangers.

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.

Great album! Classic tracks.

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.

Innovative, catchy and modern. Truly expressive masterpiece

A masterwork.

Even with my limited musical taste, I can say that this is a very good album. There are only 2 songs that really vibed with me but it’s not because the rest are awful. It’s maybe just because I am not used to the genre.

Very very good. The ballads hold this one back though. I know Stevie can do better and I hope I get to hear another project of his very soon.

Stevie stelt natuurlijk nooit echt teleur, en dit 50 jaar oude album klinkt fris alsof het gisteren gemaakt is. Voor een oppervlakkig luisteraar als ik dreigt wel het gevaar dat je allerlei maatschappijkritische thema's in de teksten niet oppikt. Dan is er een hoorspelletje nodig (zwarte man komt aan in de grote stad en wordt prompt in de cel gegooid) om je er bewust van te maken dat het over meer gaat dan enkel vrolijke muziek.

A great album, but unless you're a paid up Wonderfan it's not five stars. Make no mistake, Livin for the City, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry, Mr Know It All are all five - but that's not the whole album. No fan of Stevie syrup and Golden Lady is that, All In Love is Fair similarly.

The 70’s were an absolutely prolific time for Stevie and Innervisions kicks off what, in my opinion, he threw best albums. I struggled with whether it was a 4 or a 5, but ultimately there are songs on this album I could do without, so 4.

Been really liking the Stevie Wonder

SO GOOD

Great Stevie Wonder album.

Funky. Understand the Stevie love more.

Most of it is very groovy with cool bass lines and synths. There is also some out of genre songs that’s has elements of ballads or bossanova.

awesomeee

This album is very good and, to me, Stevie's vocals are the highlight.

I enjoyed this. Higher Ground is a good tune

Really good music, uplifting and enjoyable

Good album, my favourite of the tracks was Jesus Children Of America and He'd Misstra Know-It-All.

The musicianship on the album is undeniable. Some tracks of the upbeat tracks have some minor chords and that's an interesting effect. My only knock is that it sometimes skews a little light for my taste. The album has one foot in the past with Soul elements that remind one of classic motown, and one foot in the future with elements of smooth R&B. I personally prefer the former by a wide margin.

Absolute fire. Def a classic I will return to.

Great album really enjoyed it

Wondrous , but not superstitious

Ok

I mean, it's Stevie. The vocals, the funk guitar, the driving rhythms, there's nothing not to love. I particularly always love how much individual voice the bass has in every song. The one thing keeping thus from 5 stars is that the album doesn't play to me like its meant to be listened as one piece. Favorite song is of course living for the city, the music and the message.

Love it

Toe-tapping songs, funky synth grooves, serious social commentary, ànd amazing vocals. When you learn that he played all the instruments on 7 of the 9 songs...genius.

Awesome album with some great songs. I own this on vinyl and listen frequently. This has some of Stevie's biggest bangers with Higher Ground and Living for the City. I also really enjoy He's Misstra Know It All and Golden Lady for deeper cuts.

Just some good ol feel good music. Listen again: yes Purchase for my collection: yes Favourite Song: Higher Ground

Ah this is a good album. Sure, many of the tracks last too long, but that is classic for the era. Visions, Higher Ground, and Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing are great. Quite surprised this is the first Stevie Wonder album - it is the first of three excellent albums, culminating in Songs in the Key of Life. Looking forward to more wonder.

I had heard this once before. Great album. Best: Too High, Living for the City, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing.

Este es un álbum épico. Living for the City y Higher Ground son temazos. El resto del disco no se queda atrás.

Well it's Stevie Wonder so of course its very good 4/5

Easy to over-analyze this one. A sonic gem. Stevie wonder at his musical, spiritual, and intellectual peak. Absolutely astonishing record. I could listen to Higher Ground all day every day. Some other brilliant cuts that I was unfamiliar with like Too High and Misstra Know It All make this a great listen. Will revisit many times I’m sure.

Yeah, I mean, it's Stevie in the '70s. My only complaint is his lyrics are a bit heavy-handed. But damn, those grooves are undeniable.

Funky juicy goodness

Pretty good, nice vocals

Beautiful, funky, occasionally gritty. Particularly liked "all in love is fair". Only high expectations prevented a top rating.

Stevie is good

Flows well, stand out singles, some unknown bangers

Loved it. I had forgotten how political Stevie Wonder's songs could be.

Good album, not Stevie's best, but still a great listen!

Not a fan of the spoken word parts, but at least they're short. Overall very good though. Love the synth on Living For The City. I always found the chorus of Golden Lady a bit weak, but the rest of the song is really lovely.

Very good, probably better in context.

socially conscious lyrics with a background of solid funk/rock. great album.

Pretty good.Stevie wonder is great,this album isn’t his best but it’s still a great listen.Higher ground is obviously the best song.

Never heard a Stevie Wonder album. From the very first song, this album is so funky and soulful. Amazing.