Talking Book

Somewhere there’s a dictionary with a definition of sublime. And next to it is “I believe …”. I assumed this wasn’t a great album. And it is mixed. But that track and Superstition lift it to another level. I’ll need to revisit it

Another essential funky soul/pop LP from Stevie's classic period. Probably my 3rd favourite after Songs in the key of life (5*) and Innervisions (5*).

Kannte nur Superstition. Großartiges Album, eine Wohltat.

Not the best Stevie wonder album. Overall mostly forgettable....thought I would like it more. 2/5

not great.

The master

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Really liked two thirds of this a lot. Steve Wonder is a fantastic singer/songwriter plus a talented musician. Wouldn't have guessed he did drumming throughout this and the bass was actually from a moog. Favourites are You And I, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life and Big Brother.

On the list of best closing song to an album ever.

Enjoyable! Loved the groove of it - grew up with some of this music so it was fun to re-listen.

Wonder's vox come through much more powerfully here than on 'Key of Life,' a marked improvement given how talented he is as a singer. Though the LP feels more like a grab bag of songs rather than a cohesive album (too much tempo/styling variation), there are enough highs here to keep things enjoyable throughout the 45-minute runtime.

Gorgeous album that I expected to like but turned out I enjoyed more than I thought I would. Gorgeous arrangements that are at first glance simple and accessible but on closer inspection have some real complexity thar I never thought they did specifificalky the first song...You are the Sunshine and the closer; I Believe. Some superb drumming / percussion Golightly my favourite moments. 4.5 🌟

You are the sunshine of my life was a great way to start this album. Swoon!

STEVIE! I'll never understand how someone like Stevie Wonder can be overlooked, but here we are. Unfortunately it seems like the world won't show it's outpouring of appreciation for Stevie until he dies. He had an imperial period that ranks up there with the all-time greats and was as prolific as Prince. And that doesn't even take into consideration that, oh yeah, the dude is BLIND. Many point to "Superstition" being the signature, iconic track on this album and they're not wrong. But let's not sleep on the joy that is the opening track on this album. "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" is full of joy and elation that captures exactly how happy it is to be madly in love with someone. The song itself is a party, where Stevie captures the happiness he's found in the world all in two-minutes and 45 seconds. We shouldn't wait until we lose Stevie Wonder to thank him for the joy he's given us.

Great Stevie album.

not for me

Funkowy tydzien, ale jednak inaczej, bo pierwszy raz na liscie Stevie Wonder, czyli postac ikona, ktorej muzycznie jednak nie kojarze za bardzo, talking book jest to 15 album w jego dyskografii z roku 72, w tamtym czasie mial 22 lata i juz 15 albumow za pasem, wiec juz nie dziwne dlaczego jest okreslany on geniuszem, nie tylko przez fakt bycia niewidomym muzykiem, ale czego dowiedzialem sie po tym albumie, multiinstrumentalista, kompozytorem, lirykiem, prawdziwy czlowiek orkiestra, niby pietnasty album, ale podobno dopiero drugi w klasycznym okresie Wonderowym, wiec dobry material na start, co rzuca sie na uszy, to fakt, ze wiekszosc trakow jest stworzona w calosci przez Wondera, kawalki z piecioma instrumentami, to standard tego albumu, wiec jest mocne lejerowanie dzwiekow, sporo synthowego brzmienia ktore nadaje soulowym lirycznie kawalkom funkowego brzmienia, a co za tym idzie przenosi je blizej mainstreamu, jak jeden z hajlajtow plyty maybe your baby, czy superstision, ktore mnie najbardziej kupily swoim brzmieniem, obok nich na plejke dodam jeszcze otwierajacy you are the sunshine of my life, 4 z 10 kawalkow byly wspolpisane, dwa z ex zona Syreeta Wright, a dwa kolejne z Yvonne Wright, zbieznosc nazwisk przypadkowa, plyta tak dobra, ze nawet pan prezydent hamerykanski mial z niej kawalek do slubu, chodzi o obamow i songa you and i, motywem przewodnim plyty bedzie milosc i jej odcienie, wiec jest w czym wybierac, ale nie zabraklo miejsa na ambitniejsze tematy spoleczne, jak na superstitions czy big brother, ktory ma w swoje sporo folkowego brzmienia przez, to ze glownym instrumentalem jest hamronijka, dodatkowo liryka oparta na orwelowskiej tworczosci, 43 minuty sluchowiska roznorodnego gatunkowo i stylistycznie, ktore zacheca do zapoznania sie z reszta klasycznej tworczosci Wondera

Enjoyed very much

Bought this album while on a record shopping trip with Elaine pre Rhonda Rona. I love this Stevie. He’s still singing and harmonizing without overwhelming tracks with his vocal power. It’s so beautiful and melodic. Puts me in such a spiritual mood.

So I'm never a fan of SW's slowest songs... they just don't hit me the way they're supposed to (looking at you, You and I/Blame It on the Sun (side side note: I think it's due to production as much as songwriting)). But anything above a ballad tempo is perfection. Of course we love the mega hits off of this, but I also loved the funk of Maybe Your Baby and the country/folk/blues feel of tracks like Big Brother. Not the highest peaks of SW, but a solid album.

Not into the ballady ballads. But the upbeat funky ones are the best.

Meh meh meh meh. Highs are great, rest is watevs

meinlaus, ekki alveg ég

This was a real step down from the last Stevie Wonder album about a week ago. Too much really soft wishy washy stuff. A couple of barely ok songs, but I'll never listen to it again. 2/5.

Another incredible album by Stevie Wonder - probably my second favourite of his. Includes classics You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, You And I and Superstition.

Exquisite. Just utterly, utterly sublime.

Great album, so many hits on it. I feel like the hits really hit, but there were a few misses on it (some of the super funky stuff wasn't really my taste), so that's why it's not a 5 for me.

Well... It's Stevie Wonder.

Overall enjoyable but some songs really dragged on into jam territory. Superstition is a masterpiece.

Only a few songs that I'd listen to again.

Pop/Soul, der anscheinend viel geprägt hat, was danach kam. Nicht schlecht, aber nichts was ich mir andauernd anhören will. Geschmacksache halt. Irgendwas zwischen 3-4.

A really good funk/soul album with more mellow tracks than expected. Stevie Wonder has the vocals to carry the more subdued tracks, and the funkier tracks sport wonderfully jazzy instrumentation. BEST TRACKS: You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, Maybe Your Baby, Tuesday Heartbreak, Superstition, Blame It On The Sun WORST TRACKS: N/A

Classic Stevie Wonder, though I would like a little more funk. The constant laid back nature gets just a little bit boring throughout the entire album. That being said, this does have "Superstition" on it, which almost completely makes up for that. Favorite Tracks: "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", "Maybe Your Baby", "You And I", "Tuesday Heartbreak", "You've Got It Bad Girl", "Superstition", "Big Brother", "Blame It On The Sun" 4.5/10

I didn’t like it too much honestly. Probably 4/10 maybe?

Truly a beautiful album, composed by one of the biggest talents in music, beautiful lyrics with music that is as groovy as it was when it came out, and touching with Wonder showing his emotional side that touches you deeply. Fav Tracks: You are the Sunshine of my Life, You and I, I Believe

Really beautiful, but not one I would check back on specifically.

On first listen this didn't grip me at all - was leaning towards 3 stars. A day later and a second listen and I liked it a lot more. Maybe I was in a mood? The slower more saccharine tunes I could do without, but overall a worthy listen. Fave track - I mean, c'mon, "Superstition" absolutely slaps! "Big Brother" was also great...

Ich glaube ihm alles; jedes Wort seines „Talking Book“. 4.3

This one was a major disappointment. Almost all of the songs are really sappy and boring. The album feels completely uninspired and pretty much devoid of personality. The only standout is Superstition which is a good track, even though it feels really dated by now. I Believe also had at least a little personality with its funky guitar tracks. But definitely not enough to lift this album out of tedious mediocrity. Sorry Stevie, I like your voice, but that's not enough when your songs are this boring.

Je m'attendais à plus, l'album était plus monotone que j'aurais imaginé

Not my type of genre but there were some solid bops in there. Not a boring or offensive listen. I could fairly happily play it again if nothing else came to mind.

Eh

Giving 4 stars for talent, but a lot of this is too sappy for me.

Will definitely be a record I revisit.

Superstition is the best song on this album and it is not even close. The remaining songs were alright but there is a drop off.

Superstition is one of the best songs and you are the sunshine of my life is a classic but the rest of the album fell flat

Superstitious makes this a 5 star album by itself

Возможно соул, это моё

the album felt like the same song played 10 times, but it was a decent song so 2.5/5

This had done petty good songs.

Bylo fajne calkiem, superstition to wiadomo, hit. Ale jakoś nie porwało mnie, może za mało wondera sluchalem.

Love Stevie Wonder

Superstition is an all time great song. Shame the rest of the album sounds nothing like it. Not bad, just gives you a glimpse of some of his best work for one song and the rest is mid.

Magnificent. 'Maybe your baby' is pretty much the first part of Prince's career in 6:50...

Didn't listen fully

Not a fan of soul/R&B and the cheesy schmaltz of the opening track ‘you are the sunshine of my life’ was a terrible start. Sorry Stevie, not for me

Groovy and bittersweet, love it. Favorites: You Are The Sunshine Of MY Life, You And I, Superstition

Classic 70s era funky sound. I get some Michael Jackson vibes, so Stevie may have been his influence. Classics Superstition and You are the Sunshine of my Life, but there are several other pleasing songs as well

Hummar jag glatt med: japp Passar musiken i en hiss: absolut Berör det mig: inte det minsta

Alltså. Vi behöver prata om det här. Det här var NYHETER för mig. Eller åtminstone helt nya frågor. 
Som: Är Stevie Wonder, i själva fallet, Eilert Pilarm? Med det menar jag en artist som världen liksom kollektivt gått ihop för att hylla, trots att man egentligen tycker lite synd om honom, för att han (i Eilerts fall) är lite efterbliven, eller för att han (i Stevies fall) är lite blind och lite efterbliven. Jag hade ingen aning om att det förhöll sig så, faktiskt, men så måste det vara? Det finns ingen publik i VÄRLDEN som kan gå på en Stevie Wonder-konsert och göra annat än att klappa halventusiastiskt och le medlidande och tänka att jaja, det är ju synd om honom så vi får stå ut. För den här skivan var i själva verket FULLSTÄNDIGT obegriplig och fullständigt olyssningsbar. Öronhatande skräp. Men jaja, han ser ju inte vilka tangenter han trycker på och tror säkert att det låter bra. Så vi får stå ut.

Skönt gung men annars inget som kommer kommas ihåg

Not what I expected. Very funky and cool. For some reason I thought it would be 80s pop music.

Super funky, enjoyed this one more then I expected.

This is an actual classic album. Stevie Wonder in his imperial period. It is hard to over-praise this record.

Great start to this listening project. Both enjoyable to listen to with some touches of experimentation throughout. 3/5 Stars

It took me a song or so to get into it, but I enjoyed it.

Superstition saved it, didn't like it otherwise

Hard to listen to for some reason

Gets a little same-y as it goes along, but you can't deny Stevie's musicianship and ingenuity. The synth work on this is wonderful.

Great album. I've been listening to it for years. Not new to me.

Just as remembered.

More interesting instrumentally than earlier Stevie Wonder, and the sons are, of course, great.

wouldn't search it out, wouldn't change the channel

Funky, soulfull album. Superstition is een top nummer. Album over de hele lijn wel oké

Absolutely brilliant. A masterpiece companion to Innervisions (all recorded pretty much in one go).

Included superstition. Skipped a couple of tracks that were weird but overall I liked it.

Typical Stevie Wonder album, Some of the best music ever and some of the most self indulgent crap on the same disk. Loved some of it but hated that I didn't love it all.

It was finnnneeee

Bangerzzzzz

Groovy, soulful and musical. Stevie brings the whole package

Great but not his best.

Prachtig stevie wonder album, zijn stem is altijd goed.

An album of two halves. The well known tracks are some of Stevie's best. The album tracks are a bit bland and dull, frankly. However, any record with a song as strong as I Believe can't be all bad, right? For me, Innervisions is a better record for the cohesion and clarity of purpose.

Superstition obviously brilliant, but the rest aren’t really my scene.

pfff, its soooo slowwww the first part, does nothing to me, from superstition onwards some songs with schwunggg and helps one more *

Timeless Stevie Wonder album, no comments needed

Wonderful album from start to finish.

Undoubtedly a genius, sometimes his tracks are just too cheesy. However, when he wants to get funky then his squelching synths and cry baby bass is amazing. Best Tracks: Maybe Your Baby; Tuesday Heartbreak; Superstition

Smooth and funky. "I Believe" doesn't get enough airtime.

Good but not mind blowing

This is a musician! Guy can play. He can sing. He has a complete mastery from his appearance on the scene for what it is to be Stevie Wonder. While I know many other Stevie songs that I like more than some that are on this album, you can't deny his talent and ability to put together an album. The soul and funk is on full display in songs like Maybe Your Baby and Superstition, but also beautiful love songs that are catchy and understated are here like You and I and Sunshine of my Life.

3.5

Stevieeeee! Liked this but as much as Songs in the Key of Life

Pretty good! Classic songs here.

ну я конечно понимаю да, что чел заслуженный певец, музыкант, с кол-вом гремми как у дурака фантиков, общественный деятель ещё и слепой до кучи, да чел он классный, но если конкретно альбом оценивать, то это не моё ниразу - скучно, уныло

Superstition is a fantastic song, but the rest of the album is pretty meh. This only gets 3 stars because Superstition is a 5 star song.

Really solid album with good ups and downs throughout but holding some solid funk.

This was an enjoyable jam.

J'adore Stevie Wonder et cette album est merveilleux. Ça s'écoute très bien et superstition est une de mes préféré. 4.90

This is the album that has "Superstition" on it, the rest of the album is pretty forgettable electronic keyboard and sleepy soulless blabbering. Songs just boring and don't go anywhere, like an essay written to pad length.

Didn't like it as much as expected

Sounds like something that could have came out in the 90s at least. Production is unique for the 1970s.

I really liked it overall it was a really good album however a lot of the songs started to become really repetitive and unnecessarily long which is why it’s not getting the highest rating however I did love the album

Stevie Wonder rapidly approaching peak status here - the heavy use and layering of synthesizers and played in large part only by Stevie himself give it a looseness that crosses between soul, funk, and rock. Virtually everyone on earth knows who Stevie Wonder is and is at least passably familiar with at least a few tracks so there's not much intro to the artist needed here - "Superstition" is one of the all-time classic songs and is the clear gateway-drug for this record. "Tuesday Heartbreak" makes me think of summer vacation driving with the top down. "I Believe" is a great album closer - end credits vibe on this one - just a simple and perfectly catchy chorus. Although it does suffer from what a number of the other songs have... ...if there's a knock - and there is - I do find a fair few of these songs to ... just not quite be *there* yet. As if they could have spent 3 more months in the writing room before release - "Maybe Your Baby" sounds fantastic and starts well with a great groove but it stagnates and is just far too long. Many of the others are slow and hard to latch onto - slow in and of itself connotes neither negative nor positive but slow and at times meandering gets dangerously close to boring. So the classic Stevie sound has been established here and rating aside...this is an excellent listen - nearly keeper status. But to me this is just his launching pad for Hall of Fame status which would come literally months later with Innervisions. 7/10 4 stars.

Essential…not particularly a fan…

The best record of his career, and a monster of an album with chart hits and influential songs spilling out all over the place. I have always loved this record. I still do.

The two songs opening each side are excellent and very well known hits. For me, Superstition is his best song.  Ray Parker will always be better known for his Ghostbusters song but his  guitar on Maybe Your Baby is top shelf and really works well with the funkiness. Stevie delivers the electric piano and clavinet that makes Tuesday Heartbreak. I've never heard those instruments deliver a cool and funky vibe like this. Stevie's vocals on You and I might be his best on the LP. Jeff Beck's guitar on Looking for Another . . . is also quite good as one would expect from Jeff. I didn't know Stevie for his political songs. Big Brother is quite good and the words "You've killed all our Leaders" are particularly poignant given this album was made less than 5 years after  Martin Luther King and Bobby  Kennedy were murdered.  Different songs on this LP have very different features that make them soar. They are all good songs for very different reasons. An album that pulls this off meets my definition of a 5. As an afterthought, it's a great picture on the cover. 

I like 3 songs on this LP: “Superstition” (of course); “Maybe your Baby” for its super fat funky keyboards and background vocals (all Stevie); Big Brother with it's almost bluegrass feel and protest lyrics. The ballads, on the other hand, are hard to stomach, but since it is Stevie (and he plays drums to boot), I’ll give it a passing grade.

IMO Stevie is at his best when he does the funky soul numbers. Superstition is one of his most iconic songs, with killer guitar hooks and I love his funky snarling voice. But this album is marred by syrupy maudlin commercial tracks meant to sell records such as You are the sunshine, You and I, Looking for another pure love, and I believe. Yuck. If it had more Superstition it would be a 4 but the dreck pulls it down unfortunately

This has to be one of my favorite stevie wonder albums.

groovy

OK

Stevie Wonder... Dos megahits.

I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a Stevie Wonder album before, despite obviously being familiar with the hits. This kicks off with that dreadful Casio keyboard backing track sound he is so fond of, with the intro to You Are The Sunshine Of My Life. I hate it so much. But the rest of the record is varied and overall I am pleasantly surprised. His voice is much better than has ever really occurred to me before (he’s very much “great songwriter” rather than “great singer” in my head). Superstition is obviously phenomenal. You And I is beautiful, and new to me. And I Believe finishes the album on a really lovely uplifting note that had me immediately pressing play to listen to the whole thing again - including the cheesy Casio bit.

regular. bem tocado e produzido, mas no final das contas não me prendeu.

Big classic is one, others are ok

3.75

One of my all time favourite songs on this album - Superstition. So was looking forward to this, but i am sorry this song couldnot carry the rest of the album. It mostly sounded like lounge music to me. 2 Stars

Other than Superstition, I didn't connect with any of these songs. Definitely classic but not my speed.

This album allows us to listen to a well-crafted pop, has a 70's taste to it, adds spices like sounds from Hohner clavinet, and other embelishments Stevie Wonder uses to build his garden of sounds. This album has him finally free from Motown's reigns, and his keyboard commands the music from a vantage point.

Beautiful album. It’s like a love-child of funk and country but raised by classical. It’s soft and gentle but also thoughtful. Stevie Wonder has a perfect voice and he also has poignant lyrics. This album delivers pretty heavy stuff like love and heartbreak and rebirth and belief and faith but it’s done so lite and breezy. Stevie Wonder is a genius. Top tracks You are the sunshine of my life Big brother You and I Tuesday Heartbreak Iconic track Superstition

The album starts with calming chords and a soft groove. Then the groove heats up and stays strong. Each song has unique instruments and melodies that keep this a very interesting album all the way through.

Top 3 1. (3) You And I 2. (6) Superstition 3. (10) I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)

Always love some Stevie! One of his best. Some favorites from the album included Maybe Your Baby, You've Got It Bad Girl, and Blame It On The Sun.

The one..the.only...Stevie Wonder

I'm a sucker for old Stevie Wonder albums. Talking Book is like a key to an era that I wasn't able to experience but would've loved it. This album just makes me smile. The key characteristic of this album is the Wah guitar, on and it's just a really cool sound like a 'brown-chicken-brown-cow' without the porn. It's a wonder this sound didn't dominate more albums back in the day. I think if it had, it'd be one of those minor annoyances like saxophones are. Anyway, the album... You are the Sunshine of My life opens the album and it's one of those perfect sappy guilty pleasure songs that I just can't get enough of (and makes me want to drink orange juice). The keyboard and congas on this are just lovely. Superstition is the break out hit, but there are some really good ones that are overlooked. Big Brother has got some understated grit with political undertones. Evidently SW played all the instruments on the recording. The song 'I Believe' is a great outro striking a hopeful reflective note that leads me back to the beginning of the album and hoping for an excellent follow up ... 'Songs in the Key of Life', I'm talking to you...

Arguably Stevie Wonder's best album, although I prefer "Innervisions" and "Songs in the Key of Life." Inarguably among one of the 1001 greatest albums of all time. "Maybe Your Baby" is an electro jam that feels contemporary in 2021. "Superstition" is an unskippable track for all people and all times.

5/5 - Always loved this album; Hell yeah, Stevie

Talking Book is ambiguous. It is another Wonder's funk masterpiece, with heavy bass lines, grooving sounds, dancing melodies and enchanting love lyrics. On the other hand, it is another Wonder's album with heavy bass lines, grooving sounds, dancing melodies and enchanting love lyrics. Talking Book is good but not surprisingly good. The most famous songs are probably the best of the albums and the few others only feel like transitions as they won't be remembered. Talking Book stays as a good album but not Stevie's best.

smooth af

Admittedly, I’ve never listened to a Stevie Wonder album, I’ve only ever listened to an album of his hits which is easy to do because Stevie is incredible. I’m glad this was my first full Stevie Wonder album I enjoyed it much like the rest of his work. This album really gives me all kinds of vibes and feelings, perfect for a stroll around the block, dancing here in my house, or singing out loud Top tracks: you are the sunshine of my life, superstition, you and I, believe (when i fall in love it will be forever)

This album, along with his later Songs In The Key of Life, stands as a testament to the talent and vision of Stevie Wonder. After years under the watchful eye of Motown head Berry Gordy, Stevie began navigating his own way in Motown. And his way was a satisfying mix of classic R&B sounds updated with outstanding keyboard/synth playing, a dash of funk, and a couple of chill ballads. His subject matter dabbles in the political, while still appealing to the mainstream (and crossover) listeners of the day. The two hits, You Are the Sunshine of My Life, and Superstition, deserve all of their accolades, though they come from near-opposite ends of the Stevie spectrum. The dreamy keyboard intro and softly crooned opening lines of ...Sunshine might trick one into thinking it is no more than a sappy love song, but when the horns kick in, the drums snap, and Stevie lets loose with his voice, you know his message is deeply felt. Who wouldn't want this song sung to/about them? Superstition, on the other hand, hits hard, both musically and lyrically, but with the same signature passion. His clavinet playing pretty much defines the instrument, and again, the horns add a brassiness (yes, I KNOW!) that elevates the arrangement. Stevie's howling vocals project the pessimism that was growing among the civil rights issues of the day. The musicians are super-tight, with shining additions by guest David Sanborn on Tuesday Heartbreak, Jeff Beck on Lookin' for Another Pure Love, and Ray Parker, Jr. (of Ghostbusters fame!) ripping a great solo on Maybe Your Baby - a song that provides a rather direct-line influence to Stevie's R&B-flavored pop successor in the next decade, Prince. All in all, an enjoyable listen, with some VERY high points.

Love superstition, wish there was more of that funk groove on this album.

Great album. What a unique talent. Love the funk. Songs are impeccably well written.

Superstitious is superduperfuckingfantasticalicious!!! It’s one of my favorite songs of all time…yes it’s solidly on my top 20 list. That reminds me that I need to update that list. The clavichord riff is other worldly funk royalty. I had to do some research to figure out it’s a clavichord, and I also found out that Jeff Beck came up with the opening drum part when messing around while Stevie was out of the studio. Stevie came back in and improvised the famous riff and the rest is history. It’s amazing that a seemingly meaningless jaunt by a guitarist on the drums turned into a song adored by so many. Life is funny that way. Big Brother is a solid song. It’s a pointed swipe at disingenuous politicians making empty promises. There some unique sounding instruments that I couldn’t figure out what they are, but I really like them. I also love You Are The Sunshine Of My Life. Stevie’s voice shines through especially well. Maybe Your Baby rambles and rambles and rambles at the end. It’s evidence that modern pop music isn’t the only genre to endlessly repeat the same line over and over. The unfortunate thing is I quite enjoy the first 3 1/2 minutes of the song, especially the instruments, while the last 3 1/2 minutes tear down some of that good will. There are too many misses on this album; like Blame It On The Sun, Lookin’ For Another Pure Love, and the aforementioned Maybe Your Baby; for it to be in my regular rotation. In the end, this album is like a very talented procrastinator…very capable of high end results, but you just can’t seem to get those results consistently.

couldn't finish it....not my thing

His 15th studio album emanates a confidence and precision in his usual mix of soul, funk and jazz. You can tell from Wonder and the band are truly dialed in with years of experience. It's a delightful experience with one of the most iconic voices ever.

A great listen and some incredible standouts. Needless to say, Superstition is incredible

So much soul!

I’m told that Stevie Wonder is amazing to listen to if you’re the kind of person who likes analyzing chord progressions in every bit of music you listen to. As it is, I’ve always been a “three chords and the truth” kind of girl, so this just sounds actually kind of bland. Not for me, except for . . . favourite track: “Superstition” (which is a banger)

it was honestly average at best

Pretty solid album, I liked all of the songs, but only the well known songs stood out for me. 3/5 stars.

I will listen to "Superstion" every time it comes on. The rest of the album... I guess it's okay. I don't think I have heard any of the other songs before. With only a first listen, there might be stuff I'm missing. 3 stars

really, really not my thing.

Good, but nothing insane

Groovy.

good soul album...familiar with several of the tunes.

Really disappointing. The singles were the only good tracks

I expected a lot of this album going into it, after all it is considered fairly legendary. I wasn’t disappointed necessarily, but it definitely didn’t live up to the hype. Overall, it was pretty average, save a couple songs like superstition. Because of that, regardless of it’s inability to live up to the hype, it was still a pretty good album. 3.5/5 so I’ll give it a 4.

Не особо люблю такое

Amazing songwriting and arranging of the music.

I mean, you gotta love a bit of stevie wonder! Some classics on there like 'superstition' and some I'd never heard before but enjoyed like 'big brother' -wasnt so into the slow ones but altogether a good album

Superstition a massive tune. Great tracks. Easily a 4

Classic brilliant

Album flows very well. All the themes are in the Stevie Wonder style - funky, about love. I didn't enjoy the slower ballad-like songs as much as bangers, such as Superstition, however in the context of the album, they worked very well.

Great groove, production and songwriting.

Not the only 5 star album, but this is top class.

Super album

Brilliant.

Excellent.

Great album

Take out superstition and couple of other good tracks and you have a perfectly pleasant album - not sure I ever got the fuss

Braille-iant

Precioso. R&B impregnado de funk con el sonido característico del Hohner Clavinet de Wonder. Tiene temazos.

Fun! very chill

Some nice Stevie. A little cheesy in places but some great tracks, not my favourite album of his but some others are bound to be on this list

really good obv

Stevie Wonder may be iconic and classic but it is 100% not my jam.

Might even like this more than songs in the key of life - definitely a little easier listen given its relative shortness. He really just knows how to make music - Superstition is phenomenal Saved: You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, Superstition

Saved Prior: Superstition Off Rip: Maybe Your Baby Cutting Edge: Big Brother Overall Notes: A little too mellow for my taste, much preferred the more varied Songs in the Key of Life. If someone told me they adored this album I wouldn't think they were crazy, it's just not my thing.

I didn't listen. im sure it's great.

I don't know about this. Stevie is a legend, but I just don't really like this style of music. The hits are fun, but the rest just isn't for me.

Fantastic.

Amazing vocals, interesting song writing and nice grooves from start to finish. Will definitely be revisiting for another listen in the future.

After a string of rock albums, this was refreshing, and pure joy. Front to back not a dud on the record. Stevie writes these incredible chord progressions that are beautiful, complicated, but sound simple. I think he was playing around with some interesting electronics and synthesizers on this one. along with whatever that e-clavichord thing is on Superstition. Interesting textures. I looked up the musicians who performed on this and was surprised to see it's mostly Stevie. Stevie on drums, Stevie on keys, Stevie playing keyboard bass. Stevie singing backup for Stevie. The last song, and I think one of his best, was all Stevie on all instruments. Wonder what Stevie thinks when he hears Dylan play the harmonica like he's blowing on a grilled cheese sandwich? One last thought that might be only interesting to me - I was really struck by a blind man singing "I can't wait to see your face inside my door". A

When Stevie Wonder says, “...better wash your face and hands...” in Superstition, is he staying his belief that washing hands and face is superstitious and has no scientific value? There’s a lot of interesting stuff happening on this album, the reverb is all over the place in some songs, bouncing around my head, some great funky keyboard, some Mort Gorson Plantasia esque instrumentals and modulated voice experiments. Stevie Wonder’s singing and vocals don’t really resonate with me snd I found myself wondering if this was instrumental or if he produced it for another singer if I would’ve enjoyed it more. Some of the songs slap and are super funky, others have some great licks and hooks. “Looking for Another Love” and “I believe when I fall in love” are transcendent instrumentally buy the singing and lyrics are just meh. Though it didn’t resonate with me I really respect the effort, it would be a 5 if I liked his voice/lyrics more. But I’ll give it an A-.

I think I'm not cool enough to like Stevie Wonder.

Stevie Wonderille 5. Levyn kappaleille yleisesti 2 poislukien Superstition, mikä on ainakin 4,5. Tästä täysin epäpainotettu keskiarvo 3.

Stevie is a smooth operator and a super talent. A good solid album but only a few great songs for me. 3*

Good singles, fairly bland rest.

Singles are good, rest was okay. More listens needed.

Classic Stevie Wonder. Funky, but mellow.

What a beautiful day to listen to this album, relaxing, uplifting, throughly enjoyable.

Pari kovaa hittiä ja muuten taattua tavaraa. Kyllä tätä kuuntelee useamman kerran mielellään. Ei ehkä ihan vitonen, mutta neljä ja puoli.

Miellyttävää musaa, mutta vähän turhan imelää. Hittibiisi suoerstition on hitti. Yllärinä oli kantaaottava Big Brother!

Some great songs on here. Stevie was a lot funkier than I previously believed.

Funky classic! Superstition!

I went down the rabbit hole with Stevie Wonder after listening to this.... he has so many more catchy hits than I realized, many that have been covered so many times..... my favorite will always be 'Don't you worry 'bout a thing' but my newest discovery rivals my favorite - - 'Pastime paradise'; I'd never listened to the original, only the cover - Gangster's paradise

Imagine being this talented

Without the historical context, when listening to this in isolation.....it's difficult not to just form the simple conclusion that it sounds nice. sort of 3* levels of inoffensiveness

Lovely relaxed vocals but the lyrics are too sickly sweet for my tastes and a bit repetitive. Superstition is amazing. Stevie Wonder's real name is Stevland Morris. 3/5

First of an indispensable array of albums. Not the best of the lot but a truly great r&b/soul effort, with some unforgettable tunes

Discazo total!! 4 temazos para la historia, y el resto muy buenos de acompañamiento.

nice

Buena voz de uno de los precursores de la música soul. Canciones tranquilas y que han envejecido bien. No suenan a muy antiguas. Se destila igualmente cierto optimismo.

For every bit of magic on this album, there's something a little powderpuff about much of the rest of the material. I know we are all supposed to consider Stevie Wonder a genius, but Innervisions aside I'm not sure he's ever hit that kind of consistency. The funk-soul equivalent to Iron Maiden, then; stellar moments and a hogshead of filler

I didn't know how much I could like Steve Wonder songs... It a great album with a lot of innovations and very pleasable songs. Much better than his most famous tracks, this album is very good

Substition great tho

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life. Pero es un rollo el disco.

Awesome! Can't believe I didn't discover him earlier

4.4* muy muy bien

without a doubt, one of stevie wonder's albums. 8/10

Dope beats

Superstitious enough to give this delightfully funky bunch of tunes lucky number 7. 7/10

1972, Progressive soul, Funk, Soul, Rock, Jazz, übel nice, stabile 4

Amazing production.

This album is liquid sexuality. Every other song a hit, and the ones that aren't hits should have been. Big Brother is a standout favorite.

Retro

Good one. the first ever full album by Stevie I've ever heard, hope there are others on the list

Very superstitious

Brought back memories...

Es todo un master de la guitarra y tiene un estilo único, pero me pareció plano e interminable. 3.5

Great

I’m not going to be able to compete with Alex’s review here and his stellar use of “hogshead”, so I’ll just add that I really like how there’s more than one song where they just lock into the chorus and repeat it over and over and over and it never gets old. But yeah, bit of a mixed bag where the good is so good it makes you forget the forgettable.

This album is amazing! I can't believe how great Stevie Wonder's music is. What a genius. I can see all the influences he's had on musicians.

First of all very cool stereo effects on the opening track. And a duet! Very psychedelic vibes on this track and the next. The last few minutes of Maybe Your Baby, with the guitar and bass combo, and the repetition of maybe your baby gonna make some other plans” is mesmerizing. On You and I, it’s so plain to see how amazing and insanely powerful Stevie Wonder’s voice is. Big Brother dresses a powerful indictment of the US government’s relationship to black people in bright-sounding melody and light, upbeat drums and... melodica? harmonica? Superstition is of course the famous one from this album, but Sir Duke is a mf BOP in equal, if not greater measure

I know he’s a genius but I wasn’t in a Stevie wonder kinda mood

Richly textured songs. Performed perfectly

The album is elite

Funky. Liked the 2nd track a lot.

Was surprised that I knew a few songs. Some songs didn't like the songs but liked the lyrics.

Stevie Wonder two days in a row, weird. I don't like this album as much as Songs in the Key of Life, but Superstition is one of my favorite songs of his.

Ya intenté salir y volver a entrar al grupo y nada. Sigo siendo 1001must y deberán vivir con ello. El disco está chido y ya. No venimos aquí a ser tapadera de nadie. No es cierto, sí me gusta, es un walking book.

Great listen, relaxing and funky

This was incredible. Seems like the album Stevie always wanted to make. Last track is amazing.

Fantastic

I love me some Stevie, and seeing him on this list will likely surprise no one. I think I actually own this record, but hadn't listened to it before today. I own and have listened to Songs in the Key of Life, and Hotter Than July, the latter of which I bought in a head shop in Macomb along with a book on how propaganda was making men's fashion more feminine (I threw away the book, still have the record). Anyway, based on my limited experience with his discography, Stevie's music is super consistent, and a joy. When I go back to hosting game nights again, I will be sure to dust off my copy of Talking Book. My personal enjoyment: 4/5 Did it belong on this list: 5/5

Lovely, relaxing and thoughtful Vibes. 3/4 of the album are quite average by today's standards though and not quite the level of epic I'd expect.

stevayyyyy

very pretty

Beautiful work by Stevie Wonder

Good album but not my taste

Like I said oreviously it's hard to dislike Stevie Wonder. This album was better than the previous one. More concise and had a better structure. I liked it.

Ok

I've been busy so I had to go back to this one. Really loved it stevie wonder is great

Very pleasant in the background. Stevie never disappoints.

I'm familiar with some of his more famous songs because Stevie Wonder is, well, iconic to say the least but never actually listened to a full album by him. Lemme just say I'm kicking myself for missing out and this Aussie gives Talking Book five lamingtons out of five.

"This sounds like when you just sing to yourself trying to get something annoying done 'I'm trying to make a sandwich and I don't have any clean knives'"

Classic Stevie Wonder!

OK

Amazing album. It's so easy to overlook Stevie Wonder sometimes, but this album is always worth coming back to.

Ei ihan minun genreni, mutta kyllähän Stevien ääni toimii. Varsinkin hitaammat biisit oli erittäin tunnelmallisia. Revittelybiisejä ei ihan samalla tavalla jaksanut.

Great smooth listening

grande stevieeee!

This was good but not great. Superstition is obviously a banger but there was nothing else amazing.

idk maybe your baby DID MAKE OTHER PLANS, STEVIE.

Stevie Wonder’s music can’t help but put a smile on my face. My favourites of his tracks aren’t on this album - but still a banger

Recognize Superstition. First half of the album was doo-doo, the later half is better. But will never listen to this again, probably.

Own it, love it. Listened to Innervisions instead, because I don't own it (yet). Both are 5. Stevie is God.

Solid album great tunes

Not for me. Skipped most song.

Objectively good music, but not my cup of tea. "Blame it on the sun" was probably my favorite.

His voice is great and so is the music, but I just don't love this album.

So dope bruh

Fantastic!! Now we are getting somewhere. The keys, the funk, and Stevie's wonderful voice.

Nice record. I don't vibe that hard with it, but you can't deny it has some awesome songs

Great album by stevie and fitting title.

Good tunes

Decent album, great production and instruments

all the famous songs here are impeccable gems

Released on 10/28/1972 Rating: 4.5

Good vibes.

altough superstition will forever be a hit, i find the album as a whole kind of boring

So much of this album sounds like a Casio keyboard demo that it's hard to give it any stars. The only thing saving this from a one-star review is "Superstition" which is good enough to garner almost two stars on its own. It's truly a standout track. Literally. It stands out because it doesn't match the rest of the album at all. There are a few other tracks that aren't too bad but nothing approaches the mountain of a track that is "Superstition".

Automatic 4 because of Superstition. The rest is hit or miss. Best track: Superstition

Fun listen

"You are the sunshine of my life"

Super good. The songs put me in a good mood and I really like the instruments.

Absolutely outstanding and unique view of Stevie’s music. Not being super familiar with his work outside of any of the hits, this really helped me appreciate a bit more of the work that I guess was not considered as “commercial” at the time.

this is a perfect album.

I enjoyed listening to this album because Stevie Wonder is one of the musical greats. Superstition is a classic and I liked the jazzy tone of the rest of the album. Overall a well written and performed album.

Now that it was established that Stevie Wonder could do what he pleased musically, he got to work on crafting a oeuvre that would rival anyone else's from past, then-present and distant future. Talking Book, a pun of sorts, made the distance between Stevie and whomever came closest that much clear. The innovations and ingenuity made abundant here are more than enough to keep the listener in awe of what it was that Stevie was doing at the time. The fact that we would only see and hear him reach higher afterwards is what makes this even more incredible.