Talking Book

Mr Wonder is aptly named. I'm on record referring to him a musical spirit that has taken human form and blessed us with the purest musical gifts known to man. This album does nothing to contradict that. This is Romantic Wonder and i'm here for it. I played it for my wife and got laid. Maybe a bit 80's and wobbly towards the end (the album, not my perfomance).

holy long

Maybe Your Baby & You've Got It Bad Girl are probably my favourite tracks from the album. (First time listening) Lookin' For Another Pure Love has a chill funky guitar solo, I really like.

A rare no skip album with some absolute bangers on it. I mean you are the sunshine of my life, superstition, you and i - amazing.

I felt like I needed my lady sitting next to me for most of this album. I could have got some brownie points if I sang her the songs

Smooth, beautiful, masterclass playing

stevie wonder is amasing... very groivy and happy songs

no notes perfect job stevie

Reminded me that Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest musicians to ever do it

I can see why some find it sickly sweet but when it’s good, it’s incredible. Updated to a 5 after I Believe. Fav tracks: Superstition, Blame it on the Sun, I Believe. RYM: Y (#584) Saved a song: Y

I've already listened to this album 😭 But... my take is that this is one of the fundamental albums that helped build the modern R&B scene... so yea.

So happy to be reminded of Stevie Wonder’s joyous energy! This started off as 5 stars for me, but I honestly couldn’t get over how repetitive and long “Maybe Your Baby” felt (I was driving) and how it just felt sort of ruined the vibe from the earlier songs. “Superstition” will remain one of the greatest songs of all time. Aside from my one issue above, I wouldn’t mind hearing any of these tracks. Stevie Wonder is pure happiness in a human.

Cancion 1: Suave , hermosos sonidos de tambores . Cancion 2: Eleva la energia de forma increíble. Las voces femeninas tienen mas potencia que en la anterior. Un cambio o deformación del género anterior muy buena. Riff glorioso. Cancion 3: Lento y triste, no me gusta. Cancion 4: Bailable, parece musica disco. Disfrutable . Cancion 5: Hiper romantico , ni fu ni fa. Canción 6: Inicio sublime, pegadiza, es como que esta a punto de llegar a algo todo el tiempo. La guitarra es una gloria. Canción 7: Sigue la vibra de la cancion anterior muy bien . Canción 8: No me gustó el principio, muy balada todo. O un gospel muy lento. Cancion 9: Interesante sonido. Buen estribillo. Canción 10: Buen inicio. Melodias interesantes. Linda pero no mucho. Muy buenas voces y armonicos.

Another good Stevie album.

This is my second SW album and I'm enjoying it.

A couple more classic songs but I didn’t enjoy the long ballads so much inbetween. Innervisions is much better!

Very good

gran disco. michael jackson te descubri

I liked four songs from the album but overall, I think it’s just not my type of genre.

First track started out as very psychodelic, but over the course of the album, it became soulful and funky. I kinda like the vibes of the album, very solid.

i liked it. it's not as good as "Key" but it's up there.

This was a little disappointing compared to other stuff I have listened to by him. This felt like a one track album with Superstition. The rest felt mediocre. One of the most talented musicians in the history of music, but this didn't feel like his best stuff.

Liked. Not as good as the Keys of Life but good

Excellent instrumentals and vocals, and certainly reminiscent of other music of the decade. A pleasant listen, although the lyrics left me wanting for more; the themes of the songs were very simple. While well-executed overall, the songwriting isn't to my tastes. TLDR: very good music! I just wish it had more thematic depth :(

Some all out funky classics and a BUNCH of sappy first wedding dances. But the ending and the hits are so good. This is a 3.5 at the end of the day.

For me, this isn't a great album - it has a load of really dull, dreary or maudlin songs, buoyed up by a couple of great singles. Superstition really stands out here.

7/10 - Enjoyable listen the whole way through. Not a super standout album but definitely feels like a grower. A nice depart from his classics with plenty of his soul and instrumentals in there, just lacking a pull that keeps you coming back unlike some of his other albums.

relax

One of the most talented musicians of all time, I was so excited to finally see a stevie wonder album on this list. He could probably release an album full fart noises and he would still find some way for it to be 5 stars Really fascinating to hear the more romantic, tender side of Stevie wonder; doing some research, it seems that this album is the product of his first divorce, and you can tell by the hurt in his voice in a number of these tracks Some high points include the seamless transition from superstition into big brother, as well as the melodic perfection of big brother juxtaposed against the reality of the US government ignoring the needs of black people in the post-civil rights era

This was good, mellow and funky. Definitely worth another listen. 3.8

Yeah I mean, it’s fun, he’s got a great voice, it’s easy listening. I’m sure it was impactful at the time and superstition is a banger, but other parts of it felt a bit like sophisticated lift music.

Some good tracks to be found here.

Repeated listens reveal the depth and beauty of expression. No skips. I Believe is one of the best songs ever written imo.

That book was talkin and I was listenin

Good fun. Passed by so quickly.

He's just the best

This is the first Stevie Wonder album I ever bought, and it's so influential on so much music that came after.

Not my normal stuff but still some good songs on here

Shimmering delight. Stevie at the height of his powers. Maybe we don’t need “You’ve Got it Bad Girl”, or “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love”. But then “Maybe Your Baby” and “Tuesday Heartbreak” straighten things up. Listen, I haven’t even mentioned the stone locks on this album and we all know them. It’s kaleidoscopic Stevie, the wondrous and the, uh, meandering. Those fat organ chords, the deep drums, and the snap of the horns… nothing moves your ass like some good Stevie. And there’s so much good Stevie here.

Maybe Your Baby drags on just a tiny bit too long or else I'd absolutely love that song. All others are solid, occasional forgettable one

Stevie Wonder can do no wrong. This ticks all the boxes for me, from lyrics to the instrumentation it all just clicks in place. Obviously 'Superstition' was huge for a reason, but all of this is just so catchy and full of life. I just love the funk and the guitar throughout, and Stevies vocals are on par as usual. I actually got chills at points from how good it was. I see people complaining about the lyrics, I can't say I share that issue. Everything about this album works so well for me, a truly great album. Fav Track: You and I

after my first listen through this album i would've rated it four stars, but hearing it again right afterwards instantly reminded me why i needed to bump it up. this album immediately started off so strong with 'you are the sunshine of my life'. the minute this song came on i instantly knew i was gonna love this book. this song feels like getting high without the consequences. it's just pure good vibes. i wasn't the biggest fan of 'maybe your baby', it kind of took me out, but followed right after by 'you and i' was like a reminder of how great this album is. these two songs were real game changers for me. the only reason i won't rate this album its full five stars is just the small handful of songs i wasn't a huge fan of. that being said, there really wasn't a single 'bad' song on this album, and it really just introduced me to a whole new world of music. favorite tracks: you are the sunshine of my life, you and i honorable mentions: blame it on the sun, i believe (when i fall in love it will be forever)

Second song ran about 2-3 minutes too long. A couple snoozers included. But Superstition and a couple others give this value. An ok album.

Nice.

A real treat for a Monday morning, a great album. Favourite track: Superstition

Muy rico. Superstition forever. Nota: 3.7

A great album that I've only just gotten to know and enjoy in its entirety. 5/5

Talking Book is not the spellbinding statement that Songs In The Key Of Life is, but then again, little is. Besides, we're still talking gold era Stevie Wonder, so it isn't exactly gonna be a bad album. I'll get it out of the way, my biggest problem here is that I think the last 3 songs are observably weaker than the rest of the album from a writing perspective. Although, I could see my opinion on this changing in the future; after all they still have the performances and the joy that makes the rest of this album. And Wonder is still singing his ass off on these cuts. But, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, through Big Brother is a pretty immaculate run. I'd even go so far as to say that Maybe Your Baby and Superstition are pretty much perfect, and some of the best funk songs ever written. Outside of these, Talking Book has some other funk cuts, and rich, spirited soul songs. And everything is presented in such a consistently progressive, almost psych-influenced way that it manages to come together as a statement. This isn't my favorite Wonder album, but it is a wonderful example of what makes his music special.

My hot take is that I do not like "You Are the Sunshine of My Life." So how can this album be perfect if it has an imperfection on it? Don't ask me I don't make the rules here but this is another perfect 5 for Steveland.

3.5/5. Not really my style of music but after the first couple songs it really started to click for me and I was able to start vibing with the album. Sorry if this is too low but I’m lowkey music illiterate so hopefully this will get better as I keep listening to more albums

6/10

So good and just feels influential. Both modern and classic

Amazing vocals, super interesting songwriting, but some of the slower tracks bog it down just a little. Favourites: You and I, Superstition, Blame It on the Sun, I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)

ehhhmazing

4.5 / 5 Best Song: Superstitious Worst Song: Tuesday Heartbreak Weirdest Song: N/a Honorable Mention: Big Brother Honorable Mention: Maybe Your Baby Almost perfect, great from start to finish and some pleasant surprises having not heard most of Stevie Wonder beyond the usual hits. Had to give 2 honorable mentions since I couldn't make up my mind.

#21 A few classic Stevie Wonder tracks appear on this album, and the rest of the songs are decent to pretty good. A little sappy/ overly sweet at times, but overall a good listen.

I never really need to hear "Sunshine" again, and need to hear "Superstition" every time it comes around. The rest is a master class in vibe and texture, even when it isn't exactly catchy.

One of the finest platforms for the clavinet outside of reggae and a showcase for the genius of Stevie Wonder and his deep bag of tricks. Soulful, funky, smooth, great.

I bought this CD when I was in my broke dumb twenties, still love myself for that decision.

What a joy its been to discover his back catalog beyond the singles.

fun

Dinlediğimde bana konfor verdi. İnanılmaz vokkalleride üzerindeki biberi idi. Bayıldım

Loving this groovy, feel-good album

Stevie Wonder is certainly a master of his craft. The use of synthesizers on this album is inspired. "Superstition" is, of course, one of the greatest songs ever written. The album isn't as even as some of his later records, but damn, is it good.

Superstition is such a great tune. I never sat down to listen to this album. Some hits but also a lot of lesser known great songs.

This was a nice listen. Not totally my cup of tea but definitely enjoyable.

Songs In The Key Of Life, предложенный ранее, понравился больше. Но и этот вполне достойный. Именно за этим я и вписался в этот челлендж. Скачал всю дискографию Уандера. Буду слушать избранные альбомы под соответствующее настроение.

Stevie Wonder has two stand out songs with You Are the Sunshine of My Life and Superstition. Michael Jackson got ehee from the funky Maybe Your Baby which is repetitive and too long. The remaining funky/jazzy songs are better than his sappy pop ballads which I don't really like.

A little bit too much of the slow, melodic yearning songs. Superstition is a banger because it isn't this.

Stevie Wonder will always be a joy to listen to. I don't think this album is quite on the same level as Innervisions, though; compositions just weren't as memorable. On the other hand, I found myself impressed with the sound design in some ways more than Innervisions. The types of sound he uses are very satisfying. He makes electronic sounds sound like live instruments, and there were several moments where those melodies scratched an itch, like on the song "brother," where I can't tell if it's a synth-like harmonica or harmonica-like synth that's tickling my ear. I'm again tempted to say that superstition is both the most famous and most memorable from this album. Strong 3 to a light 4.

We moved to Jacksonville in June 1972, and this came out late October 1972, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't very long before Mombo bought this album (and, as I mentioned when I reviewed "Innervisions," Mombo purchased Stevie's subsequent mid-70s albums, as well, culminating in "Songs in the Key of Life"). So, these albums were a key part of my 70s musical experience. I'm not sure if this one is quite as strong as Innervisions and Songs, but it's definitely at least close - and it's still a 5 for me. Wikipedia appears to confirm my recollection/understanding that on this album (and "Music of My Mind," which came out earlier in 1972), Stevie Wonder helped to pioneer the use of synthesizers (and in awesome, funky ways) in popular music. Just as with "Innervisions," the hits songs (here, "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and "Superstition" -- the opening tracks of sides 1 and 2, respectively) suffer a little from over-exposure over the years, but, of course, are still great songs. Of the other 8 tracks, the only one that (to me) seems a little weak is probably "Tuesday Heartbreak." The other 7 tracks are (to me) excellent, and have a little added personal luster, because I know them (or, anyway, got to know them) not through the radio, but through growing up with this album. 5 stars.

I think most people would agree this isn't Stevie's best. And I think it's because of the weak lyrical content at times and more forgettable ballad type songs. And yet I'm tempted to give 5 stars because there's still so much good music here. Some really good songs, plenty of fun instrumental moments and neat arrangements.

Earthy

1. Titel ist Weltklasse, Rest Durchschnitt und nicht meins

1001 albums to hear before you talk to a book 112# Thanks for giving me the first album of Stevie wonder on the list cyber gods. I wanna listen in order. This guy is a genius of songwriting. First album i listen from him front to back. Pretty much what i was expecting, coming from someone who had high expectations lol. My guy did all instrumentations and singing for some songs and that is an impressive feat to produce all of it. The year is 1972 too. Amazin

It just kind of passed me by and I didn't focus on it enough? Sadly not memorable for me.

Really nice Stevie album. SITKOL never really hit with we but like this one

3, aunque trae algunas joyas que bien valen un 4

Ive often heard of stevie wonder but never listened to his music it was good but honestly not very memorable. I can't remember much about it

Happy Beautiful voice It was a solid album

Some amazing tracks with some mushy filler. Some tracks are timeless and some are definitely out of date. A mixed bag but mostly good:)

311/1089 3rd stevie wonder album in about a month or so and i’m absolutely NOT complaining It’s great, as expected, Superstition is just TOO good. I think i like the 3 albums fairly equally but this one might *just* be my fave as a whole his voice transports me, he truly could sing the alphabet and i’d think it was magical faves: superstition, i believe, tuesday heartbreak 88/100

Some really good songs on this album.

Fantastic.

Really strong album, some absolute bangers and amazing piano work.

honestly, i didnt love it. some classic songs but didnt move me

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life and Superstitious are so so good. The rest of the album is good. But just based on those songs I’m giving this a 4-star.

The roots of modern R&B are crazy on this one. It’s got the fingerprints of all the shit we listen to today. I’ve owned this album forever, yet I never fully realized how influential it really is. The idea that this is from 1972 is insane. “Maybe your baby” literally is something I would stumble upon in today’s hits. It’s crazy. I think if this was a little bit of a tighter album it’d be an easy 5 for me.

Stevie Wonder is just an amazing singer, and the instrumentation is truly next level here. This is an amazing album with not only iconic hit singles but also deep deep cuts. I love it I want this for the shelf Big brother and youve got it bad it all works so well. I find myself loving every track so I will ambitiously give the GOAT his flowers.

better than the other one

It feels like every musician in the 70s was looking at Stevie Wonder.

9/10, fantastic, some of my favorite soul/r&b songs

Okay so Talking Book is an amazing album that was really really great to listen to. It’s R&B/Soul and honestly for like my first time listening to the genre I am really impressed. I may find it a little hard to pick a top three but I think I’ll go Maybe Your Baby, Superstition and finally Blame it On the Sun.

Stevie wonder is legend!! I will always look fondly upon the song Superstition and You Are The Sunshine Of My Life as that was the first Stevie Wonder song I heard. I also think fondly of his appearance on Soul Train!

muy corte hawaiano la primera canción, igual re esta para una escena de amor en alguna peli. La segunda m parecio re cool, la re pondría en un bar literal m hace dar ganas de tomar un buen whisky. La tercera ya es mas animada y m re gustan los efectos, es como q m hace feliz y m hace acordar un poco a la primavera o al vídeo de happy. El chabon la rompe de una manera, si todas sus canciones serian mas como tuesday heartbreak lo amaría, encima el tono ronco q hace 🫢. en You've got it bad girl no m encanto la flauta(? q le pusieron siento q no va tanto con los otros instrumentos q usa. Superstition m re gusto pero ns en q ocasion la pondria, capaz es un poco clásica para mi, pq re iria en una peli pero para yo escucharla mientras hago algo no la veo. Big brother es reee de gaucho o bueno tipo country, no m gusta ese género pero admito q en producción esta re bien. Blame it on the sun es medio de gaucho triste, no m gusto particularmente pero en producción m re gusto el piano y las voces de fondo, m hubiera gustado q tenga un ritmo menos gaucho y religioso. Lookin for another pure love es re tranqui tipo serenata, es tipo romantico y la canta con una dulzura q dios mio, cada vez m sorprende mas la voz de este tipo. I belive m re gusto, re de película todo el album en general pero no es tan mi estilo

Sonically so beautiful. Shocked that this is so far into his career - I always underestimate how early he started

I think Stevie Wonder is amazing, and I consider *Talking Book* to be his strongest album. He may have had bigger hits, but for me, “Superstition” is his best song (just that main riff alone), while “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “I Believe” come pretty close. What else is there to say? It’s a clear 5-star album.

I get intimidated listening to stevie wonder, his music is too good for my ears. talking book is incredible. right through, it’s a great experience. you and I & tuesday heartbreak are some of my favourites now.

Que dire que dire. Très bon mais pas du tout du même niveau que Songs in the key of life. (Je suis pas fair je sais)

It's impossible to find fault with any of Stevie Wonder's classic albums. There's such a level of accomplished musicianship impeccably paired with his soulful vocal delivery and lyrics that can still touch you over half a century after they were first released. A musician like him rarely comes along and we're lucky to have an album like this one. And come on, how could anyone dislike the album that has "Superstition" on it?

Listening session: may 21st, while crocheting and cooking dinner Listened to before: listened to a few songs before Thoughts: I’m a big Stevie Wonder fan so of course I like this album, but it’s definitely not my favourite of his Favourite tracks: You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, You And I & Superstition

Decent enough - enjoyed, just scrapes a 4

#134/1001 🇺🇸 Another album that i can't find the love for. Bar the outstanding Superstition, I find this pretty dull. Musically it's slick but on the whole not that exciting. Innervisions - Stevie's next album is far more enjoyable. Best Track: Superstition.

I love the funkier songs but the soul tracks mostly don't click with me. I can see why this gets so much love because it sounds so unique and the track list is so varied, even if I wasn't a fan of most of them. Still, Superstition is a phenomenal song, I Believe is fantastic and Maybe Your Baby is great.

I mean it’s Stevie Wonder, but this isn’t my favorite of his albums

high vibrations throughout

Ihan jees. 3/5.

I enjoyed this album.

Another great stevie wonder album

Third Stevie Wonder album and third time I’m giving 4 stars. Consistently great

Buen album, medio jazzero . Me di cuenta que me sabia una de las canciones ya que es muy conocida.

First track, classic. Middle track, funky banger. Last track, classic. Everything else… it’s fine.

achei divo mana 3.9

Good Stevie Wonder album. It’s not an entirely consistent album, but there are some classics on here, and it’s overall a really fun listen.

C'mon album generator, I just had 2 Creedence Cleerwater Revival albums in the span of 2 weeks, and now I have another Stevie Wonder one too. Please can I have more variety.

It's good, just not for me.

Classic and yet still incredibly

I really enjoyed the other Stevie Wonder album I've had so far in Innervisions, but for whatever reason I found this one much harder to stomach. Whether that's because I'm just not in the right mood for it at the moment, or whether the songs are just drawling and overdramatic in comparison, I'm not really in any rush to decipher where the truth lies.

Tof! Af en toe wel een beetje achtergrondmuziek, erg goede achtergrondmuziek

Wat een ranzig lekkere nummertjes staan hier tussen. Superstition is uiteraard een topper, maar ik ging vooral heel lekker op het nummer wat erna komt, Big Brother. Schitterende melodietjes. Op andere liedjes soms wat tuned out wel.

I should probably like this more than I do

Not too bad

peakk

I can respect the talent, the production is fantastic and when they are getting funky it is killer. Overall though this album has too many gospel type soul songs for my liking. I do like when Stevie experiments and fuses jazz and psych with his soul style, sounds great.

Groovy, sick days with girls and Abby. Ate cheeseburgers and mowed

Favorite Track: Superstition

Obviously "Superstition" is the star of this album, but it contains a few other songs that I really enjoyed. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" is a great smooth opener and "Tuesday Heartbreak" has a great baseline. A few songs had some good funky parts I associate with Stevie Wonder based on his bigger hits. Most of the album was forgettable on the whole in my opinion. The first time I listed through I was tuning out near the end of the album, but "I Belive (When I Fall in Love it Will Be Forever)" brought my attention right back. I'd never heard it before and it hit me like a truck. I don't know why, but when it got to the Chorus I had to sit down just to listen, process emotions, and think. I've never had a song do that to me before. It's pretty awesome that a song can affect me like that 50+ years after it was released.

i’ve never heard a stevie wonder song that i didn’t mistake for a christmas song im sorry i just don’t get the hype

last song⚠️ wedding song

The album is smooth, polished, and Stevie's voice is a pleasure to listen to. The production on this record is very impressive for the 70s - clear and rich. However, I am simply not the target audience. I tent to not appreciate albums that are on one hand well-crafted, flow nicely and show impressive musicianship but on the other are simply just that, without any 'friction', something intriguing to dig deeper for. There are sweet songs about love, 'Maybe Your Baby' about potential cheating (that I must admit is surprisingly annoying and drags on amongst otherwise smooth tracklist), groovy 'Superstitious', and 'Big Brother' that is a very straightforward political song referencing Orwell's '1984' novel. Songs on this record go into one ear and out the other, even after many re-listens I did today. Everything kind of blends into one in my mind and I have trouble picking any highlight or melodies that would stick with me (and I usually don't have this issue and I am quick to hum a new melody). Besides, of course, the hit single 'Superstitious'. I also really liked and may be revisiting 'You've Got It Bad Girl'. I listened to only a small portion of Stevie's impressive discography but I notice I tend to like his later works. This album is a (good) background music for me.

beetje Michael Jackson achtig. prima

- Love that wonky sounding keyboard from Maybe Your Baby. - Superstition the iconic song I recognize from this album

КАЧАЕТ!

Did not like.

4/5

Such a great album. There are a few classics that got tons of radio play, but other songs here could be additional hit singles. Tuesday Heartbreak has a killer bass and wah wah guitar effect and horn. Funky and sweet. But there are three songs that don't hold up, in my opinion. They're not bad, just schmaltzy. :) 4 stars.

It's no Songs in the Key of Life or Innervisions, but it's still a great album. No stinkers on here, but beside Superstition and You and I (to a certain extent), it misses the X-factor that other Stevie songs have had.

Quite slow and boring. Superstition is the only track I enjoyed, obviously quite a famous track already..

Bom pra ouvir fazendo outras coisas. Vibe jazz de lobby. Muito bom

I hecking love Stevie

A lot of slow, low energy songs on this album. Superstition is a great song, I just wish there were more up tempo numbers to match it.

always

Nunca tinha parado para ouvir um álbum dele. Bom.

Me gustó como para escuchar un rato, la musica esta buena, es bastante tranquila pero se me hicieron bastante repetitivas las canciones, no tanto entre ellas sino dentro de la canción, como que repetía mucho las misma palabras.

What’s not to like?

Superstition is a 5. Everything else...

Loved this, superstition is certified classic but the whole album grooves along, was an enjoyable listen but I want more time with it

Big Brother is a banger. And every other song has a killer bassline

Okey

This was fine? Not really my thing. "Superstition" is great obviously, and also enjoyed "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" and "Big Brother" but the rest didn't grab me much.

was surprised how unbearably syrupy sweet this album was with Superstition being the odd one out there. don't get me wrong, the songs are great, stevie wonder is talented and his vocals are smooth and always pleasant to hear.. but after i got to experience Innervisions and SITKOL beforehand, listening to this was quite underwhelming and even a bit boring

If “Your Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “Superstition” won’t get you to four stars, what will? (Still, some parts of this album are surprisingly leaden.)

Pretty iconic!

My sense as a songwriter - not one on his level, of course, but still someone familiar with how this can work - is Stevie really excels at melody but then has to fit words to his hooks and that doesn’t always yield the best results. At times this can feel pretty shoehorned in and the Wrights aren’t always there with an assist. But, the message here is about as close to a concept album as he gets - sad, even bitter Stevie dealing with heartbreak and then moving on...maybe. 3-4 of my favourite Wonder songs and then also some other material.

Pretty good.

The singles are worth listening to but the rest was just vanilla .

I like superstition by bloody hell the rest of it is boring.

Not enough jams for me

The hits are impeccable, but the songs sandwiched around them are pretty well crafted as well, with some like Big Brother being particularly thought provoking.

Jedinica iz principa. // Bila bi dvica jer nemam ništa dobro reći o ovom albumu ali nije ni najgora stvar ikad.

Соул, фолк и много чего чего ещё.

Weird mix of grocery store slow jams, and legitimate bops

It's not a bad album at all, but not better than Innervisions or Key of Life. It's more lovey/"easy listening" than the others, and I prefer something a little more funky.

I’ve never been a big fan of You Are the Sunshine of my Life, but once we get over that speed bump, this record picks up. Stevie was pretty incredible. Parts of this feel like if 2001 A Space Odyssey was redone with a more R&B/funk vibe. It’s a weird record, but I kinda like it. It’s definitely a product of the 70s, but it feels like Stevie and the production team wanted to do it right. Superstition is a daggum masterpiece. 7.9/10

It’s Stevie … it’s 5 stars

this has restorative effects on my brain

It's easy to forget how brilliant Stevie Wonder is. This record is a great example. Just the production alone sounds like it was made with today's digital tech and not early 70s analog.

First time listening to a Stevie Wonder album. Loved this

Yet another seminal release in a career full of them. Stevie had incredible way of making incredibly soulful and catchy tunes especially at this point in his career. Another great batch of songs the feel so smooth and easy on the ears. Every instrument comes together perfectly to craft a sound space that really bring you into his world. Also some incredible guitar work when it comes though as well.

buen album tenía muchas ganas de escuchar a Stevie Wonder así que

This album is something id play on the background. No particular songs caught my attention. Probably it too menlancholic

Only managed one play. Sounded pretty good, I'll have to revisit

So, I went into this expecting to like it well enough to give it a 4. I already know and like Superstition, and was expecting an album full of songs like that. While not every song on here is like that, there are more ballads than I was expecting, every song is excellently crafted I can't help but just vibe with it. This is a very very very vibey album. I'm glad I've given it a full listen finally! Stevie Wonder is another artist (i'd previously mentioned Blondie) that I "found" back in 2017 when I was a teen and when I told my mom she'd scrunched up her nose and was like "...really? you like that song?" so I just never went deeper into their discography. This album is just so so so vibey, chill, and fun tho. "Tuesday Heartbreak" is literally so so good? and "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)" is just perfection.

Just a great consistent sound

I'm not as familiar with most of the tracks on this album as some of his other classic LPs, other than "Superstition" and "Sunshine of my Life." The latter isn't my favourite, too sappy. "Maybe Your Baby" is a sweet hard funk cut though. Like with most of Stevie's albums, there are a fair amount of wrist-slitter crying piano songs here. "You and I" is hard to get through. Tracks like this are why I personally don't rate any Stevie Wonder album among the greatest funk/soul albums around. They just don't match up to masterpieces like the Superfly soundtrack, Cold Sweat or What's Going On for me, at least as complete albums that I would ever listen to. Some of his singles are among the best of the genre, but ya, I don't appreciate the whiny songs. Anyway, I digress. "Tuesday Heartbreak" has a groove--cool track. "You've Got it Bad, Girl" ditto. "Superstition" is a timeless classic. "Big Brother" is a rare moment of Stevie getting political, and has a cool sound to it. The last three songs on the album are just whiny sap. 3/5

Hmmm. Let's be honest, when at his best, Stevie is pretty untouchable. Superstition is undoubtedly one of the greatest songs ever written, You got it bad is a fantastic number, and Sunshine of my Life is beautiful, combining that little whole tone riff and a ballad that stays just the right side of mawkish. That said, the rest of the album doesnt quite hold up, and I rolled my eyes a couple of times at Big Brother. As an album, a decent 4.

This is a masterpiece.

pretty good album, listened through fully a couple of times. Honestly its been a week or 2 so i cant put anything specific.

me gusto mucho hay que escuchar mas stevie wonder porfa, el ultimo tema 10/10

just wow, not like best 5/5 but for sure worth it

7/10 - Not quite my cup of tea but very pleasant. Enjoyed it more on a second listen than the first Fav Tracks: Blame It On The Sun, Superstition Heard before? ---–- ✅ Saved a Song? ----- ✅ Saved Album? --–-- ❌ Will Listen Again? -- ❌

An excellent album

Muito provavelmente é meu 1° contato com Stevie Wonder, sempre ouvi menções de seus talentos mas nunca parei para conhecer suas obras, mas não caiu nas minhas graças mas é inegável a qualidade das musicas

RATING: 7.5/10 HIGHLIGHT: Superstition LOWLIGHT: You’ve Got It Bad Girl

A good album, but probably also one that represents what I’m less keen on in Wonder’s work (Songs in the Key of Life aside). Superstition is of course a catchy classic, but nothing else on the album quite hits those heights. Although the rest couldn’t be described as bad, it basically consists of saccharine ballads. They’re nice enough songs, but probably better in doses smaller than this album provides.

Of all Stevie Wonder’s classic period albums I would say this is his third best. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of Innervisions of Songs in the Key of Life, but it’s still a brilliant collection of songs. ‘Superstition’ is deservedly the best known song on here, but the album contains plenty of other gems like ‘Tuesday Heartbreak’ and ‘I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will be Forever)’ Even as someone who’s usually less of a fan of ballads (of which there are quite a few on this album) I enjoy them when Stevie Wonder does them!

The big hits (‘You Are the Sunshine of My Life’, ‘Superstition’ and ‘I Believe…’) are deservedly the best-known tracks here, but my other highlight is ‘Maybe Your Baby’, a fantastic extended funk jam with a great guitar part courtesy of Mr Ghostbusters. Common to lots of Stevie’s albums, however, though they're by no means bad, I'm nowhere near as keen on the ballads, and along with ‘You’ve Got It Bad Girl’ they were my least-favourite tracks. The funky numbers were considerably stronger. The big hits are great, but the album is just good enough overall for a low 4 stars.

Genial! Hermoso el primer tema

You've got it bad girl drags but the rest of the songs rip.

Some good songs. Not my favorite.

Yeah ofc

A wonderful album heralding the arrival of spring. A little whimsical? Overproduced with sound effects? The core songs are pure Stevie funky. Nothing like it. Takes a 2nd to Songs in the key of life.

Guy can write a melody. All that gorgeousness and Superstition to boot.

Superstition is a phenomenal song and has that funky sound that Stevie Wonder does so well. Most of the other songs on this album aren't quite on the same level in my opinion, though there are some lovely, soulful ballads. I especially like Blame It On The Sun. Looking forward to more Stevie Wonder on this list - especially Songs In The Key Of Life!

Loveeee Stevie. I like songs in the key of life slightly more, but Talking Book is still a phenomenal album. 9/10

Classic Stevie. This album's songs come in 2 settings: funky or silky. I like the funky ones the most. I read bass stuff all the time and remember a good quote. Someone said the best bass player of the 70's was Stevie Wonder's left hand. His funky bass sounds exactly like Thundercat's *signature sound.

Love the energy. Upbeat from the start. Looks like I've actually already listened to "Tuesday Heartbreak" from this one.

Stevie Wonder Talking Book - 4/5 - Rhythmically hypnotic with a great infusion of soul and funk especially with Superstition standing among one of his greatest works, Innovative album no matter how you look at it considering that this was released in 1972 - Especially as this era helped birth synthesizers into the mainstream which is still widely applied to modern pop songs, A great selection of tracks that Stevie Wonder does a perfect job at producing - The Talking Book showcases Wonder’s genius from songwriting down to the most minute composition with each performance from the vocals and instruments, This project serves as an example of a great artist being given full artistic control paired with creative freedom, The political commentary in Stevie Wonder’s lyrics is very timely and I would say still relevant Verdict: 80-81/100. I can’t deny that this is a great album and among Stevie Wonder’s greatest works though I felt that the scale often from romantic ballads to funk inspired-soul or vice versa is hard to follow, personally making it hard to stay invested. Regardless though this classic-era of Stevie Wonder still remains iconic and definitely a piece not to be overlooked. Favourite Songs: You Are The Sunshine of My Life Maybe Your Baby You’ve Got It Bad Girl Superstition Lookin For Another Pure Love I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)

2/5

Favorite Track: Superstition

love that theramin

besides that elusive banger, superstition, this feels like (admittedly, good) elevator music

I was so happy to see this album yesterday! Favourite track is of course 'you are the sunshine of my life'. ☀️ Love the pacing of the album, the rhodes keyboard, and obviously stevie wonder's sunny singing.

Stevie. He's always good.

I think Stevie Wonder literally has no album duds. Tracks to Track: You are the Sunshine of My Life, Superstition, I Believe

me gusto pero no estoy en esa onda

Talking Book es uno de esos discos que entendés por qué es importante… pero no necesariamente lo sentí. Tiene momentos muy buenos, sobre todo cuando entra ese groove más funk (Superstition es imposible de ignorar), y se nota que hay una búsqueda sonora distinta, más experimental para la época. Los sintetizadores, los arreglos, la producción… todo está muy bien pensado. Pero en lo personal, no me terminó de atravesar. Lo escuché y lo valoré más desde lo técnico que desde lo emocional. No conecté del todo, no fue un disco al que volvería por cómo me hace sentir, sino más por lo que representa. Y está bien también eso: hay discos que te cambian la cabeza, y otros que entendés por qué cambiaron la historia, aunque a mi me cambien tanto.

Pas mal de synthe, assez funk, 15eme album de stevie wonder. Pas mal de trompettes, peut faire penser a motown dans l’enregistrement studio. A gagné un grammy. Parfois bien US et folk. Assez heterogene et du coup super interessant de l’entendre sur des sonorités bien différentes.

Maybe most disappointing part of this thing is learning that I just don’t like Stevie Wonder

4.25 Timeless

good enough

5/10

So good. Nobody does it like Stevie. The beginning of his generational album run and more mature than what came before.

Honestly, all the songs were fine. The biggest hits for me were the first song and Superstition.

i don't know if i'll consider this a 5-star album. innervisions? yes. songs? yes. fulfillingness? yes. talking book will be at least 4 stars, no question. ok, just looking at the songlist before bed. yeah, prolly a 5-star album. yep. perfect

Stevie's 15th album. I challenge you to name 15 of his songs. For every fantastic masterpiece of a song, there's another 38.5 minutes of forgettable generic background lounge.

Superstition and Blame it on the Sun are great. I Believe too. I love funky Stevie. I love political Stevie. I can't stand lovesong Stevie and there's just a bit too much of him on here for a 5.

As much as I wanted it to, this didn't really do much for me. A lot of songs that ranked on a lot. Many well posted their welcome. Maybe your baby being the worst offender full of adlibs and a really lame sounding guitar solo. It made hay Jude sounds like a 2 minute pop song. The greatness of superstition is amplified by the other tracks not ageing to it's precision... And that groove man, every second is beautiful. Sadly beyond that there are a couple of social commentaries that are alright but nothing of in the city level and a couple of saccharine ballads that are catchy and just on the ok side of cheesy... But without superstition this album would do very little for me.

It kind of surprises me that this is my first full Stevie Wonder album, I started Songs in the Key of Life a long time ago, but then I saw it was like 2 hours long and I put on another album instead (it was The Black Parade). But this was a really interesting album, there was a ton of really cool stuff in here. I definitely think the album excels when it's doing a more upbeat thing, the more chill ballady songs didn't really work as well for me. But regardless, this was a really fun listen, I will definitely be revisiting it in the future. Favorites: Maybe Your Baby, Superstition, I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)

Not the absolute best Stevie Wonder, but pretty close. These instrumentals are like an ear massage. With Stevie's wonderful vocals on top, the result is near flawless. Sadly, Talking Book is a victim of its creator's brilliance and, as a result, it slightly pales in comparison to his later work. Favourite track: Superstition

PORRA QUE COISA LINDA, QUE INSTRUMENTAÇÀO MARAVILHOSA LINDO LINDO LINDO, A MÚSICA DO POVO NEGRO É A MELHOR DO MUNDO MESMO. Não é a toa que eles deram origem a maioria dos gêneros musicais, merecem maior reconhecimento!!!

Very very good. Maybe your baby great track

Stevie Fricking Wonder

Bien Stevie algún buen temazo

8/10

Even though I'm not into soul music at all, there's plenty of good stuff in the more upbeat funk numbers. Not on the level of Innervisions or Songs In The Key but when it's good, it's great.

2 or 3 songs that I’ll listen to in the future. Overall pretty good and funky, LOTS of repetition in some songs that are too long for my taste

Stevie Wonder is kinda a weird one for me. His music is my genre on paper, but it never really grew on me. It's fine, but it's kind of overly positive and sweet. Although, arrangements are crazy good and some tracks on this record are real masterpieces.

Goat

I don’t think it’s for me but I can still appreciate it! I like the funky sound and warm atmosphere this album brings

Stevie Wonder is so funky and talented. I didn't previously know the track I believe, but it's so good. And of course, Superstition is an icon of a song.

Not as diverse and adventurous as some of his other work, but that's only because he's amazing, so this album is still good and full of shining moments too

Mesmerizing, gorgeous.

Banger

Superstitions it's simply perfect

Duh

I’m not a fan of Stevie Wonder. I mean, he’s objectively talented but maybe there’s something about his voice? I don’t know, I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it ain’t this album that’s changing my mind

This is a lovely record, that I haven't heard probably in decades. Stevie Wonder of course has a great voice, and these songs were already playing in my head before I even put the record on. A nice antidote to the noisy stuff I usually like to listen to.

This is as good a time as any to introduce my Stevie Wonder Rule. For every possible human emotional state, there is a Stevie Wonder song that will make you feel a little bit better. That includes everything from your lowest lows to your highest highs. Part of my case for this would include three songs on this album. I first conceived the rule when my father-in-law told me how he fell in love with “Superstition.” He was a young man in Franco’s Spain doing work that was boring, difficult, and somewhat dangerous even in the last days of the regime. He loved Spain but was homesick all the time. But one day in El Corte Inglés (sort of Spain’s Selfridge’s) he heard “Superstition” and he knew everything would be okay. And I used “You are the Sunshine of My Life” and “I Believe” as part of the video to family we sent to our family announcing we were having a son because I couldn’t find any other songs that would express the way I felt. I’m sure many other people have data points that fit the theory! Anyway I’m running out of steam for tonight but this can’t be anything but a five for me. I love the other songs but it’s really those three sonic monuments are what does it.’

Really good Stevie that had a blend of styles. Fave songs: Superstition, You and I, end of I Believe

2.5 stars I thought I liked this album more, but on this listen I realized I mistook enjoying the singles that open each side as representing the quality of the entire album. While not bad, most of the songs are pretty mid and forgettable, or go on a little too long and repetitive. Production and instrumentation is great just like his better albums, but not really as worthy of repeated listens as others.

I enjoyed it more than I would have guessed before I listened. 70’s through and through.

Didn't know this one. Listening to the first song right now and love it already!

Gostei, porém algumas achei meio genérico

meh

Refined, polished Stevie slinging some love songs. I'm more familiar and a bigger fan of some of his other work, but there's nothing to dislike here.

If this is the first album of Stevie's classic period then he was on a hell of a run, excited when other entries following this come up

Stevie Wonder is amazing. I think I like Songs In The Key Of Life better than Talking Book, but this album is a classic too.

Maybe Your Baby is an instant fave. I only knew Superstition going in. Wow, I get it. If only the whole album was that funky. The saccharine slow love songs didn’t do it for me at all. Saying that, Stevie has more musical talent in his pinkie finger than I will ever possess.

very good

bored out of my mind with this one

For an album that has "Superstition" on it, it surprisingly pretty forgettable electronic keyboard and sleepy soul.

Fave songs: • You are the sunshine of my life • You and I • Superstition 10/10 any day - banger after banger

It is still just an absolute pleasure.

Sonically pleasing and complex arrangements for seemingly simple songs.

Keyboards and synths You are the sunshine of my life Superstition I believe

6/10 So you got Superstition, one of the greatest ever songs committed to recorded media. A funk deep in it's soul that excites the toes. Then there is the rest of this album which is the Stevie Wonder I don't like - lame, jazzy, insipid

Enjoyed this one, very different vibe from yesterdays and I'm not mad about it.

Funky album I like it even better than songs to the key of life and that was 5 stars

Talking Book is seen by a lot of people as the start of a legendary run by Stevie Wonder and his very lush Soul discography. Personally i think it starts a bit earlier with 1971's Where I'm Coming From, but I will come back to that project at some point to talk about it at a later time. Talking Book shows this elevated version of Stevie Wonder that has been slowly blooming for years as those early childhood projects slowly built up his musical ability and confidence to a level I don't think anyone ever saw coming. I don't think this is a super strong album all things considered but man is there a lot of greatness to unpack in the same breathe. Superstition is the classic track from this project but I also think You Are the Sunshine of My Life, You and I, and Blame It on the Sun are also standouts on this wonderfully smooth album. The compositions are stunning as always and Stevie feels so at home here on this project as he lets it all go out in such a freeing fashion. This album most certainly paved the way for something like Songs In The Key of Life, but I just don't personally see it as a close project to the level that is at. Talking Book is still a project well worth your time and I could not recommend it enough to anyone looking to getting into Soul as a genre or Stevie Wonder's discography.

sehr beruhigend, sehr schön, wow. wirklich 5/5

seguro que era ciego?

Some absolute classics on this album. Would be a 5 but I think there are a few too many average.

Catchy pop soul with some great funky moments not as keen on the ballads.

Mmm, está bien. Medio genérico. Lo groovy sigue ahí pero le falta fuerza

Album with Superstition on it. Easy listening and good funk sounds

Super funky pero atmosférico a la vez. Perfecto background music.

i want more soul and funk, decent here but really great for a first album so young

6/10

Wobbles between softer prog rock Stevie and funky as all hell Stevie. Its a bit dated in some respects but i think i give it 5 stars because of notinly Supersrition being a fucking amazing balls to the wall song but the fact that Stevie plays pretty much everything on here. Dude is a beast!

Decent but kinda meh.

Always a classic. Good music for sure.

If it would not be for Superstition, this would be much worse. Elevatormusic...

i enjoyed it!

havnt heard much stevie wonder before so i went into this with no real expectations and ended up liking it a lot. It was great music for my mood yesterday and ended being a good album to have on while I was reading.

Pretty songs but don’t love it

Superstition! Does that alone warrant a 4 minimum? Yes but also the rest I think. Ultimately went with a 3 because I don’t think I’ll necessarily re-listen anytime soon

I'm still somewhat of a Stevie agnostic in terms of personal enjoyment, and there are a handful of moments on this record that are a bit smooth for my liking, but there's quite a bit on here that I really love. "Maybe Your Baby" and "Superstition" are obviously the big funky highlights (the latter has never grown old for me); "You and I" is one of my favorite ballads of his; "Big Brother" has one of my favorite arrangements on the record; "I Believe" is fantastic and an excellent album closer. This is a damn high 3.5 that could potentially rise in my estimations one day. 3.5/5

Album #120 Stevie Wonder: Talking Book Stevie Wonder is an incredibly consistent artist; every project that I have heard from him has been around the same level of quality. It seems hard for me to imagine that he would ever produce an album that I would rate below a seven, yet at the same time, I don’t think I’ll ever hear an album from him that I would give above a 9. Songs In The Key Of Life is wonderful and an incredibly impressive album. I can enjoy it all the way through, and pretty much every song is good, yet nothing about it resonates enough with me to consider it an all-time favourite. Talking Book is similar; there is maybe one song that I don’t enjoy, and the rest are quite pleasant, but for whatever reason, nothing about this album demands my praise. I think that is the nature of the music, it is incredibly agreeable and universally enjoyable, so naturally it is quite favoured, but I feel like it lacks the wow-factor that I feel when listening to other albums. I’m sure I am the problem, and this album is still really good, but for now, I am still searching for my Stevie Wonder masterpiece. Best Songs: Superstition, I Believe, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life Worst Song: Maybe Your Baby Score out of 10: 7

Low/mid 4. Some masterful work and certified classics but a few forgettable tracks as well

This album's saving grace is that it has Superstition on it, a timeless classic. But don't be fooled, that level of inspiration and performance is nowhere to be found on this album outside of the first track. Stevie Wonder was clearly going for more soul on the rest of the tracks, but I found them to be seriously boring. This gets a 3 onyl by virtue of having Superstition, otherwise it'd be a 2; disappointing to say the least.

If this was more funky and less sappy it could easily be a 5.

Stevie Wonder turned 22 the year this album was released. And it was his fifteenth album. Just let that sink in for a moment! I love the sound of the Fender Rhodes keyboard on the opening track, Lookin for Another Pure Love and elsewhere... also the clavinet like in Superstition, and some Moog synths in You and I. They're such distinctively 70s sounds, but I love them. Whereas the Joni Mitchell album the other day was lacking in melody and structure... this album is like the antithesis -- burgeoning with memorable hooks, Wonder a masterful tunesmith. Though there are a few rather saccharine moments, listening to this was a pleasure.

This grew on me after encountering it a few years ago. While being a master of soul, Stevie expands his sound so much here and adds a heavy dose of funk and flare to the sweetness he was known for as a teen musician. 72 was the year he fully came into his own, with two projects where he demonstrated what he was truly capable of. I have a soft spot for artists who do it all, not only the vocals but nearly all the instrumentation themselves, as he does here. It’s fully his artistic vision and a great early release, certainly not the last we’ll be hearing from him here. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Superstition, Maybe Your Baby

Expectation: -> An American icon, though not someone I seek out. After listening: -> This is timeless and definitely worthy of a listen in 2026. Some all-time ear worms. Recall as a kid spontaneously humming some of these chorus sections. Track ranking: (skipped d/t time constraint)

I did not see this one coming. I kind of assumed I wasn't going to like this but it was funky and fun, definitely enjoyed listening to it. Went through it a couple of times.

heard it/own it. culminates with I Believe when i fall in love. good funk grooves.

I love 70s Stevie Wonder way more than 80s Stevie Wonder, which is how I first knew him. This is an album I could listen to again.

Me gustó, tiene continuidad, suena bien. Te rasca el cerebro. Si bien tiene el sonido 80s se siente en una forma atemporal. 1. You are the Sunshine of my life 2. Maybe your baby 2. Superstition

Not bad album!

177/1001 First listen. No thanks. Superstition was cool though. 4/10

Me gustó, muy lindas canciones

Some great songs. The rest was just plain enjoyable

One of the best albums I've heard. The musicianship, the lyrics, and Stevie's voice make for a complete piece that does everything right. Big brother stood out as a favorite that I haven't heard before.

Good lyrics from other era !!! 2 very good songs the rest seems to be part of the context of the time

Nice, classy and cheerful

loveit

8/10

Can appreciate Stevie’s talent but not really for me. Too sugary beige and even the monster tune Superstition which is a banger couldn’t save it for me. 2.5/5.

its fuckin stevie wonder dude. like, of course its great. what can i even say that hasn't already been said? theres not a single bad song to be found here. i love the soaking wet moog bass on "maybe your baby", and obviously "superstitious" fucks, but "i believe (when i fall in love it will be forever)" might be my favourite. it hits deep down inside so hard the hook had me tryin to sing along on my first listen even tho i didn't know the words yet. can u believe he plays every single part on this track himself? incredible..... as a whole album, one thing that stands out to me about it is how clean the production sounds. along with the constant use of electric pianos and synths, it makes the album feel both ahead of its time, but also timeless. like this album could've dropped any time in the last 45 years, but somehow it's even older than that. do u understand? a solid as fuck album, as expected. damn. i love music....