Reviews (page 7 of 13)
One of at least 5 Stevie Wonder albums that are superb
nice album, never really listened to stevie before and a nice introduction to soul. without the weak spots and repeating lyrics in the album this would be a 5 for me
holy fuck this is incredible. The beats, vocals are insane. An ultimate vibe of mellowness. The use of the keyboard and synthesizer is insane.
It's hardly bad when it has two absolute classic songs on it but it's not my favourite Stevie album.
one of my favorites of Stevie's
classic
Soul, good feels
Stevie was never that popular in my country. You'd knew of him, some major hits but a deeper look into his catalogue was rare. I was really surprised the first time I listened to his actual records, rather than the radio friendly hits, how - behind the facade of poppy melodies and beautiful voice - there was so much complexity in rhythm, chord progressions and entire compositions. This one is no different and I really enjoyed it although I must say some parts felt being made complex for the sake of it and that was a bit annoying. 4/5
Too bad I listened to this Tuesday Heartbreak on a Monday… guess I’ll just Blame It On the Sun.
stevie wonder is a man of magic
Zeer relaxed natuurlijk
Felt like this album was all over the place, like a bunch of sketches thrown together with not a great deal of overarching narrative. Great music, but not enough consistency.
Fine album
Classic!
Great, but not Songs in the Key!
Enjoyable album
Excellent. 4.5
Incredible musician at top of his game
This was a relaxing listen for a Friday afternoon. The three heavy hitters on this one make it a stone cold classic. When “I Believe” came on to close it out, my mind immediately pictured the ending scene and credit roll from “High Fidelity”. Nice nostalgia bomb there and prompted me to revisit that film over the weekend. It holds up…
The three hits remain solid standouts. And the rest of it was also a really good chill and groovy listen. The use of Moog/synth layerings to create orchestral fills and groove ambience is pretty revolutionary for the time in 1972, and just another level of how talented Stevie is. The fact that he played most instruments on this, was a major hand in the production…and all at the age of 22 is pretty amazing and equally hard to comprehend.
Probably the best album from Steven. Also him at his Steviest, meaning 50% and 50% sappy. Though I prefer the former over the latter, he can definitely hit both gears successfully. The mix is enough to keep this at a solid four.
Listening to Maybe Your Baby I was like “good god that bass slaps!” Did a lil research and apparently Stevie played the bass part himself and used the TONTO synthesizer. TONTO, which stands for "The Original New Timbral Orchestra," was a massive, room-filling synthesizer system that included elements from Moog synthesizers. Never realized how innovative Stevie was in the production of his records. Bravo.
I like this album a lot. Total vibes. But also some real talk wrapped in a funky package. Superstition slaps, obvi, but many other noteworthy tracks. 4/5
4/5
I mean, come on. This might be Stevie’s best. It certainly helps that “Superstition” is here. I consider that to be one of the best songs ever recorded. This is Stevie at his finest. The soul, the funk, the grooves, and the gospel all converge for an album by a seasoned artist who knows how to channel all his best energies and in which directions to create a masterpiece. Did I love every song? No. But even the slower ones (which are usually snoozers for me with Stevie) were undeniably wonderful. There’s just something about his music. The reassuring quality in his voice, the sincerity of the lyrics, and the soul of it all really makes you feel warm and cozy. I could never dislike a Stevie album. I don’t think that’s possible. And this one is fantastic. Four stars. Standout Tracks: You Are the Sunshine of My Life, Tuesday Heartbreak, Superstition, Big Brother, Blame it on the Sun
Actual question: how the fuck does Stevie play the drums? I mean, I guess these drums DO sound like they’re being played by a blind man, and I mean that literally, because they’re very percussive and feel like he’s mostly washing and maybe even physically holding onto the hi-hat and tapping toms and whatnot. But still, how does he SEE what he’s doing?! Like, piano, guitar, harmonica, those all require you to physically touch the instrument. But with drums, you’re only touching the sticks, so you can’t physically decipher what you’re playing based on touch alone, right? I know that there’s different definitions of the word “blind” and obviously rhythm isn’t visual, duh, but how does he see what he’s hitting?! It’s just so odd that he’s able to play the drums, and play them so goddamn well!! Anyway, Talking Book is pretty great. Definitely a Growing Pains™️ album, and my least favorite imperial era album, but it has a lot fewer blemishes than I remember and still slaps.
In parts the funkiest and least funky album of all time. Oh Stevie! Why do you do this?
one of the few albums from his legendary 70s run! He saw the vision and executed perfectly and its not even a top 3 stevie album personally! (4.0/5.0)
Funky as hell and amazing that SW recorded so much of the album himself.
I feel like Stevie Wonder are the CEO of songs I’ve heard before but don’t know the name of or know anything about really. (Superstition and most of the songs from Key of Life are the exceptions) I’m glad to change that, because there is a reason I have heard them, and it is because they are gems. It is not a genre I’m too familiar with but I can tell it has inspired and influenced a lot of the modern pop and rap music I love and adore today. Favorite track(s): Tuesday Heartbreak, Superstition
very easy listening, enjoyable from start to finish
Bastante bien. Un par de canciones que no conocía y me gustaron bastante.
All of his stuff is great. I don’t like this one as much as the ones that come after this, but still good on its own Rating: 3.9
Perfect Sunday morning
A very smooth album, almost "easy listening" to my ears. All of the songs flow together nicely and it keeps a consistent feeling throughout. I like the use of synths and the guitar especially, I'm always a sucker for that raw "plucky" sound of an acoustic used in that way. I'd only heard "Superstition" before so it's interesting to hear it in conversation with the rest of the album, which generally flows in a less funky direction. A fun album and a nice chance to hear more of Stevie's music. Favorite song: "Superstition".
+4
I'm glad I listened beyond the first track. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" is a slow-paced synth/keyboard ballad that left me wishing for the almost-unbearable funk levels of "Superstition". Thankfully, clever ballads like "Blame it on the Sun" and the aforementioned "Superstition" make this a must-listen. I'm not sure if it will become one of my most-played albums but when Stevie snaps into the grid he's unbeatable.
Stevie’s voice is just unquestionably one one the top five male vocalists of all time. His runs/scats are so next level that it’s insane. That on top of inventive and unique piano/keyboard arrangements that he really is one of my favorite artists that we’ve had in this list. You and I literally brought a tear to my eye with how beautiful it was (or it could’ve been just how bad state played, who’s to say). Really wanted to give it a five but there was just one to many stinkers on here.
Only knew two songs coming into this album but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good variation and obviously some incredible vocal talent from Stevie. There were some moments that reminded me of a Yeah Yeah Yeahs album with the repeated lyrics, but it didn't effect the experience too much.
14 albums before you release your biggest hit! Superstitious almost feels out of place with how big it is, but the rest of the album is great too. It just grabs your attention every time you here it. Even if you are grooving along to the rest of the album.
I agree with the other reviewers. Stevie is amazing, but this isn't his best album ever. Still lovely and pleasant to listen to though!
A landmark album from Stevie Wonder, where he proves himself as an independent artist and someone to be taken seriously. Previously, he'd been considered a child prodigy, acting mainly according to the directions of his management and record label. Really, it's his second album displaying his new artistic freedom and explorations of layered electronics. But 'Talking Book' is huge step forward from 'Music of My Mind'. You only need to listen to 'Superstition' to understand that he's becoming a whole new kind of artist here. I hadn't listened to this album before, but it's really impressive. For me, it's not quite as good as the follow up, 'Innervisions', but still a great album marking the 'classic era' of an incredible performer.
Classic stuff from his golden period.
What a voice, and what a talented composer. This music is anything but tired and cyclical. Stevie winds in and out of funk and sole music so effortlessly and brings a specific flair that has yet to be replicated. The composition is exquisite and the record soars when the funk is strongest, whereas the album trails toward gospel at the end and while this isn’t terrible it’s just less mesmerizing. All in all an excellent tracking of his creativity.
No private session needed for Stevie. Great album a couple of songs I love, when my son's birth was approaching I created a play list for the occasions and the hazy weeks afterward. Of course "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" was on it.
very cheesy sometimes, but the good tracks are GOOD 3.5 rounding up
Stevie wonder has such an amazing voice. I’ve never heard this whole album was really fantastic.
Great album. 4
Me agrado
When I think of Stevie Wonder, Superstitious is the song I think of immediately. This is a song that still all these years later people instantly hear and groove too fondly. His lyrics in this album are clear and honest. What impresses me most is that his voice has so much depth, clear and smooth to jazzy throat rasp, it scratches all the right parts of your brain. His immense talent as a blind artist makes him a legend, which does not surprise me this album is on this list.
Absolutely enjoyed this album!
Too ballady for my taste. But Superstition!
There's a reason that this album is so highly rated. Stevie kills it. 1972. His voice sounds so classic while also sounding new and unique at the same time. Hearing this album for the first time was eye-opening and is definitely my favorite from him. My favorite song is "I Believe" because it is used in the movie "High Fidelity" with John Cusack which is also a favorite of mine.
Stevie Wonder just has a vibe about him that works. Whereas the lyrics would sound cheesy coming from another artist, it just comes together with him.
4☆/5 08.18.2024
can’t go wrong with mr wonder
I truly cannot believe this was made in 1972 when he was 21-22 years old, and it was his 15th(!!!) album lmao. Just unreal. "You are the Sunshine of my Life" is an all-timer, what can you even say. "Maybe Your Baby" is FUNKY goodness gracious. Sorta snoozed during the first half of "You and I" but the back half brought it home, such nice chords and lyrics. All the piano and sax fills on "Tuesday Heartbreak" are just delightful. Not really a fan of "You've Got it Bad Girl" - the recorder kinda took me out of it, sounded too much like the Twitter meme vids. "Superstition" riff is iconic, just so much energy packed into this song. "Big Brother" god damn, such a based song. "Blame it on the Sun" is so simple but so substantive - he has a knack for telling simple yet profound stories. I liked the intro callback in "Lookin for Another Pure Love" to the opening track, but that's... about where it ended - major second-to-last-song energy here (good guitars tho). "I Believe" is so good and so sweet, really makes you melt - GREAT album ender.
I absolutely loved this album and now inspired to explore more of Stevie Wonder’s discography. Before, being much of the “greatest hits” rather than exploring albums. I adored the stark contrast between the opening and second tracks - sunshines to jealousy and fear. I appreciated the emotional journey he took me on with each song evoking strong feelings. This was one that I will return to.
Frábært stöff.
Favorite Tracks: Superstition You Are The Sunshine Of My Life Big Brother
Really enjoyed the early days of Stevie, more mellow than the 80s version
Great musicianship, absolutely brilliant Superstition. Compared to his other bests a bit corny with all the love, at times sugar on sugar.
Great album!
Superstition. Enough said. 4/5
I've never been a big Stevie Wonder fan, but his peak period in the 70's deserves a listen. There are several songs on Talking Book that are amongst his most popular works and accessible to the mainstream with appearances on the charts. There's no doubt, Superstition is one of his classic hits and You Are The Sunshine Of My Life has a place on my guilty pleasures list. The album closes with, I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) that gets extra marks for it's appearance on the soundtrack for High Fidelity, that surely got my attention. Personally,, not 5 stars, but one of his better records
4 out of 5. First Stevie Wonder album I listened to from start to finish and it left a good first impression. I can see why people rated this one so highly online, good rhythm and melody that I can tell influenced a lot that came afterwards. Favorite song: You and I (Blame it on the Sun comes in a very close second) Least favorite song: Lookin' For Another Pure Love (hard pressed to pick this, no songs were bad)
Crazy that this is his fifteenth album!
Phenomenal stuff, superstition is one of the greatest songs of all time
I have definitely heard the instrumental progression on You've Got It Bad Girl sampled somewhere, but cannot place it... really frustrating. Superstition is just a fantastic song. Made for strutting to. This was a pleasant listen start to finish. No lows to speak of and the highs were soaring. Really enjoyable listen. Low 4 / 5 for me.
Another good morning run album, but for different reasons than Aerosmith. Smooth tracks with few real standouts (Superstition is obviously a hit), but also never any low points at all.
Smooth piano and singing all throughout. Stevie plays so many different instruments on this whole album. This is the first whole album I have listened to from Stevie Wonder, I didn't realize how great his voice was. Fun fact, I saw Stevie Wonder in concert at the F1 race in Austin TX back in 2017. I was sitting in the grandstands about 1 mile away so I couldn't really tell what was going on. It was a very random person to have there but it was pretty awesome.
This was a beautiful album. His voice is so velvety smooth. Some songs dragged on for me but were still quality. Superstition is one of the greatest songs of all time. High 4.
Obviously, some really excellent music on here! I think that Stevie Wonder was building on the sound of Sly & the Family Stone’s “There’s a Riot Going On” but with a much sunnier vibe. I’m only giving it four stars because, for me, some of the ballads don’t hold my attention as well.
8/10 Funk. yes. 7-2-2024
Stevie is an absolute joy to listen to always, he makes his own stuff, with his own manners, with makes him and his music have so much personnality. This here has some absolute classics but just doesn't always go above and beyond like his later albums will do
This has to be my favorite Stevie Wonder album... I haven't heard them all, but there are just so many amazing songs, and the whole vibe is smooth and calming the whole way through. And "I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)" is just a top tier song.
Some classic stevie wonder here superstition is obviously incredible and blame it on the sun was a surprise hit for me. There are some great songs here but also some songs that don't stand out really, which slows it down to a 4 for me. Consistently good, not consistently all time great
This website heard me talking shit on my last review. Hit me with this. Thank you, website. You answered my request. Banger album. Superstition is a massive hit, but "Maybe Your Baby" and "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)" are for me. I definitely prefer the more funky stuff off this album as opposed to the softer ballads, but yeah. This album is it.
An absolutely stellar album - there are a couple of weaker songs that keep it from being a 10/10 but so many hits - an amazing showcase of musicianship. It's hard to believe he almost gave away Superstition - I know it's played to death but that song is flawless. I hope to get more Stevie Wonder albums on here but will listen to the rest of his discography no matter what.
It's Stevie Wonder at his best. Classic.
insanely deep and rich compositions. i like it, not as much as songs in the key of life, but i dont like most things as much as songs in the key of life. stevie is lowk the goat, his music is truly beautiful, something that can be appreciated by pretty much everyone
Stevie Wonder always makes good albums. This album is very cozy and I enjoyed it a lot. Superstition is my favorite song on the album. I consider this a high 4/5
Great album barring a couple errant notes from chimes or something, which drew away from the performance.
Beautiful music.
Good stuff
this isn’t my favorite Stevie Wonder album, or even close to his best but it’s a testament to how skilled and talented he is that this album is still so high quality. it seems like people forget how talented Stevie Wonder really is until they actually hear something he took part in. i know this album has a couple hits on it but the deep cuts are even better. “Blame it on The Sun” and “Big Brother” are two standouts examples of how great this album is. I don’t really know if there’s a bad Stevie Wonder album at all and he deserves his flowers as one of the best artists in his genre and even of all time.
I really enjoyed listening to that. It's one of my girlfriend's favorite artists so it's definitely going to stay in the collection for playing up with the cottage.
Nice album by a great musician
Me gusto pero no es muy mi estilo, tengo que aceptar que es muy buen album
This whole time, I thought that tasty bass line in Superstion was played on an actual bass guitar.... Today I learned it is actually played on a hohnee clavinet, a Moog bass synthesizer. It doesn't ruin it for me.. It actually impresses me still because it is Stevie Wonder who wrote and played it and not a bandmate. Stevie Wonder has a great voice. Maybe one of the best. His songs are all tasty. There were a few songs on that record that stood out. Of course Superstition. But for me in particular Big Brother. It had a nice acoustic guitar sound with complimentary bass lines and a harmonica. Simple but well crafted.
I hear a lot of critical pushback about the "sappy love songs" on this album but to quote Paul McCartney "Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs... And what's wrong with that?" These are some of the greatest ones ever put to wax, show some gratitude or make peace with whomever broke you.
Really solid album. The start of Stevie's legendary 70s output. Although, I feel this album is just a bit weaker than the rest of his on the list. Has some monster bangers, but also a couple of "okay" songs, and one that isn't that good
Quality record - like the ballads and the funk
Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book is serene. It’s way calmer then its more famous successor Songs In The Key of Life, but thats okay. You get some fire tracks because of that, like Superstition. I can’t lie, this tracklist bored out towards the last two songs, but for the majority of it, I was reeled in. Stevie’s voice is just too calming and mystifying. A great album.
Smooth and soulful
This is the 3rd Stevie Wonder album I've gotten from this site, and I am getting SO TIRED of.... having to come up w/ new & interesting ways to talk about how awesome Stevie Wonder is. XD I mean, to start off with, this is his 15th album. At age 22. His first album was recorded at age 12, which makes 15 albums in 10 years. How many people have managed that at ANY age? I'd only heard the first tracks on each side of the LP, but every track is great. Superstition is an absolute banger, timeless, & I still find it hard to believe that's not a guitar (it's a clavinet)- the actual guitar solo by Jeff Beck (in \"Lookin' for Another Pure Love\") is another nice touch. But anyway, yeah- Stevie rules.
Solid album. A few songs I enjoyed but overall its not my preferred genre.
I mean, it's Stevie Wonder. What's not to love? And Superstition is one of the best songs of all time.
Bardzo przyjemne. Nie spodziewałem się, że pan Stevie Wonder tworzy taką dobrą muzykę. Dużo utworów o miłości. You are the sunshine of my life i Superstition to dwa najlepsze utwory. 4/5
Thankfully someone has read my review on an earlier Stevie Wonder album (Songs in the Key of Life) and has prevented the mistake of stretching the lenght of songs far past breaking point as on that album. Glad to be of service. By not making the same mistake again this is actually a pretty decent album.
I enjoy Stevie Wonder and absolutely love ‘Superstition’. This was a nice listen, forgot how diverse the sounds were in his music. Certainly a lot of deeper interest within the music. 4.25/5
Listened Before? N This is great! I'm largely unfamiliar with most Stevie Wonder works, and this was a good introduction. I like the variety, and his voice and composition are both awesome on this record. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Superstition
I like Stevie Wonder, despite rarely listening to his music. This album has the trade mark Stevie Wonder feel to it. After listening to it three times, I do feel that the highlights are the two big hits from the album ('You Are The Sunshine Of My Life' and 'Superstition'), but the other tracks are all good, there isn't really a bad track. I took note of the melody of 'Big Brother', which seemed ambitious, but Stevie still managed to make it groovy. The melodies along with the chord progressions in these songs show how versatile he is as an artist and songwriter. FAVORITE TRACKS: - You Are The Sunshine Of My Life - Maybe Your Baby - Superstition 4/5
He was a wonderful musician!
Pure class from top to bottom. Even the minor cuts offer major (if sometimes subtle) rewards (see "Maybe Your Baby," "You Got It Bad"). "Superstition" has a hook for the ages, a high-water mark in that most hookiest of decades, the '70s. "Big Brother" is mellowly groovy and quite intricate. From the opening "Sunshine of My Life" to the closing "I Believe (When I Fall In Love)," the whole thing feels warm and bright and sweet (if occasionally shading into sentimentality) and even life-affirming. There's no doubt Stevie Wonder's gifts have made the world a better place.
Solid album!
I like the album, but I’m in a bit of a lull with the list. Stevie Wonder is a fantastic musician and I’ll always be in all of his abilities. Admittedly though, that keyboard tone started to get a bit old to me. Still, really good.
Loved this
I need to smoke that shit that made Stevie wonder. Great, great album. This one comes to us amid Apple Music's publication of their "100 Best Albums" list. Lots of great albums on there, including many from our 1001 list over here. They have Innervisions from Stevie (another excellent one), but no Songs in the Key of Life. I'd call this one a third excellent entry from Stevie, third place behind Innervisions (Songs will always be top dog). Not dramatically different than his other albums, at least to me, but when you do what you this well, who could possibly mind? "Superstition" is such a classic. He really is one of the greats, man. Favorite tracks: Superstition, You are the Sunshine, Big Brother, You and I, Lookin' for Another Pure Love, I Believe. Album art: Classic for sure, love this one. Cool outfit, cool pose, chilling in the wild somewhere. The framing and text really makes this one pop. 4.5/5
4/5. Love Superstitious. Banger of an album.
Not my thing, but too good for that to matter.
More black man swagger by Stevie Wonder. 4/5
funky and beautiful. idk what yer problem is kyle.
Stevie Wonder writes some great songs, and I know this is the start of he best period of work, but this album has songs that hit that point and is not fully a part of his peak.
Some fantastic songs on here, straight up classics! I was also pleasantly surprised by the variety between tracks, I had obviously heard the hits and for whatever reason I expected the rest of the album to be similar, I was excited to hear so many varied styles on one album.
I like Stevie Wonder and I like this album. The “singles” in this album are certainly the most memorable with Superstition being a top song regardless of genre for me! But overall the rest of the songs don’t stand out too much but are fine as.
Of the “big three” Stevie Wonder albums, this is my least favorite. But it’s still Stevie at his peak, and Superstition may be his greatest ever song.
This album was very mixed for me. I didn't really like the first half of the album that much. The slower songs were cheesy and saccharine. The faster songs had a cool, funky vibe, but veered too much into experimental jam-band territory for me. The clavinet is a fascinating instrument, and so linked to Stevie Wonder. But there are songs on the album where it sounds more like a weird mash-up of a theremin and a cheesy synth. And the ad-libbing of the background singers got kind of annoying after a while. However, starting with Superstition, the album gets a lot better. The second half was very strong. If the album was just the last five songs I would rate it much higher. Highlights: Superstition, Big Brother I'll give it a 4, but it's really a 3.5
The album that carries "Superstition" has aged so well. While the aforementioned reigns supreme as one of the more recognizable songs in Stevie Wonder's career from late night classic radio, to his performance on Soul Train, this album carries the brilliant energy of that song. The album is groovy, full of rich melody, and probably one this reviewer's favorite love songs in "You and I". The younger generations might recognize that from Michael Bubles cover, a very good one, but Stevie Wonder's performance of it carried a different weight. Great album, great musician/artist, perhaps even becoming a lost or forgotten art in 2024.
Yayy
# Playlist track - Superstition # Notes - This is the album that has "Superstition" so I was really impressed that it was not the most popular track. I didn't know "Your Are The Sunshine Of My Life" but it IS pretty good too! - Super enjoyable album. - Some nice tricks are overdone, like the chorus on "Maybe Your Baby", so -1 star for that.
After getting a string of somewhat forgettable albums, it seems like the music gods have smiled and delivered yet another great--and classic--album with "Talking Book". I've never been a big Stevie Wonder listener, so I can't speak to whether there are other, better albums by him for this collection, but this certainly seems like a strong contender (and the Wikipedia article seems to confirm this). I'm also really impressed to find out that he not only composed everything but also played most of the instruments for the album (with some great guests on some of the songs). It's kind of shocking to read that this was Stevie Wonder's *15th* studio album, yet it's also considered just the beginning of his "classic" period (which seems to coincide with the 1970s). Popular, prolific and a nice guy--quite a feat!
Uneven album but I love the musical range and when he's on, he's on fire! Enjoyed this more than I expected to.
Very good although not every track hits the mark for me so not quite 5*. Maybe that's just a consequence of how good Superstition is vs. every other track, but it's still a solid album
You Are the Sunshine of My Life Superstition I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)
Like maybe your baby. Groovy
What a great album!
Some absolute bangers. Liked even my less favourite songs more with every listen. A really solid fun album.
Liked it. I Believe is one of my all time favs!!
¡Qué música más suave que esta! Una joya del soul. Super fácil de escuchar, placentero y sensual, que nos recuerda que la música no tiene que ser estruendosa para ser buena.
Brilliant album with Stevie avoiding being cheesy by being incredibly gifted as a singer You’ve got it bad girl, superstition , blame it on the sun - 15th album! Defines being a 4 compared to previous two albums as I would probably listen to this in full again whereas I wouldn’t for the last two that are 3/5- Stevie is a 4/5
I love Stevie Wonder when he's turned the funk on, but some of the slower soul ballad type songs I can take or leave. Still very good overall.
Solid 4, enjoyed the funk. Was tempted to give this a five but it was just a bit samey in the middle at points. If we could do 4.5 stars, it would be deserving.
do I like soul music??
Great album, not as good as Songs in the Key of Life, but consistent
Super enjoyable album - maybe one skipable track altogether? Adding it to my queue and will be revisiting often.
Major hits and culminated talent. Firmly enjoyed this one and Stevie plays almost every instrument on it.
really good but honestly not as good as the other one Fulfillingness 4/5
Excellent production, great instrumentation - most played by himself, Jeff Beck and Ray Parker Jr. as guest guitarists, and Wonder freed from the strings of Motown to be able to express himself for the first time, all this resulted in a remarkable album.
Tää on hieno! Megahittien lisäksi tällä levyllä noi tuntemattomammat styget on kanssa ihan soulin aatelia. Hyvä Steve! 4/5
Todellista laatusettiä tämäkin Stevie, vaikka Innervisions ja SITKOL iskee kyllä vielä lujempaa. 4/5
Awesome. my #187. Interesting since I just listened to Songs in the Key of Life at #185 so good comparison. His early work is very funny and special. Unique and a joy!
I was expecting more from this album, although to be fair I hold artists like this to a higher standard and that may be unfair. Still, other than the recognizable hits I found it to be a little less than for Stevie.
Very good... You are the Sunshine and Superstition are classics. Stevie Wonder is great... I kind of regret giving Songs in the Key of Life a 4, but I would say this is a notch below, so still a 4/5 for me. I wouldn't mind this being on, but I don't feel Stevie Wonder.
Another great one from Stevie. I don’t think this is at the same level as SITKOL but still killer. Crazy it took him 15 albums to find his signature sound
Stevie legend more like. Good album. Great mix of chill vibes and sexy funky tunes. Best Song: I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever) Worst Song: Big Brother Score: 8/10
- Stevie just makes quality music - Happy, enjoyable songs
нормально преисполнился к Богу. В целом, было хорошо. Винил Стиви все еще хочется купить чтобы иметь моменты, когда хочется включить и послушать счастье Алкоальбом: кагор
Every other track on this album was fantastic! Superstition is obviously an all time great, but I also really enjoyed Tuesday Heartbreak & Big Brother. The funk elements were great, the more soul-soundy stuff were pretty mid. 4.0 for that synth
Great overall, with Superstition being Wonder’s best song of all time (imo). Favorite tracks: Superstition You Are the Sunshine of My Life Maybe Your Baby Tuesday Heartbreak You’ve Got it Bad Girl I Believe (When I Fall in Love it Will Be Forever)
Stevie Wonder brought the funk!
Electro, funky, soul. All the best things. Fantastic voice. Superstition will forever be one of the best songs of all time.
Superstition... Wow what a great song. Jazz and funk merged into a pop song perfectly. Rest of the album is very good, though out of his classic 70's albums might be least favorite, perhaps do so many ballads.
Superstition is the standout with the rest of the record still very good. Rich soundscape played by top musicians and Stevie’s keys and vocals. Really good record.
An in between record for me. 4 stars for Superstition
Yeah, if by talking, you mean singing
Not Stevie on the drums on every track??
Good album with some stand out tracks like Superstition and I Believe. Stevie Wonder did make a few better albums though.
Niet mijn favoriete album van hem, maar alsnog errug goed
Hard one to evaluate. I definitely would have it 3rd of the Stevie albums so far, it's still great, but i prefer the other two. The most magical part of the album is the closer I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever), incredible song. I think it might be one of his best. Obviously Superstition is great and the rest of the songs are great, but this song is so damn good. I was maybe gonna go high three, but that song makes it a low 4 I think
Just got back to back Stevie Wonder albums (Songs in the Key of Life). This is also a great album but not as great as Songs IMO. One thing I love about many of his songs is that they are played out and it gives the catchy melodies a change to stick in your head since you get them over and over again. Even though this is repetitive, you don't want it to end! Favorite tracks: You Are the Sunshine of My Life, Maybe Your Baby, Tuesday Heartbreak, Superstition, I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will be Forever).
This is my new favorite Stevie album. Such great funk and soul.
nice to get into, enjoyed it more as it went on.
Stevie Wonder has such a wonderful voice. The funk basslines combine well with his sultry lyrics. Obviously, “Superstitious” is the best song on the album.
I really like this. I love his voice. I like the chill, spacey keys. I like the ballads and I like it when he brings the funk. It's not as good as his absolute best (IMO: Songs in the Key of Life) but then that's a very high bar!
A highlight Stevie Wonder album. Some of his best tracks are on this thing, and in contrast to the extravagant SITKOL, these ten tracks create a concise, spiritual experience
Opens with one of the great songs, and a very solid album thereafter.
Stevie builds a solid bridge between R&B with this 1972 classic. I think the case could be made that Superstitious launched an entire genre. A strong 4.5 stars 🌟
Has some great songs, but not my favorite Stevie Wonder album
3.7
I enjoyed the album overall- Superstition, Maybe Your Baby, You’ve Got It Bad Girl, Big Brother, and I Believe I liked most. The other tracks I really wanted to skip but very solid album.
01) You Are the Sunshine of My Life - 10,0 02) Maybe Your Baby - 8,5 03) You and I (We Can Conquer the World) - 8,0 04) Tuesday Heartbreak - 8,5 05) You've Got It Bad Girl - 8,5 06) Superstition - 10,0 07) Big Brother - 8,5 08) Blame It on the Sun - 9,0 09) Lookin' for Another Pure Love - 8,5 10) I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever) - 8,5 TOTAL: 8,80 (88/100) Stevie Wonder is truly a music royalty. "Superstition" and "You Are The Sunshine of My Life" are classics, and solely because of those two songs this album deserves very high marks.
Surprisingly enjoyable, quirky, chill.
Good but it's not Songs in the Key of Life
It’s was really good and I recognize a lot of the songs.
More RnB and less jazz than I expected. Tight, cool and dancy. Sounds fresher than 1972, timeless! Tension lost in some of the later tracks.
I like the use of synthesizers throughout, sometimes they're the focus, other times just adding some atmosphere. At certain points, this dips into what I might refer to as "easy listening", but it's never not creative and impressive. Favorite tracks: "You And I", "Superstition"
- Stevie geht immer! - 2 geile Hits drauf, was übrigens die 2-Hit-Theorie über Steve Wonder bestätigt, die ich in meiner letzten Rezension über ihn aufgestellt habe… - Superstition ist mein Lieblingssong von all seinen Liedern - Alles andere zu Stevie Wonder hab ich in meiner letzten Rezension schon über ihn geschrieben und das gilt ebenso für dieses Album! Rating: 4/5
- Fand ich richtig cool. Fast jeder Song überrascht mit einer neuen Note und steckt voller Ideen - Kein riesen Fan von Stevies Stimme auf Dauer. der trifft jeden ton und ist auch voller gefühl. Ist einfach die klangfarbe und das tembre was mir nicht ganz so zusagt - Mit You Are The Sunshine und Superstition auch megahits dabei aber auch andere Songs haben mich häufig abgeholt z.B blame it on the sun 3,75/5
This is a pretty great album. Pure Stevie. I can hear too where Prince might have taken some inspiration for his work. All good here.
What if you left Stevie wonder on the floor of that bathroom? Oh we wouldn’t. We love Stevie wonder
Love Stevie Wonder!! Great album and definitely deserving to be on this list!!
Fantastic album. Good cohesive album with two obvious singles made but singles were great. A tad heavy on the love songs and similar themes that puts it on the 4 star category.
I’ve never really “got” Stevie Wonder but this album has helped me understand a bit more.
I prefer the heavier funk over the overly vocal songs. SW is very talented, I just prefer some stanky funk instrumentals. 4
Heel lekker
How funny. I bought, and was listening to, Songs in the Key of Life yesterday off the back of this project yesterday. It's less ambitious but has some absolute belters on it.
Outstanding mix, definitely mixed by a blind legend. Started off with more upbeat songs which I enjoyed. Found slower songs somewhat boring. Feels more like 3.5/5 but will rate 4/5 because of the crystal clear mix.
Musicianship, arrangements, recording: superlative, A+. Songs: hit and miss. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and "Superstition" are all-timers, part of the canon of human arts. "Maybe Your Baby" is a hot slab of soul- funk that goes on entirely too long. "Big Brother" and "Blame It On the Sun" are beautiful, emotionally touching and resonant songs for very different reasons. The last part of the album isn't particularly memorable and drags quite a bit. "Talking Book" isn't quite perfect, but it's honestly close. This certainly isn't the last we've seen of Stevie.
Some really solid songs on here but not my favorite stevie wonder
Fantastic album!!!
Stevie Wonder Talking Book 79.39 You Are The Sunshine Of My Life(73) Maybe Your Baby(85) You And I(65) Tuesday Heartbreak(73) You've Got It Bad Girl(60) Superstition(87) Big Brother(85) Blame It On The Sun(91) Lookin' For Another Pure Love(67) I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)(90)
An album that is fun to listen to as Stevie Wonder creates a relaxed sound.
I didn't expect much from this album, but it's been an awe-inspiring experience all through the music and the lyrics.
Classic Stevie, excellent in every way. Superstition is top 100 all time. Great album.
So solid. There ain’t nothing else on Earth like Stevie Wonder.
Lots of nice songs, especially "Superstition."
Stevie Wonder dominated the early to mid 70's with a series of hit album's, this one being the first of 4 that turned into multiple Grammy awards across that span.
juju
Funky, groovy, soulful. Superstition is definitely the best on the album but Big Brother, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, and Maybe Your Baby are big standouts. A few songs don't quite reach the same heights as most of the album so that keeps it from being a 5/5. Overall, a really great feel-good album.
Ethereal and groovy, always a joy listening to this album.
I love Stevie…….. His popular songs. I admit it. “Maybe Your Baby” was annoying. But, it was interesting to find out that Stevie wrote “You and I”. And this album has my FAVORITE Stevie Wonder Song… “Superstition “
Love Stevie
Great stuff. Especially as a Jacob Collier fan it's fun to see where his inspiration came from
Brilliance throughout but also moments of cheesiness. Superstition is unimpeachable as a work class funk song. Great beginning and end as well. Not as consistently awesome as Innervisions
Nice, how he do that
At the beginning of Wonder's "Classic Period" of albums, his use of synthesizers and the sounds would define the broader sound of R&B through the end of the decade and beyond. Some of the vocal affectations in Maybe Your Baby would follow to Michael Jackson's singing. This is a remarkable album. Setting aside the wonderful You Are the Sunshine Of My Life and Supersition (absolute banger), the standouts for me are You and I which seems to use synth sounds to sort of mimic a lap steel, and Big Brother, with it's upbeat hook and jaw-dropping lyrics.
Great, laid-back album.
Versatile, pointed
Talking book was a pretty good album. Most songs however, were insignificant or annoying, but it had a couple bangers that made it pretty darn good. Superstition is just great. You've got it bad girl was pretty nice too.
Super solid, but a little unfocused at times. Innervisions feels like a tighter execution of Stevie's prowess. "Maybe Your Baby" is the funkiest shit ever, but the drums never kick in. Some great clavi and rhodes on this. 4.0
As soon as this record starts, a sense of calm and serenity envelops me. Mr. Wonder is one who provides soul with its definition and has created music that is truly timeless. His sounds have resonated across generations and will only continue to do so. What a great time to be alive in part thanks to this man.
Great funkish album Has Superstition on it
- you and i gave me chills
Full of bangers tbf! Not quite as good as Songs in The Key of Life though, which is a stone cold 5 star when it comes up! Simpsons reference: No but he looks a lot like Bleeding Gums Murphy
Look, it's Stevie Wonder. Superstition, Sunshine of my Life, I Believe. This album just gets it done.
He's a wonder for a reason!
This is great. I love the transistions between songs on this album, they flow through to each other incredible. Not the biggest fan of some of the songs themselves, but otherwise really good.
Classic Stevie W. with a couple of megahits. Syrupy at times.
First album in this musical odyssey, very smooth and gorgeous album. Enjoyed second half more, Superstition is 🔥🔥🔥 Only 1000 albums more to go!
Very enjoyable.
I enjoyed this one more than Fulfillingness' First Finale (perhaps I need to revisit that one). All the tracks are at least good, and some are standouts like Superstition. The sound throughout the album is captivating.
If Superstition were the only song in it it'd still be a great album .
Favorites: You are the Sunshine of my Life, Maybe Your Baby, You and I, Superstition, Looking for Another Pure Love. Awesome classic album. A style all his own.
good
I used to own this album and do like it. It has You are the Sunshine of my Life and my favorite, Superstition. However, I don’t think it is his best album. That belongs to Songs in the Key of Life. Still, I give this 4 stars.
Classic, good music!
great album.
A funk classic
Groovy, makes me want to dance around the room. Super interesting, many unique sounds, instrumental changes, etc. Complex. You and I is sooooo goooood. God I’ve heard Superstition too much. It’s been played to death. It’s hard to listen to now. Had to skip. Blame It On the Sun is gorgeous.
I enjoyed it very much
A classic and a brilliant artist. Superstition is a superb track so it has to be 4*
Full of classics and many great songs!
Þvílík plata hjá Little Stevie Wonder. Soundið sem maður tengir við hann byrjar í raun með Talking Book. Þetta er ósköp þægileg plata og nokkrir absolute bangers. 22 ára þegar hann gefur út þessa 15. plötuna sína 1972. Einn af þessum litlu Mozörtum.
Wonderbarnið Stevie enginn venjulegur snillingur. 22 ára og þetta er 15. platan hans! Frábær plata og góður upptaktur að snilldarverkinu Innervisions. Superstition er ótrúlega gott lag og I believe fallegt. Lögin grúva öll og bassi og synthi sýna samleik á við Xavi og Iniesta.
I remember playing Superstition during my brief time as a top-40 disk jockey. Back then I thought it had a wicked groove. What I hear now is a lot of subtlety that I missed before. A very fine album. It doesn't draw me in these days through no fault of it's own.
I enjoyed it, a little overly romantic for my taste.
Had never heard I Beleive…really liked it! Was familiar with a few on this album, but I Believe was a nice find.
What a great listen. Some unexpected low points on this album, but nothing terrible by any means. The beginning, middle and end of the record are all great, there's some filler in between though.
Beginning of his classic period, when the record company finally "turned Stevie loose" (in Smokey Robinson's words). A little uneven and sappy in places but Stevie's funk and creativity are on full display. Superstition and Sunshine of My Life are the big hits but Maybe Your Baby, Big Brother (first real social commentary foray) and I Believe are great songs as well. Imo, Innervisions, Fulfillingness' First Finale and Songs In the Key of Life are superior albums but anyone who enjoys the unmistakable Wonder groove will appreciate this one.
Some bangers on here! Love the funky guitar.
4.2
Another gorgeous album by Stevie Wonder. Incredibly creative, catchy and expressive music. Stevie sparkles when he brings the funk, while the more pop-focused songs tend to be more hit or miss. 2 or 3 weaker songs keep this from being a 5, but this is still one of the great albums of the 70s, a real joy to listen to. Fave Songs: Superstition, You Are the Sunshine of My Life, I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever), Maybe Your Baby, Blame It on the Sun, You and I (We Can Conquer the World)
Solid R&B album. I’ve always enjoyed Stevie Wonder.
This is a solid Stevie wonder album. It’s not as funky and exciting as inner visions and it’s nots as melodic and beautiful as songs in the key of life. It’s right in the middle of them as there are a couple songs that are just okay. Wonder has a great songwriting style to make songs feel very personal. This album is very good and better than most of this list. 8.0/10
So good.
Never not in the mood for Stevie. Also…velvet kaftan, braids, the beach, my dream aesthetic.
Stevie’s music never gets old. I always forget to revisit his catalogue.
This album is brought you by Audible, with over a million titles of every talking book imaginable, you don't need to be able to see to enjoy all of the world's finest literature. 🎧🎧🎧🎧
You Are The Sunshine of my Life Maybe Your Baby (great clarinet & Moog bass combo) Tuesday Heartbreak has sax by David Sanborn (very similar to the sax sound in David Bowie's Young Americans) Superstition Big Brother Blame it on the Sun I Believe (when I fall in love)
Started a change in direction for Stevie Wonder, highlighted by the superb "Superstition"; also contains the hit "You Are the Sunshine of My Life".
Cool. Positiv.
ample amounts of funk. introspective lyrics about interpersonal relationships and social inequity. this album will make you want to move. highlights: “tuesday heartbreak”, “superstition”, “big brother”, “i believe (when i fall in love it will be forever)”.
Fun easy listening!
13.12.24
Good but not great.Superstition is an absolute banger along with you are the sunshine of my life,but the rest of the album is just ok.
Excellent, a couple hits and the rest are typically solid Stevie. As good as Songs in the Key of Life.
I can't believe I never listened to this before. I also cannot believe that the sunshine of my life has more streams than superstition. you've got it bad girl - kind of interesting mixing choices. also i kind of don't like this song. it's annoying. maybe your baby - sounds a little rockish big brother - I gotta say the political lyrics don't really match the jam band feeling of the song. good to see superstition is still a banger The deep cuts aren't that great. it sounds like stevie wonder which sounds like everything.
Svårt att gå fel med Stevies 70-tal.
sehr aagnehm, eher ruhigs album, für mich aber eher en hintergrund vibe
really enjoyed listening to that one, 4.5/5
Love it. So much tasty, groovy keyboard. Besides the two huge hits, I loved Big Brother and Maybe Your Baby.
Душевно, конечно не как Миша Круг, но все равно душевно 8/10
S - Superstition A - Maybe your Baby, Blame it on the Sun, Lookin for Another Love B - You are the Sunshine of my life, Tuesday Heartbreak, You've Got it Bad Girl, Big Brother, I Believe C - You and I D F
Not sure what I can say other than parrot the buzzwords that flock around this album like persistent birds: genius, smooth, exquisite. That's enough. Every track is brilliant, of course, but my favorites are "Blame It on the Sun" and "I Believe". With this album, I finally got my friends to stop sleeping on Stevie and, at least in part, appreciate his groove, funk, and genius.
A great album by Stevie. A fantastic blend of funky and laid back cozyness
Two bangers
A lot of great very funky and fun tracks on here. A couple did feel like filler though, keeping this one from a perfect rating.
Maybe your baby has a real great bass line but this is not my type of music. You and I really is great. The theremin in the background is my favorite, this song takes this album to three stars. I know he can make fantastic music but I usually don't like the style. Superstition is another song that just slaps, it's a real marker of an era for me. Shag green carpets, those dangling door beads and Blame it on the sun also has some pretty solid parts. The last song, I believe, really wrapped it all up well. I came out enjoying this album a lot more than I expected to. I wouldn't mind listening to this again! Honestly some solid bangers on this album, I would just skip the first few songs. Everything after that is very enjoyable.
Full of classics
While it’s not my favourite from his “classic period”. I still love it and understand this album’s legendary status in music Favourite tracks: You Are the Sunshine…, Maybe Your Baby, You’ve Got It Bad Girl, Superstition, I Believe
Lots of fluffy candy pop but Superstition makes up for a lot.
Classic
Really funky, love it. Finally heard the album where Superstition came from. + You Are The Sunshine Of My Life + Tuesday Heartbreak + Superstition + Big Brother + Blame It On The Sun + Lookin' For Another Pure Love
Pretty wonderful (no pun intended) this might be my favorite of the 3 Wonder albums that I've had so far. It's not a 5 for me, but I really enjoyed it.
Most songs are chill, some are funky. Pretty nice!
Superstition, alone, makes the album 3 stars. The rest of the album is good, not great.
Chill but diverse album. Very nice to enjoy when relaxing after work.
Decent album. Definitely what I would describe as progressive soul. This is my first introduction to Stevie Wonder. I'm not much of a funk/soul guy but I can definitely appreciate the talent. My favorite song was Superstition. There were some killer bass lines in this record.
Really enjoyed this album. Such great sounding music.
Near peak Stevie Wonder, which make it near-peak music in general. Great album. Superstition is too played out to really hit properly anymore, but other than that it’s close to perfection from start to finish.
The starts of Stevie's classics, clearly on the way to Songs in the Key of Life. Happy to hear the increased keyboards and synths as he grew into the 70's. A bit more downtempo than I expected, but a great listen.
Smooth transition from Superstition to Big Brother. Good album but not as good as Innervisions. The hits were definitely the best songs
Banger, great vibes
I feel like Stevie Wonder is always teetering on the edge of being too cheesy (looking at you "Isn't she lovely") and this album is no different. "You are the sunshine of my life" among a few others take it too far i feel. However, some other tracks are so good that my face looked like I just ate a lemon. This happened during "Superstition" with its excellent hook and also during the latter parts of "Maybe Your Baby" during the guitar hooks. An honorable mention also goes out to "Big Brother" which while not quite as good was still groovy. This would regularly be a strong 3 but the inclusion of the two "lemon-tracks" pushes it in to a weak 4.
So I know some Stevie wonder but I can’t remember a time where I sat down and listened to a whole album. Just before my time, ya know. That was pretty great. I kept hearing Rex Orange County. I wonder if this is a big influence of theirs? Also, was listening in the car and could really hear the variable loudness. Humans made this record. You and I is so epic. And the funk, oh the funk.
Some all-time songs. At its best, god-tier, at its worst, a teensy bit saccharine.
In an admittedly gross miscalculation, songs like “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” had me thinking of Stevie Wonder as just more 70s pop at the time. But there’s so much range and sheer talent in his music. Songs like a Tuesday a Heartbreak are genuinely funky. And the opening of Superstition alone is enough to warrant a four. From true love to social justice protests. Pretty genius. Grateful to rediscover him now. That said, it’s not an album I want to listen to again and again, like Songs in the Key of Life. Some of the songs are a bit tedious to my ear and happily skipped.
I really liked it, but I'm not sure it's on the same level as some of his other stuff. A very high four
I just knew Superstition and I was surprised how good the rest of the album was. Favorite song was Blame the Sun. I’d like to listen to the rest of the albums from Wonder’s “classic period”.
The goodest of shit Not doing anything over halloweekend, too much work
Pretty groovy
Maybe Your Baby is so cool, especially the vocals and bass. Obviously Superstition is a slapper. Big Brother has a really nice folky vibe to it. The beginning of Lookin For Another Pure Love almost sounds like Jimmy Buffet lol. Really love the sax on Tuesday Heartbreak. Blame it On the Sun has some beautiful melodies
#1 - Very smooth, relaxed. Nice opening track. #2 - Liked the start of it, but felt it went on too long. #3 - It sounds fine, but I definitely feel like I'd fall asleep if I listened to this one much longer. #4 - Decent. So far of the four I've listened to, this is the best on the album. I really vibed with the funky sound in this one. ★ #5 - Compared to the other slowish songs so far, I did like this one. I felt there was more variation here too. #6 - This is probably the song that the album is known for (note the groovy beat). I'm a sucker for this hit. ★ #7 - I like the lead in to this one. The harmonica is somber and energetic that, I find, matches the lyrics. #8 - This one is ok. #9 - I thought this one was okay to until the chorus kicked in and it clicked with me. Really well done all around ("do it Jeff!") ★ #10 - It's good, but.. it seems cheesy? That feels wrong to say, because it's a good track. The close out for the album was a fun touch. I felt the album was a good length, relaxed (maybe too relaxed in parts), and overall of good quality. I wouldn't be upset if I had to hear this again. 4/5.
Very good, so much going on, very creative and catchy
4.5 stars. Songs felt... repetitive at times? But I think that's the style, to some degree.
What can I say, this guy makes great music
Moody at the beginning, funky at the end, really calming overall.
Stevie Wonder is one of the most expressive and soothing singers I've ever heard, and it's honestly enough to carry a whole album. Not to say the songwriting isn't good, it is, but there's one thing I'm really coming here for, and that's the heavenly singing. That, and Superstition, which is a certified hood classic.
Stevie is just the best