Reviews (page 7 of 14)
Excellent
Funky beat. Great synth. Normally don’t like it. He has a great soulful voice. It’s a little too poppy. Love to hear him do more bluesy stuff. Superstitious is a classic. Nice beat, grove, sax and synth. Big Brother is kinda cool. Great acoustic guitar. Jeff Beck plays on a track near the end
какой-то неблизкий мне у Стиви стиль. фанк? не цепляет
Mouais pas ultra fan du tout. Je ne réécouterai pas mais bon comme je sais que kentoche mettra au moins 4 étoiles je vais en mettre 3 pour ne pas le vexer
Научих се да харесвам Стиви Уондър покрай тази класация
Stevie wonder!
3- Stars (7/15)
appreciate the music but it's just so slow, the 2 most famous songs are better IMO but it's just not for me at all.
Solid album. "Maybe Your Baby" went on too long, but other than that, no complaints.
Superstition aside this was a significant level down from the other two Stevie albums we have done.
Amazing album from start to finish. Great instrumentals, great voice, great energy.
Pretty great!
Solid all around.
Bra men är inget jättefan, Superstition är bra, men överlag är texterna cringe tycker jag. Instrumentellt: jättecoolalåtar ofta, men textmässigt sisådär och för mig är det svårt att koncentrera mig på annat. Av Stevie Wonders album tycker jag Innervisions är bäst av de jag hört.
It’s good, not great. Obviously some songs are hits, most of them are merely fine. I don’t have much else to say about this one.
oh yeah. OOOOHHHHH yeah. really solid album. stevie wonder NEVER misses. “you and i” is the PERFECT power ballad. also “superstition” is of course amazing. the rest of the songs were also really good but these two stood out. super fun, super groovy listen. the instrumentation can’t be beat. 5/5.
classic stevie <3
Alleen "You And I", "Blame it on the Sun" iets minder, maar uiteraard gewoon een vijfsterrenplaat (viereneenhalf, afgerond naar vijf).
6/10 This was fine - extremely good vibes and very well produced and played - but didn’t really set my heart racing. Some great moments but was some of it a little… boring? Suffers from the SW “outro syndrome” where a number of songs are 2 minutes of song then 2 minutes of outro filler. Best: Superstition
I believe
I think this album is a great example of an album that is on the list purely based on a single song on the album. I don't think anyone is going to deny that Superstition is a groove, and maybe one of Stevie Wonders best songs. The rest of the album though? I found it dreadfully boring. He's a good singer, and his gospel influences definitely shine through. Solid musically, just really, really boring. If Superstition wasn't on this album, I'm sure it would be a forgotten relic, but with Superstition, it'll survive.
This is what I’m talking about! This Stevie Wonder is incredible with smooth vocals, funky riffs, and catchy melodies.
Spiritual and emotional, loved it, 100% perfect!
Pleasant but not many notable songs
i’m pretty sure люди by boombox samples you are the sunshine of my life
Excellent! Classic Album
He may not be able to see or to hand Mariah Carey a microphone but man oh man can the guy find the right keys on a keyboard and play some tasty licks! Buuuuuttttt I’m afraid that’s where it ends. Such a shame. I mean, you have Superstitious, that’s a damn good song but the rest is weak. Blame it on the Sun is a cut above the other songs. I Believe is good as well. Well done That’s better than nothing Choice cut: Superstitious
With superstition on the track listing I was hoping this would be a cool funk led album, but no, the rest was dull schmaltzy filler. He's clearly a good songwriter and good singer but is let down by poor decision making, needs to improve that side of his game. A Stevie Wonder greatest hits is probably decent but the albums aren't worth it.
Lovely to have on in the background. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life and Superstition are cracking. Otherwise, really middle-of-the-road and forgettable. Synthesisers are nice. Still waiting on Songs in the Key of Life.
Generally far too soppy for me.... Come on Stevie lad. I do like the more funky ones though. Superstitious is an absolute banger 2.5 but mainly for superstitious.
Oh HELL yes
I feel like I already wrote about feeling bad for not liking Stevie Wonder’s music. I’m sorry!!! I did like the last song on here, mostly.
I think this is half a 3 star album, and half a 5 star album, with songs like Superstition and Blame it on the Sun that are very strong. I may have to come back to this later but for now it's 4 stars.
Waffling between a 3 and a 4 on this one. After “you are the sunshine of my life” it remains kinda slow and overly sappy, but of course kicks into high gear with the funky, stellar “superstition”. I also dig the closer “I believe…”. I’m feeling generous so we’re rounding up!
better than the first album i got from him here but i'm not made for full Stevie Wonder Albums i guess
This dude was just on such a heater through the first half of the 70’s it’s absurd. I don’t think this is as good as Innervisions or SITKOL, but that’s like comparing the guy who finished third in the Olympic marathon to the guys who finished first and second. He’s still not blind.
Classic Stevie Wonder! Great album.
Snelle inhaal review #6: Ik had eigenlijk alleen naar Songs In the Key of Life geluisterd voor dit album, een album zo goed dat je vergeet dat ie nog meer platen heeft. En dit is gewoon heel erg goed ook, tijd om meer van deze man te luisteren.
Superstition is natuurlijk een lekker nummer, de andere nummers van het album vond ik te langzaam en niet echt mijn ding. You are the sunshine of my life vond ik ook nog wel aardig
Previously rated: Innervisions (4/5) Songs in the Key of Life (4/5) Fulfillingness' First Finale (3/5) ************************************ You Are The Sunshine of My Life and Superstition are enough to recommend this album, but there is some other good stuff here. Did Michael Jackson steal the "Hee-hee" stuff from Maybe Your Baby?
Banger
Das Album Talking Book wurde 1972 von Stevie Wonder in mehreren Tonstudios in den USA aufgenommen, darunter die Electric Lady Studios in New York sowie die Crystal Sound Studios in Los Angeles. Stevie Wonder ist US-amerikanischer Staatsbürger und war zum Zeitpunkt der Veröffentlichung bereits als Solokünstler etabliert. Musikalisch bewegt sich das Album im Bereich Soul, Funk und Rhythm and Blues, mit vereinzelten Elementen aus Rock und Pop. Die Produktion wurde weitgehend von Wonder selbst übernommen, was sich in der experimentierfreudigen Instrumentierung und der Nutzung elektronischer Tasteninstrumente wie dem Clavinet und dem Moog-Synthesizer zeigt. Besonders bekannt sind die Titel „Superstition“ und „You Are the Sunshine of My Life“. Erstgenannter zeichnet sich durch einen markanten Clavinet-Groove aus und entwickelte sich zu einem der am häufigsten zitierten Songs des Genres. „You Are the Sunshine of My Life“ hingegen ist stärker balladenhaft geprägt und fand breite Resonanz im Pop-Radio. Das Album gilt rückblickend als stilprägend innerhalb Stevie Wonders Diskografie. Es zeigt einen Übergang von Motown-typischen Produktionen zu einer stärker individuell geprägten Ästhetik. Die klangliche Vielfalt sowie die thematische Bandbreite markieren eine Phase zunehmender künstlerischer Selbstbestimmung. Talking Book ist ein vielseitiges Album, das mit klarer musikalischer Handschrift überzeugt. Die Stücke sind durchdacht arrangiert, und trotz stilistischer Breite bleibt das Werk geschlossen.
Good album. Little experimental but overall solid
Badass.
Excellent Stevie Wonder again.
I always forget how much I like Stevie Wonder until digging into one of albums. Legend.
A decade into his career, Stevie Wonder realised het could do whatever he liked and Berry Gordy wasn't going to stop him. The result is an album morphs from a maximalist Side A full of overexetended outros and oversung vocal lines, into a much more relaxed and self-assured Side B that set up his stall for the rest of the decade.
Superstition is an exceptional song. I also like I Believe… and some others. Strong entry for the list
Stevie makes it look too easy
Superstition stood out like a sore thumb. It's obviously one of his biggest hits, but the entire vibe of that song was different than most of the album. We needed more of that!! Tuesday Heartbreak and You are the Sunshine of my Life also stood out. 3/5
Very good Album
Classic Stevie
Another name that I’ve always known but never explored.
две интересные песни остальное филлеры ,норм альбом того времени 4/10
Very enjoyable listen.
3.5
Ok a little controversial but I find this album a little flat, I know everyone raves about it and I do like stevie but apart from the first two tracks and superstition it's just all a bit uninspiring.
Ok album, Superstition of course is the highlight of the album, but it did leave me hoping there would be other songs with the same energy but they all lacked a little compared to it. Still good!
Superstition played by the malvern jazz band is elite
It’s a side quest opened up by “Lady Grinning Soul” – can we, by the close of this challenge, identify ten albums that finish with a piano-driven track that Fleur loves? We’ve found our number three (two was “Parade” by Magazine) in the shape of “I believe…”, (a song I think we might have played at our wedding as guests filtered into the reception). Stay tuned! A lovely album to listen to while pottering around the kitchen before sitting down for dinner with the family. There’s something for everyone in Stevie Wonder, and while this someone didn’t really find anything to latch onto personally … whatever. A mood’s a mood and Stevie creates a good one.
funky, variado
meh, hard listen because of the jesus tones
wonderful & lively! i love this rec
Superstitional
3,5
It's Stevie's best period, he's 15 albums in and he starts to write really good songs. This is a great album, with some classic songs.
Talking Book, marks a crucial chapter in Stevie Wonder’s artistic evolution. As the second entry in his legendary “classic period,” the album blends irresistible funk grooves with lyrical depth, showcasing both political awareness and intimate vulnerability. From the clavinet-driven punch of “Superstition” to the warmth of “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” Wonder flexes his growing command of synths and album cohesion. More than a collection of hits, Talking Book feels carefully sculpted seamless in its flow and expansive in its emotional scope. It’s the sound of a genius coming into full bloom.
The best songs pick up the slack of the weaker songs.
I think I get the appeal but it didn't keep my attention
75/100
So many certified bangers.
Was oké, paar betere en paar mindere nummers. 3,5 ster.
3.5 Favorites: “Superstition”; “Blame It On The Sun”; “I Believe”
Upon relistening, I think this album was great. The production (when it comes to Stevie) is superb as always. It does get sorta cheesy at times but I thought it positively added on to the vibes of the album. Maybe there are a few songs you could nitpick but overall this was fye. Top 3: You Are the Sunshine of My Life, You and I, and Blame It on the Sun no bad songs 4.50-4.75/5
Best Song: Superstition. Sure it has been overplayed, especially in films, but that bassline really is iconic. Worst Song: You've Got it Bad Girl. I wasn't crazy about the staccato lead into the (lackluster) chorus. Overall: It's got that saccharine quality of a lot of Stevie Wonder's stuff, but it also lacks a lot of the earworm catchiness of his better work. Fine to listen to if its on, but hard to imagine not picking a better Stevie Wonder album if you have a choice.
Some great tracks on here its hard to believe it was 1972.
Good funk. 3.5/5
3.5
Great album by one of the greatest.
Stevie just cranked out good album after good album in this era. Sure, it's no Songs in the Key of Life, but it's still solid, front to back.
i mean supersition is one of the best songs ever made. couple other good ones but some hard core cheese here too.
Je connaissais Stevie Wonder, mais pas cet album (sauf pour Superstition). Il est très bon, mais je le trouve moins abouti que le dernier de ses albums classiques (Songs In the Key of Life). Quand même très bon !
Stevie is always delightful and this album. Is no exception. Lighter and maybe a little dreamy for what I look for in his catalogue but great to clean the house to on a Sunday which is what I was about.
найс, парочку песен сохранил.
Very good overall. Lots of great tracks, a few that are, I wouldn’t call them misses, but just ok. A slightly mixed bag, but the great tracks are great enough to make up for the ones that are average.
Great!
it sounds nice but not really my thing (who knows i might look back at myself in 20 years and be mortified by my ratings)
I don't really like this genre
I don't like R&B. The album is great, but I'm giving a rating on personal enjoyment, so regretably, this gets a 2.
really can’t go wrong with this one
I could listen to Stevie Wonder sing anything
Fantastic record
Favorites: You and I, Superstition, I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever) Stevie was on the cusp of making his magnum opus, and there's definitely hints of what he would do on his next record and even Songs in the Key of Life on this one. All in all, I didn't think it was as good as either of those records, but it's certainly worthwhile as well.
Class! Obviously superstition is an absolute tune but think the rest are not quite as consistent as Stevie’s other work.
Not really a big fan of anything aside from Superstition.
Todo lo de Stevie Wonder es una OBRA MAESTRA.
J - 3/5 Best Track - "Superstition" F - DNL
Superstitious, Sunshine of my life, funky, some derivative songs
Quick album to listen to Some greats hits and easy listening
One of my favorite all time albums. Listened to Superstition so much when I was learning saxophone. But this album is what an album should be. A consistent cohesive flowing piece of art. Stevie is one of the best. His use of the synthesizers are so funky but buttery smooth. So much of my favorite music today is inspired by this album.
I’m three months into a one year snooze of this record because I wore it out in my ears. Maybe Your Baby though… may break it early
The first Stevie Wonder album that really grabbed me. I heard "I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)" during the end credits of High Fidelity, which lead me here. "Song in the Key of Life" is the masterpiece, but this will always be my favorite.
Крутой альбом, соул нравится
Better than Coldplay
Legendary
This is another album that I struggled with cause I just have a hard time with slower songs. That doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate the artistic talent and craftsmanship that went into the album, in fact I LOVED “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life”. But that being said I wanted like way more “Superstition” and more “Tuesday Heartbreak”. Those two songs were my favorite tracks. But yah as a whole I didn’t really connect with it like I was hoping to.
Superstition absolutely fantastic, the rest was not for me, too sappy. Sounds ok just, forgettable.
Superstition and I Believe are great songs but they just can't save this album. There rest of the tracks are just so boring.
Nice to listen to this again, I think it stands up really well, given its age. Obviously some bangers on there, but some of the less well played tracks are quite interesting, I've always liked the chord structures he uses.
Stevie Wonder isn't always my favorite thing to listen to but gotta give this props for a few songs and of course, Superstition.
Typ allt bara flöt förbi utan att jag märkte det, den enda riktigt bra var Superstition
Got some belters but some I just don’t like.
Superstition alone is worth the album ( IMHO )!
Incredible stuff man… cmon…. So many influential sounds and vocals!!!!
Some of the coolest keyboard/synth sounds. And so sweet!
I feel like stevie is the true underrated GOAT... idk if im right but from the discourse I observe he often isn't considered one of the great musicians as far as the critical reception of his albums (no one is denying his talent of course) but he has incredible albums and this is one of them!! If I had to rank them I feel like Talking Book is his 4th best album but the 4th best stevie album is like still one of the 200 best albums ever made haha (or 1001 i suppose...)
Solid, but didn't massively move me.
Not for me at all, none of the tracks hooked me.
3/5 A solid record that showcases his great songwriting ability and willingness to step out of genre norms. From here his ideas really sparked and we got Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life as a result which outshine this album unfortunately. Although, we probably got Stevie’s best single of his career through Superstition. Top 3 Songs: Superstition I Believe (When I fall in love it will be forever) You are the sunshine of my life
7/10
This was ok. I didn’t really vibe with it.
Beautiful
Back to back bangers.
How does this man kick so much ass?
I liked this better than his other album on here.
Stevie wonder is good but I can’t listen to him all day. Enjoyable album tho
Two great, iconic songs give this album an automatic 4 stars. I thought this would be a 5-star album, but the rest of the tracks were ho-hum.
The darker tones here are more my vibe than the more saccharine vocals of some of his other material. It's still very funky, but a lot more introspective.
A couple of my favorite Stevie Wonder songs here make this a part of his phenomenal run of albums he put out from 72 - 76. I usually listen to the next couple if I put on one of his albums so I am not as familiar with this one though. I like it and it sets the stage for what is to follow, not only by him but you can hear the influence of this all over artists who drew inspiration from him. There are a couple of things that drag a bit and sometimes it gets a bit repetitive but those are minor quibbles. A great talent is on the verge of creating perfection here, it's just not quite there yet.
9/10 Stevie really is one of those artists that, while being one of the most highly-rated musicians of all time, could still be considered under-rated. Yeah, he wrote (or co-wrote) some of the greatest songs ever, he’s a virtuoso on anything with a keyboard and he’s got one of the greatest (and most versatile) voices in popular music. But he also played nearly all of the main parts on the album too. All of the drums - Stevie. All of the bass (except the opener) - Stevie (playing a Moog). Oh, and he was the lead producer too. I feel like there are some very slight lulls in this album and it’s probably my 3rd favourite of his albums, but it’s still an exceptional piece of work. While a couple of the songs won’t be troubling my favourites lists, as a part of the album as a whole they combine to make something that flows so beautifully and really encapsulates the concept an album as a coherent singular piece of art. That opening to side two is just ridiculous too. The one, two punch of Superstition and Big Brother? Do behave yourself. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life - It’s a love song, but it’s got such a funky little undercurrent with the gorgeous Rhodes and Bass that just walks all over the place. Beautiful harmonies too. Maybe Your Baby - Again, the staccato funk from the combination of clavinet and Moog is so good. I love the way Stevie’s vocals just dive around all over the place but never seem set-indulgent or overdone. He doesn’t sound like he’s being a try hard, just that he can’t help his should taking over. That being said, this is too long. You and I - A more understated track. It’s nice, but not spectacular. Tuesday Heartbreak - Now we’re talking. What’s better than the Rhodes in track one and the Clavinet and Bass in track two? All three together. I’m not sure it’s possible to listen to this without at the very least tapping your toe. If you manage it, you’ve got no soul. You’ve Got It Bad Girl - This has some really beautiful harmonies. More of a jam piece than some of the tighter tracks on the album, but there’s so much talent in there that it’s a jam I’m happy to listen to. Superstition - I mean, it’s Superstition. The Clavinet does so much to bring the groove. The vocal is fantastic. And Stevie played everything on the track except the horns. Big Brother - Another absolute banger. Such a groove, and political Stevie somehow manages to be both funky and biting in his delivery. I love Stevie playing the harmonica and while it takes more of a backseat here than it does in some of his other tracks, it’s still so so good here. Blame It On The Sun - Slowing down the tempo for a love song, but there is so much going on here, it’s still fantastic. Little trills all over the place from the piano, guitar, even some lovely drum fills. And it still grooves. Lookin’ For Another Pure Love - The different instruments wash in and out of focus in this so nicely. Oh, and here’s a solo from Jeff Beck. I love the way all of the vocal lines compliment each other and again, the musicianship on show lends more of a jam feel to this one. I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) - Bit more of a cheesy closer, but the way this ebbs and flows is great. And the vocal layering that builds in the second half is just great.
Lovely songs!
Superstition is an all time song, no doubt about it, but the rest of this album is very good as well. You Are the Sundhine of My Life is particularly sweet because I'm about to have my first baby girl and the song just swells me up. Other standouts here are Blame It On the Sun and Lookin' for Another Pure Love. Stevie Wonder is massively talented and his music is infinitely enjoyable. I did like Innervisions Fulfillingness' First Finale a bit more, but man what a run for Stevie in the early 70s. Can't wait to get to Songs in the Key of Life, glad that one was left last for me.
The album opens strongly enough with Sunshine of my life and Maybe your baby, but the subsequent couple of tracks feel distinctly filler. At his worst Stevie can stray firmly into keyboard driven schmaltz and this album is not immune from that. Things pick up with You’ve got it bad girl, which sets you up nicely for the undeniable classic. Superstition is Stevie Wonder at his best. The funky brass filled joy of the backing will always make you feel joy. Big brother is an interesting track with its simple backing track and ernest lyrics. I’m not sure i know how i feel about it, as every time i feel i really like it the lyrics just jar a bit. Looking for another pure love feels like an attempt to writing another Sunshine of my life but fails to locate the spark that lifts that up. In the end it just feels a bit blah and repetitive I Believe closers the album in a strong note walking the fine line of those before, settling on the great songs. Unfortunately the album just feels too inconsistent for a great album.
Undoubtedly “Superstition” is the standout track on this album; when the horn section kicks in midway through the first verse, the effect almost feels visceral. Sadly, the rest of the album feels almost like filler in comparison. It starts promisingly, but after “Maybe Your Baby”, never really gets to the cohesive heights that will be found on an album like Innervsions or Songs in the Key of Life.
This album really suffers from having Superstition on it, because frankly what album wouldn't - that's as near a perfect track as it's possible to get. I would have absolutely loved Maybe Your Baby if it cut the number of repetitions of "maybe your baby" in the last 3rd of the track by about 50% (we get it!). You And I having the theremin-like synth on it seemed like an odd choice for a fairly schmaltzy ballad. It did set it apart from the various other schmaltzy ballads though. I like funky Stevie Wonder much better than ballad Stevie Wonder, but it's hard to deny the talent. I enjoyed this just fine, but a little less than I expected I think. 3/5
I loved how it is possible to tell the album was recorded analog, pans and separation of instruments is amazing. I'm glad I knew a song, not by Stevie but from Michael Bublé, so really enjoy new and known music with this album.
Wonder's magical album run in the early seventies is kind of amazing, even if the albums have not totally impacted me. In this listen to Talking Book I was mesmerized more than ever. Perhaps I need a multiple listen guideline for these albums. In particular, the interplay of the multiple organs/keys on many tracks. The big 3 tracks here are just top Wonder on any list. I'm close to a 5 here, more of a 4.5 but bumping up for the perfect vibe.
It's probably a good thing I was turning four in 1972, rather than, say, 14, because I don't think I'd have done ANY schoolwork. What a year - amazing albums coming through in, and, indeed shaping, every genre from there onwards. I can only imagine how eagerly my friends and I would have pored over all the wondrous offerings. This is up there. Some of the ballads aren't quite my cup of tea, but the funky pop songs, which absolutely slap, by the way, certainly are. Terrific.
The backbeat in Superstition alone deserves five stars
Such a wonderful collection of songs. Superstition is one of the best songs ever made and you are the sunshine of my life is so beautiful. One of the best albums by maybe the greatest of all time
Soulful funk and funky soul with some r&b. Both deep dirty funk and smooth poppy funk, often at the same time and often makes the highlights. Clavy keyboard galore, which he showcases his talents on. Stevie Wonder is a masterful musician, singer, and songwriter. I can appreciate the craft more than I’m interested in listening to this album, outside of a few standout songs.
Not the album for me, not a single song that I’m really into either but I do respect it and for 1972 is pretty good
am freitag ;-( .. zwei songs die ich kannte, der rest in gewohnter wonder-manier - ich bin wohl in seine classic-period hineingeboren ;-)
Nein, Stevie Wonder mochte ich noch nie.
Superstition and You are the sunshine of my life are classics. The rest is trash.
Nope
who cares
This was a really great listen. I've always been more into inner visions but this is a perfect record
Fantastic album. Not as good as Innervisions or Songs in the Key of Life. And as like for every artist who appears on this list more than once, I'll say "You Better Damn Well Deserve It". At least for Stevie Wonder I can say he deserves multiple entries far more than Radiohead. That said, I'm giving this album only 4 stars because No Artist Deserves Three Albums On A List Of Only 1001 Albums. Period.
love this album!!!
Pure gold...warm...positive
Far too many love songs dripping with sweetness. The funkier songs like Superstition are great, but I don’t need to listen to You Are The Sunshine Of My Life ever again.
Listening to Stevie Wonder is always a good time, so I'm excited for this. And the album starts off the right way! The opener is sweet and warm, as any love song should be. Maybe Your Baby changes the mood a bit and brings out a funkier side. However, it does overstay its welcome a bit. You And I makes me want to be at a festival, high out of my mid, with a lighter in my hand going from side to side. It's a beautiful heartfelt ballad. Tuesday Heartbreak is fine, but nothing too exciting. You've Got It Bad Girl gets better the longer it goes, so I feel like I'll like it more with further listens. Superstition is incredibly funky and incredibly fun. That bass line is the highlight, but everything else is up to par too. Big Brother is a political song, a theme that is common in Wonder's discography. Talking of being secluded and ignored by politicians until election time, Wonder gives voice to the small man who the system oppresses. Blame It On The Sun is another slower, ballad-type song. It's about being confused with your feelings and sudden lack of love, and so blaming external, natural things. Eventually, the singer realizes that the fault is his. It's nice. The track after that kind of just comes and goes without leaving much. The closer is another ballad, and while I like the ending, I don't quite love the beginning and middle. This was another good album by Mr. Stevie Wonder. While there were some moments that bordered on dull, I was very pleased with some tracks here! And I believe some others could benefit from repeated listens. For now, it's good. Bye
Classic Stevie Wonder sound, album with Superstition on it. Maybe Your Baby has a similar funk sound. Interspersed with slower ballady songs, like You and I Best track (other than Superstition) - Maybe Your Baby
6/10
Meh? There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, but it just feels indulgent and overlong. Superstition is a classic yes, but to me Stevie Wonder is a “greatest hits” kind of guy.
I've got the same issue with Talking Book as I do with most of this kind of music: it pretty much only has one gear, which is 'sugary crooning'. In fact you can scan down the tracklist and get a nearly complete idea of where the album is going to go - you could probably even guess at a couple of the verses on each track and only end up being off by one or two words. That's whatever: it's a Stevie Wonder album after all, noone is looking for Keats. But it leaves me with a feeling that a lot of the smiling romance of this album and others like it is insincere and commercial & I resent having to spend any energy digesting it. Superstition rocks, though.
Beyond the spectacular Superstition, the songs here never really rise above what is best described as ‘a pretty good’ Stevie Wonder album. The material here is quite repetitive. Things start off nicely with the lovely Sunshine of my Life, and that kind of sets the theme moving all throughout the album. So there’s not a lot of interesting song writing going on. But it’s easy listening, and I’m more than happy to let Stevie do his thing. ✨
El disco más aburrido que e escuchado me dio mucho sueño y me dormí
Utrolig. Eg elske Stevie, og dette albumet e ein av grunnene. Superstition e åpenbart en knaller, men digga "You and I" og "Blame it on the sun". Stemmen og musikaliteten hans e legendarisk
stevie sure is a wonder... 9/10
it’s a stevie wonder album
Stevie Wonder’s voice is phenomenal - whether the sweet smooth ballad, or the growling funk - and this album showcases his range and creativity throughout. Songs in the Key of Life is still my favorite by him, but this album still stands proud next to it.
First time listening to this all the way through and it's like a primer of funk pop goodness. He may have hit even higher later with "Innervisions" and "Songs in the Key of Life," but this is a fantastic album.
This has superstition on it, so basically an automatic five stars. One of the best songs of all time, and the best sesame street performance of all time (look it up, its awesome.) First half is great, but I absolutely love the second half of Talking Book, every song is essential. I would put Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life ahead of this one personally, but its a super strong beginning to a triumphant decade for Stevie Wonder
Está bien. Tiene temitas buenos. Pero son muy suavecillos y un poco olvidables. 6 de 10 de momento, un 4/5. Entero. En verdad está mejor. Es un 4,4/4,5 pero como no se puede redondeo a 5, que estoy generoso.
classic
I learned via Wikipedia that this was the first album purchased by Barack Obama. I love that fact. Man, Talking Book is just a winner, through and through. Stevie was 22 years old, releasing his 15th album! You have the two big well-known hits (You Are the Sunshine of My Life and Superstition), but I think I most enjoyed my introduction to the other tracks: Tuesday Heartbreak, Big Brother, Blame It On the Sun, and I Believe – especially I Believe – are really lovely. Stevie is giving us love songs, move-on-after-love songs, protest songs... breaking archetypes and stretching his wings all at once.
Loved it! Can’t believe how young he was, his sound was definitely beyond his years
Superstition alone is amazing. Stevie’s for sure a genius, though I prefer his funkier stuff.
I could listen to Stevie Wonder read the dictionary and it would be a 5/5 for me. Love him and his music.
It’d feel wrong to rate this any lower. He’s a genius. And he was only 22! Songs all feel timeless, every listen is rewarding. One of those albums to be stuck on a desert island with.
Awesome
I guess it's alright. 8/10
This album is so good… a catalyst of what was to come.
Det er jo noen skikkelige bangers her, men jevnt over trekker resten litt ned.
Done
So so so good.
Never realized that 90s boybands simply copied Stevie's homework this whole time. (Also I picked this one to listen to because I needed something chill after Offspring and SOAD - it was a good choice)
Im a sucker for Stevie Wonder, fire album. Honestly deserves 5 stars for superstition alone, everything else was bonus. 5 stars
Superstition gives this album a five already, everything else just puts this to an easy six. I think missing was just a concept completely beyond Stevie’s understanding. He don’t miss. Remarkable album filled to the brim with remarkable songs.
I like this one but I'm not sure I love it. It's fine and probably sacrilegious but just not my jam. 3 stars Freaking love Superstition of course, but this a rating for the whole album, song 5 stars
There is superstition…..
This album sounds amazing. Funky, smooth, composition of everything sounds so fluid. Some emotional songs, some political, some upbeat, some easy listening.
Not my favorite Stevie (or even top 5?) but still wonderful
I've not listened to many Stevie Wonder albums straight through, so this was a great pick for today. Really solid and funky, just a few slow moments and weird stereo panning I didn't click with that kept it from five stars. Maybe your baby was the standout track, with I Believe second (not counting Superstition)
Not his best album, and that says more about his best albums than it does this album.
Superstition est la pièce de résistance de cet album, qui se déplie autour comme des pétales plus veloutées.
6/5/25. Love Stevie Wonder, and in turn loved each song on this album. Very soulful and progressive for its time.
Less off a snooze than I thought going into it. It's not for me, but the songwriting seems interesting enough. Too many sappy love songs. 3/5
Too many songs that aren't Superstition
Absolute banger
Not something I’m gonna listen to all the time but I could definitely appreciate it. Also I’m 99% sure Stevie Wonder isn’t actually blind. Highlights “Superstition” “Tuesday Heartbreak”
Stevie Wonder and Daredevil are the coolest blind guys Superstition is on this one so it already gets a 4. Lot of the songs he’s jsut ripping the Clav and I was grooving with it
this album was front to back smooth groovy Stevie to full effect. I enjoyed it all the way through. You've got it bad girl Superstition Big Brother
Amazing album, full of great tunes and invention. Always a pleasure to have a reason to play his. Would give 5 stars for Superstition alone.
Looking For Another Pure Love hits the spot, especially the Jeff Beck solo when Stevie adds "do it, Jeff." I Believe is one of the great album closers. VERY classy.
Wonder-ful
Pretty good.
The faster funky songs are phenomenal. The slower songs are pretty boring. Unfortunately there's way too many of the slow songs
For my taste, Stevie Wonder albums tend to have a couple amazing songs, then a bunch of stuff I just don’t care about that make me question my love for him. This album, however, is solid throughout. Easily my favorite of the Stevie albums I’ve heard thus far. Plus, Superstitious is on it, which is one of my favorites.
Besides the 2 most popular song on the album, I didn't really love it. Felt like a lot sorta sounded the same-ish, nothing else really stood out. But I do love You Are The Sunshine of my Life and of course, Superstition
Fairly pleasant, with a couple of stans out tracks. But I do feel that stevie wonder is very overrated.
Pretty enchanting throughout. Smooth, funky, and full of heart. A landmark record that still feels alive today.
Is this Stevie Wonder's best album? Maybe. I mean Superstition is one of the best songs ever so it already has that going for it. But really there's a lot to love on this album. Maybe Your Baby is such a strong song I don't know why it's not more well known. Tuesday Heartbreak is great as well. A lot of good funk and grooves on this record. Guitars (when there are guitars) and bass in particular are really strong on this album. And of course the vocals are great as always. But after Superstition it falls off just a bit for me, it's still a fantastic album but just slows down a little too much towards the end. 4/5
this is maybe my favorite stevie album? is that crazy? extremely great from front to back. the singles ('you are the sunshine of my life' and 'superstition') of course are timeless, but the album cuts are really terrific too, from the subdued and sweet 'you and i' to the funkier cuts 'maybe your baby' and 'tuesday heartbreak' to the album closer 'i believe (when i fall in love it will be forever' which combines the two into a great ending. as with most everything stevie, the musicianship is great and the production sounds nice. and as always, with stevie, i feel it important to point out HE WAS 22 WHEN HE MADE THIS. crazy. incredible. think about what you were doing when you were 22. not this, i'll tell you.
Another record full of bangers from Stevie. Who knew? 9/10
amazing album, 4.5
v good
83% Best: Maybe Your Baby; Tuesday Heartbreak; Superstition; Blame It On The Sun; I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) Must-Hear? Sure
Sunshine is a wonderful sentiment and a nice song. Superstition is fantastic. Stevie lets it rip, and it makes my ears happy. The rest of the album, however, is pretty meh. One more good track and this would get a 4, but alas, even with the 6/5 Superstition, a 3 is all it is.
it was pretty good
The funky clavinet in "Superstition" is god tier, the whole song is god tier... A song so good he performed it on god damn Sesame Street (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ul7X5js1vE) and went tour with the Rolling Stones. But, most importantly, he finally shed the "Little Stevie Wonder" era off and became a serious artist, and was launching into a whole new atmosphere.
Overall, funky everywhere. It has a good amount of down-to-earth emotionality. I knew a lot of the songs of here already, my favorite being "Blame It On The Sun." Shout out to Stevie Wonder being good at singing.
I recognized the first song from this album as a song we studied in my musical theatre performance class in college. Also recognized Supserstition. This isn't my go to genre, but the music is incredible, the voice is amazing, and the vibes are soaring
This album has some real highs and some real lows. I enjoyed the soulful vocals, but several songs (Maybe Your Baby, You've Got It Bad Girl, Lookin' For Another Pure Love) dragged on way too long. Superstition is iconic and legitimately the only Stevie Wonder song I knew coming into this album, but I was pleasantly surprised by several other tracks on the album. Favorite Tracks: Superstition, Tuesday Heartbreak
Most of the tracks on Talking Book are uninteresting in subject matter (typical crooning love songs), but I found "Blame it on the sun" to be a really great song. The melancholy tone combined with a bit of a different perspective on love made it stand out from the rest of the album. I enjoyed most of the instrumental grooves on Talking Book, but an otherwise great album suffered overall from its lack of lyrical interest. "Superstition" is of course a highlight as well, as it showcases Stevie Wonder's more aggressive vocals and a different--more interesting--subject.
We are on a run! Not his best but very good. Your mileage may vary depending on how much you like sunshine of my life.
Better than Key of Life is my naughty opinion.
This was excellent.
For my taste, there wasn't enough funny with this album. Higher Ground saves it some, but overall this album left me wanting.
3.2 I don't fully get Stevie. If you take out Superstition, it's a pretty bland album. The only bit of excitement, something different is Maybe my Baby with the intriguing coda. However, when you include Superstition, an absolutely phenomenal track, it both pulls the album up with it's brilliance but also let's it down by highlighting how lacklustre the majority of the other tracks are. I fear I sound like a record label saying "I like Superstitious, do more of that" but my god Stevie. Please.
An album full of solid enjoyable songs that is elevated by the the inclusion of an ATG in superstition
4/5
I thought it was good, it had a lot of songs I grew up listening to. I miss when music had personality.
Stevie Wonder is not hiding his message(s). Undoubtedly skilful and passionate execution. The mid tempo soul ballads (You and I, Lookin’ for Another Pure Love, …) leave me somewhat underwhelmed - partly because of their “on the nose” lyrics. Album sounds vibrant, but has too less edges for my taste; esp. those aforementioned ballads. Maybe Your Baby and Superstition have a killer, driving backbeat. While there are superb melodies and harmonies elsewhere (keys/synth on You’ve Got it Bad Girl or the vocals on Blame it on the Sun and I Believe), the record would have benefitted from some more “gut punching” uptempo sections making it a more varied, dynamic collection of songs. Sadly, the amazing final section of the album (prog-soul outro of I Believe) ends abruptly and the style isn’t spelled out over these 10 tracks very often.
Music of My Mind, the first album Stevie Wonder made under his own control, was excellent but Talking Book is the real beginning of a stunning run of 5-star records he made in the 1970s. Leading off with "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", a perfect 'classic' love song which never becomes maudlin and straight into the heavy funk of "Maybe Your Baby", Stevie plays everything, as he does on most tracks, other than the occasional guitar - the rhythm section of drums, Moog bass and clavinet is incredible. "You and I" is a gorgeous ballad with a melody worthy of the Great American Songbook. "Superstition" is an all-time classic, one of the best songs Wonder, or any of his contemporaries, ever recorded; a song that proved too good to hand to Jeff Beck, for whom Stevie wrote it and who plays, very sympathetically, on "Lookin' For Another Love". The album closes with the wonderful (!) "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)", uplifting and full of hope. Talking Book is a fantastic album, largely built around funky love songs but in "Big Brother" we have a pointer to the political and social commentary which was to come more to the fore on the albums which followed culminating in, for me, Stevie Wonder's zenith, "Songs In the Key of Life."
Decent but not loving it - includes Superstition of course
Lempparit: You Are The Sunshine Of My life, Blame It On The Sun Vähiten lemppari: Big Brother
Oh hell yeah this album rules. What a bunch of bangers. The groove funk on Maybe Your Baby is impeccable. But nothing tops the groove of Superstition. Revelations for me are Maybe Your Baby, Big Brother (the transition from Superstition to Big Brother whips), and Blame It on the Sun. I Believe is such a good album closer, man.
5 starrrrr. Thank you for listening to our pleas and not assigning a crock of shit for our 100th album 🙏🏼
Stevie for album 100? Oh something worked well in the algo. Do I need to really say what the score is?
You Are The Sunshine of My Life is a very upbeat, beautiful start. Maybe Your Baby transitions nicely with that funky bass. You And I shows off Stevie’s vocal chops in a brilliant manner. You’ve Got It Bad Girl shows off the synths well, nicely meshing with the vocals and instrumentals. Superstition is a perfect, groovy song. Big Brother has a surprisingly political message, but a poignant one. The closing track has those very satisfying characteristic Moog sounds.
It's a nice sounding album, but that is it. Superstition is a banger tho
Didn't like it as much as the other two albums I've had of his. Actually started with a nice one, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life was nice and chill. Then the rest of the album was just kinda ok. A lot of repetition and songs that outlived their welcome. Superstition and Big Brother were also fairly nice, but the rest of the songs were mediocre. Best song: You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
Building on Music of My Mind, the start of Stevie’s perfect run.
Hommood's favourite artist. We were both pleased this weekend.
It sounds like the house band on a 90s talk show got stuck in a loop with the cheesiest bits of soul and funk. Slick, lifeless, and smug. If we’re talking early 70’s soul I’d rather listen to Lee Moses or Alice Clark.
I mean, it's fine and obviously good music. I just think he's boring outside of performances. I loved seeing him live last year but not someone I'd listen to studio recordings of honestly.
Si grooovy Certains morceaux sont intrinsèquement géniaux. D'autres pourraient sortir demain. En vrai c'est 3.5, c'est globalement pas mon style mais Maybe your baby
Superstition>>>
L'album est BANGER j'en ai enregistré quatre chansons dans ma playlist. C'est pas le style vers lequel j'irai naturellement mais je ne peux que reconnaître sa grande qualité. Je comprends pourquoi Romain aime ça.
Gloire à Stevie
S'écoute bien même si on s'ennuie souvent. Mentions spéciales aux bangers Maybe your baby et Superstition
Stevie don’t miss
maybe your baby has got to be my favorite, but i dont fuck with most of the album, cool listen though
Amazing listen from everyone's favourite fake blind black guy. It's Stevie Wonder at his best. What else need I say?
The negative reviews on this one have me bewildered, not only are the non-superstition tracks on here not that extreme of a departure from the hit song of this album, They're not even worse than said song. Just incredibly smooth listening throughout without a dip in quality anywhere to be seen.
Stevie Wonder’s music exudes joy at every second, dude clearly just loved making music and it shines through in his tracks. One of the best to ever do it.
I liked Maybe your Baby, that's about it. Nothing else stood out and im an idiot for thinking so I'm well aware. Not bad, didn't dislike anything. 6/10
Trail mix as an album, even the weaker (barely) stuff here is still great. Side B is better is better than Side A if you really had to pick, but this album really encapsulates the term 'easy listening'. As much as I love an album that rewards re-listens and gets better as you read the lyrics and the story behind it, this is the exact opposite. I think it would be practically impossible to find a single person who would sit through this album and go 'yeah this sucked' unless they were the world's biggest contrarian. Sometimes music is just supposed to make you feel good, and this album does just exactly that. Put this on, sit on the couch, put on a lamp (NO BIG LIGHT), have a cup of tea and let Stevie Wonder fix whatever bad day you're having. I can name one or two songs on here that drag a little bit and that is the biggest fault that I can find here. Well-arranged, competently produced, performed with feeling and with that soulful je ne sais quois: this album really hits all the musical food groups. The opener is a classic, You and I is a serious contender for a wedding song and Superstition is a rare track that you hear on the radio/in the supermarket/in an ad and you don't roll your eyes, it's a beautiful song. The sound of this album is timeless, it doesn't feel dated despite being 53 years old at the time of writing, it is truly a marvel that Stevie Wonder can create music like this that has really stood the test of time and has had an unmeasurable impact on every artist that has come after him. Highlights: You Are the Sunshine of My Life, You and I (We Can Conquer the World), Superstition, I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)
Stevie Wonder is just an absolute treasure isn't he. Enjoyed the whole album, though perhaps its the cynic in me, at a certain point the album did seem a bit sickly sweet to me. Best song of the album is Superstition by far, a classic with an insanely funky beat. 4/5
Compared to Innervisions this lacks flavour. Lovely soul to this and Superstition is naturally the standout, but felt a bit beige from Stevie
Some good songs but it leans into ballad territory a bit too much. A little bit too sugary in places for me.
Mi piace un botto la sua voce Alcune melodie spaccano I ritmi ci strastanno
Part of a chain of like 5 albums Stevie put out that were perfect. It's great.
Tr1: Overrated Un po mi da fastidio(sopratutto melodia) Cori goats Carina modulazioncina Carini i fraseggi che fa ogni tanto Parte migliore : fine Lunghezza giusta Carino il testo 8 Tr2: Riff clavinet Goated “più stevie “ - Goated anche quello Super funky anche quasi senza batteria Vocals impeccabili Forse un po’ troppo lunghetta? Classica outro allungata di stevie Meh.. 8+ Tr3: Goat. Bella melodia. Bello il pianoforte. Lui goat . Bel testo. 9- Tr4: Funkettona Divertente Clavinet e sottofondo (cornet? Coro) belli Melodia non particolarmente bella però Overall: 8,5 Tr5: Melodia bella Super chill Batteria e piano bellinis,serving a purpose Vocals belli 9- Tr6: Hit classics 9 Tr7: Esotica ,non me la ricordavo Carina 8+ Tr8: Parte di Piano interessante Cori e batteria aggiungono profondità Vocals as usual impeccabili 9+ Tr9: Melodia vocale carina,seguita dagli strumenti. Bell’arrangiamento e uso delle dinamiche ,sopratutto nella voce. Chorus bello,sfrutta bene la dissonanza,abbastanza inaspettata. Solo niente di che però nel mood generale può starci. 9 Tr10: Mix di Tastiere figo Vocals e melodia belli come sempre. Mood ambiguo dell’intro,figo Poi assume un carattere,carino Batteria la Carria un pochino in certi punti. 8+ Voto finale 8,5/9-
Many Stevie Wonder hits
Great album.
Album 773 of 1089 Stevie Wonder - Talking Book (1972) Rating : 5 / 5 Just an awesome album. Not a moment wasted listening to this. I think I may prefer this one over his Songs in the Key of Life.. Great tunes...great performance.
Really good album with a couple of incredible, next-level songs: You Are the Sunshine of My Life Superstition It's unbelievable that he was only 22 when he released this album. It wasn't his first album but it was probably the first one that really put him on the map.
Really enjoyed the album, even if no one track stood out as a favorite. I don't really know what to say other than I like the mix of instruments, and he did a great job of keeping each song interesting in a way that I can't really put to words
Such a fine listen all the way through. Both sides start off ridiculously strong and the following songs let you groove.
Stevie Wonder spent a lot of time reinventing his sound and his move to the electric piano and Clavinet on this album stand out. Mix in a smoothness for love songs and political messaging that only Stevie Wonder can master, this album is a must listen. 4.5/5
not bad
Every time I hear You are the Sunshine of My Life, I can't help but singing the stupid Minute Maid jingle. (You are the sunshine of my life, Minute Maid!) That commercial is from 1987 and yet it has stayed with me all these years. It ruins what is otherwise a sweet song for me. Stupid Minute Maid! Setting that aside, this is the first time I listened to a Stevie Wonder album. I thought Maybe Your Baby was never going to end, but I was enjoying it until I had my fill. You and I felt kinda cheesy. The songs are interesting--there is a lot going on musically. Nice dose of politics in Big Brother. Blame it on the sun was pretty. Some good songs on here!
Amazing album about love and finding closure in the overthinking and loss of a love interest. Banger after banger, Stevie cooked
Stevie Wonder the goat🙏
It's Stevie
Considerably less potent than Innervisions, but then again that's a very high bar. Still would rather listen to a middling Stevie Wonder album than most other music ever produced though (probably).
Yes - lovely stuff. Beautiful love songs.
Fave songs: You Are the Sunshine of My Life, You've Got It Bad Girl
3/5 Ihan jees. Hyvää mussiikkia, ei vaan ehkä niin oma juttu.
Tykkäsin tästä! Oli mukavasti rytmiä, vaihtelua ja hienoja kitarapätkiä.
Niin sanotusti "mixed bag". Osa kappaleista jopa sietämättömiä. Silti myös hyviä hetkiä, sellainen 2.5/5
Ei niin kova albumina ku edellinen Wonder. Liikaa lässyjä slovareita Toisaalta pelkkä Superstition niin tykki styge et vie jalat alta ja muutama muu ok veto
On se seppä
Hieno albuni taas Wonderilta! Tällä kertaa ehkä vähän pehmeämpi kuin edellinen, mutta silti hyvää tavaraa!
Look I Love Stevie Wonder, but for some reason this album just didn't hook me like I thought it would.
funky town, 7/10
Pretty solid funky jams. Superstition is a classic and You and I is a great one I’ve never heard before. 7/10
This is a great album. Love the mixture between Stevie Wonder’s vocals and the funky instrumentals. Definitely got me interested in listening to more of his music with the expectation that it’ll be close to this album in style. 10/10
Fuck it, it’s Stevie Wonder the guys a genius
Funk, Soul
c: you are the sunshine of my life h: superstition
muito bom!
3.5 - good album just leaned to heavily into the sappy love songs
Classy
Amazing. Truly a spring or summer of love album. 10/10
My high hopes were dashed by this….
Another pretty solid outing from Stevie with the absolute classic that is Superstition. What can you say he was bang on for at least 3 albums, this being one of them!
I did not like this. Too light/adult contemporary. The excellent Superstition doesn't fit onto this album, and can't save it....
I'm sorry 1001 Albums Generator I'll never abandon you again
I really enjoyed the chill vibes of this album! Perfect for a Sunday.
Two world hits that you can't ignore, for the rest hmmm
Excellent album!
i recall (but am too lazy to check) a potentially apocryphal quote from stevie where he said that innervisions is his best album and talking book is his best collection of songs. regardless of whether its a real quote i do think it hits on somethin! this does not feel as inevitably paced and constructed as innverisions or sitkol, instead the momentum is carried by the fact that every track is a new masterpiece or close to it. this one is particularly ballad-heavy, an ideal match for peak stevie's strengths and producing a bunch of tracks that just make me melt. that it also happens to have superstition, one of the most visceral funk stompers of all time, is almost unreal. stevie makes v comforting music on the whole ofc, but it would be difficult to find a record even from him that creates this much of an unbreakable bubble of contentment
Much better than Bowie's "Heroes"
Well I saved more than half the album so I think it just has to be a 5. Like half of those songs are slow songs and that's not me really. They are just too good. And the funky songs are amazing. Superstition is a perfect song. I didn't even realize it was Stevie wonder until emarissingly late. But it's just a part of the culture. It's in every animated movie from 2001 to now. But damn he can play the keys. And probably everything else. The absolute god. This is good. Listen. That is all
Clearly a great album, just not my favourite genre