1001 Albums Summary

(7/10)

This one was a long time coming. I’ve always been an outspoken hater of this album for the simple reason that I thought it was pretentious and annoying. I still stand by the fact that it is pretentious (and those damn woodwinds could quiet down a little!), but I was wrong in my hatred. By the time I listened to this album today, it had been over a year since I’d last heard it in full. My tastes have definitely changed, and I was surprised that I enjoyed this as much as I did. It’s hard to describe the feeling that this albums brings upon me. It’s like when you’ve finally accepted a loss, and your immeasurable sadness leaves you (who’s the pretentious one now, Mr. Stevens?). My only problems with this album would have to be the pretentious, half-baked nonsense song titles and interludes, and the aforementioned oppressively present woodwinds. Overall, a beautiful experience that is difficult to truly put into words. Those damn woodwinds could really shut the hell up, though. (8/10) Favorite tracks: Jacksonville, Chicago

An artist with such albums as Songs In The Key of Life, Innervisions, and Talking Book is bound to have quite a few albums here and there that are somewhat forgotten. Fulfillingness’ First Finale is a textbook example. Released in 1974 between Innervisions and SITKOL, this album contains some of Stevie’s most sublime humanistic ruminations (“Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away”, “Smile Please”, “They Won’t Go When I Go). But don’t worry, he has plenty of funkiness to spare (If “Boogie On Reggae Woman” doesn’t get you grooving, I don’t know what’s wrong with you). While the wistful romanticism of songs like “Creepin’” and “Too Shy to Say” may bring the mood down a little, it is tempered by the smoothness of Stevie’s voice and playing. I’ve always said that Stevie Wonder is one of few artists that you cannot hate. I will not be swayed otherwise. (9/10) Favorite tracks: “Boogie On Reggae Woman”, “Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away”, “It Ain’t No Use”

I too do not like the British Empire. ‘Nuff said. (8/10) Favorite Tracks: “Victoria”, “Some Mother’s Son”, “Brainwashed”, “Nothing to Say”

Nothing much to say. Good folk rock. (7/10) Favorite tracks: “Carry On”, “Almost Cut My Hair”, “Woodstock”