Stevie Wonder
Innervisions
A2 Visions 5:17
A3 Living For The City 7:26
A4 Golden Lady 5:00
B1 Higher Ground 3:54
B2 Jesus Children Of America 4:04
B3 All In Love Is Fair 3:45
B4 Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing 4:55
B5 He's Misstra Know-It-All 6:06
Label: Tamla – T 326L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Motown
Innervisions is Stevie Wonder's highly acclaimed sixteenth studio album, which marked his full transition from a Motown child prodigy to a mature, socially conscious artist with complete creative control. Widely considered a masterpiece, the album is celebrated for its innovative blend of musical styles and its deep, complex lyrical themes.
The album is an amalgam of soul, funk, jazz, rock, Latin rhythms, and reggae influences. It made groundbreaking use of synthesizers, particularly the revolutionary T.O.N.T.O. (The Original New Timbral Orchestra) system, which heavily influenced the future sound of commercial soul and Black music.
Wonder wrote, produced, and arranged almost all the songs, and famously played nearly all the instruments on most tracks, showcasing his virtuosic talent on keyboards, drums, harmonica, and more.
The nine-track album is known for its powerful and poetic lyrics that tackle serious social and political issues of early 1970s America.
Innervisions was a critical and commercial success, peaking at number four on the Billboard Pop LPs chart and winning Album of the Year at the 16th Grammy Awards, the first time a Black artist had won the award.
It is consistently ranked among the greatest albums of all time, including at number 34 on Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list in 2020. Its enduring relevance and artistic scope continue to inspire musicians across genres.
(Review provided by Soulyears.com)
Music Of My Mind
Trombone, Soloist – Art Baron
Written-By – S. Wonder, S. Wright 7:21
A2 Superwoman
Guitar, Soloist – Buzzy Feiton
Written-By – S. Wonder 8:04
A3 I Love Every Little Thing About You
Written-By – S. Wonder 3:46
A4 Sweet Little Girl
Written-By – S. Wonder 4:54
B1 Happier Than The Morning Sun
Written-By – S. Wonder 5:18
B2 Girl Blue
Written-By – S. Wonder, Y. Wright 3:35
B3 Seems So Long
Written-By – S. Wonder 4:27
B4 Keep On Running
Written-By – S. Wonder 6:35
B5 Evil
Written-By – S. Wonder, Y. Wright 3:35
Label: Tamla – T 314L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Electronic
Stevie Wonder's Music of My Mind (1972) is a landmark album, hailed as his creative rebirth where he gained full artistic control, showcasing genius fusion of funk, soul, jazz with pioneering synthesizer use (TONTO), and deeper social commentary, starting his legendary 70s run with reflective tracks like "Superwoman" alongside upbeat funk, even if some critics noted occasional self-indulgence or slower moments amidst its groundbreaking sound.
This was the first album under his new Motown deal, giving him unprecedented control and paving the way for his classic era. He pioneered the use of synthesizers (TONTO), blending them seamlessly with funk, R&B, and jazz for a unique, expansive sound.
The album moves beyond simple love songs, incorporating deep personal reflections (marriage struggles) and social commentary (like in "Evil").
It features rich harmonic sophistication, intricate arrangements, and a powerful, expressive vocal performance, with Stevie playing most instruments.
Acclaimed as a creative peak, proving R&B's artistic depth, though it wasn't a massive initial commercial hit, it laid the groundwork for future blockbusters.
Talking Book
Backing Vocals – Gloria Barley, Jim Gilstrap, Lani Groves
Bass – Scott Edwards
Congas – Daniel Ben Zebulon
Written-By – Stevie Wonder 2:45
A2 Maybe Your Baby
Guitar – Ray Parker, Jr.
Written-By – Stevie Wonder 6:45
A3 You And I
Written-By – Stevie Wonder
4:39
A4 Tuesday Heartbreak
Alto Saxophone [Alto Solo] – Dave Sanborn
Backing Vocals – Deniece Williams, Shirley Brewer
Written-By – Stevie Wonder 3:09
A5 You've Got It Bad Girl
Backing Vocals – Jim Gilstrap, Lani Groves
Congas – Daniel Ben Zebulon
Written-By – Stevie Wonder, Yvonne Wright 4:55
B1 Superstition
Saxophone [Sax] – Trevor Laurence
Trumpet – Steve Madaio
Written-By – Stevie Wonder 4:40
B2 Big Brother
Written-By – Stevie Wonder 3:35
B3 Blame It On The Sun
Backing Vocals – Jim Gilstrap, Lani Groves
Written-By – Stevie Wonder, Syreeta Wright 3:28
B4 Lookin' For Another Pure Love
Backing Vocals – Debra Wilson, Loris Harvin, Shirley Brewer
Lead Guitar [Lead Guitars] – Buzzy Feiten, Jeff Beck
Written-By – Stevie Wonder 4:45
B5 I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)
Written-By – Stevie Wonder 4:48
Label: Tamla – T 319L DJ
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Motown
Stevie Wonder's 1972 album Talking Book is a universally acclaimed masterpiece, often cited as the beginning of his "classic period," praised for its innovative sound, artistic autonomy, and powerful blend of personal love songs with sharp social commentary.
The album is a pivotal work in 70s soul and R&B, celebrated for its timeless appeal and visionary use of synthesizers.
Critics and fans widely regard Talking Book as one of the greatest albums of all time, a work that solidified Wonder's genius as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
The album was a breakthrough, marking Wonder's newfound artistic freedom from Motown's rigid "hit factory" system, allowing him to write, produce, and play most instruments himself. This autonomy resulted in a more personal and experimental sound.
Wonder's innovative use of electronic instruments like the TONTO synthesizer and Hohner clavinet created a unique sonic landscape that was far ahead of its time and still feels fresh today. This approach helped break the myth that R&B artists couldn't appeal to rock audiences.
Standout Tracks:
"Superstition": Iconic, funky, and instantly recognizable.
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life": A tender, beloved love ballad.
"Big Brother": A pointed, conscious critique of systemic oppression.
"Blame It on the Sun": An emotionally raw and regretful track.
In essence, Talking Book isn't just an album; it's a pivotal moment where Stevie Wonder fully unleashed his vision, creating a rich, soulful, and groundbreaking sonic world that remains essential listening