When I was in high school, I used my local library for school research projects, but more often, I used the library to borrow albums I'd consider buying. In some cases, I'd tape the songs for my own use. In other cases, I saved my money to buy the albums I thought were exceptional. One of the ones I eventually bought for myself was Stevie Wonder's 1974 release, Fulfillingness' First Finale. For over a decade before this time, Wonder had been on the airwaves, turntables, and tape decks with hit single after hit single, beginning with "Fingertips Part 2," which he recorded when he was just twelve years old. By the mid-seventies, he was adding hit albums to his repertoire, including this best-selling title. Releases like Talking Book and Innervisions showed the growth of Wonder as an artist as he entered adulthood, with track after track full of creative energy. Fulfillingness added to that reputation, as he breezed through ten soulful songs, with hints of funk, jazz, and Latin influences.

The songs on this release are primarily of a romantic nature in all its phases. The album opens with "Smile Please," about a man hoping for the joy in his woman that her smile brings. Things in her life haven't gone the way she'd like, but she's reassured better days lie ahead. Some of the melody reminds me of his earlier song "Superwoman," with the same sort of optimism. Michael Sembello, who would later have a hit of his own with "Maniac," plays guitar with a touch that seems like mellow jazz, and Wonder's electric piano adds to that feel. Another thematically similar song is "Too Shy To Say," which features some beautiful slide guitar work by Sneaky Pete Kleinow. The slide work builds to fit the passion of someone working to speak the words that are in his head. "It Ain't No Use" talks about a relationship reaching an amicable end, and a couple knowing it's time for final goodbyes and best wishes. Pretty, but mournful, harmony vocals come courtesy of Minnie Riperton, whose biggest hit was "Lovin' You," and Deniece Williams, whose hits include "Let's Hear It For The Boy."

Other tracks address social issues. The most notable of these songs is the album's only #1 single, "You Haven't Done Nothin'." Wonder's synthesizer work creates an atmosphere of discontent, and his words rail at politicians who promise change, but don't deliver. A chorus of approval is provided by Motown mates, the Jackson 5. The song is often seen as an open letter to Richard Nixon and his administration, and was released around the time the President resigned from office. Wonder has stated it's not only about Nixon, but about any politician who fails to serve his constituents adequately. "Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away" who turn to God for help, but don't do anything to create any peace on earth in order to live in His image. A gospel-like chorus includes Paul Anka and Wonder's ex-wife, Syreeta Wright. "Bird Of Beauty" addresses the insistence of some to escape the troubles of life through drugs. Wonder delivers a friendly reminder that beauty can be observed at its best without chemical enhancement, and does it to a bossa nova beat. To translate some of the song's lyrics from English to Portuguese, Wonder got an assist from famed Brazilian bandleader Sergio Mendes.

The second and final single from Fulfillingness was the Top 5 hit "Boogie On Reggae Woman," a funky, upbeat number that has no reggae influences. It's a song about a guy who'd like to put a lady he's seen on his dance card, even though their styles on the floor are divergent. Her dancing brings out the passion in the man, and Wonder's synthesizer playing suggests feelings of an erotic nature. The song is playful, uninhibited, and the album's most fun-filled track.

Fulfillingness' First Finale is part of a remarkable creative run by Wonder, who was redefining his musical image as a young man. Some say the best from Wonder was yet to be, when he released his follow-up, Songs In The Key Of Life. Fulfillingness celebrates the romantic moods of Stevie Wonder, but the socially conscious side of Wonder also makes itself known. Still, the songs reflect the views of a man who was convinced that better things were ahead, regardless of one's current life situation. Certain good things in Wonder's career may have come and gone, but he rightfully believed that more awaited.

Tracks:

1. Smile Please
2. Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away
3. Too Shy To Say
4. Boogie On Reggae Woman
5. Creepin'
6. You Haven't Done Nothin'
7. It Ain't No Use
8. They Won't Go When I Go
9. Bird Of Beauty
10. Please Don't Go

This is my entry in the National Library Week write-off hosted by laurashrti. To read more entries, go here.

Thank you Laura.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends