stankwalrus's Full Review: Songs In The Key Of Life [Remaster] by Stevie Wond...
In the mid-1970s, there was no one in popular music running on the same level of artistic consistency of Stevie Wonder.
That may seem like a bold statement; but from 1972-1976-in the span of four albums-Wonder pushed soul music (and popular music in general) into a bold new world. His aggressive yet soulful use of synthesizers foreshadowed the early '80s obsession, and his far-reaching songwriting helped many soul/R&B artists to embrace psychadelia.
Of all the great albums in that four-year run, Songs In the Key Of Life ranks the highest. Stevie rejected any boundaries, musical or lyrical. From big band, to jazz-rock fusion, to mambo; Stevie took a stab at it all.
And succeeded.
The World's In Need of Love Today-a somber opening. Stevie uses soft harmonies and simple instrumentation to lament the strife in the world, circa 1976. His restrained, but passionate vocals evoke a pleading cry for peace
Have A Talk With God-a rubbery baseline and synth clicks and chirps punctuate this spiritual number. Stevie professes his communion with his Maker; but doesn't get too preachy. A really funky tune.
Village Ghetto Land-beautiful baroque strings (synth-of course)add a tongue-in-cheek feel to this sarcastic examination of inner city struggle. Stevie sings of the ghetto as a far-off wonder land but details the very real trials of life there.
Contusion-a guitar-heavy instrumental and (more) excellent synth/keyboards.
Sir Duke-Bright horns and Stevie's enthusiasm make this song extremely infectious and addictive. Evoking the spirit of his big band forefathers lyrically and musically, Stevie pays tribute with an uplifting, horn-driven chorus and break.
I Wish-another superfunky bassline and some gospel-styled keyboard playing as Stevie reminisces about his childhood. Stevie's joy (again) permeates the entire song and you'll be humming it for days.
Knocks Me Off My Feet-a beautiful love ballad that has become an R&B standard. Stevie sings in restraint until he explodes with 'I love you' in the chorus. One of his more popular love songs.
Pastime's Paradise-younger listeners will instantly recognize this song; Coolio virtually re-made it with 1995's 'Gangster's Paradise.' An unusually ominous song about people living in the past and ignoring their future-and present. Great synth strings.
Summer Soft-another beautifully subdued number about the changing of the seasons. Stevie's vocal range is showcased with multiple key changes at the end.
Ordinary Pain-Stevie ends disc 1 with this sad woe-is-me number. The first half is basically Stevie crying over a woman who has left him. But just when the song seems to end, it switches to a funky, mid-tempo groove and allows the woman to tell her side of the story. A cool twist on a familiar theme.
Isn't She Lovely-A beautifully joyous song that was written for Stevie's newborn daughter. Mostly guitar and bass-driven, Stevie's lyrics never seem self-indulgent as he gushes over his baby girl.
Joy Inside My Tears-Another of Stevie's sad breakup tunes. Probably the weakest song on the album, but still quite good as a basic tune.
Black Man-an upbeat, funky tune. Stevie examines the contributions of all races to American history. He even incorporates some schoolteaching at the end. Excellent.
I Am Singing-Stevie sings in English, Swahili, and Spanish for this Carribbean tune. You can almost see the waves and the palm trees as Stevie sings of global peace and love for all mankind.
If It's Magic-a simple, sweet song about preservering through hard times. Stevie wonders (no pun intended) why people don't try to fight through their cynicism and try to find more joy in their lives. Wonderful harp in the background.
As-the best song the man has written. As uplifting as it is beautiful, Stevie uses a choir and a memorable chorus as a backdrop for this study of unconditional love. The song seems to spiral up to the heavens and is euphoric in it's praise of true love. Perfection.
For You-a roaring, Mambo-driven pulse gives a sense of urgency to Stevie's forceful vocals. He seems to be telling a woman that he knows that she means more to him than he to her. A 'wall of sound' that will definitely get your attention.
Saturn-Stevie's only piece of psychadelia on this album. All synth, all the time as Stevie ponders leaving this world and traveling to 'Saturn'. Saturn representing a utopian existence where people fly and live to 205. Yeah, it's weird, but still a great song.
Ebony Eyes-Just Stevie on his piano with a little help from a band. A very cool mid-tempo song with Stevie crooning about a sexy, round-the-way girl.
All Day Sucker-another funky synth tune. Stevie lightens things up as he details his attempts to get into a girl's pants; but she only teases him. Excellent guitar playing during the chorus.
Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call)-the second of the two instrumentals. Very smooth and laid-back, Stevie just sounds like he's relaxing on the porch playing his harmonica. A nice way to end the album.
Song for song, Songs In the Key Of Life stands as one of the greatest albums of all time. Stevie's musicianship and songwriting are at their peak; and his overall creativity is allowed to fully shine like it hadn't ever before. Unfortunately, this represents the apex of his career (creativly); he would go on to have huge hits in the 80s with more straightforward pop/R&B, but this albums stands as the pinnacle of his artistic powers.
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