I remember when Paul Simon won the Grammy for the album "Still Crazy After All These Years". He thanked Stevie Wonder for not putting an album out in 1975...
@@DrinkWater713 It's worth a lot; coming from a master genius musician like Prince its a sublime gesture. Prince wasn't intrigued by most, other than Stevie Wonder, James Brown, George Harrison, etc; the list was very small. Many were intrigued by him mostly.
If you don't know what THAT'S worth, I'm not sure how anyone could take you seriously in regards to your opinion of music. if you have one, that is... @@DrinkWater713
@PurelyAfrican nah, it's majority. Whenever a guitar or horn was played on his songs, those instruments were played by others. By the time "Songs in the Key of Life" came about, he featured a full band on a good number of the songs on that album.
You listen to the end of the second record on Songs In The Key Of Life. At the end you get As, it starts to fade out and you’re completely satisfied. But no, there’s more. Then you hear the bass piano and the intro of Another Star. It is the perfect encore.
Some may find this dark, but if Stevie had become a member of the 27 club, he still would have finished this classic run AND have lived a full YEAR longer. That is insane
You are right. Actually, many people ask the question _ why is Stevie considered to be among all time greats? The thing is, just just know few biggest hits by him, which imho are the weakest links in his whole career. Stevie is indeed the greatest popular musician of the XX in many terms
Fun trivia: when Paul Simon won the album of the year Grammy for "Still Crazy After All These Years", he thanked Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album that year in his acceptance speech.
@@hollohullu9448 Yes you can, but you just have to keep in mind that it's all opinion and that you can't put other people down if they disagree with you. I can, however, put Stevie above Lil Pump in my own personal list of artists.
I go back-and-forth between Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life. Innervisions is more coherent and succinct but 'Songs in the Key' has more to digest and features my favorite Wonder song of all time: "As"
@@oRuTRa45 the reason is that Stevie Wonder made so many songs that you can legit know 10 of his greatest songs ever and not even be talking about anything he did before he was 18. His career is actually insane. He's literally the greatest musical artist of all time but people don't mention him because it makes the rest of the conversation boring since nobody even comes close to him in terms of quality, impact, longevity with that level of productivity. People always wonder what would have happened if Mozart didn't die when he was 35. The answer is Stevie Wonder.
Tho I gotta say... he was only 26 when he made that, and then he jumped the shark. You'd have to collect all the highlights of all his later works to get another collection as strong as a single album in his early run. It's scary to think that he could have joined the 27 club and it wouldn't tarnish his legacy by very much.
@Tyler Hackner the songs are infinitely better for being longer. If songs like black man, as, isn't she lovely and many more were shorter they would be a lot worse.
Journey Into The Secret Life Of Plants is an absolute compositional masterpiece. It shows the FULL scope of his genius. It's a little weird, but it is one of the most brilliant releases of the 20th century.
Stevie is simply the greatest of all time. Nothing compares to his melodies, chords, lyrics etc. I feel very blessed to have learned about him at a very young age. And he's been the greatest inspiration to me as a musician ever since. Nothing but love for Steveland
I was a young kid on the 70’s starting my musical journey. Of course, funk and will disco were the rage for 8-10 year old kids like myself. Of course, i listened and knew all of Stevie‘a 70’s work. Like any black teenager in the early 80’s, I was a B-Boy, but still a musician. I started getting serious about my music though. My father said to me at that time, “if you truly want to be serious, take the three albums to your room and practice!” The albums he gave me were inner visions and songs on the key of life by Stevie, and Donnie Hathaway.
Haut Strange I replied to another comment that Innervisions is such a strong album that my two favorite songs, “Too High”, and “Golden Lady”, didn’t make it into Polyphonic’s essay. Amazing songs from beginning to end.
Dang. I feel like I've been underappreciating Stevie Wonder my whole nearly 16 years of existence. I just kinda saw him as "that one old blind dude who made isn't she lovely." I didn't know he was an artistic visionary who played a part in producing his own songs and played most of the instruments.
i feel the same way, but goin' on 17 myself. i grew up to some of his music, and im sad to day how quick i was to push his music aside as "dad's weird music" but this video has definitely helped me grow a larger respect for the music and artist behind it.
Stevie Wonder's classic period is enlightenment, except for maybe "isn't she lovely", but even that can be forgiven as he was so happy at becoming a father :-)
These five albums. The best ever. There’s not a bad song on Songs in the Key of Life. If you have to own a collection of sheer artistry and brilliant musicianship these albums are it.
There are few albums ever recorded that even approach "Songs in the Key of Life". Just an absolute masterpiece. When I first bought it in the 70s, I didn't really appreciate it. I pulled it out awhile after I bought it and just wondered what the hell I was thinking when I originally didn't get it. One of those desert island albums.... One of the best ever.
Oh my God. My absolute favorite. This man has given me and others so much joy. He is such a loving, positive person who sees the beauty in life. Not to mention that he’s obviously one of the great musical geniuses of the 20th century.
I won't argue with the classic period, but... What's wild to me is that he went through a period like this, and still had enough in the tank to make Hotter Than July. It's a flawless album as well.
Wow, what an excellent mini documentary you put together of Stevie Wonder. This man truly is a musical genius, second to none. So glad that Stevie didn't the big wigs at Motown stop his creativity. Obvious he used the gift that God give him and touched the world like so few artist has done since creation; "and that's not an over statement". Some may disagree, but this man is in the same musical genius atmosphere as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, etc. I can only imagine the conversation that will be going on about this man's genius 200 yrs. from now. It'll be no different than the way folks carry on today about the classical music geniuses from 2-300 yrs. ago for us. Except in the future they'll be able to see Stevie on video and hear him playing his own music on cds or whatever devises they will have. It's mind boggling to think that. I have all of the 5 albums you have on here from that era. Again thanks for posting this , well appreciated. Peace out.
You hear a lot of “Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest musicians of all time”. There is no “one of”. He is THE greatest, most multi-dimensional and endlessly creative artist of all time. His theoretical knowledge, pure musical skills, impossible imagination of subject matters and lyrical genius are... just, godly. Stevie Wonder is music itself personified. All respect to the likes of Beatles and Prince and so on, Stevie Wonder is unparalleled. Let’s not pretend that we don’t owe everything in contemporary popular music to him. Appreciate the greatness!!!!!
The TONTO synthesizer is now at the National Music Center in Calgary where I live. I knew TONTO was used on Wonder songs but not which ones. I immediately recognized the sound I'd heard demonstrated by one of the amazing techs who repaired the synth. He has since sadly passed on . The NMC is a really cool museum dedicated to music history and also important Canadian contributions to music. I encourage anyone visiting Calgary to check it out.
This was a great period, but many of his best loved songs were released in the 80s. And he even had a few hits in the 90s and his last album came out in 2005. That's 5 decades of music. There are very few artists who can say that. Truly a genius.
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Stevie was one of the most beloved influential soundtracks to my life. I owe him such a debt of gratitude!
_Music Of My Mind_ is my favorite Stevie Wonder album. It's complete, complex, and manages to still sound contemporary. The lyrics are sexy, silly, heartfelt, longing, and bittersweet. Up there with Miles Davis' _Kind of Blue_ We should not take Stevie Wonder for granted. Treat him like we treat The Beatles. Thanks for this excellent video.
Stevie has blown my mind so many times. I remember how shocked I was when I learned he played those amazing harmonica solos and I still never knew he played the drums until this video! He has written some of the best songs, funkiest songs, and most emotional songs of all time.
His album "Where I'm Coming From" released in 1971 should also be in the classic period. All 9 songs where written by him and his first wife. It's a great album that is severely underrated.
Years ago Stevie was revealed that I Wish was actually influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star" Another big hit from one of the best if not the best band ever. Songs in The Key of Life came out Saturday to beat out EWF's Spirit album that came out Monday in 1976 and they're charted at number 1 and Number 2 on Soul's top 40 respectively.
_Years ago Stevie was revealed that I Wish was actually influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star"_ I didn't know this fascinating fact, and it gives me an idea for my next project. With nearly all of my other uploads - mostly EW&F, a few Paul Simon and a few Stevie, along with others on both of my channels, I knew at the start that I would be successful, but with this possible merger, I'm not sure. Also, I note the following connections: People in this here comment section have remarked that Simon thanked Stevie for not releasing an album in 1975. Simon (solo) and EW&F each had precisely one #1 billboard pop hit, both in 1975: 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover & Shining Star, which brings us back to the beginning of this reply
He is the most decorated musician of all time and yet he is still massively underrated and under-appreciated. His golden period speaks for itself and is incredible, but don't count out literally every album he is ever done, starting with "My Cherie Amour" and ending with "A Time To Love". Secret Life of Plants is weird but it has magical moments, Hotter Than July has some great songs, In Square Circle...His early early motown albums, show some magic from a 12 year old Stevie. Its just.. It's incredible. This man is the modern day Mozart of R&B and he is the greatest artist of modern American music. You can enjoy every album he has made from the time he was 16, to the time he was 60. I love Stevie.
This excellent video about Stevie Wonder completely changed how I felt about this artist who I only just saw as The talented blind musician with singles my parents loved. I listened to Songs in the Key of Life 2 weeks ago and I'm still listening to it from start to finish obsessively. Stevie Wonder is and always will be a true musical genius. I have never heard such a lengthy album that pretty much does not waste a single minute here.
I went to a fair number of arena music concerts way back when. The Stones, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Eric Clapton, Queen, Thin Lizzy, Edgar Winter, Rory Gallagher, ELO, Stevie Winwood. None of them came close to the two Wonder concerts I saw in 1976 and 1980. Stevie Wonder is a very special person.
I made a decision to drop some narcotics for therapeutic purposes and face some pent up feelings of losing my father (he passed a few months back). As I sat there waiting for the drugs to kick in, i got a notification for this video and it sent me to another place in time when my father and I would listen to all his favourites in the car. I spent the rest of the night listening to Stevie Wonder. It was like i had spent the evening bonding with my dad and being reminded of all his love, joy, and views on life. Thank you for making this video. What a gift this was to me.
A magnificent homage to a brilliant (Black) American composer and musician. Stevie Wonders albums were the soundtracks of my college and "nightlife" years. I have all the albums mentioned---original first issue vinyl releases. They sounded good on my college stereo set back then, but great on the sophisticated set I enjoy now! May God continue to bless this remarkable man.
Innervisions might just be the best album ever made. Thing of it is, Wonder didn't have a particularly diverse bag of songwriting tools, but he did have an incredible ability to get an almost infinite variety of forms out of that narrow range of tricks. And his drumming - good lord! No one , but no one plays drums like Stevie Wonder. You could do a whole episode on just that.
I know this is outside the classic run, but I also love "Hotter Than July" as much as the albums in the C-Run. "Key Of Life" has been my favorite album every since I bought it as a double album In Atlanta -- 44 years ago (this was at a long-defunct theme record store called "Oz Records & Tapes" near Lenox Mall, but that's another story). SITKOL still gives me chills when I listen to it, and I hear something different and awe-inspiring every time. To me it is a divinely inspired work of art with one beautiful message and in a sequence of hellacious grooves. Thank you for this fantastic channel!
Yes!!! I discovered his music 2 years ago and have listened and read so much, and he's so incredible and i still find out new things. Absolutely love Stevie Wonder
I was listening to an interview with Stevie Wonder and he remembered every note that every instrument played on the first album he ever recorded. He spoke with such energy and joy it was mind blowing. It was astounding to listen to him speak. He is a living treasure.
This video brought tears to my eyes. Stevie Wonder is such a special and rare talent and I’m forever grateful I got to know him as an artist in this life. He’s as important to music as any other composer: Mozart, Bach, anyone.
Another musician with a perfect run was Barry Gibb. From the last week of December 1977 to the first week of January 1979 - a span of 54 weeks - Gibb's songs were at #1 for 27 of those weeks. For HALF of that stretch of time the #1 song was something he had written.
Stevie is the Goat. Just played "That Girl into Do I do". And at the end of the latter track the man featured Dizzy Gillespie. I mean his style just seamlessly encorporated the past and future, while breaking grounds..one of the most sampled in rap...
The way this narrative was woven together to more fully unveil the magnificent genius of my favorite artist nearly brought me to tears. Ridiculous! Thanks for putting this video together fam!
A legend and a great human being bringing music to the front of social reality. He’s still going today, his legacy as a person will always be present. Great video!
As a teen in the 90s in New Zealand I absolutely smashed Innervisions. So many smash hits. Too High, Living for the city, Jesus Children Of America, Dont you worry, Mr Know it all. While my mates were listening to 90s rap, i was discovering 70s Stevie in all his musical glory.
Songs In The Key of Life is theeee most underated album ever! It should be easily in the top 5. Its hard pressed to find a more amazing feat in pop music.
Prince's, 'Sign O' The Times' is the only one I can think of that even comes close...but, SITKOL is not underated. Those that don't acknowledge its greatness are either ignorant or stupid, or both.
I will ALWAYS remember when Paul Simon made that comment. Showed so much respect for Stevie & Paul's humility. We all love you Stevie.🌹🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ UNFORGETTABLE GENIUS. I own all of those albums & remember every song. The poetry & the incredible melodies.
Isn't she lovely was a song I came to associate my daughter, born in 1983, the song kills me everytime I hear it, Stevie's music was all over the radio back in the 1970's, he's a once in a 100 years talent.
All of your videos constantly keep hitting every single area of music I'm into. As usual this video is beautiful, and thank you for highlighting Stevie Wonder's genius.
Thank you for this. I was in high school when Sir Stevie started this run. I bought every record, amazed at his brilliance. Listening to Stevie's words taught me a lot about life. I have been, and always will be a huge Wonder fan. Thank you too, Stevie, for your music, vision, and making driving around, listening to your music in the 70s awesome.
This video is just a glimpse of Stevie Wonder's greatness, and unmatched musicianship. Songs In The Key of Life opens with a natural, and breathtaking piece with "Love's In Need of the World Today", an incredible (and albeit, short) acapella piece that braces us for the exciting journey. Incredible video, definitely one of my favourite videos on YT for the man that continues to impact so many generations.
His music was experimental, cutting edge, fun, personal, meaningful and relatable to all who listened to it. Most artist aim to have even 1 album that even compares to these 5 and it usually doesn't happen, so the fact Stevie made 5 classic albums one after the other is astounding. All of which led to his Magnum Opus Songs in the Key of Life, made even more impressive that he produced the whole damn thing. What an amazing vision from an amazing man, well done Stevie Wonder.
THe talent is amazing, and I was glad to hear about the drumming. People forget how good a drummer he is. People with that much creativity and talent influence so much in music. Suffice to say, in my 90's grunge-metal band, the drummer got a new hi-hat, and as she was setting it up said, "hold on, I gotta break it." I asked what she meant, and she just said, "Stevie Wonder." Was a long time before I knew what she meant. (She basically had her hi-hats in 2/3 open all the time.)
@@dupesleftrubesright7967 Um, have you heard Dirty Mind, 1999, Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day, Parade, Sign o' the Times, Lovesexy, Diamonds and Pearls, Love Symbol, The Gold Experience and Hitnrun Phase Two? Yeah, Prince made plenty of great albums.
@@danielasbjrnsson7500 All of those were mediocre, just like the rest of the banal output from his Purple Pedestrianness. Keef said it best when he referred to Prince as an "overrated midget".
Thank you. Saying what Stevie Wonder means to me musically is to me like having no words. I simply can not. His music continues to be the very blueprint of my life.
Great video! I feel like his 1971 album "Where I'm coming from" should have been mentioned as well, though. I know the first album he made after signing the new contract is "Music of My Mind", but in the previous album he had already been given full creative freedom. In fact, if you listen to songs like "Look Around", "Do Yourself a Favour", "I wanna talk to you", "Sunshine in Their Eyes", you'll hear a total shift from 60s Little Stevie. "Look Around" is one of the darkest songs he's ever written in his entire career. I agree that SITKOL marked the end of his "golden era", still his 1979 album "Secret life of plants" is also quite interesting, we had never had Stevie making music about Nature and the environment. Musically, it kinda goes back to his experiments with synths and electronic music he was doing during the early 70s, with songs such as "Girl Blue" or "Too High". I believe his song "Race Babbling" from that later album is where house music actually started. It also features the only song where Stevie ever sang in falsetto, "Power Flower", which is quite cool. I wish he had developed that daring side of him more after "The Secret Life of Plants", instead he immediately simplified and normalized his music back in 1980 with "Hotter than July". That's where he really stopped being interesting as a songwriter, and just stayed as a great performer. HTJ is a good album but don't compare it with his previous works, it feels half-cooked in comparison. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy "Rocket Love", "Master Blaster", "As if you read my mind" and most of the other songs. Not as much though. He still released some great songs during the 80s and the following decades, but nothing really mind-blowing anymore.
Thanks so much for all these videos! Have you thought about doing a video on some (more) jazz greats, like John Coltrane/The John Coltrane Quartet or Charlie Parker?
@@LPPL123 Hey, even if you don't like jazz, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane are worth their own videos here AT LEAST. Miles was worthy, so so are they.
Lovely. This was really well done. The way you split up the stems while you were breaking down Superstition sounded great in particular. Appreciate you, dude.
Listen. I was not born until 83, but I was listening to Stevie on my dad’s vinyl collection by the time I was 10. His music was mesmerizing to me, even as a kid!!
Your assessment on Songs in the Key of Life pretty much sums it up. Not only is it a double album that actually works but it's up there as one of the best albums of all time. Many artists have tried to replicate what Stevie has made here (every R&B artist from the 90s onwards) but ultimately in the end, the album is a one of a kind album that can't be replicated and will always remain timeless.
With the exception of Lauryn Hill's 'The Misducation Of....' I've not heard any R&B artist from the 90s try to replicate this album's scale and range. She's the only one. Not even D'Angelo. The only other R&B artists from the 90s that could even attempt something as ambitious as Songs In The Key Of Life are Omar and Lewis Taylor in my opinion. And what Stevie said about Omar, is quite fitting. But nobody has even attempted anything as ambitious as Songs In The Key Of Life in any genre. The closest album in terms of scale and ambition in recent years would be something like Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp A Butterfly'.
bolder2009 Ok maybe not on the same scale but there are many R&B artists who try to replicate the soul of Stevie Wonder on this album (smooth instrumentation, vocalizing, crystal clear production etc.)
@@EzioMonty117 Fair enough. I personally don't think R&B artists of the 90s to present have the ambition that the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway , Barry White, Isaac Hayes to name a few, had.
This is the second time I'm watching this video and I have to compliment the scriptwriting. Easy to follow, pithy but not banal. Excellent. This should be required for young children to get them into the best music.
I remember when Paul Simon won the Grammy for the album "Still Crazy After All These Years". He thanked Stevie Wonder for not putting an album out in 1975...
"Still Crazy" (and Wonder's break year) came in 1976. Simon made that joke at the 1977 Grammy show.
@@RobertJRoman Oh no 1976 saw Songs in the Key of Life.
Nothing from 1975 from him (but certainly "Still Crazy).
@@RobertJRoman Thanks for the insight, because I didn't know what Paul Battaglia was talking about.
Yeah, I remember that too!! He said it during his Grammy acceptance speech.
That was a classic moment!
Prince stated that "Songs in the Key of Life" was the greatest album ever written. 'Nuff said.
Indeed, Prince did say that himself.
For whatever that's worth...
@@DrinkWater713 It's worth a lot; coming from a master genius musician like Prince its a sublime gesture. Prince wasn't intrigued by most, other than Stevie Wonder, James Brown, George Harrison, etc; the list was very small. Many were intrigued by him mostly.
If you don't know what THAT'S worth, I'm not sure how anyone could take you seriously in regards to your opinion of music. if you have one, that is... @@DrinkWater713
It might be its just kinda overwhelming.
It's scary to think he's not mentioned much anymore. This was an excellent reminder of his importance and the beauty of his music.
Kevin the simple fact that at 21-22 he wrote and produced MUSIC OF MY MIND & TALKING BOOK is bananas. He was on 🔥🔥🔥
Who isn’t mentioning him?
I remember when everyone left him on stage after the end of Will Smith's stupid ass "wild wild west" song
I guess that is good because it means he is not problematic.
@@lisah8438 True! Stevie Wonder is probably the most unproblematic musician there is.
Stevie wonder is a genius on par with Mozart, Bach & Miles Davis
Thank you!
Without question!!!
Gabriel Maric , and Prince
Preach !
Greater
His classic period is unreal
The fact he play majority of the instruments blows my mind
Exactly 😂
Why
@PurelyAfrican nah, it's majority. Whenever a guitar or horn was played on his songs, those instruments were played by others. By the time "Songs in the Key of Life" came about, he featured a full band on a good number of the songs on that album.
Do you even know Tubular Bells ?
However, I don't think he played guitar on any of his 1970s period albums.
"As" is one of the best songs ever. The lyrics are heartfelt
You should check Caetano Veloso and Chico Buarque. They are amazing songwritters too!
Maybe the best.
Oh and the runs and Ad Libs oooh lawdd
Did you know that true love asks for nothing? Her acceptance is the way we pay. The most wonderful lyric in the history of pop music
You listen to the end of the second record on Songs In The Key Of Life. At the end you get As, it starts to fade out and you’re completely satisfied. But no, there’s more. Then you hear the bass piano and the intro of Another Star. It is the perfect encore.
I feel like no one talks about how great stevie wonder is.
Let’s not wait until he dies to shower him with praise. Stevie is a true legend & phenomenal artist!
kerryn67 fr man.
Oblivi Production
I’ll presume that’s a positive reply! Yeah Stevie!
The man was blind!!!
literally everyone talks about how they were inspired by him since the 90s
Some may find this dark, but if Stevie had become a member of the 27 club, he still would have finished this classic run AND have lived a full YEAR longer. That is insane
LOL morbid yet accurate
stevie wonder is still alive?
@@148zeusYes.
You are right. Actually, many people ask the question _ why is Stevie considered to be among all time greats? The thing is, just just know few biggest hits by him, which imho are the weakest links in his whole career. Stevie is indeed the greatest popular musician of the XX in many terms
@@levanabrzeniYou're absolutely right. His hidden gems are diamonds in the dirt.
Basically, Stevie Wonder is the perfect musician
Seldom right and wrong again.
Not by Wonder's standard
Why even bother, Matt
The greatest musician of ALL times
Couldn't agree more!!!
It wasn’t called “The Wonder Years”?
boo :p
Someone had to say it. Glad it wasn't me
Get out
Now it is :D
Craig Nessel 🥁 psst
Fun trivia: when Paul Simon won the album of the year Grammy for "Still Crazy After All These Years", he thanked Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album that year in his acceptance speech.
One of my favorite artists of all time. His classic period is incomparable
Classic SW in unrivaled
you can't compare music or give it place over other music
I'd include Steely Dan and Prince too
@@daccsacc Completly agree, Steely Dan are one of my favorite artists ever and their whole discography is really a perfect run
@@hollohullu9448 Yes you can, but you just have to keep in mind that it's all opinion and that you can't put other people down if they disagree with you. I can, however, put Stevie above Lil Pump in my own personal list of artists.
Stevie's run in the 70's was colossal.. Genius.
facts!
Innervisions is a perfect album.
Agreed. 💯 There are so many great songs that my two favorites on the album, “Too High” and “Golden Lady”, didn’t make it into the essay.
Though my favorite Stevie Wonder song is on Songs In The Key of Life (‘Knocks Me Off My Feet’), I think Innervisions is simply his best.
I go back-and-forth between Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life.
Innervisions is more coherent and succinct but 'Songs in the Key' has more to digest and features my favorite Wonder song of all time: "As"
It is the one.
i was recently blown away by the live 1974 performance on German television, a cathartic refreshing 33 minutes every time i watch it.
Innervisions in my humble opinion, is his best! Absolutely no filler on this album. Perfect!
Thank you for highlighting “As”. A brilliant song that’s often overlooked.
Makes no sense whatsoever that it's overlooked.
Your pfp reminded me that we really need a video on London Calling or The Clash in general. Extremely influential band.
@@oRuTRa45 the reason is that Stevie Wonder made so many songs that you can legit know 10 of his greatest songs ever and not even be talking about anything he did before he was 18. His career is actually insane. He's literally the greatest musical artist of all time but people don't mention him because it makes the rest of the conversation boring since nobody even comes close to him in terms of quality, impact, longevity with that level of productivity. People always wonder what would have happened if Mozart didn't die when he was 35. The answer is Stevie Wonder.
Absofrickinglutely my friend...I think it's his best song He's written...
A boatload of close 2nds though, lol....
Songs In The Key Of Life is a real masterpiece.
No one can contest such a true statement
Tho I gotta say... he was only 26 when he made that, and then he jumped the shark. You'd have to collect all the highlights of all his later works to get another collection as strong as a single album in his early run. It's scary to think that he could have joined the 27 club and it wouldn't tarnish his legacy by very much.
There’s a lot of missteps and filler on that record. It’s mostly amazing though.
@@oranjuly name 1
@Tyler Hackner the songs are infinitely better for being longer. If songs like black man, as, isn't she lovely and many more were shorter they would be a lot worse.
Music of My Mind is a monster. Talking Book is sublime. Innervisions, is a poem. Fullfillingness is a prayer. Thank you Stevie. “Can I play?” You can.
Songs in the key of life is self explanitory, it is the human experience.
Journey Into The Secret Life Of Plants is an absolute compositional masterpiece. It shows the FULL scope of his genius. It's a little weird, but it is one of the most brilliant releases of the 20th century.
Believe it or not journey into the secret life of plants actually was a movie soundtrack that never came to fruition from my understanding.
@jermaineross6101 It kinda did. It was made, but I guess it wasn't released. I've watched it on TH-cam. It's more of a documentary than a movie
@@slmcmorris7902 That would be good to see Im going to try to find it.
"In Square Circle" is an underrated album. It's a great work as well.
Stevie's a better singer, writer and musician, than most legends.
Stevie is simply the greatest of all time. Nothing compares to his melodies, chords, lyrics etc. I feel very blessed to have learned about him at a very young age. And he's been the greatest inspiration to me as a musician ever since. Nothing but love for Steveland
If I were trapped on a desert island and could only have 5 albums, Stevie's 5 classic period albums would be it. They never ever get old.
I was a young kid on the 70’s starting my musical journey. Of course, funk and will disco were the rage for 8-10 year old kids like myself. Of course, i listened and knew all of Stevie‘a 70’s work.
Like any black teenager in the early 80’s, I was a B-Boy, but still a musician. I started getting serious about my music though.
My father said to me at that time, “if you truly want to be serious, take the three albums to your room and practice!”
The albums he gave me were inner visions and songs on the key of life by Stevie, and Donnie Hathaway.
🔥🔥🔥
Songs in the Key of Life is one of my top 10 albums of all time.
It’s in my top 1
Same
Stevie Wonder is Music, in it’s purest most wonderful form.
Innervisions is my favorite of this period. Glad to see this magnificent run recognized and remembered.
Andrew W. Just commented the same thing. Too High is so incredible and funky.
Haut Strange I replied to another comment that Innervisions is such a strong album that my two favorite songs, “Too High”, and “Golden Lady”, didn’t make it into Polyphonic’s essay. Amazing songs from beginning to end.
Dang. I feel like I've been underappreciating Stevie Wonder my whole nearly 16 years of existence. I just kinda saw him as "that one old blind dude who made isn't she lovely." I didn't know he was an artistic visionary who played a part in producing his own songs and played most of the instruments.
i feel the same way, but goin' on 17 myself. i grew up to some of his music, and im sad to day how quick i was to push his music aside as "dad's weird music" but this video has definitely helped me grow a larger respect for the music and artist behind it.
Lol yes. If Stevie had been around 400 years ago, he would’ve basically been Mozart. He’s an otherworldly talent.
I've always loved Stevie Wonder.
I've also almost always had almost the same musical taste as my dad
Stevie Wonder's classic period is enlightenment, except for maybe "isn't she lovely", but even that can be forgiven as he was so happy at becoming a father :-)
I knew him from I just called to say I love you
These five albums. The best ever. There’s not a bad song on Songs in the Key of Life. If you have to own a collection of sheer artistry and brilliant musicianship these albums are it.
There are few albums ever recorded that even approach "Songs in the Key of Life". Just an absolute masterpiece. When I first bought it in the 70s, I didn't really appreciate it. I pulled it out awhile after I bought it and just wondered what the hell I was thinking when I originally didn't get it. One of those desert island albums.... One of the best ever.
Oh my God. My absolute favorite. This man has given me and others so much joy. He is such a loving, positive person who sees the beauty in life. Not to mention that he’s obviously one of the great musical geniuses of the 20th century.
I won't argue with the classic period, but... What's wild to me is that he went through a period like this, and still had enough in the tank to make Hotter Than July. It's a flawless album as well.
Superwoman is one of my favourite songs of all time. It's just a masterful composition. Everything about it is perfect.
Wow, what an excellent mini documentary you put together of Stevie Wonder. This man truly is a musical genius, second to none. So glad that Stevie didn't the big wigs at Motown stop his creativity. Obvious he used the gift that God give him and touched the world like so few artist has done since creation; "and that's not an over statement". Some may disagree, but this man is in the same musical genius atmosphere as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, etc. I can only imagine the conversation that will be going on about this man's genius 200 yrs. from now. It'll be no different than the way folks carry on today about the classical music geniuses from 2-300 yrs. ago for us. Except in the future they'll be able to see Stevie on video and hear him playing his own music on cds or whatever devises they will have. It's mind boggling to think that. I have all of the 5 albums you have on here from that era. Again thanks for posting this , well appreciated. Peace out.
You hear a lot of “Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest musicians of all time”. There is no “one of”. He is THE greatest, most multi-dimensional and endlessly creative artist of all time. His theoretical knowledge, pure musical skills, impossible imagination of subject matters and lyrical genius are... just, godly. Stevie Wonder is music itself personified. All respect to the likes of Beatles and Prince and so on, Stevie Wonder is unparalleled. Let’s not pretend that we don’t owe everything in contemporary popular music to him. Appreciate the greatness!!!!!
I concur...
@@oldschoolruler thanks for concurring!
_Where I'm Coming From_ is a slept on album. That album was the precursor to what he do on those five albums. Stevie is a rare artist. ⚘⚘⚘⚘⚘
I'm so glad someone said this! My fav track on that album "Sunshine In Their Eyes" is to me as exquisite and genius as anything that came after it.
@@StephenAkin Take Up, Look Around, If You Really Love Me and Something Out of the Blue are my go to gems.
@@DavidRichardson95 All solid tracks and feel-good music!
@@StephenAkin A total bop. The creativity in that album only showcased what was to come in the next few years.
@@DavidRichardson95 💯A bop with all 6 infinity stones!
The TONTO synthesizer is now at the National Music Center in Calgary where I live. I knew TONTO was used on Wonder songs but not which ones. I immediately recognized the sound I'd heard demonstrated by one of the amazing techs who repaired the synth. He has since sadly passed on .
The NMC is a really cool museum dedicated to music history and also important Canadian contributions to music. I encourage anyone visiting Calgary to check it out.
Garnet Tanner. Isley bros and gil Scot heron also used tonto.
And let's not forget Malcolm Cecil who created TONTO.
This was a great period, but many of his best loved songs were released in the 80s. And he even had a few hits in the 90s and his last album came out in 2005. That's 5 decades of music. There are very few artists who can say that. Truly a genius.
Stevie was one of the most beloved influential soundtracks to my life. I owe him such a debt of gratitude!
We all do!
_Music Of My Mind_ is my favorite Stevie Wonder album. It's complete, complex, and manages to still sound contemporary. The lyrics are sexy, silly, heartfelt, longing, and bittersweet. Up there with Miles Davis' _Kind of Blue_ We should not take Stevie Wonder for granted. Treat him like we treat The Beatles. Thanks for this excellent video.
It is one of my favourite albums, the entire album, the album artwork, the liner notes - all are amazing and unmatched.
Journey through the secret life of plants is a album worth checking out. Very underrated.
“Keep on runnin’” one of the most underrated Stevie songs
4:34 you are the “sushine” of my life
Love these videos great editing and great narration and another worldy depth of exploration.
Yeah caught that and I thought " was the original purposely titled like that for effect?" Nope, it's a typo!
An other wordly* lol speaking of typos
Stevie has blown my mind so many times. I remember how shocked I was when I learned he played those amazing harmonica solos and I still never knew he played the drums until this video! He has written some of the best songs, funkiest songs, and most emotional songs of all time.
His album "Where I'm Coming From" released in 1971 should also be in the classic period. All 9 songs where written by him and his first wife. It's a great album that is severely underrated.
Certainly
Correct
The reason it might not be is because the Funk Brothers played on it. It was the last album they played on.
Years ago Stevie was revealed that I Wish was actually influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star"
Another big hit from one of the best if not the best band ever.
Songs in The Key of Life came out Saturday to beat out EWF's Spirit album that came out Monday in 1976 and they're charted at number 1 and Number 2 on Soul's top 40 respectively.
_Years ago Stevie was revealed that I Wish was actually influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star"_
I didn't know this fascinating fact, and it gives me an idea for my next project.
With nearly all of my other uploads - mostly EW&F, a few Paul Simon and a few Stevie, along with others on both of my channels, I knew at the start that I would be successful, but with this possible merger, I'm not sure.
Also, I note the following connections:
People in this here comment section have remarked that Simon thanked Stevie for not releasing an album in 1975.
Simon (solo) and EW&F each had precisely one #1 billboard pop hit, both in 1975:
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover & Shining Star, which brings us back to the beginning of this reply
YES!
I see the connection and have a good idea of how this will work
If Stevie and EWF had collaborated on an album......in their prime during the 70's......I'd still be on oxygen!!!
@@ericrobinson3995That has been my dream collaboration
He is the most decorated musician of all time and yet he is still massively underrated and under-appreciated. His golden period speaks for itself and is incredible, but don't count out literally every album he is ever done, starting with "My Cherie Amour" and ending with "A Time To Love". Secret Life of Plants is weird but it has magical moments, Hotter Than July has some great songs, In Square Circle...His early early motown albums, show some magic from a 12 year old Stevie. Its just.. It's incredible. This man is the modern day Mozart of R&B and he is the greatest artist of modern American music. You can enjoy every album he has made from the time he was 16, to the time he was 60. I love Stevie.
It's almost criminal how underrated the Stevie Wonder 70's era is. Top 5 in rock history IMO.
In R&B history
@@CrookBrown Rock is just white guys playing R&B!
Bro this video is a masterpiece. Stevie would be proud.
This excellent video about Stevie Wonder completely changed how I felt about this artist who I only just saw as The talented blind musician with singles my parents loved. I listened to Songs in the Key of Life 2 weeks ago and I'm still listening to it from start to finish obsessively. Stevie Wonder is and always will be a true musical genius. I have never heard such a lengthy album that pretty much does not waste a single minute here.
I went to a fair number of arena music concerts way back when. The Stones, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Eric Clapton, Queen, Thin Lizzy, Edgar Winter, Rory Gallagher, ELO, Stevie Winwood. None of them came close to the two Wonder concerts I saw in 1976 and 1980. Stevie Wonder is a very special person.
Yes. I've seen him twice, 1980, 2018... absolutely incredible.
I made a decision to drop some narcotics for therapeutic purposes and face some pent up feelings of losing my father (he passed a few months back). As I sat there waiting for the drugs to kick in, i got a notification for this video and it sent me to another place in time when my father and I would listen to all his favourites in the car. I spent the rest of the night listening to Stevie Wonder. It was like i had spent the evening bonding with my dad and being reminded of all his love, joy, and views on life. Thank you for making this video. What a gift this was to me.
Stevie Wonder is the grace of life. Thank you for your songs of love of precious life. A rare genius who sees everything for not with his eyes..
A magnificent homage to a brilliant (Black) American composer and musician. Stevie Wonders albums were the soundtracks of my college and "nightlife" years. I have all the albums mentioned---original first issue vinyl releases. They sounded good on my college stereo set back then, but great on the sophisticated set I enjoy now! May God continue to bless this remarkable man.
Innervisions might just be the best album ever made. Thing of it is, Wonder didn't have a particularly diverse bag of songwriting tools, but he did have an incredible ability to get an almost infinite variety of forms out of that narrow range of tricks. And his drumming - good lord! No one , but no one plays drums like Stevie Wonder. You could do a whole episode on just that.
U can thank Benny Benjamin for his drumming.
@@mactherealestateman 'fo sho'. Nice to see a great an get his props from you, too!
Songs in the key of life is one of the best albums ever created
If I could nominate one person to meet aliens on behalf of humanity, it would be Stevie
Doug Mayer he would impregnate them.
revdr13 what the fuck
I know this is outside the classic run, but I also love "Hotter Than July" as much as the albums in the C-Run. "Key Of Life" has been my favorite album every since I bought it as a double album In Atlanta -- 44 years ago (this was at a long-defunct theme record store called "Oz Records & Tapes" near Lenox Mall, but that's another story). SITKOL still gives me chills when I listen to it, and I hear something different and awe-inspiring every time. To me it is a divinely inspired work of art with one beautiful message and in a sequence of hellacious grooves. Thank you for this fantastic channel!
I never clicked on something faster in my life
Rob Cin Q Same! So excited 😆
me too man
YES!!!
Yes!!! I discovered his music 2 years ago and have listened and read so much, and he's so incredible and i still find out new things. Absolutely love Stevie Wonder
Me neither!
I was listening to an interview with Stevie Wonder and he remembered every note that every instrument played on the first album he ever recorded. He spoke with such energy and joy it was mind blowing. It was astounding to listen to him speak. He is a living treasure.
This video brought tears to my eyes. Stevie Wonder is such a special and rare talent and I’m forever grateful I got to know him as an artist in this life. He’s as important to music as any other composer: Mozart, Bach, anyone.
There is simply NO ONE BETTER musically IMO!
Prince
mistablackfolks Love Prince but even he would tell you that Stevie wonder was above him
Another musician with a perfect run was Barry Gibb.
From the last week of December 1977 to the first week
of January 1979 - a span of 54 weeks - Gibb's songs were
at #1 for 27 of those weeks. For HALF of that stretch of
time the #1 song was something he had written.
Talking Book is probably my favorite album of all time. Something about it reminds me of warm beautiful days.
Music of my mind is always playing in my car. Never gotten tired of it. Definitely the beginning of Stevie's greatest artistic period
Fascinating album to me
Stevie is the Goat. Just played "That Girl into Do I do". And at the end of the latter track the man featured Dizzy Gillespie. I mean his style just seamlessly encorporated the past and future, while breaking grounds..one of the most sampled in rap...
Stevie Wonder is an unparalleled genius of our time...
The way this narrative was woven together to more fully unveil the magnificent genius of my favorite artist nearly brought me to tears. Ridiculous! Thanks for putting this video together fam!
A legend and a great human being bringing music to the front of social reality. He’s still going today, his legacy as a person will always be present. Great video!
I didn't know half this stuff about Stevie Wonder. Mind blown.
I always used to say Stevie is pure sunshine. A rare blend..
It's a shame that a lot of people have forgotten or never knew just how BRILLIANT Stevie Wonder was/is. Thank you for reminding them.
Who forgot?!
The people who get it, definitely appreciate and love the hell out of it!🔥🔥
As a teen in the 90s in New Zealand I absolutely smashed Innervisions. So many smash hits. Too High, Living for the city, Jesus Children Of America, Dont you worry, Mr Know it all. While my mates were listening to 90s rap, i was discovering 70s Stevie in all his musical glory.
Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life are 2 of my favorite albums of all time
Stevie Wonder, Bowie, and Elvis Costello all have super underrated runs of amazing albums.
I consider the conclusion of the classic era to be “Hotter Than July”
A very overlooked, yet solid album. But for me also, the definitive end of the classic era I grew up with. :(
I agree, even though the 4 new songs off "Original Musiquarium" were the real end of the golden era in my opinion.
+Bradley Swanson I do too.
Everyone's feelin' pretty...
I believe 'Inner Visions' was the second album in this period, yes?
Songs In The Key of Life is theeee most underated album ever! It should be easily in the top 5. Its hard pressed to find a more amazing feat in pop music.
Prince's, 'Sign O' The Times' is the only one I can think of that even comes close...but, SITKOL is not underated. Those that don't acknowledge its greatness are either ignorant or stupid, or both.
1:18 that face cannot be unseen
I will ALWAYS remember when Paul Simon made that comment. Showed so much respect for Stevie & Paul's humility. We all love you Stevie.🌹🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ UNFORGETTABLE GENIUS. I own all of those albums & remember every song. The poetry & the incredible melodies.
His music is timeless!!
Isn't she lovely was a song I came to associate my daughter, born in 1983, the song kills me everytime I hear it, Stevie's music was all over the radio back in the 1970's, he's a once in a 100 years talent.
All of your videos constantly keep hitting every single area of music I'm into.
As usual this video is beautiful, and thank you for highlighting Stevie Wonder's genius.
Thank you for this. I was in high school when Sir Stevie started this run. I bought every record, amazed at his brilliance.
Listening to Stevie's words taught me a lot about life.
I have been, and always will be a huge Wonder fan.
Thank you too, Stevie, for your music, vision, and making driving around, listening to your music in the 70s awesome.
This video is just a glimpse of Stevie Wonder's greatness, and unmatched musicianship.
Songs In The Key of Life opens with a natural, and breathtaking piece with "Love's In Need of the World Today", an incredible (and albeit, short) acapella piece that braces us for the exciting journey.
Incredible video, definitely one of my favourite videos on YT for the man that continues to impact so many generations.
Music of my mind has to be in the classic period. Also hotter than July, it is the last drop of true greatness.
What a great testament to one of the pioneers of music. Well done man!
Each of these albums individually deserves its own 20 min. polyphonic video.
His music was experimental, cutting edge, fun, personal, meaningful and relatable to all who listened to it. Most artist aim to have even 1 album that even compares to these 5 and it usually doesn't happen, so the fact Stevie made 5 classic albums one after the other is astounding. All of which led to his Magnum Opus Songs in the Key of Life, made even more impressive that he produced the whole damn thing. What an amazing vision from an amazing man, well done Stevie Wonder.
THe talent is amazing, and I was glad to hear about the drumming. People forget how good a drummer he is. People with that much creativity and talent influence so much in music. Suffice to say, in my 90's grunge-metal band, the drummer got a new hi-hat, and as she was setting it up said, "hold on, I gotta break it." I asked what she meant, and she just said, "Stevie Wonder." Was a long time before I knew what she meant. (She basically had her hi-hats in 2/3 open all the time.)
Great video man.
Do Prince next. ThAt would be fire
That would need at least two parts
"ThAt would be fire"
Except for the part where Prince made approximately ZERO great albums.
@@dupesleftrubesright7967 Um, have you heard Dirty Mind, 1999, Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day, Parade, Sign o' the Times, Lovesexy, Diamonds and Pearls, Love Symbol, The Gold Experience and Hitnrun Phase Two?
Yeah, Prince made plenty of great albums.
@@danielasbjrnsson7500 All of those were mediocre, just like the rest of the banal output from his Purple Pedestrianness. Keef said it best when he referred to Prince as an "overrated midget".
Thank you. Saying what Stevie Wonder means to me musically is to me like having no words. I simply can not. His music continues to be the very blueprint of my life.
The man was a one-man band and he was blind.
I can wash dishes.
😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
So can he lol
Great video! I feel like his 1971 album "Where I'm coming from" should have been mentioned as well, though. I know the first album he made after signing the new contract is "Music of My Mind", but in the previous album he had already been given full creative freedom. In fact, if you listen to songs like "Look Around", "Do Yourself a Favour", "I wanna talk to you", "Sunshine in Their Eyes", you'll hear a total shift from 60s Little Stevie. "Look Around" is one of the darkest songs he's ever written in his entire career.
I agree that SITKOL marked the end of his "golden era", still his 1979 album "Secret life of plants" is also quite interesting, we had never had Stevie making music about Nature and the environment. Musically, it kinda goes back to his experiments with synths and electronic music he was doing during the early 70s, with songs such as "Girl Blue" or "Too High". I believe his song "Race Babbling" from that later album is where house music actually started. It also features the only song where Stevie ever sang in falsetto, "Power Flower", which is quite cool. I wish he had developed that daring side of him more after "The Secret Life of Plants", instead he immediately simplified and normalized his music back in 1980 with "Hotter than July". That's where he really stopped being interesting as a songwriter, and just stayed as a great performer. HTJ is a good album but don't compare it with his previous works, it feels half-cooked in comparison. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy "Rocket Love", "Master Blaster", "As if you read my mind" and most of the other songs. Not as much though. He still released some great songs during the 80s and the following decades, but nothing really mind-blowing anymore.
Thanks so much for all these videos! Have you thought about doing a video on some (more) jazz greats, like John Coltrane/The John Coltrane Quartet or Charlie Parker?
With all due respect, please no jazz...
@@LPPL123 with all due respect, I hope he does more jazz...
@@LPPL123 Hey, even if you don't like jazz, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane are worth their own videos here AT LEAST. Miles was worthy, so so are they.
@@LPPL123 Why not. His Miles Davis video is amazing.
No Entry do you watch rick beato too? lol
The vocal improvising and vamping Stevie Wonder blessed us with on these albums is unparalleled.
I miss the era when people would just sing! Improvise, do runs, vamp, just let the soul loose!
Lovely. This was really well done. The way you split up the stems while you were breaking down Superstition sounded great in particular. Appreciate you, dude.
Listen. I was not born until 83, but I was listening to Stevie on my dad’s vinyl collection by the time I was 10. His music was mesmerizing to me, even as a kid!!
This is one of your best videos yet. Hope this becomes a poster.
They Won’t Go When I Go is phenomenal.
Your assessment on Songs in the Key of Life pretty much sums it up. Not only is it a double album that actually works but it's up there as one of the best albums of all time. Many artists have tried to replicate what Stevie has made here (every R&B artist from the 90s onwards) but ultimately in the end, the album is a one of a kind album that can't be replicated and will always remain timeless.
With the exception of Lauryn Hill's 'The Misducation Of....' I've not heard any R&B artist from the 90s try to replicate this album's scale and range. She's the only one. Not even D'Angelo. The only other R&B artists from the 90s that could even attempt something as ambitious as Songs In The Key Of Life are Omar and Lewis Taylor in my opinion. And what Stevie said about Omar, is quite fitting. But nobody has even attempted anything as ambitious as Songs In The Key Of Life in any genre. The closest album in terms of scale and ambition in recent years would be something like Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp A Butterfly'.
bolder2009 Ok maybe not on the same scale but there are many R&B artists who try to replicate the soul of Stevie Wonder on this album (smooth instrumentation, vocalizing, crystal clear production etc.)
@@EzioMonty117 Fair enough. I personally don't think R&B artists of the 90s to present have the ambition that the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway , Barry White, Isaac Hayes to name a few, had.
This is the second time I'm watching this video and I have to compliment the scriptwriting. Easy to follow, pithy but not banal. Excellent. This should be required for young children to get them into the best music.