Get the exclusive NordVPN deal here at nordvpn.com/andyandalex. It's risk-free with NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee! Coupon code is: andyandalex Let us know what Stevie song to hit next!!!
Reminds me of School Dances/Basketball Games, (back when that was what most everyone did.) Little Stevie. lol I grew up on CKLW. Canada Station for Motown. 🌠Channel 👍Video Thanks! Nice way to start my rainy day. ✌😎❤🇺🇸🤘🎸🎶
There are just too many Stevie Wonder songs of approximately equal awesomeness, and everyone has their favorites. I guess my votes are: - _I Believe (When I Fall in Love)_ - _He's Misstra Know-It-All_ But really, my votes are "album listen to the guy's whole 70s catalog".
I would go early for the next one: "Uptight". However, if you were to do "I Wish" or "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" next, I couldn't argue with either of those. All 3 are classic Stevie songs.
This was released shortly after Duke Ellington passed away. The horns and band was the Duke Ellington Orchestra, that's why they're so good. He mentioned (Count) Basie, (Glenn) Miller, Louis Armstrong (Satchmo), and Ella (Fitzgerald) who sang with Duke Ellington. It's just perfection!
Ellington's death in May of 1974 inspired Stevie to write this song as a tribute. But he was working on lots of other songs for the Songs in the Key of Life album that was released in late September of 1976. "Sir Duke" got a lot of airplay upon its release as a single in March of 1977, at which point it had been nearly three years since the death of Duke Ellington.
Bob , you nailed it. When I was very young I didn't understand the title of the song but as my knowledge of music grew it became apparent. It's really something how a pop song can open up a whole new world of music and I love all those Jazz artists. Thanks, Mr. Wonder. 🎶🎵🎹🎺🎷🎹🎵🎶
Just because a record (vinyl) has a groove, doesn't make it in the groove. Key line to the song and meaning. Love watching anyone reacting to this. I was around 12 when it came out. Stevie was in his prime then.
Mine too! I first heard it while visiting Niagara Falls, Canada. We were walking up to the wax museum and one of the stores was playing it loud enough to hear in the street and even though I was just a young boy I could appreciate how good and how different SD is compared to the current hits. God I love this song, and the whole album! I play it in the background for my students every semester, several times!!
@@NYlivinginTN Hah! I know that place, I went with my uncle when I was in my 20's. Yeah, the whole album is a master class. That horn section is just off the charts funky. What do you teach?
@@jenx4115 I teach science and math mostly. I absolutely love teaching and introducing my students to great music! They love sharing their music with me, as well. It's really fun.
@@NYlivinginTN That kicks ass, a good teacher can change someone's life! Music is math, and physics, but look who I'm telling. 🤩 I have a degree in Nanotechnology, which had a student nano ambassador program where I got to interact with kids at regular science expos and I loved it - they were fascinated by the "magic tricks" of nano (dry sand, liquid crystal, etc.). Seeing kids fall in love with science early on made me happy, and obviously the idea was to encourage more of them to major in and choose careers in the field of Nanotechnology. :)
yeh agree have all 3 on vinly the new curtis double best of saw indiestore last month nice to have excellent quality.vinly but sticker shock quite expensive key on familys console and friends older bros. had 8 track lucked out found nice copy at estate sale 10 dollars tamla original indie record store like 40 plus tax not rip off guess is current value must have for any collection innervisions also tamla good sound curtis bgrade reissue but ok current double best of same like 40 plus tax indie store but actually goid price has like 20 songs
I couldn't agree more. I had it on a track as soon as it came out. I wore that 8-track tape out. One of the best overall albums there was not one bad song on that album
My Grandfather was a Big Band Leader & I grew up with him sharing that era of Jazz & Swing with me. I love that Stevie paid respect to some of the greats - Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and the amazing Ella Fitzgerald. 👏
Never put the Duke Ellington connection together. 2 artists A&A and many on the channel would appreciate Fats Waller- " Ain't Misbehaving Cab Calloway- "Minnie the Mooxher".
Stevie's great tribute to his jazz heroes/pioneers Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. He didn't want their music to be forgotten.
I was in the Air Force when this came out. You could hear it playing in almost every room in the dorm. This was a great album. He won album of the year in 1974, 1975, and 1976. He also has won 25 Grammy Awards and sold over 100 million albums.
I agree and can confirm this guy was in the Air Force. Only we wingnuts call our housing "dorms" instead of "barracks". Great album, but only one of many from him.
Somebody on Quora was singing the praises of John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy" S the best tribute to a newborn. I brought up "Isn't She Lovely" from Stevie as an example of how to do it right.
I can’t remember if you guys have covered “Living for the City” but if you haven’t it’s another masterpiece by Stevie. Profound, gritty, heartbreaking. Would recommend.
Yes, they did the single, without the hardcore ending scene, and then they went back on a Freedom Shack Live and did the whole long version, and were blown away. Look them up, well worth the watch.
@@stevenmix3723 Ohh, that's when they did it! Their take on the single edit was such a disappointment, been waiting for the correction. Must seek that out!
A&A, you’ll love his “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", “Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing” and “My Cherie Amour” and more!!! edit- best 4 opening lines of a song! My all-time favorite song! Stevie pays tribute to Bob Marley in his song "Master Blaster(Jammin') " and Stevie features Jazz trumpet great Dizzy Gillespie in his song "Do I Do".
I had the honor of seeing Stevie Wonder in concert…twice! During the second concert, he sang played the entire Songs In The Key of Life album. Special night.
Stevie Wonder is literally "S Tier." 😎 Brilliant review and analysis of this R & B/Pop classic by one of the greatest musicians of all time. Thank you!
"There's Basie (Count Basie), Miller (Glenn Miller), Satchmo (Louis Armstrong), and the king of all, Sir Duke (Duke Ellington) ...And with a voice like Ella's (Ella Fitzgerald) ringing out there's no way the band could lose... EDIT: As others have pointed out it is probably Glenn Miller which is what I always thought but then read an article saying it was Sodorisa and assumed I had got it wrong! 🙈
I dunno now, after reading these comments. I had always assumed Glenn Miller, not having ever heard of Sodarisa Miller. But unless Wonder himself ever stated who he referred to, I think an argument could be made for Sodarisa Miller. For one thing, both Armstrong and Ellington started their careers in the 1910's. Glenn Miller's career started in the mid-1920's, so with Sodarisa Miller's known output coming only from circa 1924 to 1926, timing isn't really off, since Wonder was speaking of pioneers. The record company, Paramount, thought that they had the next Bessie Smith, in Miller. But she was apparently dropped from the label due to poor sales, although the cause of that could have also been the poor recording quality of the records. OTOH, the style of "Sir Duke" does have a big band feel to it, so I'm on the fence, LOL. I'm curious if Stevie ever weighed in on this.
Can you imagine being 12 years old, walking in to the Berry Gordy Motown house and blowing away grown ass adults (who are crazy musical talents in their own right) with your talent?
"Just because a record has a groove, don't make it in the groove" One of my favorite lyrics of all time, and so true! Stevie is not only celebrating the greats that infuenced him, but music itself! "Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand...."
At the end, it sounds like he says "There's a cow in the road" and as kids, that's what we thought he said. We had to drive a narrow road through the pines to reach the highway, and sometimes there would be cows in the road and we'd all be up in the front seat of the pickup and this song would be on the radio playing. 45+ years ago but great memories
When Paul Simon picked up his Album of the Year Grammy for "Still Crazy After All These Years" (1975), he ended his acceptance speech thus: "And most of all I'd like to thank Stevie Wonder, who didn't make an album this year." Wonder had won it twice in a row, for "Innervisions" (1973) and "Fulfillingness' First Finale" (1974), while "Talking Book" (1972) was arguably even better. The next year he would win it again for this album, "Songs in the Key of Life" (1976) ...
This whole double album is a MAS-TER-PIECE! The Stevie catalog is deep and wide, just a towering talent. The horn riff was a must-learn for all the players in my high school with any self respect! :) Didn't know any bass players that could hang though!! Awesome analysis, by the way. Nicely done!
I used to be able to play it on bass, tried it again when this popped up. Not so much anymore, lol. It is absolutely beastly that Nathan East not only kept up but pushed it.
Great song a little overrated & repetitive thou - lots of other songs of his are better than that one especially on that album itself - good stuff but like free bird, stairway, they can retire that one for awhile
@@joshb23 Superfly is a lot more than fun, it's a groundbreaking. absolute masterpiece 🔥 tackling heavy social issues and inspiring all Soundtracks to follow. In 2000 Stevie, Eric Clapton & Lauren Hill performed a tribute to Curtis Mayfiekd (RIP). Curtis was paralyzed at the end of his life ( RIP. He was the most soulful cat that ever lived.
Yes, Alex, spot on! The verse is..."and with Basie, Miller, Sachmo, and the king of all, Sir Duke, and with a voice like Ella's ringing out, there's no way the band can lose." So it's Count Basie, Glen Miller, Sachmo aka Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. Oh yeah, Duke Ellington.
I love your reactions because it makes me hear the music of my youth (which I totally took for granted) with fresh ears. So thank you, A squared, for giving me a whole new respect for Stevie Wonder….I am now going to add Sir Duke to my “Random Faves” playlist!!
Songs in the Key of Life is totally album-reaction-worthy - my fave is "As...." but this is a close second. But you can't go wrong with Stevie - even his mailed-in-80s stuff is still head and shoulders above other artists of the time in terms of production value and musicality.
I remember when "Songs in the Key of Life" came out, it was a magical time for all of us kids! "Frampton Comes Alive" and Earth Wind & Fire's "Gratitude" also dominated the airwaves that year.
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE is an absolutely essential full album reaction, guys. He won four Album of the Year Grammies in the 70's (it got to the point where when Paul Simon won in 1975 he thanked Stevie in his acceptance speech for not releasing an album!). All four are stone cold end-to-end classics.......but this is the one to start with. Up there with EXILE ON MAIN STREET , QUADROPHENIA and THE WALL as the best studio double lps of the decade.
Correction: three Turns out TALKING BOOK wasn't even nominated. I'm gobsmacked. But it was 3 in 4 years. With only Paul Simon's best solo album as a break.
“For Once In My Life” has a sick harmonica solo. “My Cherie Amour”, “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”, “I Just Called To Say I Love You” are also great.
From the same double album: "Ngiguela-Es Una Historia- I am Singing", "Summer soft", "Knocks Me Off My Feet", "Ordinary Pain". Other Stevie songs: "They Say Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away", "Tuesday's Heartbreak", "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life".
As a child the boy next door put this on a mix Eight-track for my older sister, and I wore the tape out. Decades later, I saw him live at the Songs in the Key of Life Tour. Surrounded by keyboards, he performed effortlessly for hours. Every note, every rhythm, every word ... Perfection. ❤️ #goat
Man..this brings back memories. Grade 6 “Graduation” dance in the cafeteria. I rocked a satin shirt with big collars and a painted beach scene paired with baby blue rayon pants. First time I danced with a girl. Always loved this song.
July 17/1972 Montreal Forum in Montreal, Canada. Headline act is the Rolling Stones and the opening act is STEVIE WONDER. I was sitting directly facing the stage. Everyone was expecting "Little Stevie Wonder" and his early hits. He opens with Superstition !!!! Literally blows the roof off the Arena. Loudest ovation for an opening act I have ever experienced, he was simply phenomenal. The Stones were of course fantastic and in 1972 probably at their peak (my opinion) but I will never forget Stevie Wonder opening that concert and I have seen dozens of opening acts, nobody has come close to Stevie that night. And yes this song is dedicated to Duke Ellington. I am 68 years old and have seen at least 60 headline act concerts, maybe more , so I am thrilled to see young people being exposed to the musical geniuses of the 1960's and 1970's and 1980's . I don't think we will ever see such live musical acts again. My generation was given a once in a lifetime musical experience. You guys are great and your reactions are priceless.
In the mi-70s, Stevie was on fire! Won every award he was eligible for! "Sir Duke" is my absolute favorite but he had SO many great ones. My next fave is probably “Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing. ”
One of the greatest albums of the 70's & still to this day. He's talking about the big bands of the 30-40's. Count Basey, Louie Armstrong, Duke Ellington & the voice of Ella Fitzgerald. Also big band leader Miller.
This was the ultimate for me. I was in high school when it came out. I played trumpet and you didn't hear horns in many songs at that time. Just say that this guy was my hero putting this song out in the 70s!
A bit of trivia: the lead guitar on this song is by Micheal Sambello, who later went on to fame with his huge hit "Maniac" from the Flashdance soundtrack.
So many tremendous songs from him, more than I can count. Some of my favorites, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing, You Haven’t Done Nothing, and As. Genius.
Imagine what it was like during this period, flipping on the radio and hearing Stevie, Elton John, Eagles, Paul McCartney, Three Dog Night ... all day long. Pretty great
When I saw him in concert, he was led to a different instrument on the stage for many of the songs. He was opening for the Rolling Stones in the early 70's, and they were great, but Stevie Wonder is a hard act to follow.
❤️🎈❤️ This reaction made my morning. Had a three day tune worm, and now I have this! There’s a gorgeous big-band homage in this, yet it doesn’t dominate. Welcome, new tune worm!👍🎶🪱😁
Get the exclusive NordVPN deal here at nordvpn.com/andyandalex. It's risk-free with NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee!
Coupon code is: andyandalex
Let us know what Stevie song to hit next!!!
Reminds me of School Dances/Basketball Games, (back when that was what most everyone did.)
Little Stevie. lol
I grew up on CKLW.
Canada Station for Motown.
🌠Channel
👍Video
Thanks!
Nice way to start my rainy day.
✌😎❤🇺🇸🤘🎸🎶
"I Wish" next please
There are just too many Stevie Wonder songs of approximately equal awesomeness, and everyone has their favorites. I guess my votes are:
- _I Believe (When I Fall in Love)_
- _He's Misstra Know-It-All_
But really, my votes are "album listen to the guy's whole 70s catalog".
I would go early for the next one: "Uptight". However, if you were to do "I Wish" or "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" next, I couldn't argue with either of those. All 3 are classic Stevie songs.
@@AdamMcGahan And if that's too much, they can start with Talking Book, Innervisions, and Songs in the Key of Life.
This was released shortly after Duke Ellington passed away. The horns and band was the Duke Ellington Orchestra, that's why they're so good. He mentioned (Count) Basie, (Glenn) Miller, Louis Armstrong (Satchmo), and Ella (Fitzgerald) who sang with Duke Ellington. It's just perfection!
Ellington's death in May of 1974 inspired Stevie to write this song as a tribute. But he was working on lots of other songs for the Songs in the Key of Life album that was released in late September of 1976.
"Sir Duke" got a lot of airplay upon its release as a single in March of 1977, at which point it had been nearly three years since the death of Duke Ellington.
Bob , you nailed it. When I was very young I didn't understand the title of the song but as my knowledge of music grew it became apparent. It's really something how a pop song can open up a whole new world of music and I love all those Jazz artists. Thanks, Mr. Wonder. 🎶🎵🎹🎺🎷🎹🎵🎶
💯
Just because a record (vinyl) has a groove, doesn't make it in the groove. Key line to the song and meaning. Love watching anyone reacting to this. I was around 12 when it came out. Stevie was in his prime then.
Stevie Wonder is one of those rare artists who is a genre unto himself.
oh GOD yes!
That's the best description I've ever heard. Even on that one album, there is NO way to say what genre it is other than Genius Stevie genre.
If music is a language, he's a whole dialect!
@@smiter4458 Frank Zappa is definitely on that very short list, too.
David Bowie is another one imo
"Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand."
That says it all. This is my favorite Stevie Wonder song. 🔥🔥🔥
Mine too! I first heard it while visiting Niagara Falls, Canada. We were walking up to the wax museum and one of the stores was playing it loud enough to hear in the street and even though I was just a young boy I could appreciate how good and how different SD is compared to the current hits. God I love this song, and the whole album! I play it in the background for my students every semester, several times!!
@@NYlivinginTN Hah! I know that place, I went with my uncle when I was in my 20's. Yeah, the whole album is a master class. That horn section is just off the charts funky. What do you teach?
@@jenx4115 I teach science and math mostly. I absolutely love teaching and introducing my students to great music! They love sharing their music with me, as well. It's really fun.
@@NYlivinginTN That kicks ass, a good teacher can change someone's life! Music is math, and physics, but look who I'm telling. 🤩 I have a degree in Nanotechnology, which had a student nano ambassador program where I got to interact with kids at regular science expos and I loved it - they were fascinated by the "magic tricks" of nano (dry sand, liquid crystal, etc.). Seeing kids fall in love with science early on made me happy, and obviously the idea was to encourage more of them to major in and choose careers in the field of Nanotechnology. :)
I agree! That definitely says all you need to hear! 😍
"Songs In The Key Of Life"
Brilliant name for an immaculate album!
It's musical perfection!
True that.
Stevie Wonder - "Inner Visions" VS
Curtis Mayfieid - " Superfly
( both circa 73)
Can you imagine an album reaction? Ugh. Would be amazing.
yeh agree have all 3 on vinly the new curtis double best of saw indiestore last month nice to have excellent quality.vinly but sticker shock quite expensive key on familys console and friends older bros. had 8 track lucked out found nice copy at estate sale 10 dollars tamla original indie record store like 40 plus tax not rip off guess is current value must have for any collection innervisions also tamla good sound curtis bgrade reissue but ok current double best of same like 40 plus tax indie store but actually goid price has like 20 songs
I couldn't agree more. I had it on a track as soon as it came out. I wore that 8-track tape out. One of the best overall albums there was not one bad song on that album
“As” is one of greatest Stevie songs
If you haven't done "I Wish" yet, you should do that next. It has a summery vibe and probably my favorite from this album.
Damn dude I just wrote basically the same thing, you've got great taste!
indeed, equally great horns too!
Yes! And best cover ever- Gaga doing I wish at the Stevie Wonder tribute! Stevie was swayin'!
agree!!
Spot on.
Stevie has more S-Tier songs than you have fingers to count them on! One of the greatest artists in history!
My Grandfather was a Big Band Leader & I grew up with him sharing that era of Jazz & Swing with me. I love that Stevie paid respect to some of the greats - Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and the amazing Ella Fitzgerald. 👏
That is so cool! I love Big Band music!
Spot on .. Satchmo, is Louis Armstrong, voice like Ella's ringing out ..Fab
Never put the Duke Ellington connection together. 2 artists A&A and many on the channel would appreciate
Fats Waller- " Ain't Misbehaving
Cab Calloway- "Minnie the Mooxher".
Was your grandfather someone we would know?
Stevie features a solo from Jazz trumpet great Dizzy Gillespie in his song "Do I Do".
"Isn't She Lovely", written about his newborn daughter, is pure joy.
Probably his most beautiful song 🙌❤
We are lucky to live in the time of Stevie Wonder
Stevie's great tribute to his jazz heroes/pioneers Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. He didn't want their music to be forgotten.
and Count Basie!!
When one genius pays tribute to the geniuses he loves and drew inspiration from it is magic.
@@surlechapeau l edited Count Basie into my comment just before I saw your comment!
You missed out Satchmo...Louis Armstrong..
@@johnhughes3214 its all good. It's Sodarisa Miller, also not Glenn Miller. I thought it was Glenn also.
I was in the Air Force when this came out. You could hear it playing in almost every room in the dorm. This was a great album. He won album of the year in 1974, 1975, and 1976. He also has won 25 Grammy Awards and sold over 100 million albums.
I agree and can confirm this guy was in the Air Force. Only we wingnuts call our housing "dorms" instead of "barracks". Great album, but only one of many from him.
Paul Simon won 1976 and thanked Stevie for not releasing an album, however Stevie returned and won in 1977.
@Penderyn Not sure if you need to take more or less, but you have a lithium dosage issue.
“Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing” is another great banger to check out next from Stevie, guys! You'll love!
¡Que chévere!
“Isn’t she lovely” should be on your list. Phenomenal harmonica throughout.
Wait til you have you first child to rate this one!
@@rogermoore126 always makes me think of my daughter and brings me to tears.
Somebody on Quora was singing the praises of John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy" S the best tribute to a newborn. I brought up "Isn't She Lovely" from Stevie as an example of how to do it right.
"Life is Aisha, the meaning of her name!" I was pregnant with my son who will be 45 this November when I had this album! Stevie is one amazing man.
Pretty sure the harmonica is one of Stevie's keyboard parts.
I can’t remember if you guys have covered “Living for the City” but if you haven’t it’s another masterpiece by Stevie. Profound, gritty, heartbreaking. Would recommend.
Yes, they did the single, without the hardcore ending scene, and then they went back on a Freedom Shack Live and did the whole long version, and were blown away. Look them up, well worth the watch.
truth be told...even the fillers on his albums are absolute fire.
@@stevenmix3723 where can I find the the live you mentioned?
@@Bruno-ms7zj It's their Black History Month live stream, so back in February on their channel here. The whole thing was stellar.
@@stevenmix3723 Ohh, that's when they did it! Their take on the single edit was such a disappointment, been waiting for the correction. Must seek that out!
“As” from the same classic album is another piece of magic
The entire lp, Songs In the Key of Life, is a true masterpiece of the 70's. Every tune is worthy of a listen.
Songs in the Key of Life! One of the best albums of all time. Songwriting at another level.
A&A, you’ll love his “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", “Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing” and “My Cherie Amour” and more!!!
edit- best 4 opening lines of a song! My all-time favorite song!
Stevie pays tribute to Bob Marley in his song "Master Blaster(Jammin') " and
Stevie features Jazz trumpet great Dizzy Gillespie in his song "Do I Do".
I Wish is great too.
excellent suggestions. I would add "That Girl". Love that jam.
I had the honor of seeing Stevie Wonder in concert…twice! During the second concert, he sang played the entire Songs In The Key of Life album. Special night.
Stevie Wonder is literally "S Tier." 😎
Brilliant review and analysis of this R & B/Pop classic by one of the greatest musicians of all time. Thank you!
I've never seen a Stevie Wonder emoji. Very cool.
He's "SW TIER"!
Almost got it right.... S Tier .... nah GOAT Tier !!! Should be more like it lol
Stevie Wonder - "Inner Visions" VS
Curtis Mayfield- " Superfly"
(Both circa 73)
What do you say?
@@jgsrhythm100 Innervisions, but it's REALLY close!
Alex hit it on the head! The lyric was “Here are some of music’s pioneers.”
The next Stevie Wonder reaction should be to "I Wish", it's so groovy and has a killer funky bass line. Simply stellar.
" I love reading other people's mail". Alex is such a nut!🤣
"There's Basie (Count Basie), Miller (Glenn Miller), Satchmo (Louis Armstrong), and the king of all, Sir Duke (Duke Ellington) ...And with a voice like Ella's (Ella Fitzgerald) ringing out there's no way the band could lose...
EDIT: As others have pointed out it is probably Glenn Miller which is what I always thought but then read an article saying it was Sodorisa and assumed I had got it wrong! 🙈
Not Glen Miller?
Glen Miller Daz
Sodarisa Miller is wrong era. He is talking about big band era. Glen Miller for sure.
yep... Glen for sure.
I dunno now, after reading these comments. I had always assumed Glenn Miller, not having ever heard of Sodarisa Miller. But unless Wonder himself ever stated who he referred to, I think an argument could be made for Sodarisa Miller. For one thing, both Armstrong and Ellington started their careers in the 1910's. Glenn Miller's career started in the mid-1920's, so with Sodarisa Miller's known output coming only from circa 1924 to 1926, timing isn't really off, since Wonder was speaking of pioneers. The record company, Paramount, thought that they had the next Bessie Smith, in Miller. But she was apparently dropped from the label due to poor sales, although the cause of that could have also been the poor recording quality of the records. OTOH, the style of "Sir Duke" does have a big band feel to it, so I'm on the fence, LOL. I'm curious if Stevie ever weighed in on this.
Can you imagine being 12 years old, walking in to the Berry Gordy Motown house and blowing away grown ass adults (who are crazy musical talents in their own right) with your talent?
"Just because a record has a groove, don't make it in the groove" One of my favorite lyrics of all time, and so true! Stevie is not only celebrating the greats that infuenced him, but music itself! "Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand...."
One of the best lines ever!
At the end, it sounds like he says "There's a cow in the road" and as kids, that's what we thought he said. We had to drive a narrow road through the pines to reach the highway, and sometimes there would be cows in the road and we'd all be up in the front seat of the pickup and this song would be on the radio playing. 45+ years ago but great memories
Can you imagine the joy of being 16 years old and hearing this on the radio multiple times a day? Thanks for taking me back!
When Paul Simon picked up his Album of the Year Grammy for "Still Crazy After All These Years" (1975), he ended his acceptance speech thus:
"And most of all I'd like to thank Stevie Wonder, who didn't make an album this year."
Wonder had won it twice in a row, for "Innervisions" (1973) and "Fulfillingness' First Finale" (1974), while "Talking Book" (1972) was arguably even better. The next year he would win it again for this album, "Songs in the Key of Life" (1976) ...
This whole double album is a MAS-TER-PIECE! The Stevie catalog is deep and wide, just a towering talent. The horn riff was a must-learn for all the players in my high school with any self respect! :) Didn't know any bass players that could hang though!! Awesome analysis, by the way. Nicely done!
I used to be able to play it on bass, tried it again when this popped up. Not so much anymore, lol. It is absolutely beastly that Nathan East not only kept up but pushed it.
Great song a little overrated & repetitive thou - lots of other songs of his are better than that one especially on that album itself - good stuff but like free bird, stairway, they can retire that one for awhile
Stevie Wonder - "Inner Visions" VS
Curtis Mayfield- " Superfly"
(Both circa 73)
What do you say?
@@jgsrhythm100 Super Fly is super fun, but I'm going with Stevie!
@@joshb23
Superfly is a lot more than fun, it's a groundbreaking. absolute masterpiece 🔥 tackling heavy social issues and inspiring all Soundtracks to follow.
In 2000 Stevie, Eric Clapton & Lauren Hill performed a tribute to Curtis Mayfiekd (RIP). Curtis was paralyzed at the end of his life ( RIP. He was the most soulful cat that ever lived.
Love it when you react to Stevie Wonder. I've enjoyed listening to him for 50+ yrs. Now you guys get to enjoy him for 50 more yrs. He's the best.
Yes, Alex, spot on! The verse is..."and with Basie, Miller, Sachmo, and the king of all, Sir Duke, and with a voice like Ella's ringing out, there's no way the band can lose." So it's Count Basie, Glen Miller, Sachmo aka Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. Oh yeah, Duke Ellington.
Should have scrolled down to this before I wrote my reply...
I love your reactions because it makes me hear the music of my youth (which I totally took for granted) with fresh ears. So thank you, A squared, for giving me a whole new respect for Stevie Wonder….I am now going to add Sir Duke to my “Random Faves” playlist!!
" if you really love me " is such another Great tune by this wonderful musical gift to our world
Alex you are correct. This is Stevie homage to great artists and music who preceded him.
"Living for The City," "Pastime Paradise," "As" are all great songs with different feels that are well worth checking out.
They've done Living for the City
Still gives me goosebumps! Like Duke Ellington and your checkered pants!
Songs in the Key of Life is totally album-reaction-worthy - my fave is "As...." but this is a close second. But you can't go wrong with Stevie - even his mailed-in-80s stuff is still head and shoulders above other artists of the time in terms of production value and musicality.
Do you think they're ready for "As . . ."? I'd give them a couple more to get ready! LOL!!!
Stevie Wonder is the coolest, most talented, musical genius of our time.
One of the greatest albums of all time
Songs In The Key Of Life… it’s brilliant ‼️ spot on definition Alex. 👏
"Don't You Worry About a Thing", "You Haven't Done Nothing", "Master Blaster"!
What a fantastic song! Those horns, y'all!!
Alex interpreted this perfectly, it is songs in his lifetime channeled and produced in his own words. Masterpiece album
When you say “S” tier, the “S” stands for Stevie. Great reaction!
I remember this being released and I am still not tired of hearing it.
Big big smiles for this reaction. Nailed it! Thanks.
When you guys hit the essential meaning, like with this song, it's really a beautiful thing.
You nailed the meaning of the lyrics. Well played, sir. As for your next Stevie, it seriously should be "As" - you guys will flip over that.
I remember when "Songs in the Key of Life" came out, it was a magical time for all of us kids! "Frampton Comes Alive" and Earth Wind & Fire's "Gratitude" also dominated the airwaves that year.
Meatloaf Elo out of the Blue
"IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME"!!! My absolute favorite of Stevie's!!! It's an 'S', I promise you!!
The electric guitar on this song was played by Michael Sembello, of "Maniac" (from the Flashdance soundtrack) fame - a number one hit from 1983.
So so glad you got to this one! I Wish would be a great next one (that bass!)
The entire songs in the key of life album is a treasure
Nathan Lamar Watts kills it on the bass.
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE is an absolutely essential full album reaction, guys.
He won four Album of the Year Grammies in the 70's (it got to the point where when Paul Simon won in 1975 he thanked Stevie in his acceptance speech for not releasing an album!).
All four are stone cold end-to-end classics.......but this is the one to start with. Up there with EXILE ON MAIN STREET , QUADROPHENIA and THE WALL as the best studio double lps of the decade.
Correction: three Turns out TALKING BOOK wasn't even nominated. I'm gobsmacked. But it was 3 in 4 years. With only Paul Simon's best solo album as a break.
@@charlieboard4862 and Paul Stimon thanked Stevie for not releasing an album in 1975!
This song is pure perfection.
This album is iconic. My favorite is “
AS”. All the songs are great.
That song is a masterpiece!
THAT'S the one I recommend for Alex and Andy to check out. It's so damned good!
"Boogie On Reggae Woman". Super funky😎
Dude, my mom used to have a couch back in the 70’s that looked exactly like those pants!!🤣😎
LOL!
The whole album is superb. I think the best song on the album is As. Stevie at his best.
Everyone overlooks or just forgets his most unbeatable,
unstoppable track on this--S-----album. It’s called -As-.
Hard agree!!!!!
“For Once In My Life” has a sick harmonica solo. “My Cherie Amour”, “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”, “I Just Called To Say I Love You” are also great.
From the same double album: "Ngiguela-Es Una Historia- I am Singing", "Summer soft", "Knocks Me Off My Feet", "Ordinary Pain". Other Stevie songs: "They Say Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away", "Tuesday's Heartbreak", "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life".
Ordinary Pain 😭😮💨
Stevie Wonder is S-tier all the way! Music makes him sooo happy, and he, in turn makes us happy! Thanks!
Released within two days of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" in March 1977. Two number one powerhouses. These were all over our world that spring and summer.
and "Hotel California" 👍
And today there is hardly one good album released
As a child the boy next door put this on a mix Eight-track for my older sister, and I wore the tape out.
Decades later, I saw him live at the Songs in the Key of Life Tour. Surrounded by keyboards, he performed effortlessly for hours. Every note, every rhythm, every word ... Perfection. ❤️ #goat
Man..this brings back memories. Grade 6 “Graduation” dance in the cafeteria. I rocked a satin shirt with big collars and a painted beach scene paired with baby blue rayon pants. First time I danced with a girl.
Always loved this song.
This got absolutely relentless radio play when it was released, but nobody I know got tired of hearing it.
Stevie's greatest non James Jamerson bass line can be found on "I Wish". A bucket list song.
Agree!
One of the 45's I asked my parents to buy me. I still have it. I believe it helped me want to be a bass player.
Alex: another spot on explanation of the lyrics! I told you guys this would be an S tier song!
Everything about Stevie’s music is awesome. He is arguably the best singer and the best harmonica player of his generation and for many more to come.
Stevie mentions "Ella" (Fitzgerald) in this song. You should DEFINITELY check out some Duke & Ella songs -sooooo good!
This is what 1977 sounded like because it was on the radio constantly (in between playings of Hotel California).
July 17/1972 Montreal Forum in Montreal, Canada. Headline act is the Rolling Stones and the opening act is STEVIE WONDER. I was sitting directly facing the stage. Everyone was expecting "Little Stevie Wonder" and his early hits. He opens with Superstition !!!! Literally blows the roof off the Arena.
Loudest ovation for an opening act I have ever experienced, he was simply phenomenal. The Stones were of course fantastic and in 1972 probably at their peak (my opinion) but I will never forget Stevie Wonder opening that concert and I have seen dozens of opening acts, nobody has come close to Stevie that night.
And yes this song is dedicated to Duke Ellington. I am 68 years old and have seen at least 60 headline act concerts, maybe more , so I am thrilled to see young people being exposed to the musical geniuses of the 1960's and 1970's and 1980's . I don't think we will ever see such live musical acts again. My generation was given a once in a lifetime musical experience. You guys are great and your reactions are priceless.
This tune, plus "I Wish", "As", "Don't You Worry Bout a Thing", etc etc. Anything Stevie is amazing!
Stevie was using session players, on this date, but he uses the best, there's a very live feel to this. It's a masterpiece.
In the mi-70s, Stevie was on fire! Won every award he was eligible for! "Sir Duke" is my absolute favorite but he had SO many great ones. My next fave is probably “Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing.
”
Stevie was at the top of his game when this album came out. His body of work Will stand the test of time. 🎹🎶👍
Another killer hit from the "Songs in the Key of Life". Lots of different genres on that album, showing how much Stevie had grown over the decades.
One of the greatest albums of the 70's & still to this day. He's talking about the big bands of the 30-40's. Count Basey, Louie Armstrong, Duke Ellington & the voice of Ella Fitzgerald. Also big band leader Miller.
Alex! Right on!!!
Also you can picture this song
live in the recording studio. So cool!!
You’ve gotta hit Overjoyed. Such a beautiful ballad from him
'I wish" from the "Songs in the Key of Life" album may be the best song.
This was the ultimate for me. I was in high school when it came out. I played trumpet and you didn't hear horns in many songs at that time. Just say that this guy was my hero putting this song out in the 70s!
It was so lovely to hear this song again, and sing along with it. So glad you enjoyed it too.
You like this tune - you GOTTA check out "I Wish" by Stevie. I actually like "I Wish" a bit more then "Sir Duke" but both are phenomenal.
Songs In The key of life album , double album greatness.
You guys should try to "I wish" the sound is incredible, escpecially on headsets.
A bit of trivia: the lead guitar on this song is by Micheal Sambello, who later went on to fame with his huge hit "Maniac" from the Flashdance soundtrack.
This entire album was on fire for several years. So much packed in this album.
Stevie Wonder- "Inner Visions" VS
Curtis Mayfield- "Superfly"
(both circa 73)
So many tremendous songs from him, more than I can count. Some of my favorites, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing, You Haven’t Done Nothing, and As. Genius.
Imagine what it was like during this period, flipping on the radio and hearing Stevie, Elton John, Eagles, Paul McCartney, Three Dog Night ... all day long. Pretty great
Just listen to the whole album, Songs In The Key Of Life, and get it over with. One of the best albums ever recorded!
When I saw him in concert, he was led to a different instrument on the stage for many of the songs. He was opening for the Rolling Stones in the early 70's, and they were great, but Stevie Wonder is a hard act to follow.
I don't think the Stones had any problem following anybody
@@mrheem44 Perhaps you weren't there at that concert. Of course, my comment was more about Stevie than about the Stones.
I saw him a few years ago, and it was the same experience. Never faltered, dozens of instruments, pitch perfect in every way. Amazing! ❤️
Great video fellas...as always! "Boogie on Reggae Woman" next please :)
“Songs in the Key of Life” would be a great album to review!
There will never be another Stevie Wonder. Musical genius!🎤🎙🎸🥁🎶
This whole album is amazing. I like Creepin.
❤️🎈❤️ This reaction made my morning. Had a three day tune worm, and now I have this! There’s a gorgeous big-band homage in this, yet it doesn’t dominate. Welcome, new tune worm!👍🎶🪱😁
If you wan't to hear what Stevie can do for other artists, try
Chaka Khan - I Feel for You
The Eurythmics - There must be an Angel
I think he also wrote "Tell Me Something Good" for Rufus (and Chaka Khan).