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Satisfying. Not one of Stevie's greatest during his so-called classic years, but definitely one with tracks that can stand the test of time. We were spoiled by the greatness of Songs in the Key of Life and Innervisions, but this is not one to scoff at. as Stevie, once again, takes us through another musical journey with his personal feelings and commentaries on religion, politics, love and some other things that may fall in-between. He doesn't always have to reach levels as high as SITKOL or Innervisions, but I'm still glad that he made this album.
The man truly is the WHOLE PACKAGE. For those of you who watched the tribute to Michael Jackson as Staples Center in LA following his departure from us (R.I.P)., you saw Stevie perform this very song.It is a heart felt goodbye of sorts to a world full of lying, betrayal, deceit, greed and a plea to be with one's Creator in the sky.
We sometimes forget about this one due to the fact that it came right in between the Masterpiece "Innervisions" & the Tour de Force "Songs in the Key of Life". This is one of Stevie's best musical offerings ever.
The album also introduces us to some soon to be major players Minnie Ripperton & Denise Williams.My favorite song on the whole album and one of his best masterpieces of all time is the haunting "They Won't Go When I Go". However, you find some of his best ballads on this album and 2 of his funkiest songs "Boogie on Reaggae Woman" & "Haven't Done Nothin'".I am most impressed by the ballads on this album as they are a canvas for Stevie to show his poetic skills off.
"Smile Please", "Creepin", "Too Shy to Say" & "Bird of Beauty" are sheer poetry and his vocals are other wordly on each. This album really shows the true musical genius of Stevie, singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, producer, instrumentalist, etc.
Earth, Wind & Fire are my favorite group, but Stevie is my favorite solo artist and as close to musical perfection as we've seen.
This is yet another of Stevie Wonder's great albums from the early seventies. Lots of nice tunes on it.
I really like most all of the music on this CD. I heard most of these songs back in the summer of 1992 (June-August 1992) Some of the music really resonates with my Soul-Spirit. Thanks.Dave
Right now it's probably "Heaven is 10 Billion Light Years Away" which for some reason, reminds me of those school field trips we used to take as children. Favorite songs. One thing that's STILL a bit underrated about Stevie Wonder is his ability to combine soul, funk and pop together, and make something radically new (at the time). "Bird of Beauty" and "Please Don't Go" are very good melodically.
There's only one Stevie Wonder, and there will never be someone as good as this guy ever again. Fulfillingness First Finale is a great album, just like probably everything Stevie Wonder created in the 70's (I haven't heard anything more than the "big four" albums). I guess the adventurous atmosphere contribues to those feelings."They Won't Go When I Go" is an Elton John sounding song that rules a lot. The only song I don't really care for is "Creepin" because it sounds a bit stuck in the mid 70's and not melodic enough for me. Well, I don't know really.
Just a chilling, haunting and eerie song. I don't know what the general opinion of this song is, but to me, it comes up a bit short compared to the rest of the tracks.The rest of the album is pure emotional, melodic genius. More importantly, he combined those things and made them *interesting*. "Boogie on Reggae Woman" is one of those songs that might still be heard on TV shows, radio stations, and other places. Stevie Wonder is one of those musicians where you have a different favorite every time you play one of his albums.
That's a sign of a great musician. Honestly, it SHOULD be played more often because it's a classic, but you know how stubborn radio stations and whatnot can be when it comes to variety.The funkiness of "You Haven't Done Nothin" is fantastic as well. For that (which is very important obviously) this is a classic album.
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