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...
@@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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 just saw him in concert last night and he pulled heavily from the classic era. At 72 he has all his Musical and vocal chops. He is a Global treasure.
About 5 years ago, I was about to purchase tickets to see Johnny Marr at 9:30 Club in DC. I adore The Smiths. But as I was about to pull the trigger, I learned that Stevie Wonder was going to be at The Verizon Center performing "Songs in The Key of Life" from front to back. Sorry Johnny-I got Stevie Wonder tickets. It was a great show. Huge band that was tight with India Arie has the female vocalist in the show. Stevie Wonder in concert was as good as I hoped and full of warmth.
Thanks for this video. I still listen to these albums quite a lot because it's the music of my childhood, my youth and young adulthood, it was instrumental in shaping me as a person as I didn't have much guidance at home. This music has soothed me through some rough times, it made me think, it made me cry and it gave me hope but mostly it brought me intense joy, still does.
When you become, a real Music fan, an Aficionado, a Musician yourself, living in the Era & Age, of Your Crowns, Life itself, is a blessing full of LOVE 🔥👊🏾
Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants,Original Musiquarium 1,Hotter Than July,In Squared Circle, The Woman In Red.....are also soooooo underrated Excellent albums all
In 4th grade my music teacher put on Sir Duke and that song alone convinced me to learn to play saxophone which was a gateway into my musical interest and skills
THANKS FOR MAKING THIS stevie wonder is my favorite artist! But none of my friends understand why I love his music so much!! This video is a great example on why he is a Legendary musician!! I got so excited when I saw this in my subscription box! Keep on doing videos they are really great
Innervision and Songs in the Key of Life are two of my favorite albums of all time. I’m also 26. This is why I call the music Stevie made, “Forever Music” because people will enjoy this grooviness and funk and color through sound for generations to come. Stevie was and still is one of the greatest music minds EVER. Great video for a big job. It’s always a bit intimidating to take on Stevie lol
The Beatles broke up and God moved over to Stevie Wonder.Talking Book is the real beginning of the Electric Lady sessions. Had Happier than the morning sun been on Talking Book and not MOMM, it would have been the greatest album ever made. FFF is my favorite album. I didn't stop playing it for 3 months when I got it. 1972-1976 nobody on Earth could touch Stevie. God bless Steveland Hardaway Morris.
That was a great run. He was able to cross over better than any artist ever. That's probably the biggest part of his legacy. I was a white suburban kid who loved rock but also loved Stevie Wonders music.
I really admire your willingness and skill at breaking down what Stevie has recorded. It’s helped me appreciate it on other, more technical, level. Thanks for this effort.
It is just sad that certain artists today get awards, get Grammys, get adulation and hundreds of millions of dollars and don't have even one iota of the talent that Stevie Wonder had. Wonder was a path setter. He plowed through so much musical territory so that others could see what was possible. But who are those today who can do that? Who can create at such a high level with so much production over just 5 years time. Artists today don't even come out with an album every year in an era where they have significantly greater technology to work with than Stevie had. Stevie. Elton John. Had such a run in the 70's that it boggles the mind. Legends. Virtuosos. Their music stands the test of time.
I was hoping he mentioned that the 2 singers at the beginning of You Are the Sunshine of My Life are the same voices you hear singing the intro to the TV show Good Times.
This was beautifully crafted,thoughtfully executed and thoroughly entertaining and informative! Thank you so much for celebrating and reminding us of one of the most important times in music. Your channel is extraordinary!!!!!
I argue that the only run of musical brilliance to rival Wonder at the time was Van Morrison. From Astral Weeks ('68) to Veedon Fleece ('74), there's a cosmic, incredibly poetic growth. Where Wonder gave us pain, ghettos, and love, Morrison gave us pain, mysticism, and love. Two brilliant, somewhat underappreciated artists today.
I would argue that you should have mentioned Where I'm Coming From released in 1970 featuring Syreeta Wright. It's his first complete album and features a clutch of brilliant songs like If You Really Love Me, Something Out Of The Blue and Do Ypurself A Favour.
I realize you wanted to do a critique of Stevie's great works so I will encourage everyone to buy the Secret Life of Plants which I feel is an extremely beautiful and inventive work! And thanks very much for the really fine creation you have produced!
This is true appreciation for an Artist and his art form, I always admired his contribution to music, now lets see one on Marvin Gaye,Luther Vandross,Bob Marley or,Chaka Khan and Rufus, Just to name a few, good job bro!
Isn't that true for most popular musicians of our time? Personally, it can feel intimidating, me working towards a music career at age 34, while Lennon & McCartney made their most magical, world-changing contributions before that. Did all these artists have a special hotline to download beauty from the Universal Consciousness, which is exclusively for twenty-somethings? I guess I'll find out…
Great video .... my favorite from that period and my favorite Stevie album is “ Innervisions”. Less Experimental Then music of my mind and more compact then Songs in the key of life in my opinion ihis most perfect album
I don't put music of my mind in his classic period. In my opinion it commits the ultimate sin of being mostly boring, Stevie could be boring from time to time but when he was on, with either the music or the lyrics, he was really on.
I know this is about Stevie Wonder and he is an amazing artist, but when the narrator said "an explosion of creativity that we may never see again" (to paraphrase) @0:34 I disagree! King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard self-released 5 amazing albums in 2017, and you should see Buckethead's discography. Just being a bit nitpicky and think it was an overstatement that's all :D
@@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.
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
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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"
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.
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.
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 :-)
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.
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
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.
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!
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....
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.
🔥🔥🔥
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
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.
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?
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.
Stevie Wonder is an unparalleled genius of our time...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 didn't know half this stuff about Stevie Wonder. Mind blown.
Epic. These albums were the soundtrack of my childhood. Thank you for helping me to have an even greater appreciation of Stevie Wonder’s genius
I just saw him in concert last night and he pulled heavily from the classic era. At 72 he has all his Musical and vocal chops. He is a Global treasure.
Easily my favorite run in music. I've been saying this for years. Looking forward to this video...
About 5 years ago, I was about to purchase tickets to see Johnny Marr at 9:30 Club in DC. I adore The Smiths.
But as I was about to pull the trigger, I learned that Stevie Wonder was going to be at The Verizon Center performing "Songs in The Key of Life" from front to back.
Sorry Johnny-I got Stevie Wonder tickets. It was a great show. Huge band that was tight with India Arie has the female vocalist in the show. Stevie Wonder in concert was as good as I hoped and full of warmth.
Thanks for this video. I still listen to these albums quite a lot because it's the music of my childhood, my youth and young adulthood, it was instrumental in shaping me as a person as I didn't have much guidance at home. This music has soothed me through some rough times, it made me think, it made me cry and it gave me hope but mostly it brought me intense joy, still does.
When you become, a real Music fan, an Aficionado, a Musician yourself, living in the Era & Age, of Your Crowns, Life itself, is a blessing full of LOVE 🔥👊🏾
Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants,Original Musiquarium 1,Hotter Than July,In Squared Circle, The Woman In Red.....are also soooooo underrated Excellent albums all
In 4th grade my music teacher put on Sir Duke and that song alone convinced me to learn to play saxophone which was a gateway into my musical interest and skills
The lyric in the chorus of "I Wish" is " I wish those DAYS could come back once more...", not "I wish those THINGS could..."
THANKS FOR MAKING THIS stevie wonder is my favorite artist! But none of my friends understand why I love his music so much!! This video is a great example on why he is a Legendary musician!! I got so excited when I saw this in my subscription box! Keep on doing videos they are really great
Innervision and Songs in the Key of Life are two of my favorite albums of all time. I’m also 26. This is why I call the music Stevie made, “Forever Music” because people will enjoy this grooviness and funk and color through sound for generations to come. Stevie was and still is one of the greatest music minds EVER.
Great video for a big job. It’s always a bit intimidating to take on Stevie lol
The Beatles broke up and God moved over to Stevie Wonder.Talking Book is the real beginning of the Electric Lady sessions. Had Happier than the morning sun been on Talking Book and not MOMM, it would have been the greatest album ever made. FFF is my favorite album. I didn't stop playing it for 3 months when I got it. 1972-1976 nobody on Earth could touch Stevie. God bless Steveland Hardaway Morris.
Thank you for an extensive and colourful picture of Steve Wonder - no wonder his music makes life worth while!
thank you so much for this video and the time and energy you put into it so we can know and enjoy much blessings
That was a great run. He was able to cross over better than any artist ever. That's probably the biggest part of his legacy. I was a white suburban kid who loved rock but also loved Stevie Wonders music.
I really admire your willingness and skill at breaking down what Stevie has recorded. It’s helped me appreciate it on other, more technical, level. Thanks for this effort.
What a brilliant artist ,lately is one of my favorite songs ,covered well by Johnny mathis
It is just sad that certain artists today get awards, get Grammys, get adulation and hundreds of millions of dollars and don't have even one iota of the talent that Stevie Wonder had. Wonder was a path setter. He plowed through so much musical territory so that others could see what was possible. But who are those today who can do that? Who can create at such a high level with so much production over just 5 years time. Artists today don't even come out with an album every year in an era where they have significantly greater technology to work with than Stevie had. Stevie. Elton John. Had such a run in the 70's that it boggles the mind. Legends. Virtuosos. Their music stands the test of time.
Excellent episode! Thank you
Just found this chanel and I love it!! I'm 5 videos in already!
I was hoping he mentioned that the 2 singers at the beginning of You Are the Sunshine of My Life are the same voices you hear singing the intro to the TV show Good Times.
Thanks for that history. Enjoyed it!
This was beautifully crafted,thoughtfully executed and thoroughly entertaining and informative! Thank you so much for celebrating and reminding us of one of the most important times in music. Your channel is extraordinary!!!!!
Maybe the greatest stretch of music ever made in history by one person. Thank u Stevie!
Stevland is on my Mt. Rushmore he’s undeniable
The true king of pop
Thank you so much for creating such videos. These are masterpieces!
do prince's golden run or anything about prince
Conversation Peace is soooo relavant for today
I argue that the only run of musical brilliance to rival Wonder at the time was Van Morrison. From Astral Weeks ('68) to Veedon Fleece ('74), there's a cosmic, incredibly poetic growth. Where Wonder gave us pain, ghettos, and love, Morrison gave us pain, mysticism, and love. Two brilliant, somewhat underappreciated artists today.
Awesome talent few can match.....love Stevie
Wow!
This was amazing!
I would argue that you should have mentioned Where I'm Coming From released in 1970 featuring Syreeta Wright. It's his first complete album and features a clutch of brilliant songs like If You Really Love Me, Something Out Of The Blue and Do Ypurself A Favour.
Excellent job!
An awesome video, reflecting my very own beliefs about that period of Steveland's peaks.
You forgot about “Hotter in July”!
@2:26 real talent real musician really great
"...untether a brilliant mind and let it create."
Greatest musician of all time
I realize you wanted to do a critique of Stevie's great works so I will encourage everyone to buy the Secret Life of Plants which I feel is an extremely beautiful and inventive work! And thanks very much for the really fine creation you have produced!
This is true appreciation for an Artist and his art form, I always admired his contribution to music, now lets see one on Marvin Gaye,Luther Vandross,Bob Marley or,Chaka Khan and Rufus, Just to name a few, good job bro!
Excellent job narrator!
Stevie Wonder is my favorite music artist of all time.
Stvevie wonder, prince, and David Bowie. For me are the holy trinity of music haha. All 3 had IMO the greatest classic periods of all time
Great video!
HE RECORDED EVERYTHING HE IS KNOWN FOR...ALL OF IT...BEFORE HE WAS 25!!! HOW?!!!
Isn't that true for most popular musicians of our time?
Personally, it can feel intimidating, me working towards a music career at age 34, while Lennon & McCartney made their most magical, world-changing contributions before that.
Did all these artists have a special hotline to download beauty from the Universal Consciousness, which is exclusively for twenty-somethings? I guess I'll find out…
Great video .... my favorite from that period and my favorite Stevie album is “ Innervisions”. Less Experimental Then music of my mind and more compact then Songs in the key of life in my opinion ihis most perfect album
This was an excellent video expose.
I wonder why he didn’t discuss ‘ bird of beauty’ the hidden gem of ‘Fulfillingness’ First Finale
For Once In My Life still hits different tho
I don't put music of my mind in his classic period. In my opinion it commits the ultimate sin of being mostly boring,
Stevie could be boring from time to time but when he was on, with either the music or the lyrics, he was really on.
I agree one of the great rund of albums but there were a few others at the same time ... David Bowie, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin,
You should do a video on king crimson, discipline is simply a masterpiece
I know this is about Stevie Wonder and he is an amazing artist, but when the narrator said "an explosion of creativity that we may never see again" (to paraphrase) @0:34 I disagree! King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard self-released 5 amazing albums in 2017, and you should see Buckethead's discography.
Just being a bit nitpicky and think it was an overstatement that's all :D
I think he meant far as ablums that equally appeal to Blacks and Whites and other races.
Great run. Almost as good as the runs of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Byrds, Kinks, Bob Dylan, etc.
Neanderthal DNA.
I think Todd Rundgren deserves his own episode!! 💯💯
He took a break in 75 Songs in the key of life came of in 76
I would add Hotter Than July to this list
Nice job, concise and accurate. His albums changed this white boy's whole way o' thinkin'. Stevie is the rarest of artist. Music of the ages.
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.
Stevie wonder is a genius on par with Mozart, Bach & Miles Davis
Thank you!
Without question!!!
Gabriel Maric , and Prince
Preach !
Greater
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
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.
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.
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!!!
"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.
Stevie Wonder is the complete musician. Most musicians can only dream of what he was able to do. He is one of my greatest inspirations.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Stevie's run in the 70's was colossal.. Genius.
facts!
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.
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.
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
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
The man was a one-man band and he was blind.
I can wash dishes.
😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
So can he lol
Stevie's a better singer, writer and musician, than most legends.
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.
"In Square Circle" is an underrated album. It's a great work as well.
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
_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!
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
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.