Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life ALBUM REVIEW
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- Опубликовано: 5 янв 2022
- Listen: soundcloud.com/stevie-wonder-...
Songs in the Key of Life is the crown jewel of Stevie Wonder's unparalleled discography.
More classic reviews: • Classics
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STEVIE WONDER - SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE / 1976 / MOTOWN / SOUL
CLASSIC/10
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right? 
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Crazy Fact: Stevie was 23 when he released this album
Crazier Fact: This is Stevie's 18th Studio Album
He was 26, but still
And many of his contemporaries were only 5 albums in at the point he was at 18
Holy fucking shit
He was 23 when Innervisions dropped
he was twenty three now but will he live to see twenty four? the way things is going, I don't know
stevie’s whole output in the 70s is untouchable
Yes.
@aloevv𖤐 stay mad, son
It's fantastic, but I'd not say untouchable.
@@imgriffm4426 shud
@@dwaynekeenum1916 Kanye 2004-2021, The Beatles 1962-1970, Pink Floyd 1967-1979, Kendrick Lamar 2011-2017, David Bowie 1970-1983, Bob Dylan 1963-1978, Radiohead 1995-2016. I think all of them can easily have an argument.
“As” is one of the greatest songs of all time. Period
ALWAAAAYSSSSSSS
Fun fact about Pastime Paradise: Those are not strings on the recording. They're actually synths programmed by Stevie to sound like an orchestra.
Yes it’s the Yamaha GX1. Definitely adds a futuristic orchestral texture to the album.
Also the choir is chanting the Hare Krishna
Same with Village Ghetto Land, both such good songs
He’s an amazing guitarist. Odd the type of music he decided to make in his solo career lmao
Yes.
The best part of this album is really just how upbeat it is. It's one of those rare records that really does feel like a celebration of life, and isn't obnoxiously happy like so many other up-beat records are.
Yes.
Because it came from his heart
And Stevie's music (from this era at least) isn't stupidly happy. He's very politically keen and aware. He knows what's going on. He sings about it. His happiness and optimism isn't in ignorance of suffering and grief. Speaking of which, Joy Inside My Tears is amazing.
Stevie really and truly felt a bright love for life writing this album. That sort of joy isn’t just written. It’s lived.
@@JD-jc8gpreminds me of the movie everywhere everything all at once with the line “this is how i fight”
In 2015 I emailed you before I went off to college asking you what a feels good windows down-type album that would get me happy for the future was. You recommended me this and it quite literally changed my life. Thanks Melon.
A person is too negative if they don't get happy listening to Stevie Wonder. If I'm happy I'm probably listening to Stevie Wonder.
Yes.
I love this.
@@want.to.b3.gamer670 If you don't like Stevie Wonder or feel any need to belittle his music, you're just a sad person. I know opinions exist and all, but I just feel bad for you if you dislike Stevie
@@aquacyanide it's just different when it comes to His music. It has so much joy and love in it.
One of the greatest albums to ever be released.
@Critique Everything have you ever heard Dissimulation by KSI ??
I remember when I first heard “Have a Talk with God,” I was in disbelief to hear something like that come out in the 1970s.
Featuring Sir Duke, the song with IMO best bass line the history of music.
So true. So many beautiful songs 😢 God bless Stevie...
@@N1ght_walk it doesn’t sound 70s sounds like 90s the same for Ebony Eyes.
You could’ve done any of Stevie’s albums from his 70s era, that run was god tier
@Perverted Alchemist YES! It's incredibly beautiful.
Yes.
@Perverted Alchemist agreed the run from 1972's music of my mind to this beauty, is basically perfect and love Secret Life of Plants. I even have a soft spot for 1980's Hotter than July, which is in itself a 9 and only feels like a drop off due to the utter majesty of the 70s run, that album basically summed up the 80s sound and it was at the beginning of the damn decade, Steve was a musical visionary.
its funny how much quality stevie had dropped from hotter than july to "i just called to say i love you'
@Perverted Alchemist absolutely!! I have a personal soft spot for innervisions and filling ness’ first finale.
I was named after “Isn’t She Lovely”, so this album has always been incredibly special 😊
That’s honestly so cool 😭
whoaaaa
Life :)
That's awesome. If you ask me, that's a _musical blessing_
Awesome.
Stevie’s Magnum Opus. bro literally went god mode on this album. pinnacle of musicianship
This is on a list of 20 perfect albums for me, this thing never gets old, it never gets on my nerves, I'm never ever, ever, EVER tired of it. It's infectious passion no matter what topic it touches on, it's clear, gorgeous production and its unbelievably life-affirming vibe, how can you NOT at least like this, let alone not LOVE it. A true masterpiece of music, a classic all can listen to and enjoy equally. I've never seen an album so amazingly achieve its goal in covering all aspects of life, whether it be the past, the present, the future, the great before and the great beyond, and speaking on all of it so passionately.
I love this album, and it loves all who listen to it.
Please, for the love of music and love, listen to this fucking album. You WILL like it.
I promise.
Agreed. This might be the only album for me that I will never NOT be in the mood to listen to. I can always find time in my week to listen again, and It has never grown old. I must've listened to 'Summer soft' and 'As' thousands of times at this point, and every time it's like it's my first time listening. It doesn't make sense how replayable this album is.
I would LOVE to know the other 19 albums you mentioned
What are the other 19 albums?
Didn’t know this was Mega Classics week god dayum melon
seconded
@aloevv𖤐 my man drinks a joe.
This, Electric Ladyland, and Heaven Or Las Vegas. Man, Fantano really gone a Mega Classics week streak this year. Big W to him
Prince once stated in an interview that this was one of the Greatest album ever written...👌
Wtf is that Prince?
He's not wrong.
Huh
Yes that's true
This album singlehandedly carried me through covid and my Nana's passing. Every song on this album is memorable and catchy, and still has stuck with me now. I seriously cannot tell you how much every song on this thing surpasses beauty. If you haven't listened to this album I seriously cannot recommend it more. Or at least just listen to the songs As, Saturn, or Ordinary Pain. They're so fucking good they make me wanna cry.
Yes.
Sorry for your loss my dude hope ur good stranger
@@dillontaylor2569 It took me a while to process it but I'm all good now. I appreciate the love, hope you're doing well too
"Saturn" is one of his best and most underrated songs for me. If you've lost someone, lines like "on Saturn people live to be 205" hit hard (in a good way)
aw I hope your better. Bless her heart
Summer soft is such a subtly genius track. The way that he uses key changes to make the choruses feel so epic, climactic, and beautiful is so creative and brilliant.
One of my faves. Golden Lady is another of his with that great climbing chorus feel towards the end.
@@booski1865 Yes and so is Passionate Raindrops
I LOVE SUMMER SOFT
To this day, I still think this is one of the best records that’s over 100 minutes. Stevie is the definition of what it means to be a GOAT.
THIS AND POWER OF ONE YES
Yes.
best double album ever and i have 4 songs left
I always struggle to get through the classic reviews because hearing Fantano talk so enthusiastically about the album just makes me wanna go listen to the album straight away
Yes.
I mean even the name of the album itself "Songs in the Key of Life" just makes you know it's going to be a masterpiece, especially from someone as incredible as Stevie Wonder
GOOD INTERESTING TITLE
Yes.
i guess man
Any one of Stevie’s albums from the 70s could apply. One of the greatest album runs in history along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Prince, Marvin Gaye, etc
Michael Jackson, Madonna and Shakira.
@Perverted Alchemist I think David Bowie, Outkast, Elton John and The Isley Brothers as well.
I know he's more recent but I think Kanye’s mid-late 2000’s run is a comparable classic period
@@slystone4892 Madonna and Shakira are nothing lol
As far as I'm concerned, it's THE greatest album run. From music to songs, that run is on a different level.
This album is so iconic I could've sworn melon already reviewed it. Surprised it took 10 years to be reviewed since the inception of classics week.
Literally. It’s the classic of classics
Yes.
Probably the best album ever made? The sheer amount of incredible songs, musicianship and lyrical focus is pretty much unmatched and it doesn't feel like a double album because it's so engaging
"Weird Al - Amish Paradise" takes from
"Coolio - gangsta's paradise" which takes from
"Steview Wonder - Pastime Paradise" which takes from
"Bach - Prelude No. 2 in C Minor"
One of my fav musical journeys
I love stuff like this, another cool example is nujabes' aruarian dance
@@krzysiusisiu how does that goes?
@@kostajovanovic3711 pavane pour une infante defunte-Maurice Ravel
The lamp is low-mildred bailey
The lamp is low-laurindo almeida
And finally aruarian dance by nujabes
I have a spotify playlist specifically for this type of musical journey discovery.
I've listened to it, but how does _Prelude #2_ goes into _Pastime?_ they don't even really sound the same (and i don't mean instrumentally) 🤔
This is one of those rare records where all of the deep cuts are just as engaging and meticulously crafted as the biggest hits/singles, which is ludicrous given the nearly 2 hour run-time.
Key of Life has got to be in the discussion for the most universally appealing album of all time. It's hard to imagine anyone not extracting significant levels of joy out of this record.
The stretch of songs from 'Contusion' - 'Isn't she lovely' is one of the greatest runs ever in music, and that run doesn't even include 'As'' or 'Another Star', which are 2 of the greatest songs of all time. That's how good this shit is.
I just remembered that fucking insane flute solo on Another Star
Another star sounds like it would be the perfect for the ending of a movie or show , it’s so grand to me.
I ALSO HAVE THAT WITH POWER OF ONE GOOD ALBUM
Yes.
I agree 100%. I always thought "As" was the greatest song of all time with its celestial perspective on love. Especially when you listen to "If it's Magic" before where it's as if he poses the question to the world or God himself and then "As" is the answer to those questions posed. It still blows me away lyrically everytime i hear it. And "Another Star" to me is the sonically richest song ever.
It’s incredible how seamless and immaculate this album is at all phases.
Yes.
i think ive watched this channel since 2011 and this really is the first time ive commented. anyway. Stevie truly is the greatest. ridiculously talented, experimental, introspective, and modest about the entire fucking thing. the freakin debussy or bach of their time. would love to see another Stevie review in the future (maybe a best to worst????)
Yes.
I would love to see more Stevie Wonder reviews!!
This album changed my life…I always heard his hits when I was a kid…even had the honor to see him perform in 2016…didn’t hear this album until 2018 and I love it. Innervisions and Hotter than July are my favs too but man…blessed to see Stevie Wonder while we still have him 🙌🏽
Yes.
The chorus on Sir Duke is the single most infectiously uplifting musical moment ever recorded. I’m not a singer or dancer typically, but goddamn that song gets me every time.
🎵You can feel it all over...🎵
the chord progression in sir duke is genuinely mindblowing
YESSS! Clicked instantly. This album is more than just a celebration of music, it is a celebration of life.
The greatest album of all time, imo.
Great review too!
its got nothing on Fulfilingness first finale
Second this
Yes.
@@wingcommander2165 Talking Book better but Songs in the Key tops everything fr
My favorite album of all time. I honestly listen to it in one sitting every time and it's honestly a breeze. Innervisions and fulfillingness' first finale is kind of secretly part of a three-way tie for my number one album.
Literally Yes.
lmao the vertigo poster pfp matches the key of life cover
Songs in the key of life? Probably one of the best album titles I know of ... Unreal album .. funky, sexy, makes you want to dance, makes you think, makes you feel. Full of soul. Fuck yes/ 10
Another Star? Play it at my funeral.
The Daft Punk + Another Star mash-up from the Grammys a few years ago? Best Grammy's moment of all time, fuck off if you don't think so. Im sorry. I love you. But seriously you're wrong if you disagree and go watch it again.
@@TheseOpenRoads I fucking agree. I still listen to it with mad smile
@@TheseOpenRoads o
Great review. What amazes me about this album (and Stevie in general in the 70's) is how he was almost genre-less. Everyone loved these songs - they are universal. The songs were popular on top 40, rock, funk and R&B stations back then. He even opened for the Rolling Stones on their massive 1972 US tour. This album is maybe not Stevie's best, but it's definitely his most impressive artistic statement.
About time, yes. This album aged well through centuries and will be remembered in thousand years. Although, I personally prefer Innervisions, its hard to rate his classic era albums because they were all amazing.
Yes.
Stevie been in my Spotify top 5 artists in every year wrap-up that I’ve had. It’s music you live with. Songs in the Key of Life was also the first vinyl album I ever got when I bought a record player, and most played. Best ever for me
Nice name
@@liamernst9626 😎
Stevie was untouchable in the 70s for a reason
One of the greatest albums of all time. Melon must have seen my comments.
One of the best albums of all time, in my top 5 easily
Never clicked on a review so fast. What a miraculous, life-changing album
I clicked at the very moment it was uploaded.
Definitely a classic. I think I prefer Innervisions to this, simply bc it's more concise. And he plays almost all the instruments on that record, which, when you hear it if you haven't already, should blow your damn mind. But damn, Stevie Wonder was and is a musical icon. Incredible. And underrated drummer.
Yes.
Stevie's music just makes me soo happy, his music is joyful, bright and cheerful. It knocks you out your feet when you need it the most, it's the type of unique energy that he creates that you won't get it from anybody else.
I only knew Sir Duke and As from this album for years so I decided to listen to the full album last year after some people recommended it to me and now I understand why is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. It's a true musical masterpiece.
I got to see Stevie Wonder perform this album on tour. What an experience that was. This album is just an transcendental experience.
Stevie quite literally has the best discog of all time.
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE: 10
Talking Book: 10
Innervisions: 10
Fulfillingness’ first finale: 10
Music of my mind: 8
In square circle: 8
youngboy better
He has an amazing discography but if i we're to say someone who has better I'd argue prince 👀
nav better
@@ozzyisthirsty8105 nah respectfully
Lil xan better
I first listened to this album after I saw Stevie's song from this album "Another star" featured on Daft punk's live performance of Get Lucky at the 2014 Grammys. The entire album, especially "Sir Duke" was an absolute delight to listen to.
Another star is too long imo but i love it anyway!
Yes.
I'm 17 and just got into Stevie's songs, he quickly became my favorite artist. Truly timeless masterpieces!
A Stevie Wonder March Madness bracket would be insane, filled to the brim with classics
Incredible album which, in my opinion, has its peak on “As” and “Another Star”. The subtle transition from the fist to the second is fantastic. I have always thought the album should have ended with “Another Star” because you really cannot go any further from there.
Oh totally. That’s probably one of my few critiques of this album. As and Another Star are such fantastic closing tracks that the songs afterwards (even a great song like Saturn) just pale in comparison.
It is the final song. The other 4 songs were an additional EP.
Lyrically Another Star could have been a standard Stevie lovelorn song but hell no, he's doing it so a samba /salsa groove, scorching horn riff and a goddamn minute and a half long flute solo of all things.
Reading the lyrics of As, it looks like the hippy-drippyest peace and love thing ever but the sheer power and feeling of his voice make it a powerful expression of timeless love.
I completely fucking agree. I mean additionally your opinion is probably what Stevie agreed with, considering in the original version Another Star was the closer to the album.
@@tariqthomas9090 I honestly agree, even though I don't have that criticism considering the final 4 tracks were added on later, and the original album ends with Another Star, I think Another Star and As are some of the most powerful songs every made. It's very hard to continue going up with that, and Stevie adds 4 PHENOMENAL tracks after it, but Another Star just has the most massive build-up I've heard on an album. It truly felt like every moment in the album lead up to those two final tracks.
"Songs In The Key of Life" is the most perfect & important R&B double album ever recorded. It should be taught in college.
such a good album, been wanting this on classic week for forever
Yes.
If the opening track to this doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will.
those opening "ooh-ooh-oohs" give me chills. as soon as i turned it on i knew i was in for something special.
Yes.
It makes me tear up what an album opener!!!
I'm 52 now. This album has been part of my entire life that I've been old enough to appreciate music. I still give this album a regular turn. Still not tired of hearing it. Most every song on that album could still be a hit today.
my favourite album of all time. Thanks for this review Fantano cus it's hard to express just how much this album means to me and many others, and of course to the culture
It's crazy he made this timeless masterpiece at age 26. TWENTY-SIX. I'm still in my diapers at 26.
This was my favorite album I listened to in 2021.This was probably my most played album in 2021.I am so glad you did this album for classic weeks. There are so many classics records on this album. I am so glad I have this on wax now too . Man if I stranded on an island and had to pick 5 albums to listen to . This would be one. Read all the comments on here. Everything other people are saying about this album is true .
Years ago I had a really emotional conversation with my dad about how this album saved his life. Granted I was a bit on the young end to fully understand just what he meant at the time but now at a more experienced age I can truly appreciate this masterpiece and how it could do such a thing. Its definitely 10/10 for me
FUCKING FINALLY MELON TALKING ABOUT STEVIE! I’ve been praying on this forever!
Stevie’s run in the 70’s is up there with the Stones, Beatles, and Zeppelin’s in terms classic albums
Sonic Youth***
let's not forget 70s Bowie.
he has the best decade long run of all time
YESSS
I want “Joy Inside My Tears” to play at my wedding. 😭
Isn’t she lovely is one of the best songs ever made. Stevie Wonder is a legend.
This one is like the classics of classics
“ Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand”
Contusion on this LP is slept on sooo much.
It’s like the best filler track ever I swear
@@kentjackson2694 filler?
And the love version is even funkier.
favorite album of all time, no debate. stevie is the goat
The word that has always come to mind when hearing Stevie sing is refreshing. There is just something about his tone that is so refreshing to hear
You know an album is really good when all the comments are actually about the album for once.
I’ve always loved and admired Stevie Wonder’s songs at a pretty surface level, but yesterday I was driving and “Loves in need of love today” and idk why but it truly moved me, it literally took my breath away and made me so teary eyed. Just finished the whole album and ya... my fav of all time I’d say
First Jimi Hendrix and now Stevie Wonder? You've been reading my mind, Melon. I've always wanted you to review the two. God bless
Sir Duke is one of my favourite songs! Played it with a concert band I'm in on the sax
If classics deserve to be treated as 10s, this one is a frickin 27.
Cal tossing out thoughtful commentary circa 2022, love to see it
the feeling this album has it's completely unique it gives me chills
Stevie's talent, love & integrity have influenced our entire world and made it a better place. He's given hope, joy, happiness and inspiration to generations of people around the world. What an amazing gift -- what a beautiful human being.
So happy you chose this. Finger’s crossed you keep the trend going and close out classics week with the ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ of Prince’s catalogue:
Sign O the Times.
1995...was the year our family had our first cd player...through the sega saturn. The album was previously purchased earlier, my parents could not afford a stereo system. It was only in that year, we began to listen Songs to the key life Christmas day. It was an experience we never forgot...the house was silent.
Thanks Stevie. ☺️
An album I can't really listen to because it gets me intensely emotional. Stevie has this incredible ability to cast spells in his songs, constantly reminding me that music is a mere two letters away from magic. It's overwhelming.
I have this exact problem with both SITKOL and Innervisions (especially Innervisions).
The music is too good that I can't listen to it in front of other people, it has to be alone in total silence so that I can cry and not be embarrassed about it ....
I actually think the 5 albums from his classic run are some of the most beautifully made pieces of music ever put forth by human being
I've listened to some of the hits off this album for a long time, but it wasn't until this past year that I listened to the whole thing front to back... and then continued to listen to it in it's entirety throughout the course of the year. As quickly became an anthem for me and played at my wedding. I even thought about putting out my wax copy and having guests sign the inner sleeve as I knew that that this album would stay with me for the rest of my life. It's hard for me to know how my year would have been without this album in it. Songs in the Key of Life has brought so much beauty and love into my life and it brings me a since of peace knowing that this exists and I can listen to it anytime and be transported to a better place.
I was so pumped to see this album in the thumbnail. After I got sucked into listening to this album, I of course went to the internet to look for validation on how incredible this album is and sadly saw nothing from our melon or much other music RUclipsrs. This album gets a lot of attention, but deserves more. Especially from a younger audience in our current cultural landscape.
CLASSIC ALBUM
keep it classic, melon
Excellent review. I'm really happy you were able to touch upon each song here - honestly, I was expecting you to gloss over many of them due to the monster size of the track list. Thanks!
I love these classic reviews helps me find good music
Dude I just finished listening to this album for my first time earlier today. What an awesome coincidence
I have never not known this album. My dad played this when I was a kid and it was always there. Hands down my favorite album of all time and I listen to it at least twice a week to this day. I was wondering if you were ever going to review this lol and I wasn't sure if you were even a Stevie fan. This makes me happy lol
I've been listening to this album for a majority of 2021 and had been hoping for this review with no expecting of it coming through. Feels like Christmas all over again.
Please review Dawn FM by The Weeknd
Yes!
About time this monster of an album received a classic review.
Please please please do more Stevie Wonder. Would love to see a full length review on all his 70s run, he’s my favourite artist of all time and I’ve been waiting to hear your opinions on him and his music.
Hey man, appreciate you goin back and reviewing these classics. Really do, it’s cool.
this classics week is pretty damn good my boy
Stevie Wonder's a God with Music, he really knows how to make the most beautiful music ever.
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW FOR YEARS THIS IS MY FAV ALBUM OF ALL TIME
I Wish i could listen to this album for the first time again
This is definitely my favorite album of all time. It's so so so amazing
"As" is legendary.
Thanks for the review Anthony, was hoping you'd do this. 70s Stevie is up there with my favourite music ever, Talking Book is a big one for me too.
Always heard about Stevie Wonder but never really listened that much other than these few hits. Was shopping around in a record shop when I found a second-hand copy of this record, decided to give it a try since its Stevie Wonder. It blew my expectations out of the water, just an incredible, timeless album that sparks joy in ones life.
My favorite album of all time. Maybe the only double album where every minute of the album feels essential and perfect
greatest album of all time
Pastime Paradise is truly my favorite of the album, I just love how when it comes close to ending the background vocals starts off quiet but slowly builds up for a strong finish.
Great review, broskony friendthano. Rediscovered this album last year. Hard to listen to any of the contemporaries without hearing songs in the key of life's influence. Love it
It's crazy that Stevie Wonder is so good, you could talk for forever about how good he is without ever mentioning that he's blind. But he's probably the most talented musician to ever make pop music, and he learned how to better than anybody else did without the benefit of sight.
I love Stevie Wonder’s cover of “Gangsters Paradise.” 😏
You’ve been reviewing absolute high school bangers for me this years classic week. Thanks I feel truly blessed
I squealed when I saw the notification; love this album so much and Stevie Wonder is one of my all time favorite artists!!!! An absolute masterpiece of an album in every way.