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Stevie creates the most perfectly crafted songs that express love, joy, spirituality, history & social commentary while keeping you entertained throughout the entire experience. There are only a handful of cds (and I mean a handful) that are the gold standard of greatness & true musicianship. Just check out this musical masterpiece for yourself. I could go on & on but I won't. "Purple Rain" & "Sign 'O' The Times" by Prince, "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye & of course "Thriller" by Michael Jackson are examples of this gold standard of greatness. But "Songs In The Key of Life" by Stevie Wonder is without a doubt the most complete music recording of our time.
Some of the material on his previous albums had darker underpinnings, while this is a much more celebratory record. Check out songs like "Knocks Me Off My Feet" and "As" for examples of his genius as a songwriter. I think this is one of the best albums ever recorded, it certainly makes a powerful musical statement and cements Stevie Wonder as one of the greatest music artists of the 20th century. Its definitely his magnum opus as an artist and is easily deserving of five stars. I highly recommend Songs in the Key of Life and Innervisions as terrific records of his that deserve to be heard (a lot). The first CD has mostly shorter, self reflective songs that are more introspective, while the second has longer, more celebratory and enchanting songs (Not that there aren't also upbeat songs on the first disc, like "Sir Duke" and "I Wish"). Overall, I think its fairly lighthearted and happy music, which is why I like it so much.
Its great music and I am happy to be an owner of the CD. I enjoy listening to anything Stevie Wonder sings and I love Songs in the Key of Life.
If you have a voice you should try to make a difference in the world. It also gives notice of social and political hypocrisies that exist even now and i think that kind of thing is missing nowadays in mainstream music. SITKOL never gets old and out of date. I love this album because it celebrates love, live, its original, the melody of the music is as beautiful as Stevie's voice and it makes you feel GOOD.
The opening line "Good morn or evening friends, here's your friendly announcer." perfectly sets up the entire album. Then, pick up "Music Of My Mind", "Innervisions", "Talking Book", "In Square Circle". I cannot think of another double disc album that has no filler whatsoever.
The whole album is not only filled with standout tracks, but they are perfectly sequenced and blend in with each other exquisitely. and "A Time To Love". If you like Stevie Wonder but don't have any of his albums, this is the one to start with.
This album is a rarity. Do you notice how many songs I have listed. These albums represent the best of the best.
Also, "Love's in Need Of Love Today" is one of Stevie's best opening tracks. Other standout tracks include "Have a Talk With God", "Sir Duke", "Pastime Paradise", "Ngiculela", "If it's Magic", "I Wish", "Isn't She Lovely".
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