Customer Reviews

Classic Albums - Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

...and a fine one, at that. Some previous reviewers seem to have been confused about what they were buying, expecting straightforward presentations of the songs from this landmark album, then being disappointed when there were none. This is, simply, a re-packaged television show ABOUT the album, part of an excellent series from the UK called Classic Albums. As such, it's extremely well done, with lots of commentary from Steve himself, along with nearly everyone else involved in the production of the album. There are actually a couple of in-the-studio performances by the re-assembled band from the original sessions, and they're great fun, but this is NOT a concert album. It's a fascinating companion to the music, but it's certainly not intended to be a substitute for buying the CD if you don't already own it.

If you do already own and love the CD, and have any interest at all in how such remarkable works of art come into being, then buy this DVD right away.

I realize the great genius of Steviland Morris (who could miss it?) perhaps this video missed it. I just watched it last night and, although I love Stevie, it wasn't as exciting and captivating as it should have been. I think it sold Stevie short. There should have been much more performance footage, at least more complete songs than it did. Those that were shown in their entirety were fabulous...but it just didn't overshadow the possibilities with such a perfect video subject. I came away disappointed musically. A bright spot was seeing Stevie goof around with his buddies he hadn't seen in twenty years and showing how he put a song together, over-dub by over-dub. But even that was incomplete. It would start out ok showing how he built a groove, but then just as it was getting exciting... switched to something else. I give it a C+. But if you're already a Stevie fan, it's a just a "good" thing, that had the potential to be great, to add to your collection.

"Songs in the Key of Life" is an all-access analysis of one the landmark albums of the 20th century. Stevie, the musicians who participated and staff at the studio treat us to a glimpse back at true magic as many songs are dissected and appreciated from a true inside perspective. It's also amazing to see the heart-warming affect Stevie has on all whom work with him. There are many moments of awe and admiration as his collegues refer to the "spirituality" and "gift of kindness" that Stevie unfolds to everybody. This video is an excellent snapshot of all that is Stevie Wonder. If your not a huge fan, you will be after this tour de force!

I teach a course on the History of Rock Music and this DVD will be the centerpiece on 70's funk. Great interviews with Herbie Hancock, Berry Gordy and the backup band(Mike Sembello is crazy). Excellent classic footage of Stevie and great interviews on the making of the record. They also recreate some tracks and show great footage of Stevie rockin' out on the drums, of whick I love, cuz I'm a skin beater myself. Great stories of each song, like Village Ghetto Land, are included with interviews of Stevie and the lyricist. Overall, it sheds much light on one of the greatest records ever. Stevie lovers will pop a musical boner over this one!!

Watch out ! This is just a documentary, there are no clips on this wonderful album by the Wonder man.

Stevie Wonder is One of the Baddest Artists Ever&truly a huge impact on me. i bought this on VHs quite a few years back&now on DVD it's a great must have. watching Stevie Wonder on the drums alone is worth the purchase alone. watching&hearing the ENgineering break down of parts of the tracks is also a real treat. so many great songs, memorys&moments that are reflected on this Classic Album by Stevie Wonder. great hearing&Seeing all the talented Musicians who participated on this Landmark Album.

I hoped this video would have both the documentary and the songs to the album, but I was mistaken. The documentary is annoying because it gives you a sniff of some songs but leaves you wanting more. If you buy the DVD you'll want to buy the album too, but I wanted both on one disc.

a must have.hearing about the making of this landmark recording was incredible.seeing&hearing the different artists that took part in the creation was special as well.getting to see Stevie play drums was a real treat.the engineering was ahead of it's time.Stevie using different equipment was also ahead of it's time.

I agree with another reviewer...this DVD should include the entire album on it...the documentary is only about 70 minutes and I would like to see some old concert footage as a bonus to buy the DVD...every month we see the lamest movies of the year released on DVD with maybe 2 or 3 good ones out of 100....you can't go wrong with Stevie but the VHS video offers the same for less ($13.99)

Stevie WOnder is Incredible.This Video Shows the Making Of One Of The Greatest ALbums Ever Produced.The great Concepts&The Making of The Album are Great.The Engineering Process was way ahead of it's time.How Many Albums Today will you want too see being traced back over 20 years from now?Fantastic Video Very Essential.