Customer Reviews

Early Classics

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

i give early classics a 3 star rating only because it needs just a few more rarities from stevie's early 60s period.the hits like 'uptight'-'fingertips'-'i was made to love her'-'yester-me, yester-you,yesterday'-have been included in so many of his greatest hits compilations-we hardcore stevie fans would very much like to hear his lesser known or unreleased early material. for example,little stevie recorded a song in the spring of 1963 called 'lois' which is available on motown's "never-before-released masters:from motown's brightest stars-the 1960's"/songs like 'lois' and the ignored 'purple raindrops' should have been included in this collection along with other unreleased unheard classics in motown's vaults.but this compilation does makeup 4 that misstep by including 'little water boy'-a duet with his older mentor clarence paul- the very seldom heard 'with a child's heart'-from his 1966 lp 'uptight'-and also from the 'uptight'album is the upbeat track 'music talk'-and also from 1963 is the funny bright 'monkey talk'-this compilation also includes a few tracks from stevie's 1964 album 'stevie at the beach'-one of my favorite tracks from this album is the beautiful instrumental 'ebb tide'which is so calming and carefree with stevie gliding on clouds with his harmonica with the motown band's cool,calming relaxing groove.this instrumental is so good,i repeat this track over and over again... nonetheless this compilation of stevie wonder as a child genius is good 2 have in your collection...

Stevie Wonder, or "Little Stevie" the name he went by in the early days of his career, was a musical prodigy (master of the harmonica, soulful singer with a personality, presence and command of songs that was beyond his twelve years). This wonderful little glimpse into the beginning of a R&B master's career contains the songs that made him famous ("Fingertips--Parts 1&2," "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," etc.). Every track on this album is soulful, and the beats range from upbeat and peppy to introspective and full of spirit. I was amazed at the versatility and range of this wonderful artist even before he reached his teens! This album can be enjoyed by people of all ages--from young kids starting out in music to those who have loved Stevie for years. A real treat!

This is the only cd in the world that contains one of the most beautiful songs that Stevie Wonder ever recorded. The top 10 R@B hit titled "With a childs heart ". It is a pure soul classic and hasn't been heard on radio probably since it's release in 1966. I searched for this song on cd for 10 years or so. It was always never included on his greatest hits cd's released in America. Everythings great on this cd but it's worth it's weight in gold just to hear the song "With a child's heart " for it's truly,truly, a forgotten classic.

brnn64 asked about who that is duetting with Stevie on "Blowin'in the wind". It's his tutor and producer Clarence Paul!

They say the man is a genius. I grew up with my favorites being Talking Book, Innervisions,FLF, and Music of the Mind, but then I became an adult. At age 52, I played "fingertips" and actually listened. I cried non-stop. He really is a genius.

Tracks/song listing

1. Uptight (Everything's Alright)

2. Fingertips (Part 1 & 2)

3. Little Water Boy - (with Clarence Paul)

4. Music Talk

5. Workout Stevie Workout

6. Monkey Talk

7. Frankie and Johnny

8. Mary Ann

9. Blowin' in the Wind - (with Clarence Paul)

10. Sad Boy

11. With a Child's Heart

12. I Was Made to Love Her

13. Ain't That Love

14. My Baby's Gone

15. Yester-Me Yester-You Yesterday

16. Teach Me Tonight - (with Levi Stubbs)

17. Ebb Tide

18. Beyond the Sea

Thank you Motown for Early Classics. On each of these we get rare classics that seemingly cannot be found anywhere else. In this case it's Fingertips 1&2 and With A Child's Heart. Stevie mesmerizes us. Again, thank you Motown.

Excellent compilation of Stevie Wonder's early period. Granted, he was not that much of a singer as a child, but he damn sure could make that harmonica smoke and inspired me to pick up this instrument as a youngster. Here we have the seldom-heard "Fingertips pt. 1" (most people are familiar with/pt. 2, with the "Everybody Say yeah," etc.). We have the followup "Workout Stevie Workout" where he really sets the mouthorgan on fire near the end, and the long-lost instrumental "Monkey Talk." Stevie gives Dylan's "Blowin in the Wind" some real justice (does anyone know who is singing with Stevie on that one)? But all in all, a treasure for hardcore R&B fans.

Stevie Wonder Has Been a Genius For So Long it's Mind-Blowing at His Greatness.Finger Tips Still Sounds Great too this day.This Man Just Gets Better with Time.Very Essential Music Here.So Many Chapters in this Great Legends Career.