Customer Reviews

Fulfillingness

5 star:		(71)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

To say that Stevie Wonder experienced an "artistic peak" in the early-to-mid 1970s seems like a gross understatement. Here's a guy who, if he had retired after "Signed Sealed and Delivered" would be remembered as a great Motown soul artist, who then took an enormous leap forward into a realm of creativity that combined an avant-garde approach both to rhythm and to electronic instruments, with a naked expressiveness about a wide range of emotions and feelings, from love to grief to political rage. All the while, manufacturing the freshest-sounding melodies and richest harmonies this side of Brian Wilson.

If you haven't explored this music, take your pick from "Music of My Mind," "Talking Book," "Innervisions," this album, or its follow-up "Songs in the Key of Life." They're all equally accomplished, with their moments of sheer ecstasy, and I would say they're all essential listening.

I happen to prefer "Fulfillingess'..." slighly over the others, because for me it hits its emotional targets with songs like "Smile Please," "Creepin'" and "It Ain't no Use," and sets up some deeply funky rhythms with "You Haven't Done Nothin'" "Boogie On Reggae Woman" and "Bird of Beauty." Whereever you start, you won't be sorry.

In the period of time from 1971-1976, Stevie Wonder could do no wrong. His output during this stretch is truly unassailable, and it isn't likely that any artist of any genre will ever have such a prolific period again. That is probably the reason that Fulfillingness' First Finale, released in the middle of this time frame, doesn't consistently receive the praise that is routinely heaped upon Stevie's other albums from this era. Nevertheless, Wonder's "forgotten child" is a masterful achievement that ranks right up there with the other three classics he recorded at that time.

On FFF, Wonder compiles an eclectic group of songs touching on various topics, but manages to tie them together with a commonality that isn't matched on his previous effort, Innervisions, or his next, Songs in the Key of Life. The most recognizable track to most listeners is the funk/reggae hybrid "Boogie On Reggae Woman" which Stevie whips into a soulful stew with great interplay between the piano, synthesizers and harmonica (all played by Wonder, of course). Then there's the scathing social commentary, "You Haven't Done Nothin'". The best way to describe this track is ludicrously funky. The ambiguously trippy anti-drug song, "Bird of Beauty", is one of the most bizarre tracks in the Stevie Wonder canon, and it is juxtaposed next to one of his most straightforward and plaintive soul numbers, "Please Don't Go".

So, how does he make these seemingly disparate tracks fit together as a cohesive album? It's hard to say, exactly, but it works. Musically, many of the tracks have an ethereal, dreamy quality. Wonder makes use of more backing vocals than usual, adding another texture to several songs, and the harmonica playing is some of his best ever. The most evident thread throughout the album, though, is Stevie's honesty. This may be his most candid album. Obviously, he's candid on all of his recordings, but he has never worn his heart so plainly on his sleeve. The pair of spiritual songs are vastly different in sound, but equally bold and truthful in subject. "Heaven is 10 Zillion Light Years Away" attacks (or rather, counter-attacks) critics of Christianity with the same verve that "You Haven't Done Nothin'" calls out the government. "They Won't Go When I Go" is a sad, brutally honest, piano-driven track about the fate of non-believers who are close to him. It's a real issue any faithful person deals with, even though no one likes to talk about it. The frank break-up song "It Ain't No Use" is a fantastic kiss-off, and "Too Shy to Say" is the most gut-wrenching unrequited love song since Van Morrison's "Cyprus Avenue". The album is rounded out with the lush opener "Smile Please" and the delirious "Creepin'". Somehow it all comes together to form a forceful artistic statement that has rarely been matched.

Fullfillingness' First Finale is easily the least accessible of Stevie's classic records. Even the title is unwieldy. It is a mature album, and Wonder's stark delivery doesn't really invite the listener in, nor does the lack of pop hooks. Once you do give it a listen (and a few more), however, the layers begin to peel away and you start to uncover a beautiful work of art. If FFF had been released by another artist, we would laud it as a supreme, career-defining statement. It seems for Stevie Wonder, in the 70s, that was simply par for the course.

Although critics might not agree, I feel that that with the fresh new material and supberb use of exotic and exciting rhythms this is Wonder's finest hour. In the new 24 bit remastering it assumes an intimate immediacy not previously heard. A word of caution, however. Just because you order one with the "original recording remastered" claim it does not mean that you will get the remastered version. The remastered version has a gold label prominantly attached that says "A stevie wonder classic remastered in 24 bit sound". Several times of late I have ordered such recordings here and received only the standard CD version. Of course, you can send them back, but it is a pain in the ***.

How much does one really have to say about Stevie Wonder? If you don't already know that he's a genius you've been living under a rock for the last 40 years. "Fulfillingness' First Finale" falls right in the middle of Wonder's most fruitful period or pretty much the entire 1970's! When he says "Sing it loud for your people" in "You Haven't Done Nuthin" you'll surely join in the pure confection. If you don't you must not have a soul because this music is so powerful, moving, romantic and soulful that it would make anyone stand up and testify to the power of Wonder. The songs flow seamlessly from one into the next switching grooves without missing a beat. There's also spectacular guest appearances by The Jackson 5 and backing vocals by the late great Minnie Ripperton. If you don't own this album you should buy it now because you won't buy anything better! It's not the sprawling masterwork that "Songs In The Key Of Life" is (though what is?) but it's just as good an album . It's amazing to think that this music was recorded 31 years ago. It sounds as fresh today as any R&B music you'll hear and like most of Wonder's music it holds up well. Buy it now!

For an album that a)was a Billboard #1 hit b)won tons of Grammies including album of the year,FFF was released on CD in 1988 with not only a shoddy sound but the insert wasn't even a booklet,but a sheet with liner notes but no lyrics on one side and the cover reduced and surrounded with a "Florida Evans" orange border on the other.Now FFF has been remastered with a brighter,crisper sound whereas before it sounded like it was being channeled through an AM radio.Boogie On Reggae Woman staccato synth bassline no longer sounds like a scratched record,while Heaven..sound as transcending as its title promises.Bird Of Beauty benefits the most with its Latin-esque elements sonically at the forefront.Creepin' is more seductive than ever and no longer like a Spooky Tooth clone.FFF's remastering,along with that of his other "Power 70s Albums" is a godsend for us Stevie fans who've had to put up with chopped up album sleeves,lost lyrics and fourth generation master sound.And a special thanks to Harry Weinger for his research(also Kenny Gould)and Kevin Reeves for a remastering job well done.(for my review of the album itself,go down to Stevie's First Finale on this page.

Fulfillingness' First Finale continued the major roll Stevie Wonder was on in the mid-70's. The album opens with the sunny "Smile Please" and then moves into a more cautionary "Heaven Is 10 zillion Light Years Away" (which has a backing vocal from Paul Anka). "Boogie On Reggae Woman" is simmering slice of funk while "Creepin'" is an effective ballad. "You Haven't Done Nothin'" is probably the angriest and most outright attacking song in his catalog. An attack on Richard Nixon, Mr. Wonder sings with venom in his voice and calls out backup singers, The Jackson Five, like he was reading troops for battle. The song is a classic and was a number one hit. On the other side "They Won't Go When I Go" is a sparse and haunting track that showcases Mr. Wonder's incredible voice. The album became Mr. Wonder's first number album since 1962's 12 Year Old Genius and showed that after 12 years he was still a genius.

I just finished listening to this album again. Although I don't know every note by heart as with Songs In The Key Of Life, I love it just as much.

It starts rather slow with Smile Please, a beautiful call for people to put a smile on their faces, to stow away the frowns.

Heaven is 10 Zillion Light Years Away to me is Stevie's all time best song. Wonderful melodies with lyrics that go so deep and stay with you forever.

Like with a concept album Stevie has never built a better tension, constructed a better flow of his different melodies on a single album. A slow start, slowing down even more, then, with Boogie Down Reggae Woman changing pace, only to slow down again. But don't worry, never boring for a second. Of course there's the mid tempo stompin' You Haven't Done Nothing with the Jackson Five as background vocals (and a great horn section). Speaking of which, Stevie's list of guests is incredible: Denise Williams, Minnie Ripperton, Syreeta of course, Paul Anka, Michael Sembello.

A beautiful romantic album that will stay with you forever.

The only thing new that I could possibly add to any forum regarding this phenomenal piece of musical artistry is that whenever I put it on, I experience something that goes way beyond listening pleasure. Listening to this CD, from beginning to end, is for me, almost like a spiritual experience. I find it spiritually healing. It's restful and uplifting all at the same time. Each song picks me up in a soothing emotional embrace and carries me like a newborn baby on to the next one, right till the end of the CD, when I wake up from my trance and wonder where all the time went.

Stevie Wonder doesn't have many peers but I will forever be in awe of him and his small group of fellow legends whose music is still relevant, still vibrant, still totally engaging, well over 30 years after it was first made.

Absolutely beautiful. Five stars are nowhere near enough.

This was the second of 3 albums in a row to win the album of the year Grammy for Stevie, (as well as best male vocal performance for the album, and best male R&B vocal performance for `Boogie on reggae woman') and it's easy to see why. He was on an artistic and commercial roll in the 70s; the album made #1 pop and R&B.

The cover art depicts children playing, gold discs, grammy awards, JFK and Martin Luther King, among other scenes in a beautiful painting.

And the music; Easy flowing, soothing, well crafted songs with intelligent lyrics. The opening pair of `'Smile please' and `Heaven is 10 zillion light years away' are perfect examples of this.

The tender ballad `Too shy to say' features a relaxed, drawn out vocal over delightful piano and haunting bass/acoustic effects. Covered by numerous artistes, Diana Ross included.

Rich percussion, church organ, and deep buzzing synthesizers comprise the smash hit single `Boogie on reggae woman'. #1 R&B, #3 pop.

`Creepin'' is another tender magical sounding ballad (with the angelic Minnie Ripperton on backing vocals), again covered by numerous artistes, Luther Vandross and Jamie Foxx included.

Next is the midtempo funky horn laden `You haven't done nothin'', (with the Jackson 5 providing `Doo do wop' backing vocals) with acrid lyrics aimed at then president Richard Nixon. A pop and R&B #1.

`It aint no use' is a beautiful semi-sunny sounding ballad with lyrics about the end of a relationship. `They won't go when I go' is a haunting, melancholic piano ballad and biting lyrics that belie the mood of the song. Great vocal layering too!

`Bird of beauty' is a midtempo funk/jazz-tinged number with soothing backing vocals, and lyrics sung in English and Spanish. In a similar vein is closing track is `Please don't go' which features a harmonica solo and choir like backing vocals.

A stunning collection of music, one of the best all time releases, and essential to any collection.

Of all the amazing albums Stevie released in the 70's, this is definetely the weakest but it still warrants 5 stars. That alone says something about the WonderMan. As I usually do in my reviews, let's go song by song.

Smile Please: Stevie is first and foremost the visionary and optimist. Which can unfortunately make his music sometimes seem corny. This is one of those times. It is a beautiful song and it has one of the best lines of any of his work, "Love's not competing, it's on your side. You're in life's picture so why must you cry?" It's a weak opening for the album but again, it's Stevie so it's still better than half the stuff that passes for music today. Heaven Is Ten Zillion Light Years Away: One of the most spiritual songs he's ever written, and one of the best. Paul Anka, of all people, gives a soulful background vocal on this one. In it, Stevie tells us to realize that God lives inside of us all. Therefore be careful how you treat others. And, if you wonder where heaven is, we make our own. Too Shy to Say: The third example of what has become known as the Classic Stevie Wonder ballad (primarily piano, voice and bass). This is a heartfelt song of the lonliness of someone that sees their true love but for whatever reason, can't have them. A very country sounding slide guitar is added as an eerie, heart tugging effect. The song literally melts in love. Boogie On Reggae Woman: A funk based, semi-Reggae masterpiece. His drum playing snaps but the sound is almost tinny. His harmonica playing is funky and rough but yet exquiste. The vocals, barely understandable and funky. It's one of the roughest, playfulest songs he's ever done (in the same league as Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing). And, most importantly...you can shake your tailfeathers to it! Creepin': Another great love song. It's about someone so in love They dream about it. It also harps back to Too Shy To Say because it seems that the person again is being ignored by or not known at all by the other lover. Minnie Riperton helps with the vocals on this one and her squeaky sweet voice is perfect for the song. The song also features another great harmonica solo. You Havne't Done Nothing: More funk coming your way in this one. Great piercing horn section, a great lead vocal and the funkiest synth riff since Superstition from the man himself AND great doo-wop from The Jackson Five in the middle of their hayday. How can you go wrong here? The song is a knock on Richard Nixon and his lies specifically but in reality, he's referring to all dishonest politicians. You can also shake your tailfeathers on this one but it's more of a militant march instead of a disco dance. One of his best political songs. It Ain't No Use: Another layered classic. This a great sing-along song with some good background vocal arrangements. They Won't Go When I Go: I look at it this way, if you ever decide to seriously study music and songwriting, there are 4 Stevie Wonder songs that will teach you about half of what you need to know. They are, Girl Blue from Music of My Mind, Living for The City from Innervisions, Lately from Hotter Than July, and They Won't go When I Go. With these songs you get lessons about timing, chord progression, key change, melody, harmony, major and minor keys, poly rhythms and the like. When you think of They Won't Go When I Go, don't think funky low down blues, think of a Bach requiem instead. This is a mournful song where Stevie is saying that no one will keep him from his goal of going to heaven. And when you think of it, if that was the goal for all of us, the world would be a better place. Beautiful harmony and keyboard arrangements backed by some pretty incredible background vocals (and of course another great lead vocal by The Man) takes this song to another level. A level not reached by many artist either before or after Stevie. It is the best song on the album by far. Bird of Beauty: This is another low point for the disc and unfortunately it follows the best song. Stevie sings about hey, if you're tired and stuff, don't take drugs, take a vacation! Yeah right. Again its the optimist Stevie winning over the logical Stevie. It's the equivelent of "Just Say NO", easy to do unless you're in the projects and have to walk through drug dealing territory everyday. A good message but not well thought out. Please Don't Go: Another great album finale. It's funk, blues and rock all mixed together as only Stevie could do. It's not the highlight of the album but it's way better then the song that proceeded it. It also featres another great vocal by The Man of course. So after everything is said and done, even though this album is the weakest of his 70's classics, it was still good enough to win the album of the year Grammy. Is that genius or what? Buy this album, you won't be disappointed.