Innervisions [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Stevie Wonder

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 21, 2000)
• Original Release Date: August 3, 1973
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Motown
• ASIN: B00004S363
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (113 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #938 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #13 in	Music > R&B > Classic R&B
  #31 in	Music > R&B > Motown
  #35 in	Music > R&B > Funk

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
One of Stevie Wonder's best albums, and the one where his more fanciful, free-form moments gel perfectly with his knack for irresistible pop singles, 1973's Innervisions swings between delicate and airy ballads, Latin-influenced rhythms (the hit "Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing"), and his own synth-heavy versions of gut-bucket soul (the determined spiritual questing of "Higher Ground"). The striking juxtaposition between "Vision," a barely breathed hope that a world of peace might be upon us, and the great "Living for the City," a funky, pulsing tale of racism, is powerful, haunting, and still all too relevant. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stevie's Best, May 1, 2004

By	saxmaster3 "saxmaster3" (York, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This is easily Stevie Wonder's best CD. Though his previous "breakout album" Talking Book did have some innovative tunes, to me it was hindered by a few overly sappy love songs. "Key of Life" is a great album, but isn't as concise. There is only one traditional love song on Innervisions ("All is Fair in Love" is a sad reflection on relationships, but certainly not a romantic ballad). Here's a track by track analysis

1) Too High: Jazzy cautionary tale about drug abuse and its consequences, but subtle enough not to be overtly preachy. It captures the feeling of an addict who exists only to "touch the sky" but never gets there. Outstanding drumming by Stevie (yes, he plays the DRUMS too!!).

2) Visions: Utterly stunning in its beauty. The acoustic guitar work is second to none.

3) Living for the City: The "epic" of the CD describes the tribulations of a man raised in poverty in the South only to find more poverty upon his migration to the city. Yeah, the interlude section is a little cheesy, but still effective and with great vocals as always.

4) Golden Lady: I love how this song keeps going up a key in the end, which signifies the yearning of the singer for his lady. What a great love song.

5) Higher Ground: Once again, outstanding drums and a very funky beat. Like most in my generation, I heard the RHCP cover first (which is a decent interpretation), but it didn't take long to me to realize that this is the definitive verision.

6) Jesus Children of America: Stevie boldly confronts religious fundamentalists, junkies, and even the listener, challenging all to "come clean," all while being backed by insistent gospel harmonies.

7) All is Fair in Love: Laced with agony and pain, Stevie teaches us all about the difficulties of a romantic relationship.

8) Don't You Worry Bout a Thing: A great song about being there to support a friend who is going through a transitional period. Very comforting.

9) Mista Know-It-All: Some think this song is a bash on President Nixon; others interpret it as a stern message against arrogant street hustlers who are looking to corrupt inner-city youth. However you interpret it, it is certainly an effective kiss-off and a creative way to end the album (as opposed to ending it with a sappy love song).

People who have only ever heard "Part Time Lover" may have a hard time accepting Stevie Wonder as a genuine artist, but trust me and the other reviewers, this CD is different. You will not regret buying it.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 20/20 Vision, January 29, 2001

By	Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Hot on the heels of Talking Book, Stevie Wonder released what is probably his best single album set, Innervisions. The album is less personal than Talking Book (which many songs dealt with his crumbling marriage) and is his look at America and society at the time. "Too High" takes people to task for constantly using drugs to escape reality. "He's A Misstra Know It All" is about people constantly fronting and "Jesus Children Of America" is a plea to help the children in this country have a better world and life. "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" is a smooth song with Mr. Wonder taking the role of protector. "Golden Lady" is one of his prettiest love songs while "All Is Fair In Love" finds him looking for love at any and all costs. "Higher Ground" is a slice of funk where he is trying to find a higher spiritual plain. The album's centerpiece is the magnificent "Living For The City". In it he eloquently details the struggles of African Americans faced in the 70's and unfortunately still face today. A true stroke of genius. Innervisions was released about seven months after Talking Book and rarely has an artist put out two masterworks in such a short period of time.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars perfectly wonderful, February 16, 2006

By	Stalwart Kreinblaster "SK2008" (Xanadu) - See all my reviews

Stevie Wonder speaks in the language of music - whether you like r&b, jazz, soul, funk, or rock you will be able to appreciate him - he is one of the great entertainers of all time. His voice is so bright and soulful and his instrumental talent is incredible. 'Innervisions' is a very well-crafted album that gels together and seems to be an even greater expression than the monumental 'talking book' - I would recommend both albums - this one just seems to be the crowning achievement.