Customer Reviews

Music of My Mind

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It doesn't happen very often but there are some albums I listen to that leave me at a loss for words. I struggle for ages to find the appropriate words to use to describe them in a review and in the end, I often just give up.

This gem from 1972; the first of five albums widely hailed as Wonder's "classic period", is a typical example. (Wonder's 1974 album, Fulfillingness' First Finale was another. I did attempt a review some time ago and ended up babbling for a scant few lines about how listening to it was like being like a "spiritual journey". Sometimes I feel like going back and deleting the review but it's an accurate reflection of how I felt about it, so I leave it be).

And in case anyone is wondering, the other three albums from the period are Talking Book, Innervisions and, of course, Songs in the Key of Life.

"Superwoman" was the popular single from this set, the song most folks remember and the one so many people have covered but people unfamiliar with the album might be surprised to learn that the song is by no means the best thing on offer here. This is only my personal opinion but the incredibly funky tunes "Love Having You Around" & "I Love Every Little Thing About You" and the mid-tempo "Sweet Little Girl" (with it's awesome, mellow, nice & easy refrain) and the ballads "Happier Than The Morning Sun" & "Seems So Long" are much more memorable, much more soulful and much more satisfying.

Produced by the man himself and largely written by him too (he wrote a few with Syreeta Wright, although the CD inner-sleeve notes credit her as "Y. Wright"), the work is described as "virtually the work of one man". Buzzy Feiton plays a guitar solo on "Superwoman" and Art Baron a trombone solo on "Love Having You Around" but every other single instrument is performed by Wonder himself. Including the vocoder, a device Wonder was using way before Herbie Hancock or Roger Troutman (although never to modify or enhance his lead vocal) and a device that seems to be back in vogue these days. "The sounds themselves come from inside his mind," state the inner-sleeve notes. It's entirely possible he performed all the backing vocals as well. Listening to the album, it's very hard to believe (especially listening to the upbeat "Keep On Running", the other single from the album) but no backing singers are credited so, unless someone knows different..?

If you love Stevie, if you love soul or if you just love good, real music, then you either have this already or you need to check it out.

(Phew! Well, I guess I managed to find the words in the end, eh?)

Stevie Wonder has been called a genius for many years now, and I seriously find it hard to disagree with this. The man is simply amazing, and his talent is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Brilliant songwriter, lyricist, musician and person in general, he deserves every single accolade he receives, and then some.

On this early-1972 effort, Stevie is pretty much a one-man band (as said in the liner notes): with the exception of a guitar solo in one track, and a trombone solo in another track, Stevie plays *all* of the instruments; drums, clavinet, bass, organ, piano, harmonica, clavichord, synthesizers -- he does it all, and what's also astonishing is how adept he is at assembling these instruments to create works so beautiful, moving and captivating. Oh, and he also does most of the producing as well.

Some of my favorites from this album:

"Love Having You Around" is a song possibly written for Stevie's wife at the time. A steady groove is punctuated by various synthesizer textures and vocal effects which lead to a triumphant (although brief) chorus. The track is over seven minutes long, but it never drags, and seems like it ends all too quickly, since it's as engrossing as it is.

"Superwoman" is pretty much divided into two distinct halves. The first half is comprised of the most beautiful, intimate R&B to be heard. The brilliant jazzy chords and progressions maximize the dreamy, floating feel, and Stevie's breathy vocals are the guide to this ethereal, yet earthy masterpiece; it's the equivalent of a reflective Summer day, with a cool, gentle breeze for good measure. Almost equal to that of the dreamy artwork. The second half is a post-psychedelic, trippy, yet atmospheric smorgasbord of synthesizer-drenched chords, impassioned vocals and some guitar solos. Excellent stuff, here.

"Sweet Little Girl" is one of Stevie's pleasantly goofy character impersonation-filled tracks. On the verses, Stevie sings in his natural, beautiful voice, which is backed by a funky soundscape of the clavinet, bass, drums, and some harmonica. Then, on the chorus (if it's technically a chorus), the tempo changes, and he goes into this goofy, drawl-filled dialogue about how his girl treats him bad. It's hilarious as all hell.

"Happier Than The Morning Sun" is Stevie on the clavinet (or the clavichord, or synthesizer), and produces a song which is almost Paul McCartneyesque in it's melodicism. A beautiful song, and Stevie's vocals are sweet and pleasantly sugary. The keys that Stevie is using seems to mimic arpeggiated guitar chords.

"Keep On Running" is jittery, rapid-fire funk, and in some ways, it's ominous; as if we feel and sense that something in the shadows is about to jump out and grab us, as the lyrics suggest. The pulsating rhythm which embeds the melody is utterly foreboding, and Stevie's vocals sound slightly hazy, but not lacking the passion that is always present. But, in the least, this fast thing will get that old rump of yours shaking.

"Evil" is the most heart-wrenching track on the album. It's one of the earliest examples in regard to Stevie's socially-conscious musings; here, he talks about the evils of life (e.g. hatred, poverty.) It's a dramatic track, in which things start off low-key, only to escalate in atmosphere and dynamics as time progresses. The keys and synthesizers plow along, eventually reaching powerful orchestral crescendos and choir-like effects, and all along, Stevie's vocals get more intense, dramatic and emotive. All of this breaks me down everytime I hear the track; the passion in the guy's voice, alone, is enough to send one to tears.

There really isn't much more that I can say. Stevie's a genius, and his music is recommended to anyone who is willing to be moved by greatness, regardless of musical preference. You will probably want to own this, and everything up to 1976's _Songs In The Key of Life_, as it represents the best of Stevie Wonder. This album in particular will hold a special place in the hearts of many, due to it's unique, intimate charm.

Like most of the fan reviewers on this site, I believe that "Music Of My Mind" is among the most underrated of all Wonder's albums; although generally conceded by most as a good release and the beginning of his classic period, it is always considered minor when compared to what came after. However, not only is "Music Of My Mind" equally as strong as "Talking Book" and "Innervisions", it is superior to the bloated "Songs In The Key Of Life" and sounds fresher than any of the above thanks to its underplayed status. The album begins with the innovative keyboard funk of "Love Having You Around" and then moves right into the epic "Superwoman", one of the most touching and emotionally complex songs in Wonder's repertoire; his use of synthesizers in the second half is disarmingly graceful. The album then coasts from there: tracks like "Happier Than The Morning Sun" and "Girl Blue" utilize unusual keyboard arrangements and low-key vocals to project an aura of understated pleasure which manages to get under one's skin with ease. "Keep On Running" is another epic, which consistently builds its tension before streaking to an incredibly hot finish, which moves right into "Evil", one of the most appropriate closing numbers on any of Wonder's albums. The album is unified in theme and feel, more than a bit influenced by "Rubber Soul", and there is not a single weak track to be found. Instead of the politically-conscious Stevie found on his next few (brilliant) releases, "Music Of My Mind" seems to come straight from his own soul, and avoids all of the soppy sentimentality and attempts at grandiose statement that mars his more recent work. If you're a Wonder fan, this one is a must, and if you are just getting into him, this is also one of the first you should purchase.

If you were around in 1971 and had been used to Stevie's 60's sound, this album would have blown you away! After a decade of having to deal with papa Berry's rules of album recording (3 pop hits and the rest filler), Stevie turns 21, goes off to record this classic, and goes back to Berry to say, "I want full control over my music or else!!" Of course papa Berry gave him that freedom and the rest is American music history. On the album, he plays every instrament. As always, I'll take the album song by song.
I Say It 'Cause I Love Having You Around: A classic. A precursor to George Clinton's sound in the 70's, this song is actually a jump for joy. Sprinkled with joyous shouts and yelps, it's a very funky, synth driven romp. Stevie sings in his regular voice and his Louis Armstrong growl in this one. It's a fun song that shouldn't be taken seriously at all. Just enjoy the music and the fun and have some fun. One of the best album openers of his illustrious career. Superwoman: Another classic. This is a look into the future for Stevie. It was also a look more in depth into his relationship with his then wife Syreeta. Syreeta was a singer too and sometimes her career interfered with his. Or, more to the point, she wasn't around when he needed her. Stevie has been known to be somewhat of a male chauvinist in the past. And the title of this song kind of brings this out. He's basically saying that Syreeta should be home for him, "And all the things she wants to do she needs to leave behind". He ends each phrase by saying, "But, very well. I believe I know you very well. Wish that you knew me too very well. I and think I can deal with everything going through your head. The first part of the song is in mid-tempo then there is a musical interlude done on the synth to slow things down. The second part of the song is in a slower tempo and stripped down to just synth, drums and voice. There's a guitar solo by Jeff Beck in the mid section of the second part of the song that lifts it to another level. Overall it's a beautiful song that should not be missed. I Love Every Little Thing About You: An upbeat song basically singing about what the title suggest. I've always felt that this was his nod to the earlier work he'd done at Motown, only with a more 70's sound to it. Sweet Little Girl: Another fun song with Stevie doing a lot of things musically to make it interesting. He does his best mack daddy voice in this one, uses major and minor keys throughout, and does things on the harmonica that you've never heard before. It's probably the most erotic song he's ever done. All in good taste though, no hardcore stuff for Stevie. Happier Than The Morning Sun: Another major change musically for Stevie. This is all clavinet and voice. A beautiful, quiet and yet great song. Girl Blue: The best song on the album. This is Stevie's first collabaration with lyricist Yvonne Wright (not his ex wife Syreeta as many believe when seeing Wonder/Wright as song writers) and happily it wasn't his last. This is one of my 4 how-to-learn-about-music songs I've spoken about in the past. Ironicly, Yvonne wrote the lyrics for another one of my "how-to" songs from Stevie, They Won't Go When I Go". Much is abound in this one. Oriental percussion, poly-rhythms, distorted vocals, a great harmonica solo and great lyrics. "Little girl be fair, show yourself you care. Let others care for you. Before it's too late 'cause time won't wait 'til your hearts no longer blue". A great song and a great moment for pure music. Seems So Long: A heartwrenching song about finding someone, finally, to love. "It's been so long, since I've touched a wanting hand". It includes a great vocal by Stevie and some very moody synth work too. A must hear. Keep On Runnin': My least favorite song on the album. Ok, to be honest, I skip it all the time. It's too repetitive. He does play a mean clavinet on it though. Evil: My second favorite song on this one. Musically, he's using key changes to, I feel, relay a message. The song starts off in a minor, very dangerous sounding key and after each line, it goes up a key. It talks about evil and the power it seemingly has over many people. The final key the song ends on is very high as it ends with Stevie singing, "Leaving sweet love all alone, an outcast of the world", with the last note on the word world. The song is very cinematic, also operatic in style and leaves me with the feeling of hope. It is Stevie after all you know.
All in all, this was the beginning. The beginning of an unprecedented run of success, both commercially and critically for the one man band. It is an album that should not be missed.

The dark horse of Stevie Wonder's "70s Power Albums",MOMM is a more experimental album.Though not given classic status like it's predecessors,it established Stevie as a major artist.For year it has been revered,yet its CD release in 1988 has been shoddy with sub-par sound(a travisty considering it was recorded at circa-1971 state of the art studios like Electric Lady) as well as reduced packaging(no lyrics,truncated cover)usually treated as a budget line product.Now MOMM has been remastered in crisp clean digital sound that brings out a clarity that probably hasn't been heard since its been mastered all those years ago.Happier Than The Morning Sun finally sounds as bright as its title indicates,while the funky clavinets of Love Having You Around and Keep On Running sounds as sweaty and sinister as they would on Superstition.Superwoman(Where Were You When I Needed You), already previewed on At The Close Of A Century,benefits the most with its errie yet mournful synth lines enhanced.Lost since the vinyl format has been phased out,is the original gatefold collage as well as the lyrics.MOMM, although dense and experimental,is now a new listening experience like when you first laid the needle down for the first time back in '72 and heard all these new sounds and textures in Stevie's music.

This CD is pure Stevie. I must admit that I am still in the process of "discovering" Stevie Wonder (I only have this album and the 5 that follow) and so far I feel that "Music of My Mind" and "Songs In the Key of Life" are the best.

"Music..." is incredible from beginning to end. It is a cohesive album that flows entirely. Every song is great. After listening to it only a few times, I was already singing along with it. I felt as though I had heard all the songs before I had ever heard them (you know what I mean?). Fantastic melodies which are so much fun to listen to (and sing!).

I myself play music and this album is incredibly challenging, but at the same time very simple. I would recommend this album purely for the musicianship and more importantly the songwriting aspects. The chord changes are crazy!! The melodies are perfect!! All of it is beautifully produced and sounds crisp and new. I heard this for the first time 30 years after it was released and it is still applicable in every way music can be applied; musicians and non alike.

For weeks, I would play the disc in my car while going out on the town and all of my friends love it and want it!!... I can't say how much this album means to me. It really gets me going in all sorts of ways be they happy, sad, ready to party, ready to cry, nostalgic, or optimistic. It really is a positive sound without being corny or sappy. This and "Songs in the Key of Life" are really some albums you can fall in love with. I can't remember finding an album that I could just listen to over and over and each time it would get better and better. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...ESSENTIAL?? YUP.

Before it's time is the perfect definition. You grant Wonder complete artistic control of his music, plus access to innovative synth machines and this is the end result!!! If it sounds as futuristic as it dose now, imagine what heads were thinking in 72'. One of Steveland's more electric, "tripy" albums. Still, nothing less than beautiful!!!!

Dear fellow music-lovers:
Even though some music-critics think that Music Of My Mind is inferior to Talking Book, I would urge you to take a plunge into this record.
It's Stevie at his very best. Lovely melodies, unheard-of harmonies, only the drum is out of beat once in a while. But then: this is the music they played in the 70's - it's entirely without computing, and therefore as real as the hum of beas!
Stevie is impressively inspired, at his most sensual. This record is outstanding; every song has its high moments.
I hear myself humming those tunes over and over - more than 35 years after recording.
It's a record for all time. Why don't you make it your own soundtrack?

This CD is soooooo close to perfection, it's scary. This album makes me wonder what I am doing with my own potential. Stevie was 21 when he made this album; I'm 21 right now and listening to this makes me think, "what am I doing with my potential?" This album is the summation of so much talent FINALLY being let out to fully blossom for the first time. Except for one guitar solo, one trombone solo, and one moog part, he even played all the instruments! Frequently spacy instead of sleek, the rough-around-the-edges playing is endearing for, as the title states, all these sounds are coming from one man. This record didn't sell much because it was so different, though in retrospect it has been cited as one of the premier influences on modern soul music. From the opening track we hear that this is not a typical set of 3 radio-friendly singles and 3 covers and 6 filler songs (as Motown often did with its acts back then). The first song, "Love Having You Around," makes use of his new trademark synthesizers. The sound's uniqueness lies in its combination of the synthesizers and real instruments. Over 7 minutes later, my personal favorite Stevie Wonder song begins. "Superwoman" is eery, lonely and tender. The music is dynamic, with an AWESOME guitar solo and synths that make you feel you are floating. The first half rides a mellow groove and hushed vocals, and the spacey synths segue into a second half that keeps begging, "Where were you when I needed you?" in escalating desparation. By the end of this song it is grooving so hard and then quickly calms itself down like a clearing storm. The next song ("I love every little thing about you") is also one of my favorites. It's sweet lyrically and musically, and showcases Stevie's vocal percussion. When his stacked-vocals sings the chorus, "I love I love I love I love every little thing about you," it is hard not to smile and sing along. "Sweet Little Girl" is a change of pace, a harmonica-heavy blues shuffle that he sings as if he's acting a different character. The lyrics and music are not spectacular, and at times annoying. Fortunately, the next song is good. Unfortunately, he reverts back to a somewhat annoying song, "Girl Blue." The vocals are distorted and tinny, and the music is somewhat clumsy. It's listenable, but not great. "Seems so Long" is a prime example of how much magic Stevie could work with his synthesized wall of sound, complemented by jazz-ballad style drumming. Lyrically it's also touching. "Keep on Running" does just that--a long, fast song that is repetitive yet contains enough nuances that make for interesting listening. The album closes with perhaps the most underappreciated song on the album, "Evil." Using both synthesizers and piano, this album keeps escalating chord change by chord change and addresses Evil personified, blaming it for many problems of humanity. The last lyric of the album really hits me, saying Evil has left "Sweet love all alone, an outcast of the world." What a sad thought! Songs 1-5 are happier in sound and in lyrical content, and 6-9 close the album sounding quite the opposite. Splitting an album into two "halves" is not uncommon. What IS uncommon is that it would be pulled off sounding as unified as this record does. With the exception of two tracks, this is a perfect record.

Now 23,I grew up on all the 60's and 70's classic Wonder
hits.What a shock when I turned 15 and baught this-I was amazed
then and I'm amazed now."Music Of My Mind" is the pure,open-
minded funky exploration of a liberated soul-someone forced to do
others (Motown's) bidding for years and is now doing what he wishes.And I'm glad he did.The noisy,fuzzed,uptempo starter
"Love Having You Around" sounds nothing like a Wonder track
thus far-it sounds like a brilliant collaberation with every
jazz-funk pioneer of the day but no-it's all one guy."Superwomen"
takes Stevie's more familiar love song style and gives it a
far more mature rendering-ditto for "I Love Every Little Thing
About You"."Sweet Little Girl" is an oddly bluesy soul track heavy on harmonica and segueing into an Isaac Hayes-esqe "rap" at
the end.The peaceful "Happier then The Morning Sun" uses the
then-novel clavinet as one usually an acoustic guitar-considering
it's the only instrument on the track."Seems So Long" and "Evil"
are fairly traditional for this kind of album but "Girl Blue"
is a very unconventional slow number with a flowing arrangement.
"Keep On Running" is Wonder's most strident funk thus far,and
keeping it up for a full eight-minutes.Wheather or not it's
a flaw or an asset,"Music Of My Mind" has o it's credit being
Wonder's only album to day from which a hit single could not be
drawn-it surely isn't commercial,it isn't traditional pop music
but it's very memorable,impeccably produced and executed and in
many respects very catchy.You just have to hear it!