Customer Reviews

Natural Wonder

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1995's "Natural Wonder" captures the raw energy, unbrideled passion and undeniable excitement it feels to be at a Stevie Wonder concert. This is something few artists can do at their concerts. Stevie Wonder is one of those few. On this two disc collection (culled from his 1995 "Conversation Peace" tour), wonder performs 24 classic songs with all the skill and soul you'd expect from Stevie.

Stevie truly pours his heart into his songs. Just listen to the passion he puts into songs like "Love's In Need Of Love Today", "Stay Gold", "If It's Magic" "Ms. And Mr. Little Ones" (a new song when it was released and a personal favorite) and "Overjoyed". And naturally, Stevie isn't afraid to have a little fun, funking it up on "Sign Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours", "Sir Duke" and "I Wish", as well as transforming the tender ballad "Ribbon In The Sky" into an almost nine minute jazzy jam.

I was also glad that Stevie decided to revive several lesser knowns gems such as "Pastime Paradise", "Another Star", "Village Ghetto Land" and "Rocket Love". These songs stand well against concert warhorses such as "Higher Ground" and "Superstition".

My only gripe is basically the one another reviewer said, and that's that several songs ("Master Blaster (Jammin')", "Living For The City", "Another Star") were a lot shorter than the original versions. Usually when you go to a concert, you expect the songs to be longer than the studio versions. But I won't fault the entire album because of that. Also, I noticed the list of songs that reviewer would have liked seen on this album is the same as mine. But again, I won't fault the entire album for these minor complaints.

This is an album that I think everyone should own. Also worth picking up is "At The Close Of The Century" and all of Stevie's studio albums, which are among the greatest albums of all time.

For those of us that live in the "boondocks" where artists rarely or never appear, "live" recordings provide us with the stadium or concert hall experience.

"Natural Wonder," recorded in both Israel and Japan is, as the title implies, a stupendous performance by one of the 20th century's true geniuses. Backed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and a band featuring instrumental heavyweights Nathan Watts, Darryl Jackson, along with others, the Motown legend delivers with an intensity that makes him the envy of his contemporaries and his successors.

The album begins with "Dancing to the Rhythm," a highly charged tune that has Wonder's mellifluous vocal instrument matched by an outstanding Paul Riser string arrangement. This song, along with "Stevie Ray Blues," and "Mr. and Mrs. Little Ones, are previously unreleased tunes but they meld seamlessly with his more familiar hits.

And what hits they are!!!

The Academy Award-winning "I Just Called to Say I Love You". The pop/R & B smashes "My Cherie Amour," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," and so many others.

One would have to be six feet under to not be moved by "Rocket Love" or "I Wish".

The album may be ten years old but Wonder's music is timeless, still resonating with soulful passion as they did when they were first heard.

And that makes Stevie one for the ages!

Stevie Wonder is one of the most talented artists of all time. I've rarely seen a songwriter with as extensive a songbook as his. Throughout the 70s his touring band was considered one of the best in the business because of its talent and sheer funkiness. Unfortunately, Stevie fell into the same trap many an artist did starting in the late 80s and throughout most of the 90s - he figured that synths were advanced enough to replace his once vaunted horn section.

He was wrong.

As a result, this live recording sounds a bit hollow and dated. And I don't mean dated in a "well, it's My Cherie Amore, it's SUPPOSED to be old" sort of way. I mean dated in a "Arsenio Hall Show house band" sort of way. I knew this was recorded in the mid-90s even before I checked the liner notes.

For people who don't notice those sort of things, or who do and don't care or even prefer the synth sound, they won't take issue with this live recording. For those of us who fondly remember his old school performances when he had a four piece horn section, you'll be slightly disappointed. To be sure, it's not TERRIBLE, but the prominence of the 90s instrumentation is a bit distracting, especially on songs that rely on groove and grittiness, like Superstition and I Wish.

But don't take my word for it. To get at what I'm talking about, go to YouTube and look up Stevie Wonder Sesame Street (it'll make sense once you're there). Listen to the version of Superstition that pops up and compare it to the version on this album to get a sense of contrast.

While you're at it, listen to all of the previews. Do you hear a perfectly competent horn section in each of the songs? If yes, then proceed to check out and enjoy your purchase. If no, then listen again and consider carefully before truly deciding.

I'm happy to report, however, that there is not a synthesized horn section to be found on his 2008 live tour. It's easily his best touring band in 30 years. And it's a magical experience because of it.

Why this album wasn't a major, major hit for Stevie Wonder just
mystifies me. It's the first and only live album of his adult
career, and it is simply awesome. This is absolutely one of the
best live performances I've ever heard, right up there with "Judy
At Carnegie Hall", "Band Of Gypsies" by Jimi Hendrix, the
"Woodstock" soundtrack and any number of live recordings by
Joni Mitchell, the Stones, Aretha, Ella, James Brown, Bob
Seger, ANYBODY. Stevie's pipes are in amazing shape and his
performance is positively exuberant. Someone who has been
around as long as he has could have easily just gone through
the motions and still delivered a good show. But Big Little
Stevie gives his all and then some to the point where you wonder
how he does it! Not really a "Live Greatest Hits", this is
more a "History Of Stevie". Many of his biggest hits are here,
especially on the second CD, but so are some album faves and
lesser known gems. All are delivered with passion and buckets
of soul. The opening 1-2 punch of "Dancing To The Rhythm" and
"Love's In Need Of Love" will leave you breathless. It really
is that great. And the addition of the strings to an already
fine band is the icing on the cake. If you like Stevie you will
LOVE LOVE LOVE this CD!!!

Stevie Wonder live. WOW! Plus, he has an orchestra behind him!! Am I in heaven or what?? Stevie's music is so rich, emotional and far reaching that it's amazing that he hasn't used an orchestra behind him before. My ONLY regret with this album is that there is not one song on it from his most orchestral work, Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants. I know it wasn't a big seller but several songs would have worked in this concert. Black Orchid, the title tune Secret Life Of Plants and he could have even added an instramental interlude if you will of Tree from the album. That is a minor beef and I wouldnt want it to effect your interest in buying the album because it is great. There are 5 standout songs on it so I'll focus on them in this review. Dancing to the Rhythm: A great surprise. For the past decade and a half, Stevie has traditionally opened his concerts with Loves In Need Of Love Today, the classic opener to his most acclaimed album Songs In The Key Of Life. For this concert he wrote a song to highlight the orchestra backing him up for this tour. And what a song it is. Because of the orchestra I rank it as the best he's done since Living Off The Love Of The Land, the lost classic from the Jungle Fever album. The song in general is great, singing about how he was lost and only thinking of earthly things until he saw the light and began to "dance to the rhythm of God", Stevie wrote an incredible bridge section for the strings that really makes them work for their money. These are classically trained musicians so just having them see-saw through a bunch of lame ballads, which is what most artist do when they use an orchestra, would be a waste of talent. Stevie doesn't waste them AT ALL! It's a great song with a great message and great music to help make it the classic that it is. Higher Ground: Can he make this classic even better? Yes he can! By making the effects on the synth even funkier, he makes the song even more rough and tumble than it was on the great Innervisions album. Stevie has the keyboard keys churning in this one! With the added tightness of his band Wonderlove this version is even, dare I say BETTER than the original. A must hear. Overjoyed: One of Stevie's best and classic ballads is done justice on this album. Although I do have to say that the string arrangements are better on the original song, the live orchestra just takes it to a different level. Stevie's bassist, Nate Watts, has fun on the bass and makes it interesting. And Stevie's voice (though a little hoarse by this time) sounds great and his piano playing complements the strings perfectly. I think the only reason Overjoyed is on this album is because of the great use of strings it has in it. The song unfortunately was not a big hit when originally released 10 years before. What is cool is the audiences reaction when they hear the opening stains of the song. They start to cheer in anticipation! So, SOMEONE was listening after all! This album may have caused the ripple effect in making the rest of the world really understand and appreciate the great beauty and importance of Overjoyed. Thank you. My Cherie Amour: Yes! My Cherie Amour! It has become a standard but also very much overplayed on the radio and karaoke bars. On this CD though Stevie brings it back to life with a great piano part and Wonderlove's extreme tightness. Specifically, the drumline and bass really standout. It's not your 60's My Cherie Amour. Plus the audience "la, la's" along with him at several points, which to be honest, could have been left out. But it just goes to show how much of a standard this has become. I Just Called To Say I Love You: No, I haven't gone crazy! If yoo have read any of my reviews before you know that I utterly loathe this song. As I mentioned in an earlier review, it's Stevie as the "cheap" one man band because everything is done on the sythn. Even the drum part! Well, I eat my words on this album. With the live band and orchestra behind him it makes the song sound almost majestic. And, as superficial as it is, the song is an 80's staple/classic and just about everyone (except me) loved it when originally released. Because of that fact, the audience's love of the song is felt in this recording and that really helps to bring the song to a higher level of appreciation. Therefore at least on THIS CD, I LOVE this song! Natural Wonder is a treasure. Buy it, play it loudly and get lost in the Wonder that is Stevie.

Anyone who has never had the experience of seeing Stevie Wonder live in concert, this excellent and very underrated album is the next best thing. Fortunately I did have that rare experience back in 1995 on Martin Luther King Day(got to meet him after the show too!!!) at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, CA. The music on this 2-CD set is presented almost in the exact same sequence as the show I got to see. Stevie is backed by his awesome band Wonderlove and augmented with a large string section who compliments the band brilliantly on "Overjoyed", "Village Ghettoland", and show opener "Dancing To The Rhythm". Stevie is in fine form and voice throughout. One track that I was slightly disappointed wasn't included was "Maybe Your Baby" that climaxes with a call and response between Wonder and the audience that raised the roof off of the house!!! The majority of his best known songs are on "Natural Wonder" and the program is lively from start to finish. Hearing this album brings back that amazing night everytime I play it.

When you've been in the business as long as Stevie Wonder and haven't released a live album, chances are you waiting for something special. And Stevie's 1995 2 - disc live album "Natural Wonder" is truly something special. It spans his entire career from 1962 to 1995 save for a few albums ("Where I'm Coming From", "Fulfillingnes' First Finale", "Characters").

Disc 1 is filled with rare gems hardly heard. These include the brooding "Rocket Love", the 17th century - style "Village Ghetto Land", the beautiful "Stay Gold" (a favorite of mine originally featured in the 1983 film "The Outsiders" (great movie) but not available on a Stevie Wonder cd until now) and the lush "If It's Magic. As for the hits, Stevie gives powerful renditions of "Master Blaster (Jammin')" and "Higher Ground", but the highlight is the 8 - minute version of "Ribbon In The Sky" segues into a long jam. Brilliant.

Two (then) new Wonder compositions are featured on this disc. The first is the opening track, "Dancing To The Rhythm", a great love song with a nice 1970s'. Next is somewhat of a torch song but with socially conscious feel to it, "Ms. And Mr. Little Ones". They are both great songs.

Disc 2's track selection may read like what you'd find on a cheap "greatest hits" album, but in fact it's a consistantly amazing live performance. It opens with "Overjoyed", a version that is just as powerful and passionate as the studio version. Next comes the first roofraiser, a loose version of "My Cherie Amour" which is better than the original. Then comes "Sign, Sealed, Delivered", and all of a sudden it's 1970 again. Great performance. Following is "Living For The City". Again, a great performance but I had a problem with this one that I'll get to later. Next are the best two performances on the cd. A wild and funky "Sir Duke" comes first with the audience cheering wildly. Next comes a riveting performance of "I Wish" that is light years better than the studio version. After that is "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life". Great performance that elevates way beyond its muzak status. Following is a funky "Superstition" that is again better than the original. Following is a beautiful version of "I Just Called To Say I Love You". I loved this song since it first came out, but hearing it surrounded by orgainc instruments instead of all the electronic synthesizers and drum machines, makes me love it anymore. Next comes the lush "For YOur Love". Again, it makes the studio version look bad. Closing out the disc and this brilliant album is the rarely heard "Another Star". Great performance, but like "Living For The City" as well as some others, I have a complaint.

As great as this album, I can't help but notice that some of these songs are severely edited from the original versions, which is a bit disappointing. This is most evident on "Living For The City" (originally 7:25 long, now 4:27), "Master Blaster ("Jammin'")(originally 5:09, now 3:36) and "Another Star" (originally 8:22, now 5:55). And this isn't really a complaint, but in the event that Stevie releases another live album (his studio album "A Time To Love" comes out around April, so there may be a tour), I'd like to see the following songs on them:

"Do I Do"
"That Girl"
"As"
"Part Time Lover"
"Uptight"
"If You Really Love Me"
"You Haven't Done Nothing"
"Fingertips, Pts. 1 & 2"
"For Once In My Life"
"I Was Made To Love Her"
"Boogie On Reggae Woman"
"Isn't She Lovely"
"Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer"
"A Place In The Sun"
"Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing"

(yeah, I named probably a whole disc, but maybe he can fit all on two or maybe even three (I can dream, can't I?))

Other than that, get "Natural Wonder" and experience the joy, pain and, well, wonder of Stevie Wonder. Trust me, you won't be sorry.

This is CD is an absolute MUST for all of you who must have a certain interest in Stevie if you have scrolled down this page to read this!
I was lucky as can be to witness one of the concerts from the Japanese tour where this CD was recorded. I will never forget this. Having the privilege to hear the wonderfully orchestrated tunes from Songs In The Key Of Life as they were created with lush strings and horns courtesy of the Tokyo Philarmonic Orchestra... Just brilliant. And Stevie was absolutely wonderful. What a voice he still has after all these years. I mean most of the singers voices seem to age after a while and you'll be sitting in the audience with fear when it's time for the high notes that they used to hit years ago. None of this with Stevie. The man has a crystal clear voice and believe me it ain't from studio work over these live tapes. It was just the same the day I was in the concert hall...
You CANNOT Miss this one if you like Stevie's music cos' there is very little chance that you will get the same luck I had...
Blaise

From the opening notes of Dancing to the Rhythm, to the closing notes of Another Star, you get the full live experience of the great Stevie Wonder. All of his popular songs from a majority of his career are on this collection. There's not a single song to skip past in this two disc set. I almost feel like I was at a concert at the moment, every time I listen to the CD. If you listen to Stevie Wonder at all, you definitely need to have this CD. It's perhaps the pinnacle of his recordings, and definitely one of the best live CD's I have in my collection of music.

Natural Wonder is Stevie Wonder's first live album since his 1963 debut release 12 Year Old Genius. Thirty plus years after the fact, the title genius still applies. The concert shows off everything that makes Mr. Wonder a national treasure, amazing voice, great instrumentalist and supreme songwriting. The album contains all the big hits including great versions of "Living For The City", "Superstition", "Higher Ground", "My Cherie Amour", "I Wish", and "Master Blaster (Jammin')". He also serves up lesser known songs like "Pastime Paradise" (The song Coolio samples for "Gangsta Paradise"), "Village Ghetto Land", "Another Star", "Stay Gold" (Theme from The Outsiders) & "Overjoyed". He does a nice tribute to the late Stevie Ray Vaughan in "Stevie Ray Blues" and some new songs like "If It's Magic" and "Ms. & Mr. Little Ones" are pretty good.