Customer Reviews

Number Ones

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

He was a powerful force on the Billboard charts for more than a quarter century. Over the years this dynamic artist would prove to be not only a spendid singer but a talented musician and gifted songwriter to boot. His records were a fixture on American radio through most of the 60's, 70's and 80's. Yes, Stevie Wonder truly was and remains an American original. Now our friends at Motown/Universal have seen to release a marvelous single disc collection of 20 of Stevie Wonder's fantastic #1 Hits. "#1's" brings back all of those sensational hit records you would remember growing up. And the truly remarkable thing is that no two of these songs sound alike!
Now during the 1960's Stevie Wonder made quite a few memorable records. The cream of the crop are included here. You might recall his first big hit "Fingertips - Pt 2" which went all the way to the top of the charts in 1963! "Little" Stevie Wonder was just 12 years old when this tune was recorded and it quickly became obvious to all that this young man was a star in the making. One of my favorite Stevie Wonder discs was the rollicking 1967 hit "I Was Made to Love Her" which is also included here.
For all of the success he enjoyed in the 1960's Stevie Wonder would go on to even bigger and better things during the 1970's. A whole host of Stevie's tunes would find their way to the top of the charts and all of them are included here. This list of hits covers the full gamut from his funky 1972 smash "Superstition" to the enduring love song "You Are The Sunshine of My Life". You will also find other great 70's hits like "Sir Duke", "I Wish" and a personal favorite "Boogie On Reggae Woman" included here as well. And while the 1980's found Stevie Wonder's popularity diminishing just a bit one could argue that this just might have been his most creative period. Who can ever forget "I Just Called To Say I Love You" or his 1985 chart-topper "Part-Time Lover". Some may not be familiar with a pair of his hits from later on in the 80's but I must tell you that "Overjoyed" and "Skeletons" are two of my very favorite Stevie Wonder recordings.
Now as I indicated earlier what makes the 20 tunes included on "#1's" all the more impressive is that Stevie Wonder not only had a hand in writing many of these songs but he also plays on many of them as well. Just in case you didn't know, Stevie Wonder can be heard playing the harmonica, drums, bells, acoustic piano and a couple of different synthesizers on this disc. Being a big fan, I purchased the 1999 four disc set "At The Close of A Century" some years ago. For me it was worth every penny. But for most folks, "#1's" would be a more than adequate alternative. This is a disc that should be considered essential in any serious collection of American popular music. Very highly recommended!!

This is my first Stevie Wonder CD and I just can't get over how awesome he is and how long it took me to "discover" him. Being familiar with his hits in the 80's, I only associated him with "I Just Called to Say I Love You" and "Part-Time Lover", but his earlier stuff, especially "Superstition" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", is better, in my opinion. I love how joyous he is - it makes the listener happy!

This CD gives a broad overview of Stevie Wonder's work that immediately makes it obvious how many different styles he was able to master. If anything the breadth of his styles is what encouraged me to seek out his original albums and listen to the songs in context. I can say that doing so has been nothing short of an audio revelation, and I have this compilation to thank for giving me the initial insight into his music.
Nota bene--I almost hate to talk about packaging when the music is so good, but seeing as it's part of the item description, it is worth noting that this case is a lot less likely to break than regular plastic cases. It's lasted 2 years so far.

Always wanted a "best of" with Stevie Wonder and this fit the bill. You can hear the changes in his style over the years by the songs going chronologically. Not sure about the "Eco-Friendly" package, but the music is Stevie!

cause whether you like Maroon 5, Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Legend, Swiss Beatz, etc....they have all borrowed his beats, basslines or voice for their music........unless you have every remastered album or the box set. then you wont need this, but i do... as well there are new generations of kids who would be advised to start here......So grab this remastered version of his music....kick back.chill.enjoy

Stevie Wonder is One of the Greatest Musical forces and Genius to ever rock a Studio. this Collection contains Era and Decades of his Great depth as a Musician,Songwriter,arranger, producer, multi instrumentalist,vocalist and story teller. no matter what the style or subject matter Stevie Wonders overall talent is showcased to the fullest. this is a must have collection for newer fans or people just getting into Stevie's music. Stevie Wonder is a Musician who not only touched my life but so many other Human Beings all over the world. his words and Music have a way of touching your Soul.

Little Stevie Wonder came in to my life in the summer of 1963 with the awesome soulful classic "Fingertips" and now in 2008 thankfully had the pleasure to see this legendary wondrous singer/composer in concert at the Hollywood Bowl and a capacity enthralled crowd didn't want this incredible performer to leave after 2 1/2 hours of pure musical bliss! Little Stevie continued after "Fingertips" with a great mix of mega-hits too numerous to list but "Uptight" & "I Was Made To Love Her" are but a few of the great songs from this masterful artist who writes and sings better than anyone...harmonica treats abound and the soulfully delicious "I Was Made To Love Her" is timeless in its infectious grandeur as is the memorable "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours". Maturity brought on funky jammers like "Superstition" which gave a new sophisication and level of greatness to this type of funky soulful rockers plus a new timeless standard was born with the release of "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" covered by such diverse greats as Morgana King and Liza Minnelli who were inspired to do their best with a great Stevie Wonder song! Stevie Wonder continued to mature and grow and "Higher Ground" & the mesmerizing "Living For The City" are classic examples.
"You Haven't Done Nothing" is a treat by Stevie and brilliantly covered by Joe Cocker in 2008 and it is hard to pick the best version as both masters nail this great song and "Boogie On Reggae Woman" is another funky cooker where Stevie is at his best. "I Wish" is a complex funky cooker that could only be done by Stevie and this one is a classic!
A brilliant homage to the Duke is one of Stevie's finest recorded moments & classics abound such as "That Girl", "I Just Called To Say I Love You", "Part-Time Lover" and fill this masterful collection of legendary stellar performances that define what great music is all about and this legend is blessed with a stunning voice in addition to being one of the great composer/songwriter's of his generation so here is a legend who can do it all! This is a great collection for Stevie's fans and for a introduction to this great this amazing collection would be a fine starting point...BRAVO STEVIE WONDER!!!

These past few years really haven't delivered when it comes to true R&B. Although there are some acts that have delivered based on their looks like Ciara, and Beyonce', others just haven't made the cut like Vanessa Williams or Diana Ross who've mde welcomed records, but the industry overlooked them. That has sadly been the cae with Stevie Wonder. Although he has made some of the most memnorable music over the past five decades, many people in this era don't feel the compasion and craftsmanship he has graciously thrived. Motown has also shown that dedication to one of their most original gentleman of song with this latest greates hits album.

The 2007 Stevie Wonder #1's is the latest in a line of Universal's latest hits series, Number Ones. Undoubtingly, this one really shines brightly as a well-rendered and delightful re-introduction to Stevie's work, with his gifts of song. The album includes 20 of his big hits, that all charted all the way up to #1, whether it was in dance, R&B, Pop & Hip Hop, Wonder's music still captivates so much today. The songs on the record have all been remastered and restored brilliantly, and include a lot of great tracks including Uptight, Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours), and true ballads including his Oscar-winning 1984 smash I've Just Called To Say I Love You and the elequently-showcased Overjoyed. Although there are a few tracks that were also overlooked that also went to #1 like his lesser-known songs Go Home, and For Your Love weren't highlighted here, it still doesn't dissapoint as a good greatest hits record.

It is still sad though people don't look up to Stevie Wonder as much these days, but it is too easy to forget what he has made as a brilliant performer. I really still love his music today, and I absolutely recommend Stevie Wonder #1's for die hard fans who are interested in his music, and especially for those who haven't yet bought a Stevie Wonder album at all. This is a real treat and works very well from the bottom of his heart, it will always leave fans overjoyed.

Album Cover: B

Songs: B+

Price: B 1/2+

Remastering: A-

Overall: B 1/2+

This is a great collection of an American 20th century musical genius. Stevie Wonder is and always will be the King of Funk!

Why any real Stevie Wonder fan want to own this disc is beyond me. Why get this when you can buy any of his 70's albums and have much more fun? If you want a comprehensive collection of his music, "At The Close of a Century" is a safer purchase.