Customer Reviews

The Secret Life of Plants

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As bassist Jeff Berlin said, Stevie Wonder is one of the five or six most important and creative musicians of the 20th century. The Secret Life of Plants ices it. Weirdly, The Secret Life of Plants is one of Stevie Wonder's most hard-to-find records. I rate it as his best. One way to describe this record is Duke Ellington writing about trees, bugs and venus fly traps. As a synthesist (ie. synthesizer player), on these albums Stevie Wonder brings the instrument probably as far as it has ever gone as a human, expressive instrument. But always his voice, acoustic piano, drums and bass and found ambient sounds meld with electronic textures to create something nobody had ever done before and people have been copying ever since. Secret Life of Plants has some of his best singing as well, freed from trying to get a "hit." In my opinion, this sound cycle is one of the most important recordings of any genre made in the 20th century. Why all the gushing? My dad was a tree cutter and landscaper and taught me all the scientific names of every tree in Massachusetts by the time I was 15. So all of the stuff about trees here is true. They are oldest and longest living creatures on Earth and are what humans were born under. Stevie Wonder does a beautiful job with this theme and for me it resonates very deeply.

This album forever redefined my look on Stevie Wonder's music. I've always liked his R&B albums, but this one really illustrates his immense talent for instrumental composition and elegant, classic melodies. Although people may not agree, my favorite number is "Ecclesiastes" - its apparent simplicity and outstanding use of minor keys (not to mention the 12/8 meter and some virtuoso synthesizer playing) just seem to overwhelm. I've played this number to many people who love classical music (but not that familiar with Stevie Wonder) - most of them thought it was written by likes of Nino Rota or Michel Legrand. They refused to believe it was, in fact, by Stevie. Many of them asked me to borrow the album and were very impressed.

Every number offer surprises. Simply put, it is a great, great album!!

After hitting his musical peak with the double album, Songs In The Key Of Life, every one wondered what Stevie Wonder would do next. Showing that he wasn't afraid to experiment, he released another double album, this time a soundtrack to the documentary film The Secret Life Of Plants. This album is different from just about anything in his catalog. The album is made up of mostly instrumentals, but the songs truly convey the feeling of the film. We are taken into the world of plants and the songs move between lush and serene to funky. "Send One Your Love" is the one song that doesn't really fit into the concept (obviously included to attract people to the album) but it an absolutely gorgeous song and one of his best ballads. To show that Mr. Wonder was a major force on the charts, the album that was from an obscure documentary, a second double album in a row and made up of basically instrumentals, still hit the top ten on the album charts.

Songs In The Key Of Life was Stevie Wonder's undisputed tour-de-force. With that opus, he mastered mostly everything he acquired from the four other classics he released in his 1970's prime: Music Of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, and Fulfilligness' First Finale, and somehow covered all of the elements from those classics with two records. The production, brilliant songwriting, rhythms, and approach of that record was stunning and with all of those elements, he won tons of awards and outstanding recognition. I personally can only think of one album that can actually top that record and that record has to be his perfect 1973 masterpiece, Innervisions. But, four years had passed and many fans were waiting for a new album. Disco had took over big time and many R&B artists were just getting into that formula to probably chunk out a big hit. Stevie just had to experiment and release Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants, the soundtrack to a film no one probably ever saw. Secret Life Of Plants was the record that critics and most of his fans just hated. Some said it was a flawed album that was filled with killers and fillers. I'll partially agree with that. The Secret Life Of Plants is as different as anything Stevie ever recorded, but it is a great album. It's a moody concept album consisting some interesting instrumentals about plants. On this album, Stevie expands his sound by showing different musical influences from other places like Africa or even China, which makes it such an epic proportion. He also plays or tries many abstract instruments played from different parts of the world, even though mostly everything he plays here are done with synthesizers. There are lots of variety in this album: funk (Race Babbling), ballads (Power Flower, Send One Your Love, Come Back As A Flower) chants (Kesse Ye Lolo de Ye), rock theatrics (A Seed's A Star/Tree Medley) and even jazz (Venus' Flytrap and The Bug). I admire this album for its groundbreaking sounds Stevie patched out of various synthesizers to actually give us a real feeling of how it might sound in a jungle or even in gardens. They might sound dated today, but it's truly amazing of how he created them back in 1979. Just like Songs In The Key Of Life or Innervisions, he is taking us on a journey through the development and amazement of plants. That is really what makes this album special, even though there are some weak spots here. So, Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants is one of Stevie's more misunderstood and criminally underrated works, but it is an antonishing record that just takes you on a one-of-a-kind journey with amazing songs, top-notch arrangements, and mind-bending sounds. It's just a shame critics dismissed this one back in 1979. Anyone expecting another Talking Book or Innervisions will be disappointed because it's different and it would be advised for those listeners to skip this one. But, if you are looking for a more beautiful and experimental record, check this one out. B+

This is a Soundtrack CD very few people ever saw this movie; mostly instrumental, with few vocal tracks; Difficult to decide what to make of that album and how to rate it..

However, due to his previous releases, SW was very hot at the time and everyone bought this album back in 1979.

I just bought it again on CD; simply because it's a rare CD to find and also because I am a big fan of Stevie Wonder; If you are not a CD collector or a new fan of this great artist, try instead:

1. Talking Book

2. Innervisions

3. Songs in the Key of life.

Between the period of 1971 - 1976, few could argue that brilliance of Stevie Wonders musical output. A period that saw such groundbreaking releases such as: "Talking Book", "Innervisions", "Fulfillingness' First Finale", "Songs in the Key of Life"....all albums that took driving funk & Motown Soul, and mixed them with warm keyboards, and lyrical content that touched upon: Politics, Love, Social injustice, Joyous Good times, and religion, and self-belief....to conquering effect. Which is what made this release of after 1976's "Songs in the key of Life", all the more curious and bizarre. Because instead of following on, from the ambitious wide-ranging arrangements, exuberant synthesizer, and tightly sequenced funk of "Songs in the key of life". Stevie instead bucked all current convention, and released this...a meditative mostly instrumental album of quietly intimate sounds, Precious moods, and reflective arrangements. Gone were the finger-pointing political statements, Biting Funk, and celebratory grooves. This was an album that was a decidedly much softer proposition, with an overall sound, that was considered, too intimate and inward-looking to suggest Radio air-play, and a cycle of loosely themed (semi-linked) songs, that were too downtempo, to be really considered hit single material (although "Send One Your Love" and "Outside My Window", were released as singles). What followed was mass confusion, on the radio/Critics part....with most, simply baffled by Stevie's musical direction, and large-scale indifference on the part of consumers. And so, this left the album, largely ignored by the general public, and quickly lead to Stevie reverting back to type, with 1980's upbeat soul/funk workout "hotter than July".

Looking back on "Journey through the secret life of Plants", and giving the album a much need re-evaluation, it's not hard to see why, it was so off-handedly dismissed on its release. This was such an unusual release from what had gone before, it's a soundtrack to a film (that may or may not have been released) and at the time it was like throwing a musical `Curve-ball', to the record buying public. But, that doesn't mean that it deserved to be largely passed over. No, in fact it's quite the opposite....looking at this album now, long after his most recognised work, has become familiar to us all, highlights what (with hindsight), is a massive mistake on the critics/buying public. What was tight and edgy in his previous albums, has become a softer, more reflective sombre mood, the instruments take the centre stage here, with the few vocals tracks that are contained throughout the album, mostly limited to assisting the instrumentals (rather than being at the forefront). "Voyage to India" is probably closest to a regular Stevie track, "Ai No, Sono" features a lovely children choir, and "Power Flower" has the vocal pushed firmly into the background, and sounds like a vocal instrument that complements the instrumentals. I defy anyone to not be moved by the sheer elegance of the arrangements, the contemplative mood, and gentle lush keyboard work, that runs throughout this album. For a rough idea of what to expect, if you are familiar with the track "You've got it bad, Girl" from Stevie's "Talking book" album, well imagine the warm electronic arrangements, sentimental template, and innocent conception of low key R&B, without the vocals. Then that will give you a rough idea of what to expect. I don't know if it's because it's a (mostly) instrumental soundtrack album, but it sounds like Stevie worked long and hard to get these arrangements, up to such a highly proficient level. This is probably because, seeing as this music would be judged on a purely musical level (with no lyrics, as such to fall back on). That this release really had to be able to stand up on its own, without Stevie's lyrics to fall back on, and it is arguably some of the most gorgeously expressive (instrumental) music that Stevie has committed to record. With such stylistic exercises in composition, and a beautifully subtle kaleidoscope of contrasting textures, this is a unique, and peerlessly melodic sounding record, that stands on its own, as something vastly different, from anything that Stevie had attempted before (and probably one, of the reasons, for its commercial failure). But looking back on the album some twenty odd years on, it's a truly remarkable sounding record that, rewards each listen with little sounds and glistening moods, it's a soundtrack that sounds unlike anything else (although how well suited to the film, is hard to ascertain, as nobody seems to have seen the film). And if that sounds like something you'd want to listen to, they you really owe it to yourself, to give this a listen. Sure!!...there will be those that think this album is a pointless exercise, like listening to a "Marvin Gaye" album minus his singing. But it'd take a cold, cold heart not to acknowledge that Artistically, Stevie has taken the bold step of creating something that pushed his music into an entirely new (although unsuccessfully commercial) direction. And listening to it today, without having judged it, after having come off the back of an incredible run of albums, this is one of those albums that will rope in new fans, that are prepared to put any preconceptions to one side and meet the music on its own terms (rather than what came before it), and although it probably can't quite stand up as well as his peak-period albums, this is arguably, deserving of almost as much recognition of any of Stevie's other landmark releases.

If you want something to inspire your mind, maybe even your children, get this CD. I was delighted to see it on CD and have ordered it. I grew up listening to this album; while growing up in the tropical rainforest in the Caribbean. It was like a musical journey of everyday life <G>For a long time I didn't even know Stevie Wonder had done anything else. It was my bedtime story & song, a soother..everything. It inspired me to go on to listen to people like Enigma and the much lesser known Quinn.CLassical music lovers, new age, pagans, christians, everyone. It's a wonderful soul refreshing set of music.

Whatever has been said this album is Stevie Wonder's most creative piece of work,consisting primarily of instrumentals that are early precursers to new age music.The peppy "Outside My Window" and the almost incomprehencable "Race Babbling" are the best of the uptempo songs featured here.But as for the hit "Send One Your Love"...I have alot of trouble talking about it even now.Musically speaking it's a beautiful song but the meaning it holds for me personally is very different.

It is a song about different ideas on the concept of love-not reflected in a sappy manner but in enough of a way that effected me when I first heard it-when I myself first fell in love.That love was unrequited to the very extreme and quite hurtful and this song,as the lyrics state so well tends to serve as a reminder that love tends tends to seem unreal.The song and the album take the listener on a journey to a pastoral Garden Of Eden like place and will doubtless have an emmotional effects on you.It did on me.

I am one of the biggest Stevie Wonder fans in the world. Which means that I am very critical of his work at the same time that I praise his work. The Secret Life of Plants has always been, from day one, to me an amazing album. I've always put it even higher than his other masterwork Songs in the Key of Life. In order to really appreciate it though you must open your mind and heart and really listen. At the time it was released I was studying music in college so I understood the classical music leanings of the album. Because the album is so huge I will only review the songs that I believe are standouts. Earth's Creation: Stevie depicts the very violent and chaotic beginnings of our world with sreeching violins, a rumbling bassline and tons of dissonance from the synthesizers. A Incredibly different beginning to a great piece of music. First Garden: Stevie depicts the first song/life appearing on earth in this one. You hear birds singing in rhythm and water drops, stones falling all in rhythm. This leads to a harmonica solo from him that makes you believe that the harmonica could be included as an orchestral instrument. The harmonica solo drifts into more of nature's song which drifts into a quartet of strings playing a tune we would hear later on on the album (Come Back As A Flower). All of this is exquisite and shows the global vision of the disc. Same Old Story: Stevie sings of the unfairness shown to pioneers such as Dr. Bose and George Washington-Carver. Two minorities who's work and ideas were not taken seriously by the rest of the scientific world until it could not be overlooked. The song is done with a very "country/hillbilly" sound, mostly in the bass that makes it sound very down home and friendly. Yet Stevie's voice is amazing as it at once aches for them and at the same time is arguing for them. A must hear. Send One your Love: The ONLY hit from the disc. It's a very pretty pop song and Stevie keeps it interesting by doing some cool things in the studio. Example: he tapes the cymbal and plays it through the synthesizer throughout the song to get a very cool sound effect. More importantly, it's the start of an incredible suite of songs on side 3 of the original album. Outside My Window:During an interview once Stevie mentions that when he wrote I Just Called To Say I Love You he was trying to write the best sing-a-long song ever. First off, why would a talent as HUGE as Stevie WANT to write a sing-a-long? Who knows. Either way it seems that he did what he set out to do. The song is an 80's staple and it won an OSCAR!!! Outside My Window is a sing-a-long but in the best definition of the word. It's catchy yet interesting musically. Stevie has the nature rhythm section working again with a cool sound effect of a swiping sound throughout. The bassline is very cool and the percussion is all over the place. A very good song. It's lite but still a standout of the disc. Black Orchid: Black Orchid is the second best ballad he's ever done (Lately from Hotter Than July is number one in my book). It is a multi-layered/meaning song co-written by Yvonne Wright. This, unfortunately is the 3rd and last song they did together. Where did this amazing poet go? The song speaks of the relationship between Man and the fabeled black orchid (the legendary flower of everlasting life), the Black woman, Black people and God. As you can see, lyrically it's heavy but Stevie gives us beautiful and interesting music to go along with the lyrics. Again, the bassline is flawless, the drum part is majestic, the piano part is detached at the beginning yet it flows into the rest of the song coupled with a harpsichord. All this is made wider by the srting part. It's a classic ballad done by a classic balladeer. DON'T MISS IT!. Kesse Ye Lolo Deye: Roughly that translates to "a seeds a star", which harkens back to an acient African belief of life on Earth coming from a distant star that "seeded" the planet. The whole song is sung in the native language backed solely by african instrumentation (some if which Stevie learned to play for the disc!). A great song that again, reminds us of the vision of the album. Come Back As A Flower: Stevie's ex Syreeta (God rest her soul) wrote the lyrics for this one. It's another lite song message wise but it shows how a great songwriter like Stevie can make this type of song seem like so much more than just a pop song. Syreeta's bell like voice works perfectly here as does Stevie's soft harmonies and piano part. A hint: after the lyrics end, don't turn off the disc because the song hasn't ended yet. Stevie continues the song with the sounds of nature for another 3 or so minutes before it finally ends. Just lovely. The Secret Life Of Plants: The title song and a beautiful one at that. The motif you've been hearing throughout the album is finally heard in it's entirety. Stevie has always been known as a master of chord progression and harmonies and this song subtely shows you why. It's beautifully written and performed. Tree: This song shows the majesty and beauty of earths largest living creature, the tree. It's all piano and synth with booming sound effects doubling as a huge storm. And you (and the storm) stand in awe as the tree withstands the wrath of the powerful storm! Finale: The journey is coming to an end here so Stevie has us revisit many of the themes we've already heard earlier. What's different and cool is that for many he uses the counter-melody of the song so we actually have to listen and figure out which song it really is. This is done best on a string solo of Come Back As A Flower's counter-melody. GREAT! It all ends with a very Beethoven-like ending, which is totally fitting for the incredible journey Stevie's brought us through. Stevie Wonder's Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants is a major masterwork by an incredible musician and artist. To me, it shows Stevie's farreaching genius better than any of his other works. To me this, not Songs In The Key Of Life, is the pinnacle of his career. When originally released, it was panned by the critics and the public was just confused. Twentysome years later it is considered to be a classic and ahead of it's time. It was the first New Age album and still by far the best. WIth songs like Kesse Ye Lolo Deye and Voyage To India on it, it made world music more interesting and accessible to the American public. And the synth driven 80's and early 90's owe a lot to it too. He's a genius, what can I say? If you are a Stevie fan, or just a fan of great, enlightening music, BUY THIS ALBUM! It's a journey worth your while.

After Stevie's incredible 1972-76

multi-platinum / multi-grammy creative streak

which clearly cemented his place in history as

an unparalleled musical genius & icon, this

album was awaited by the world populus of the

time (1979) with baited breathe!

Upon it's release, the first single,

"Send One Your Love" was pretty well recieved

but the world wasn't ready for the rest of this

truly visionary & waaaaay ahead of it's time album

back then & the critics ripped it to shreds!

But some 26 years later, alot of people realize

what Stevie did waaay back then...this is a masterpiece!

Sure, not as readily accessible to some as

"Talking Book", "Innervisions", "Fulfillingness"

or "Songs In The Key Of Life" was, but just as much

as a realized vision as those landmark albums were!

The music was so futuristic, so ethereal...just beyond!!

And then, about 10 yrs after this release came Enya,

Andreas Vollensweider, Brian Eno, etc. and it was

coined as "New Age"!!---Bottomline, this album is

a seminal work and an essential to any Stevie Wonder

collection...BAR NONE!!

**Highlights**

"Same Old Story", "Seasons/Power Flower", "Send One Your Love"

(Vocal & Slowed Down Instrumental), "Outside My Window",

"Black Orchid", "Come Back As A Flower" and

"Secret Life Of Plants"..these still hold up, but like

I said, the whole double album was and is a masterpiece!