Talking Book [Original recording remastered]

Stevie Wonder | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 21, 2000)
• Original Release Date: 1972
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Motown
• ASIN: B00004S36A
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (96 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,262 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #27 in Music > R&B > Classic R&B
  • #39 in Music > R&B > Motown
  • #73 in Music > R&B > Funk > General

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

The two No. 1 hits from this 1972 album perfectly illustrate the contrasting sides of Wonder's complex personality. "Superstition" is a strong rocker, a paranoid bit of wah-wah guitar funk that's as persistent as the best punk music; the opening track, "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," is a pure love song that would sound corny coming from any other voice. A hint of bitterness, perhaps owing to Wonder's then-dissolving marriage, gives Talking Book its edge. But overall it's obsessed with love, and while "Sunshine" is still one of the singer/keyboardist's most beloved songs, the closing "I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)" is much deeper and more rewarding. --Steve Knopper

Product Description

UK-only two CD set, an installment in the popular 2-for-1 series, which combines two hit albums into one convenient package. The 2-for-1 series is perfect for fans looking to complete their collections and for music lovers searching for something more than just a standard 'hits' package. Universal. 2009. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonder's pages of the heart, October 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Talking Book (Audio CD)

"Innervisions"may show his genius at full form,& "Songs in the Key of Life"may be his masterpiece,but it's"Talking Book" that balances his musical genius and his emotional core. Not only are we treated to the salacious funk of"Superstition",and the georgeous"You are the Sunshine of my life",but other emotionlly charged songs that stemmed from his break-up with then-wife Syreeta Wright.From the turmoiled fueled "Maybe your Baby"&"You've got it bad,Girl"to the overtly ignored post break-up classic"Blame it on the Sun".But heartbreak gives way to the hopefullness of "You & I"(yet another buried classic ,which could pounce "I just called..."as the ultimate wedding song),"Looking for Another Pure Love",& the georgous album closer,I Believe(when I fall in love it will be forever) giving the indication that bliss is just around the corner. Only 22 at the time of recording,Wonder showed his talent was not only impressive,but most importantly,expressive.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words can't describe how incredible this CD is, April 13, 2005

By 

Theresa (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talking Book (Audio CD)

When you think about the fact that Stevie was so young when he wrote this music, that he was taking huge artistic risks, that he was talking about serious things in serious ways while fluff abounded around him makes this album that much more significant. He didn't just write love songs; he infused deep, soul-wrenching emotion into them. I dare you to say you don't get goose pimples listening to "You and I" or "You are the sunshine of my life." On the flip side, songs like "Superstition" and "Maybe Your Baby" shows how he can jam hard-core. The brother is bad! And let's not forget the fabulous players on this record - Ray Parker, Jr. on "Maybe Your Baby" or Jeff Beck on "Looking for another Love," to name a couple. Stevie's music is incomporable, and he is a rare musical genius. This CD is a fabulous representation of what a master songwriter can produce. You should check it out.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Good Book, January 29, 2001

By 

Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Talking Book (Audio CD)

After the personal triumph of Music Of My Mind, Stevie Wonder proved he was a true musical force with Talking Book. The album shows that Mr. Wonder could run the gamut of music stylings from ballads to hard rockers and succeed in producing memorable music. The album opens with one of his most familiar songs, "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life". The songs opens with not Mr. Wonder, but two backup singers. Mr. Wonder slides in on the third verse and takes over with smooth grace. "Maybe Your Baby" has some nice guitar work from a young Ray Parker, Jr. and "Tuesday Heartbreak has sax playing from a young David Sanborn. The album contains some great socio-political songs that Mr. Wonder is known for with the stinging "Big Brother" standing out. Mr. Wonder was going through the breakup of his first marriage at the time and songs like "You & I", "You Got It Bad Girl", "Looking For Another Pure Love" (Jeff Beck contributes his guitar work to the song) and the aforementioned "Tuesday Heartbreak". When Mr. Beck was laying down his guitar track, he asked if Mr. Wonder would write a song for him for his new album. Mr. Wonder came up with "Superstition" and then deemed that it was too good to give up. He was right as the song is one of his best with its combination of funk, rock and soul and that evil sounding guitar riff. It became his first number one song since his first single, "Fingertips, Pt. 2". Mr. Beck was none too happy about the situation. Talking Book proved to be a huge success and set Mr. Wonder hurtling towards the stratosphere.