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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stevie's Best, May 1, 2004
This is easily Stevie Wonder's best CD. Though his previous "breakout album" Talking Book did have some innovative tunes, to me it was hindered by a few overly sappy love songs. "Key of Life" is a great album, but isn't as concise. There is only one traditional love song on Innervisions ("All is Fair in Love" is a sad reflection on relationships, but certainly not a romantic ballad). Here's a track by track analysis1) Too High: Jazzy cautionary tale about drug abuse and its consequences, but subtle enough not to be overtly preachy. It captures the feeling of an addict who exists only to "touch the sky" but never gets there. Outstanding drumming by Stevie (yes, he plays the DRUMS too!!). 2) Visions: Utterly stunning in its beauty. The acoustic guitar work is second to none. 3) Living for the City: The "epic" of the CD describes the tribulations of a man raised in poverty in the South only to find more poverty upon his migration to the city. Yeah, the interlude section is a little cheesy, but still effective and with great vocals as always. 4) Golden Lady: I love how this song keeps going up a key in the end, which signifies the yearning of the singer for his lady. What a great love song. 5) Higher Ground: Once again, outstanding drums and a very funky beat. Like most in my generation, I heard the RHCP cover first (which is a decent interpretation), but it didn't take long to me to realize that this is the definitive verision. 6) Jesus Children of America: Stevie boldly confronts religious fundamentalists, junkies, and even the listener, challenging all to "come clean," all while being backed by insistent gospel harmonies. 7) All is Fair in Love: Laced with agony and pain, Stevie teaches us all about the difficulties of a romantic relationship. 8) Don't You Worry Bout a Thing: A great song about being there to support a friend who is going through a transitional period. Very comforting. 9) Mista Know-It-All: Some think this song is a bash on President Nixon; others interpret it as a stern message against arrogant street hustlers who are looking to corrupt inner-city youth. However you interpret it, it is certainly an effective kiss-off and a creative way to end the album (as opposed to ending it with a sappy love song). People who have only ever heard "Part Time Lover" may have a hard time accepting Stevie Wonder as a genuine artist, but trust me and the other reviewers, this CD is different. You will not regret buying it.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Takes music to places it's never before or since been, May 13, 2005
It's a shame that there haven't been many true musical pioneers in the soul and R+B genres since Stevie Wonder. The genre is sorely lacking today. There aren't many performers out there who write their own songs, and so many artists sound way too similar. I for one, prefer the live instruments of these recordings to the repetitive, bland programmed beats of modern day singers like R. Kelly. And it seems as if vocalists are trying to imitate the same style that's on display here, with less enthusiasm. Even if Stevie's new album (which comes out in June) is a dud, it'll probably still put all other current R+B acts to shame in terms of originality and creativity.
This album is R+B, soul, rock, jazz, whatever... it's all here. Most would classify Stevie Wonder as R+B, and if that's the case, then there has never been an artist who's made more compelling R+B music. Stevie jumps between more stylings of playing, singing and songwriting than most artists are even capable of pulling off in their entire careers, let alone recording on an album!
The album starts with the jazzy classic "Too High", which uses complex chord voicings done with both instruments and voices. It also has a great, funky backbeat, as well as great harmonica and keyboard work by Stevie. And let's have a hand for his awesome drumming as well (yes, he even plays the drums on this one, as well as many other songs of his). Next is "Visions", a soft ballad about a possible future of peace and happiness. A great vocal performance from Mr. Wonder, supplemented by tragic yet hopeful lyrics.
Next is possibly Stevie Wonder's most powerful song ever, "Living For the City". Just trying to describe the song is worthless. I happened upon this song by accident one day, and it may have changed my opinion on everything I ever thought could be done in music. From the horrific depictions of city life in the lyrics, to the tremendously funky rhythms, and the absolutely jaw-dropping composition, this song can be summed up with one word: "classic".
Next, following with yet another classic, we have "Golden Lady". Just a great song with great vocal work, a fantastic melody, and a great organ solo in the middle. Plus the outro is very exciting with it's multiple, ascending key changes, which really make this song great.
"Higher Ground" brings out the rock side of this album very well. Straightforward, yet funky, this song really gets one moving. A tremendously powerful vocal performance by Stevie, this song is well-loved by all. If you've only heard the Chili Peppers' cover, you're truly missing out, as all the groove is located here.
The weakest track on here would without a doubt be the greatest song on any R+B album from 1990 onward. This track is "Jesus Children of America", a criticism of evangelical Christians who preach but don't practice. Although it's admittedly the weakest track here, you won't be skipping it, as it still is an awesome, funky song.
And what would a Stevie Wonder album be without the obligatory love ballad? It just so happens that "All in Love is Fair" is a great song, as is typical of 70's Wonder. As always ends up being the case with his ballads, the vocals are the standout, as they are spectacular.
Next is a Latin-style number called "Don't Worry Bout A Thing". If this song doesn't make you want to dance, you may not have any life left in you. The Latin rhythms are infectious and likeable, and the vocals (lead and backup) will amaze you. It has some of the best harmonies I've ever heard in a song before.
"He's Misstra Know It All". Perhaps it's a change of pace from the rest of the album, as it's a softer song, but it plays along well, and has the best melody on the album (and since every song has a fantastic melody, that's saying alot.) And Stevie's soulful performance on the outro will definitely raise your spirits, regardless of how you're feeling (I get chills just thinking about it.)
Surprising how amazing this album is even after thirty years. To think that this style of music would have few artists who would even rival the creativity on display here, even with the advancement and influence of several new genres, including hip-hop, is disappointing. We need Stevie to come back strong this year, and show us musical genius at work once again. And for us teenagers, who never grew up with this, maybe we need to hear some refreshing R+B music for the first time in our lives...
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
perfectly wonderful, February 16, 2006
Stevie Wonder speaks in the language of music - whether you like r&b, jazz, soul, funk, or rock you will be able to appreciate him - he is one of the great entertainers of all time. His voice is so bright and soulful and his instrumental talent is incredible. 'Innervisions' is a very well-crafted album that gels together and seems to be an even greater expression than the monumental 'talking book' - I would recommend both albums - this one just seems to be the crowning achievement.
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~ Stevie Wonder
~ Stevie Wonder
~ Stevie Wonder
~ Stevie Wonder
~ Stevie Wonder
by Stevie Wonder 
