An epic album that went beyond the double LP to also require an additional 7" disc when it originally went on sale, Wonder had allegedly accumulated over 200 songs before he went to the studio to create the album.
What's interesting about this album is that it doesn't have many recognisable songs on the track listing, especially given the high esteem that this album is held in. Upon listening, however, it is like wrapping oneself in a warm blanket - familiar, comfortable, and funky. There are countless strong songs, from opener Love's in Need of Love Today, to the outrageously great Sir Duke, that litter the album's spread. It is almost these highlights that set the bar too high for the remainder, with perfectly decent tracks comma such as Joy Inside My Tears seeming to come up short.
The sheer range and variety of tracks is pretty breathtaking, from the slightly syruppy Isn't She Lovely, a song I've spent many an hour singing to my daughter, to the outright Funk of Black Man, via the sprawling synth-pop of Saturn. Whilst not everything quite works, it is quite exceptional that these songs come from the same creative force. Probably testament to this are the number of samples taken from this album alone, with Pastime Paradise, As and I Wish sparking an instant recognition from their re-use in the 80s and 90s.
It is a really enjoyable album, and it certainly fills in a few gaps in my Stevie wonder knowledge, which I had considered fairly broad. Perhaps I expect too much, but it didn't quite live up to the very high standards I had set it in my head. Still, I don't doubt I will return to it fairly regularly, and will definitely feel smugger at being able to recognise more album tracks when they occasionally pop up on 6 Music.
Chloe's album rating: 7
Chloe's favourite track: 5 Sir Duke
Olly's album rating: 7
Olly's favourite track: 5. Sir Duke
Next week we have 395. Ambient Music No.1: Music for Airports - Brian Eno.
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