Album Information:
Album ID: 9812
About Stevie Wonder:
Stevie Wonder is a legendary American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer known for his soulful, innovative music and his remarkable talent for playing a range of musical instruments. He was born as Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, and grew up in Detroit.
Wonder's musical talent was evident from a young age, as he learned to play piano, drums, and harmonica before he was ten years old. By the time he was eleven, he had signed a recording contract with Motown Records, and had begun releasing singles under the stage name 'Little Stevie Wonder.' Many of these songs were written by other Motown artists, and Wonder quickly became a sensation with his energetic, soulful voice and his impressive harmonica playing.
In the 1960s, Wonder became known for his innovative brand of soul and R&B, which combined traditional gospel and blues influences with pop music. He began writing and producing his own music, and his blend of catchy melodies, socially conscious lyrics, and complex musical arrangements quickly set him apart from his peers. Albums like 'Talking Book,' 'Innervisions,' and 'Songs in the Key of Life' cemented his legacy as one of the most innovative and important figures in American music.
Wonder's musical career has also been marked by his commitment to political and social issues, including civil rights, poverty, and global harmony. He has been a prominent supporter of numerous charities and causes, and his music often reflects his beliefs and activism.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Wonder has won an impressive 25 Grammy Awards, as well as numerous other accolades and honors. He continues to perform and record music to this day, and his influence can be felt in a wide range of musical genres, from pop and soul to hip-hop and electronic music. Overall, Stevie Wonder remains one of the most important and beloved figures in American music history.
About the album Innervisions:
Innervisions is a landmark album by the acclaimed American musician Stevie Wonder, released on August 3, 1973, on the Tamla label and recorded primarily at Electric Lady Studios in New York City. The album is widely regarded as one of Wonder's greatest works and a landmark of soul music, and it was a critical and commercial success upon its release, earning four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
The album consists of nine tracks, each showcasing Wonder's diverse musical talents and eclectic influences. The opening track, 'Too High,' is a funky number that features a catchy bassline, intricate rhythm section, and Wonder's soaring vocals. The second track, 'Visions,' is a gentle ballad that showcases Wonder's sensitive side, with his heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery.
'Living for the City' is a poignant social commentary on racial injustice and inequality in America. The track starts with the sounds of a bustling urban environment and then leads into Wonder's vivid storytelling about a young man from Mississippi who travels to the city seeking better opportunities but ultimately falls victim to racism and injustice.
'Golden Lady' is a romantic, jazzy ballad that features Wonder's tender vocals and masterful keyboard playing. 'Higher Ground' is a rousing call to action that encourages listeners to seek spiritual enlightenment and a higher purpose in life. Its rhythmic groove and memorable chorus have made it one of Wonder's signature songs.
The latter half of the album features more experimental and psychedelic tracks, such as 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing,' with its Latin-influenced rhythms and harmonies, and 'He's Misstra Know-It-All,' a scathing indictment of corrupt politicians and power-hungry individuals. The final track, 'All in Love Is Fair,' is a heartfelt ballad that reflects on the complexities and contradictions of love, showcasing Wonder's emotional and musical range.
Innervisions is a masterpiece of its time, with Wonder's innovative and genre-defying approach to music making, showcasing his impressive artistic range and depth. The album remains a timeless classic and a testament to Wonder's unparalleled legacy as one of the greatest musical talents of his generation.
Members:
Stevie Wonder is a solo artist and does not have band members. However, over the years, he has collaborated with various musicians and producers who have contributed to his work. Here is a list of some of the key people who have worked with Stevie Wonder:
1. Clarence Paul - Clarence Paul was a songwriter and producer who worked with Stevie Wonder during his early years at Motown. He co-wrote several of Wonder's early hits, including 'Fingertips' and 'Hey Harmonica Man.'
2. Sylvia Moy - Sylvia Moy was a songwriter and producer who worked with Stevie Wonder during the mid-1960s. She co-wrote several of Wonder's classic songs, including 'Uptight (Everything's Alright)' and 'My Cherie Amour.'
3. Malcolm Cecil - Malcolm Cecil was a producer and engineer who worked with Stevie Wonder on his acclaimed 'Innervisions' and 'Fulfillingness' First Finale' albums. He helped develop the unique synthesizer sounds that became a signature of Wonder's music during this period.
4. Robert Margouleff - Robert Margouleff was a producer and engineer who also worked with Stevie Wonder on the 'Innervisions' and 'Fulfillingness' First Finale' albums. He also played a key role in developing Wonder's innovative synthesizer sounds.
5. Greg Phillinganes - Greg Phillinganes is a keyboardist and songwriter who has worked extensively with Stevie Wonder over the years. He played keyboards on many of Wonder's albums and co-wrote several of his songs, including 'Skeletons' and 'All I Do.'
6. Nathan Watts - Nathan Watts is a bassist who has played with Stevie Wonder since the early 1970s. He has appeared on many of Wonder's albums and is known for his funky, melodic bass lines.
7. Dorothy Ashby - Dorothy Ashby was a jazz harpist who played on several of Stevie Wonder's albums during the 1970s. Her harp playing can be heard on songs such as 'If It's Magic' and 'Summer Soft.'
These key collaborators have contributed to the unique sound and success of Stevie Wonder's career.
Track List for Innervisions:
Sure, here are the tracks in the album Innervisions by Stevie Wonder, along with their playtime and a brief description of each:
1. Too High (4:36) - This song is an uptempo funk track with a heavy bassline and features Stevie Wonder on vocals, keyboards, and harmonica. The lyrics are about the dangers of drug use and how it can lead to ruin.
2. Visions (5:24) - A serene and soulful ballad that puts Stevie Wonder's voice and harmonica playing front and center. The lyrics speak about the power of imagination and the ability to transcend limitations through visualization.
3. Living for the City (7:22) - The album's most popular and socially conscious single, this track tells a story of a young man's journey from the rural south to the urban north, highlighting the many challenges and injustices he faces along the way. The song features a driving rhythm section, powerful horn arrangements, and Wonder's impassioned vocals.
4. Golden Lady (4:58) - A gentle and romantic love song showcasing Wonder's melodic piano playing, smooth vocals, and poetic lyrics. The track has a jazzy feel with subtle horn arrangements and background vocals.
5. Higher Ground (3:42) - A classic and instantly recognizable funk track, 'Higher Ground' features Wonder's electric keyboard playing and joyful vocals. The lyrics discuss spiritual growth and overcoming obstacles with faith and determination.
6. Jesus Children of America (4:10) - This track is a funky and gospel-inflected jam that features Wonder's playful vocals and harmonica playing. The lyrics celebrate the diversity and unity of all people as children of God.
7. All in Love Is Fair (3:44) - A beautiful ballad that showcases Wonder's tender vocals and piano playing. The lyrics lament the loss of a love that could have been, expressing emotions of heartbreak and regret.
8. Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing (4:44) - This upbeat and groovy track is filled with Latin-inspired rhythms and punctuated by a lively horn section. The lyrics are encouraging and uplifting, urging listeners to be optimistic and not let life's challenges bring them down.
9. He's Misstra Know-It-All (5:35) - The album's closing track is also one of its most powerful. A scathing social commentary on corruption and greed, 'He's Misstra Know-It-All' features a brooding groove, soulful horns, and Wonder's biting vocals. The lyrics condemn those who use their power for personal gain and call for a revolution of love and unity.
Discography for Stevie Wonder:
Sure! Here is Stevie Wonder's complete discography in chronological order:
Albums:
1. The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie (1962)
2. Tribute to Uncle Ray (1962)
3. With a Song in My Heart (1963)
4. Stevie at the Beach (1964)
5. Up-Tight (1966)
6. Down to Earth (1966)
7. I Was Made to Love Her (1967)
8. Someday at Christmas (1967)
9. Eivets Rednow (1968)
10. For Once in My Life (1968)
11. My Cherie Amour (1969)
12. Signed, Sealed & Delivered (1970)
13. Where I'm Coming From (1971)
14. Music of My Mind (1972)
15. Talking Book (1972)
16. Innervisions (1973)
17. Fulfillingness' First Finale (1974)
18. Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
19. Journey Through 'The Secret Life of Plants' (1979)
20. Hotter Than July (1980)
21. The Woman in Red (1984)
22. In Square Circle (1985)
23. Characters (1987)
24. Conversation Peace (1995)
25. A Time to Love (2005)
Singles:
1. 'I Call It Pretty Music, But the Old People Call It the Blues' (1961)
2. 'Little Water Boy' (1962)
3. 'Contract on Love' (1962)
4. 'Fingertips (Pt. 2)' (1963)
5. 'Workout Stevie, Workout' (1963)
6. 'Hey Harmonica Man' (1964)
7. 'Castles in the Sand' (1964)
8. 'Kiss Me Baby' (1965)
9. 'High Heel Sneakers' (1966)
10. 'Uptight (Everything's Alright)' (1966)
11. 'A Place in the Sun' (1966)
12. 'Someday at Christmas' (1967)
13. 'I Was Made to Love Her' (1967)
14. 'Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day' (1968)
15. 'You Met Your Match' (1968)
16. 'For Once in My Life' (1968)
17. 'My Cherie Amour' (1969)
18. 'Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday' (1969)
19. 'Never Had a Dream Come True' (1970)
20. 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours' (1970)
21. 'Heaven Help Us All' (1970)
22. 'We Can Work It Out' (1971)
23. 'If You Really Love Me' (1971)
24. 'Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)' (1972)
25. 'Keep On Running' (1972)
26. 'You Are the Sunshine of My Life' (1973)
27. 'Higher Ground' (1973)
28. 'Living for the City' (1973)
29. 'He's Misstra Know-It-All' (1974)
30. 'Boogie on Reggae Woman' (1974)
31. 'You Haven't Done Nothin' (1974)
32. 'I Wish' (1977)
33. 'Sir Duke' (1977)
34. 'Another Star' (1977)
35. 'Send One Your Love' (1979)
36. 'Master Blaster (Jammin')' (1980)
37. 'Happy Birthday' (1981)
38. 'That Girl' (1982)
39. 'I Just Called to Say I Love You' (1984)
40. 'Love Light in Flight' (1984)
41. 'Part-Time Lover' (1985)
42. 'Go Home' (1985)
43. 'Skeletons' (1987)
44. 'Get It' (1988)
45. 'My Love' (1995)
46. 'So What the Fuss' (2005)
Other Releases:
1. Stevie Wonder Live (1963) - live album
2. 'Up-Tight's' Theme (1966) - instrumental EP
3. The Christmas Collection (1999) - compilation of Christmas songs
I hope this helps!