Stevie Wonder Song Review: A Greatest Hits Collection CD

Personnel includes: Stevie Wonder (vocals, harmonica, piano); Paul McCartney (vocals); Michael Jackson, Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Jamil Raheem, Betty Wright, Kurt Carr Singers (background vocals).
Producers: Stevie Wonder, Henry Cosby, Clarence Paul, William "Mickey" Stevenson, George Martin.
Includes liner notes by Daniel Levitin.
Personnel: Henry Cosby (programming); Jamil Raheem, Walter Williams , Eddie LeVert, Kurt Carr, Betty Wright (background vocals).
Liner Note Author: Daniel Levitin.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Edward "DJ Eddie F" Ferrell; Stevie Wonder.
Arrangers: Henry Cosby; Paul Riser; Stevie Wonder.
While it's not quite the definitive compilation it could have been, the double-disc Song Review: A Greatest Hits Collection is still a good overview of Stevie Wonder's long, prolific career. Skipping over "Fingertips, Pt. 2" and picking up with "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" and "I Was Made to Love Her," Song Review runs through the next three decades, hitting most of his biggest hits along the way, including "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," "Superstition," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," "Higher Ground," "Living for the City," "I Wish," "Master Blaster (Jammin')," "Ebony & Ivory," "I Just Called to Say I Love You," and "Part-Time Lover." Unfortunately, none of the songs are presented in chronological order. It begins in the '80s, switches to the '70s, hits the '80s again before going back to the '60s -- in other words, it's not really coherent. Nevertheless, most of Wonder's best-known and a good cross-section of his very best songs are included, making Song Review a fine, but not perfect, introduction to his career. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
In 1961, discovered by Ronnie White of the Miracles, he was signed by Berry Gordy of Motown Records. His voice broke in 1964 but he re-emerged in 1965 with a worldwide hit, 'Uptight (Everything's Alright)'. His contract expired in 1971 and Wonder financed two experimental albums, playing almost all instruments. He pioneered the synthesizer's use in black music, and addressed racial and spiritual questions. Where I'm Coming From and Music Of My Mind put him at the forefront of black music. Talking Book (1972) provided hits with 'Superstition' and 'You Are The Sunshine Of My Life'. Innervisions (1973) consolidated his success while Talking Book gave the hits, 'Living For The City' and 'Higher Ground'. Songs In The Key Of Life (1976), perhaps his most ambitious album, displayed musical virtuosity. The highly successful Hotter Than July (1980) included a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, 'Happy Birthday', and a study in reggae, 'Masterblaster (Jamming)'. After Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I (1982), Wonder composed The Woman In Red (1984). It included his biggest-selling single, 'I Just Called To Say I Love You'. In Square Circle (1985) and Characters (1987) returned to accessible melody. Wonder's image as a statesman of black music, and champion of black rights, was boosted by his successful campaign in the 80s to mark the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King with a national holiday.

2 CD