Stevie Wonder Greatest Hits Vol. 2 CD

Personnel includes: Stevie Wonder.
Producers: Stevie Wonder, Henry Cosby, Don Hunter, Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol.
Digitally remastered by Kevin Reeves (PolyGram Studios).
Personnel: Stevie Wonder (vocals, harmonica, keyboards); Dionne Warwick, Antoinette Wood, Eugene VanBuren, Nathan Watts (vocals).
Arrangers: Henry Cosby; Paul Riser; Stevie Wonder; Tom Baird.
Stevie Wonder's second hits collection, gathering together his singles from 1968 to 1971, traces his development into a virtuoso talent, from upbeat Motown numbers like "For Once in My Life" to the emergence of Wonder's own style in songs like "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" and "If You Really Love Me." Along the way, he demonstrates an amazingly broad pop sensibility that allows him to handle soul, pop/rock, and ballads, all with equal ease. And, of course, the remarkable thing is that this set was obsolete the day it came out, the summing up of what turned out to be only the first phase of Wonder's remarkable career. This album has been superseded by the Looking Back compilation. ~ William Ruhlmann
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.

Remastered

Rolling Stone (1/6/72, p.70) - "...A lot of albums of this sort become dull because of repitition of certain hit formulas. But Stevie's versatility pulls him through. As a result, this GREATEST HITS album is one of the most relaxing, sophisticated--and euphoric--albums ever released..."