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After breaking away from the Motown singles mode, Wonder began creating albums that were visionary in concept, sound, and construction. The greatest of these is 1973's INNERVISIONS (1976's SONG IN THE KEY OF LIFE was also an indisputable masterpiece, yet it lacks the economy and focus of INNERVISIONS). Moving largely away from romantic themes (the beautiful "Golden Lady" is the exception), Wonder tackles the socio-cultural landscape of 1970s America, including drugs, urban life, and crooked politicians, in addition to questions of identity, faith, and idealism.
The album is also more musically ambitious than anything Wonder had attempted before. "Too High," the album's opener, has a buoyant, jazzy feel with a subtly complex interaction between instruments and vocals. "Livin' for the City" is a story-song with a stomping beat, gospel flavor, and a dramatic interlude and outro. The churning "Higher Ground" segues into the fierce, slinky groove of "Jesus Children of America" (complete with burbling Arp and Moog synthesizers). The intensity of these songs is not mitigated by the slower songs, which are equally stirring, but by the exuberant, Latin-esque "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing," one of the album's highlights. From beginning to end, INNERVISIONS is a work of genius--a powerful, complex, yet accessible pop masterpiece.
Composer: Stevie Wonder.
Personnel: Stevie Wonder (vocals, harmonica, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, Moog synthesizer, drums); Stevie Wonder; Jim Gilstrap, Lani Groves, Tasha Thomas (vocals, background vocals); Ralph Hammer (guitar, acoustic guitar); Ralph Hammer (acoustic guitar); Dan Barbiero, Austin Godsey (recorder); Clarence Bell, Clarence Bell (organ); Robert Margouleff (ARP synthesizer, Moog synthesizer, programming); Malcolm Cecil, Willie Weeks, Scott Edwards (bass instrument); Sheila Wilkerson (bongos, percussion); Yusuf Roahman (shaker, percussion); Yusuf Roahman (shaker); Larry Latimer (vocals, congas, percussion); Dean Parks (guitar, acoustic guitar); David T. Walker (guitar, electric guitar).
Audio Remasterer: Kevin Reeves.
Recording information: Media Sound Studios, New York, NY; Media Sound, Inc, NY; Record Plant Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Record Plant, Los Angeles And M.
Illustrator: Efram Wolff.
Unknown Contributor Role: Scott Edwards.
Arranger: Stevie Wonder.
RemasteredRolling Stone (12/11/03, p.104) - Ranked #23 in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time" - "...He reads the national landscape, particularly regarding black America, with penetrating insight on INNERVISIONS..." Q (p.120) - "[I]t's ultimately a vision of hope, exemplified by the surging funk of 'Higher Ground' and reflective 'Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing'." Q (5/00, p.135) - Included in Q Magazine's "Best Soul Albums Of All Time" Q (10/99, p.161) - Included in Q Magazine's Best Motown Records Of All Time - "...Wonder himself said that INNERVISIONS is the best and who would argue? A funky, jazzy canvas rich with clavinets and Fender Rhoades that encompasses the feelgood...and the edgy...as well as a clutch of classic singles..." Vibe (12/99, p.158) - Included in Vibe's 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century Mojo (Publisher) (7/00, p.129) - "...Won a Grammy for Album Of The Year and remains high in every discerning list of all-time classic LPs...[A] pretty essential acquisition." NME (Magazine) (10/2/93, p.29) - Ranked #32 on NME's list of the "Greatest Albums Of All Time." NME (Magazine) (9/18/93, p.19) - Ranked #15 among The Greatest Albums Of The '70s.
Real meaning of SOUL MUSIC Marvin Gaye might be the best soul singer, Stevie Wonder on Innervisions transcends soul. Almost telekinetically through his music he puts you in a place of reflection and anticipation.... I first listened to this album in 2002 at age 26 and I haven't stopped listening to it. Musically it stands alone - lyrically it is tight keeps its theme all the way through. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS ALBUM MAKE IT YOUR ABSOLUTE NEXT PURCHASE - AMAZING Submitted by kondwani_mseka (London, England) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 4 of 4 found this helpful.
A Must Have This is truly one of Stevie's masterpieces. I long the way he tells differnt stories with his music. A must have. Submitted by Pure-Tay (Chi-town) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 3 of 3 found this helpful.
One of the greatest albums and one that defines R&B I am convinced that this is an incredible well put together album. Most of the songs
on this album is filled with a wide variaty of emotions and deep thought and touches on realife issues that still to this day speaks loud and clear such as the struggles of being a black man in America.
But above the realife issues of being a minority in America like myself, the musical arrangements on this album is in a really good scence mesmerizing and flawless and really makes you absord every bit of stevie's absolute talented keyboard/piano skills which he timelessly displays. Submitted by Vanililli (Brooklyn, NY, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
I'd give it 6 stars if I could Not only is this Stevie Wonder at his best (and that's saying alot!), but it's one of the finest collections of songs ever recorded. A must-have for any music lover! Submitted by billyjoeboomboom (Bryson City, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 3 of 4 found this helpful.
King Stevie This was the first Stevie Wonder album I ever heard, and it blew my mind! Every song is a classic on this release except for "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing", which is a bit too Latin for me; nevertheless, this is the best R&B album I've heard so far. Submitted by lucasmadigan (Atlanta, GA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 3 found this helpful.
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