Search - Stevie Wonder :: Early Classics

Needs just a few more rarities from the early 60s

semaj emorej | dallas, texas United States | 10/11/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"i give early classics a 3 star rating only because it needs just a few more rarities from stevie's early 60s period.the hits like 'uptight'-'fingertips'-'i was made to love her'-'yester-me, yester-you,yesterday'-have been included in so many of his greatest hits compilations-we hardcore stevie fans would very much like to hear his lesser known or unreleased early material. for example,little stevie recorded a song in the spring of 1963 called 'lois' which is available on motown's "never-before-released masters:from motown's brightest stars-the 1960's"/songs like 'lois' and the ignored 'purple raindrops' should have been included in this collection along with other unreleased unheard classics in motown's vaults.but this compilation does makeup 4 that misstep by including 'little water boy'-a duet with his older mentor clarence paul- the very seldom heard 'with a child's heart'-from his 1966 lp 'uptight'-and also from the 'uptight'album is the upbeat track 'music talk'-and also from 1963 is the funny bright 'monkey talk'-this compilation also includes a few tracks from stevie's 1964 album 'stevie at the beach'-one of my favorite tracks from this album is the beautiful instrumental 'ebb tide'which is so calming and carefree with stevie gliding on clouds with his harmonica with the motown band's cool,calming relaxing groove.this instrumental is so good,i repeat this track over and over again... nonetheless this compilation of stevie wonder as a child genius is good 2 have in your collection...

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This was the beginning of a brilliant career......

D. Pawl | Seattle | 06/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stevie Wonder, or "Little Stevie" the name he went by in the early days of his career, was a musical prodigy (master of the harmonica, soulful singer with a personality, presence and command of songs that was beyond his twelve years). This wonderful little glimpse into the beginning of a R&B master's career contains the songs that made him famous ("Fingertips--Parts 1&2," "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," etc.). Every track on this album is soulful, and the beats range from upbeat and peppy to introspective and full of spirit. I was amazed at the versatility and range of this wonderful artist even before he reached his teens! This album can be enjoyed by people of all ages--from young kids starting out in music to those who have loved Stevie for years. A real treat!"