Search - Stevie Wonder :: Innervisions

A powerful album

finulanu | Here, there, and everywhere | 05/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Innervisions is one of Stevie Wonder's greatest albums ever. I wouldn't go as far as saying that it's his best, period - I prefer Songs in the Key of Life. But it's definitely the best standard-length introduction to Stevie I can think of.

It's also the closest to "concept album" Stevie's ever come. Many of these songs center on major social issues, both of the time and now. Of the many protests, the best by far is the powerful "Livin' for the City", a funk classic with a staunch viewpoint on poverty and race relations. Another one I love is "Too High", a drug protest that ironically is slightly druggy in itself, what with the hazy vocals and layered harmonicas and all. "Hello Jesus' Children of America" retains this slow, ominous vibe, protesting religious hypocrisy here. And speaking of hypocrisy, "He's Misstra Know-It-All" is a wonderful piano-based jab against famed liar Richard Nixon. "Visions" is another protest, and while it's the weakest on the album, it sure is pretty. And Stevie really delivers vocally during the climactic last verse. I don't know to call "Higher Ground" a protest or not, but such classifications are meaningless when it comes to a classic song such as that. I assume you're familiar with it. It's the one with the quirky synth introduction and the lyrics about reincarnation. It rules. The Red Hot Chili Peppers did a great cover of it, with Flea playing the synth introduction on his bass, but you can't beat the original.

On the other hand, there are the love songs. "All in Love is Fair" may not seem like much at first, until you pay attention to Stevie's vocals and the clever lyrics. Then you should realize how good it is. The gorgeous acoustic love letter "Golden Lady" is actually my favorite from the album, thanks to a beautiful organ solo and a great sense of anticipation. And "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" is lots of fun.

Every word you've heard about this album is more or less true. Definitely buy it if you don't have it already."

Just awesome.

James van Scoyoc | 04/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An incredible melange of gutsy soul, R&B, and jazzy mood music. I had been only marginally aware of Stevie Wonder through his crossover hits on FM rock radio (two of which are on this disc), but I had no concept of what a brilliant artist he is. Through the years my tastes have grown to include a liking for jazz, and the jazz influence here is unique."

Transcendent

Ron Johnson | New York, NY United States | 01/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Genre transcendent, this has to be among the best works of art ever. Time transcendent, this work awakens the spirit of every great composer past, present and future."