The Best Stevie Wonder Album Of The 1960s
swinginglondon | London | 08/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's true, not all the tracks are original songs, but enough of them are and I'd say about six are really, really good. I've known them all my life and I love them. Just great mid-'sixties Stevie that you haven't heard anywhere else before, not even on compilation albums.
I also love his renditions of 'Respect' and 'Can I Get A Witness', they both have a grooviness and originality of their own.
If you really like Stevie's mid-'60s sound, don't hesitate tracking this album down.
It's a real finger clicker and sing-a-longer. Very 1967, in the best upbeat soulful way. None of the melancholic sweetness that he did so well in the 70s here.
'Everytime I See You I Go Wild' is wild and fabulous!
'I'd Cry' is divine. There's a wonderful irony to the way he sang sad songs in a fast uptempo way.
'Everybody Needs Somebody' has a wonderful, melodic, understated soulfulness.
Actually, the only song I've grown tired of is the title track and yes, there are a few fillers/duds that you'll want to skip, but the good far outweighs the bad.
He was very proud of this compilation when it came out and he was right to be.
I think what lets this album down is its awful cover. Don't let it put you off."