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If there is one Stevie Wonder album to own, this is it. The songs are great -- rhythmic, catchy melodies, meaningful lyrics -- some of his best work. The arrangements and playing are tight -- quite amazing when you consider that Wonder played almost all of the instruments on most of the songs. Innervisions defies categorization.
I used to hear a lot of his songs at my old job and this cd has a lot of his greatest tracks on it =)
9) Mistra Know-It-All: This is said to be the 1st of Stevie's tongue lashings aimed towards then President Nixon about his "so called" policies of that day and how out of touch washington was with the realities of life for most people living in this country at that time.No one matches Stevie's uncanny ability give you a snapshot of the world at that moment & his unparelled musicianship set's him apart as one of the True innovators of music history. Great lyrics and he once again is playing all the instruments. I highly recommend this album, especially for those who may be just getting into his work. The crushing agony of a relationship on the brink and a heartfelt cry of a lover unable to deal with it's difficulties.
1) Too High: Song written warning of the lows of continued drug use. The songs are so crisp, clean & relevant still today as much as they were back in the early 70's when the album was first released. 2) Visions: This is probably my favorite on the whole album. He was one of the 1st to use the instrument in place of bass or strings or even guitar.
It's call to examine what you're praying and saying vs. Genius. Stevie takes us on a ride through the visions in his mind and shows us a what the world could be if only love and respect were the order of the day. This song shows why his songwriting skills are unmatched historically. I remember growing up listening to the songs off of this album and being amazed at how one man could capture the social scene of that day.
The lyrics are stunning in this song of a man reaching for something higher than himself and the status quo of that day. Has incredibly meaning even today6) Jesus Children of America: Stevie was one of the 1st mainstream artist to call Christianity to task for the hypocrisy of that day as well as other mainstream religions. what you're actually doing & making sure the 2 match. Great drums and keyboards by Stevie in this song.7) All is Fair in Love: This is a song with lyrics describing what every lover has experienced at some point. It's an incredibly written & produced walk through the life of a person "born in hard time Mississippi" & who, although, is able to get out and make to the "North" where things are supposed to better for blacks finds out the hard way that the song remains the same no matter the geographic location.4) Golden Lady: One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Many artists of that day wrote about it's "highs", but Stevie was one of the 1st to talk about the "lows" of that culture and how it was tearing at the very fabric of the black community especially. Beautifully written song.8) Don't You Worry Bout a Thing: Latin-funk based song about the true meaning of having someone's back in the good times and bad times.
Acoustic guitar is simply outstanding.3) Living for the City: An "epic" that gives the listener an inside perspective of life in america for those of African descent. The progession at the end of the song keeps building to a cresendo going up a key & is a highlight as he sings about the love of his life and how he sees her through the love in his eyes.5) Higher Ground: This is a jam that showcases Stevie using the synthesizer much the way a bass guitar would be used in a song. The song deals with letting those you love know they don't have to worry cause if no one else is there for them, you will be. Not his first but a great starting point to understand his true genius.
This is a great album song/composition-wise. The reason for taking away two stars is because the remastered version is so bright and harsh it hurts my ears. I love Stevie Wonder and this is an excellent collection. It's a 5-star album if you consider just the songs themselves. Stevie's voice is full of sibilance and on the tracks where he has electronically altered his vocals, these come across as way too bright. It gets your attention but soon becomes tiring because of the harshness in the vocals.
"Innervisons" was just a peak into the world of Steveland Morris and what was to come.one of his must haves for your collection.Stevie reaching the peak. With "Innervisions" this album not only reached out to Stevie's inner city fans, it reached out to every nation and it's people. were we redy for "Songs In The Key.". Not't yet but "Innervisions" began the process of filling the inner core of my generation, and many more to come, with knowledged & African American understanding and pride. Indeed, this was his first masterprice. and then along can "Songs In The Key of Life".WOW.
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