On September 28, 1976, Stevie Wonder released his fifth studio album, “Songs In the Key of Life.” Stevie Wonder is an American singer-songwriter known to be one of the most influential artists ever with his influences in pop, soul, R&B, Gospel, Funk, Jazz, and more.
His critically acclaimed project has seen much success and is regarded by music critics as a classic. According to Rolling Stone, Stevie Wonder was considering quitting music and even setting up his farewell tour. But he decided to stick around a little longer and sign a new contract with Motown for $13 million with another $20 million bonus and was able to keep 20% of royalties with publishing rights. This was the biggest record deal ever at the time. “Songs In the Key of Life” won Album of the Year at the 19th Grammy Awards and stays as Stevie best selling album.
This album was very well put together in the sense of how it flows from track to track with one of the more popular tracks, “Sir Duke,” putting Stevie Wonder’s incredible vocals on display with his tribute to Duke Ellington, the jazz composer who influenced him to become a musician.
The song “Pastime Paradise” is also a very special influence on the hit song from Coolio “Gangsta’s Paradise,” using the same flow and instrumentation. Originally Stevie didn’t clear the song for Coolio but then after the song was cleaned up allowed the song to be released in August of 1995. Both songs would live on to be respected classics.
Now these next two songs are my personal favorites of this album showing how great Stevie Wonder is. Coming in at my 2 I have “Summer Soft.” On my first listen, I was not blown away by the song but after the next couple of listens, I couldn’t get it out of my head.
In the last moments of the song, we hear Stevie repeat the line “And she gone, summers gone” each time saying it more meaningfully than the last until the last one it seems he put every ounce of his voice in the microphone.
My number 1 song on the album, just taking the Win, is “As”. The vocal display shown on this track is phenomenal, layering his unusual rough and deep vocal tone with the supporting singer’s light and arrogant reflection. This track is truly phenomenal and I suggest everyone listen to it at least once.
With the album’s one-hour and 45-minute run time, you would think that it would drag on and one would lose interest in the album. But Stevie does a great job of putting specific details to keep the listener engaged like a guitar solo or an incredible vocal breakdown. The instrumentation on the album isn’t credited enough, with many upbeat background vibes that can just change in an instant, to a calm melody able to sweep you off your feet.
Stevie Wonder’s “Songs In The Key of Life” is the perfect example of a classic album. It gives the listener an enjoyable experience and a perspective on music evolution with the influence of Stevie Wonder.