Tag: Stevie Wonder

audio review : You Will Know ( song ) … Stevie Wonder

For this ballad, Stevie Wonder plays the role of Jesus Christ. You Will Know, The Lord sings in reply to the prayers of his troubled believers, “Trust and I will show.”

Perhaps it’s merely a metaphor to say that “problems have solutions”, but the vocal melodies sound about as soothing and reassuring as any good gospel song.

my rating : 4 of 5

1987

audio review : Characters ( album ) ... Stevie Wonder

audio review : Conversation Peace ( album ) … Stevie Wonder

audio review : Conversation Peace ( album ) ... Stevie Wonder

“The conversation is peace,” Stevie Wonder insists. He’s talking about world peace; a utopian state in which problems like poverty and war don’t exist. It’s an unrealistic fantasy. Human nature doesn’t work that way, but Stevie Wonder is a visionary, so he continues to spread benevolent messages thru music.

If you’re listening for the magic melodies of past albums, you’re in for a disappointment. These songs; meticulously produced, sometimes to the point of bloatedness; are mostly inferior. Exceptions include Robins Will Sing and Cold Chill, both of which serve as worthy additions to the Stevie Wonder song archive.

my rating : 3 of 5

1995

audio review : Jungle Fever [ Music From The Movie ] ( album ) … Stevie Wonder

Songs From The Movie would be a better subtitle as Stevie Wonder not only provides the music to Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever but also the vocals. This is, in effect, a Stevie Wonder album. That it’s also presented as the official soundtrack to the movie, which it also is, undermines that fact. The singer should’ve let the director have the title track, which is the worst song anyway, and save the others for himself. A new Stevie Wonder album with no connection to a movie would make more sense, especially considering it’s been four years since his previous one.

Characters doesn’t sound this good though. From the very first song, a summer bop entitled Fun Day, Stevie Wonder parades his knack for composing wonderful vocal melodies. The not-so-obvious drawback is that the verses sometimes outshine the hooks; Queen In The Black is probably the best example; when it should be the other way around. If She Breaks Your Heart, the lead vocals of which are actually provided by Kimberly Brewer; Stevie Wonder is no homo; gets it right though. Make Sure You’re Sure, a romantic jazz ballad, is also gorgeous.

my rating : 4 of 5

1991

audio review : Cryin Through The Night ( song ) … Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonders why he has the blues. It’s because he lost the best woman he’s ever had to a friend. That means his friend; a guyfriend; stole his girlfriend.

Colloquialisms aside, it’s another case of romantic heartbreak, so instead of sleeping, all this sorrowful ex can do is weep all night “like a weeping willow”.

The music is a little too zesty for the theme, which seems to suggest a slow ballad. The best parts though are the way the horns go soaring through the bridge.

my rating : 4 of 5

1987

audio review : Characters ( album ) ... Stevie Wonder