A Black History Album: Songs In The Key Of Life By Stevie Wonder.
I wanted to do something different for Black History Month, and I highlighted an album that, to me, is one of the most important bodies of music in our culture. Songs In The Key Of Life: my second-favorite Stevie Wonder album.
The Back Story:
After back-to-back Grammy Album Of The Year wins for his albums Innervisions and Fulfillingness First Finale, Stevie Wonder took two years to release his next master piece: Songs In The Key Of Life. Fans were used to Stevie releasing on a yearly basis, but his taking his time with the album forced Motown Records to issue messages that the album was on its way. What made Songs in the Key of Life so different? Stevie Wonder was at his peak, but also at a different time in his life. He considered leaving the music business. Upset with his contract with Motown Records and with the current state of America, Stevie considered retiring and moving to Ghana to work with disabled children. Shortly after, he reconsidered and signed one of the biggest music contracts in history with Motown. This was the perfect storm to create the perfect album.
Songs In The Key Of Life has HITS. One of my favorites is “I Wish”. (I’m still mad he let Will Smith sample that for Wild Wild West- Sisqo ruined it, lol!). “Sir Duke” celebrates music in only the way that Stevie could. “Isn’t She Lovely” is a tribute to his newborn daughter, Aisha Morris, which is a song for all new parents who welcome a little girl into the world. That song definitely means more to me now, being a new girl dad. These are all songs we still listen to today and can be played at any occasion. I want to share some of the other things I love about the album. Let’s get into it.
Songs For The People:
The album starts off with “Love’s In Need Of Love Today.” Sharing the message that is relevant today. Stevie wrote, “breaking many hearts, stop it please before it’s gone too far”. Stevie pleads for love and compassion to be shown worldwide. “Village Ghetto Land,” asong about the reality of racial inequality and politicians' neglect, discusses the harsh reality of what black people face every day to this day. But how could a song so harsh sound so beautiful? That’s the genius of Stevie Wonder. Listen to the synth that Stevie used to make the song sound like there was a full orchestra. Lastly, in Black Man, Stevie uses his creative superpower to highlight unsung Black heroes.
Songs For The Lovers:
Stevie Wonder blessed us with two classic love songs that will be played forever. First up, let’s discuss “As”. We all know what Stevie’s harmonization does to you when you first hear it playing in your ears. The song can transcend anyone’s mood and warm your heart. When I hear “As”, I think of black weddings. Stevie writes about all the things that could potentially happen in this world and about his love lasting always. I can’t forget about the transition into the second part of the song! Stevie’s voice changes from soft to more raspy when the song takes a fierce turn, just like he does on “Living For The City”. There’s beauty in both parts of the song. Then you have “Knocks Me off My Feet”, which is a sweet ballad with simple yet beautiful lyrics. For example, Stevie writes, “I don’t want to bore you with my trouble, but there’s somethin’ ‘bout your love that makes me weak and knocks me off my feet.” Simple, but vulnerable, and I think anyone who has been in love has felt those lyrics in some capacity.
Songs That Are Gems:
One of the things I love most about Songs In The Key Of Life is that it's a double-disc album. Which gives the listener more opportunities to find hidden gems from this album. I’m actually not a huge fan of long albums, but this album is the exception. Let’s start with “Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing," a multi-bilingual song where Stevie blends R&B and funk with a Latin fusion. The song just has the nuance to make you feel good. Then you have “Ordinary Pain”, which is a smooth groove. The song starts off with a catchy beat that makes you want to tap your foot, then, at the midway point, takes a turn into a funk abyss. Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest when it comes to modulations in songs. My last gem is “Joy Inside My Tears,” another beautifully written ballad. The lyrics state, “You made life’s history, 'Cause you’ve brought some joy inside my tears, And you have done what no one thought could be, You’ve brought some joy inside my tears.” Poetic, simple, and direct. The type of love that changes your life.
Songs In The Keys Of Life is one of the most highly decorated and celebrated albums of all time. I hope, after reading this, you’re able to listen to the album, particularly my hidden gem picks, with a different lens and a greater sense of appreciation. I was blessed to see Stevie Wonder in 2014, on the 40th anniversary of the Songs In The Key Of Life tour. It was one of the best concerts I’ve been to in my life, so this album is dear to my heart. You can stream Songs In The Key Of Life on any platform. After you listen, go check out Innervisions. Thank me later!