Innervisions
★★★★☆
Preface
the album is upbeat, funky and serious overall. a rewarding listen with a message to deliver and a lot of musical genius. it has both profound depth and artistic innovation. it’s not always at its peak, there are some mundane moments. it values “music”, it’s music for musicians. meanwhile it’s also for the people because of its sincerity and personality. it has the best of these worlds. I’ll definitely listen to more of his works.
Review
The mighty Stevie Wonder, his first album I’m listening to. Too High starts jazzy, with its swingy drumming and syncopated basslines. so many tasty keyboard licks. the tube-like effect on the vocals matches the Melodica solo. the lyrics have a moving narrative. I like the balance between how present the human voice and the instruments are. it gives me the feeling of being lost in a mental space. Visions starts jazzy as well. the guitar strums sound somber and confused, less funky than before. vocal performance simply and comfortably sits on the introspective lyrics.
But what I’d like to know, Is could a place like this exist so beautiful
Or do we have to take our wings and fly away, To the visions in our minds?
Living For The City takes back the rhythms to the initial dance-y funky 4/4 beat. twangy bass, fun melodic synth. vocal delivery is dominant, and the text actually delivers a serious worthwhile message.
Her brother’s smart he’s got more sense than many
His patience’s long but soon he won’t have any
To find a job is like a haystack needle
Cause where he lives they don’t use colored people
it finally culminates in a frantic, driving funk climax that perfectly conveys the intensity of the protagonist’s journey. at seven and a half minutes, it’s a pretty long statement piece.
Golden Lady is metaphorical. a simple love song as facade, it delivers a message of hope and longing for a better world. it builds up gradually, with each verse adding a layer to the composition. gorgeous and sincere. I don’t love the vocals staying pretty monotonous. the multiple key changes at the end sounds so resolving. it compensates the overall simplicity of the arrangement.
I’‘ve heard Higher Ground before! it’s a relentless funky plea with a groovy clavinet riff and optimistic lyrics.
Gonna keep on trying ‘til I reach my highest ground
the instrumentation on Jesus Children Of America is unforgettable. the message is once again serious and audacious. All In Love Is Fair has an intricate arrangement, and vocals shine here. versatile and expressive. it’s less intense than the serious tracks, but just as pretty, and melodically genius.
I tossed my coin to say, In love with me you’d stay
But all in war is so cold. You either win or lose
When all is put away, the losing side I’ll play
I should have never left your side
Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing has a Latino rhythm. the lyrics are rather vague, and it’s a less “essential” track on the list. I like the monochromatic melody descents, it stands out. He’s Misstra Know It All has a playful instrumentation with satirical lyrics. the comic scatting amplifies the sensation.