Stevie Wonder's Perfect Run

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  • čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
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    00:00 Intro
    00:55 Title Card
    01:02 A New Direction
    02:00 Music of my Mind
    03:56 Talking Book
    05:26 Drums (Superstition)
    06:41 Innervisions
    08:41 Fulfillingness’ First Finale
    09:57 Funk
    11:04 Songs in the Key of Life
    13:48 Love
    15:09 End of the Classic Period
    15:24 Conclusion
  • Hudba

Komentáře • 1,7K

  • @walkamile...3920
    @walkamile...3920 Před 5 lety +4085

    I remember when Paul Simon won the Grammy for the album "Still Crazy After All These Years". He thanked Stevie Wonder for not putting an album out in 1975...

    • @RobertJRoman
      @RobertJRoman Před 5 lety +169

      "Still Crazy" (and Wonder's break year) came in 1976. Simon made that joke at the 1977 Grammy show.

    • @progrockdude2691
      @progrockdude2691 Před 5 lety +63

      @@RobertJRoman Oh no 1976 saw Songs in the Key of Life.
      Nothing from 1975 from him (but certainly "Still Crazy).

    • @HypnoticHollywood
      @HypnoticHollywood Před 5 lety +10

      @@RobertJRoman Thanks for the insight, because I didn't know what Paul Battaglia was talking about.

    • @robertjacksonjr
      @robertjacksonjr Před 5 lety +21

      Yeah, I remember that too!! He said it during his Grammy acceptance speech.

    • @ericwright2763
      @ericwright2763 Před 5 lety +11

      That was a classic moment!

  • @ERASEREPLACEPLACE
    @ERASEREPLACEPLACE Před 4 lety +1370

    Prince stated that "Songs in the Key of Life" was the greatest album ever written. 'Nuff said.

    • @blain147
      @blain147 Před 4 lety +29

      Indeed, Prince did say that himself.

    • @DrinkWater713
      @DrinkWater713 Před 3 lety +2

      For whatever that's worth...

    • @blain147
      @blain147 Před 3 lety +77

      @@DrinkWater713 It's worth a lot; coming from a master genius musician like Prince its a sublime gesture. Prince wasn't intrigued by most, other than Stevie Wonder, James Brown, George Harrison, etc; the list was very small. Many were intrigued by him mostly.

    • @ERASEREPLACEPLACE
      @ERASEREPLACEPLACE Před 3 lety +21

      If you don't know what THAT'S worth, I'm not sure how anyone could take you seriously in regards to your opinion of music. if you have one, that is... @@DrinkWater713

    • @DanielGoldMcduckRose
      @DanielGoldMcduckRose Před 3 lety

      It might be its just kinda overwhelming.

  • @Gabrielm624
    @Gabrielm624 Před 5 lety +1576

    Stevie wonder is a genius on par with Mozart, Bach & Miles Davis

  • @MarkQuick0411
    @MarkQuick0411 Před 5 lety +591

    His classic period is unreal
    The fact he play majority of the instruments blows my mind

    • @MarkQuick0411
      @MarkQuick0411 Před 4 lety +2

      Exactly 😂

    • @ertfgghhhh
      @ertfgghhhh Před 4 lety +1

      Why

    • @apexone5502
      @apexone5502 Před 4 lety +9

      @PurelyAfrican nah, it's majority. Whenever a guitar or horn was played on his songs, those instruments were played by others. By the time "Songs in the Key of Life" came about, he featured a full band on a good number of the songs on that album.

    • @DrinkWater713
      @DrinkWater713 Před 3 lety +3

      Do you even know Tubular Bells ?

    • @skineyemin4276
      @skineyemin4276 Před 2 lety

      However, I don't think he played guitar on any of his 1970s period albums.

  • @Craines
    @Craines Před 5 lety +2295

    It wasn’t called “The Wonder Years”?

  • @kevinheckeler
    @kevinheckeler Před 5 lety +1183

    It's scary to think he's not mentioned much anymore. This was an excellent reminder of his importance and the beauty of his music.

    • @caseywalker1714
      @caseywalker1714 Před 5 lety +37

      Kevin the simple fact that at 21-22 he wrote and produced MUSIC OF MY MIND & TALKING BOOK is bananas. He was on 🔥🔥🔥

    • @crysdee461
      @crysdee461 Před 4 lety +8

      Who isn’t mentioning him?

    • @oldskoolchomp81
      @oldskoolchomp81 Před 4 lety +9

      I remember when everyone left him on stage after the end of Will Smith's stupid ass "wild wild west" song

    • @lisah8438
      @lisah8438 Před 4 lety +10

      I guess that is good because it means he is not problematic.

    • @danielasbjrnsson7500
      @danielasbjrnsson7500 Před 3 lety +6

      @@lisah8438 True! Stevie Wonder is probably the most unproblematic musician there is.

  • @SupaDaveBeatz
    @SupaDaveBeatz Před 5 lety +511

    "As" is one of the best songs ever. The lyrics are heartfelt

    • @olharsemsonhos
      @olharsemsonhos Před 4 lety +5

      You should check Caetano Veloso and Chico Buarque. They are amazing songwritters too!

    • @Nautilus1972
      @Nautilus1972 Před 4 lety +4

      Maybe the best.

    • @SSKMusicBeats
      @SSKMusicBeats Před 4 lety +9

      Oh and the runs and Ad Libs oooh lawdd

    • @maartenverrips1966
      @maartenverrips1966 Před 4 lety +14

      Did you know that true love asks for nothing? Her acceptance is the way we pay. The most wonderful lyric in the history of pop music

    • @SergeantSkeleton
      @SergeantSkeleton Před 3 lety +11

      You listen to the end of the second record on Songs In The Key Of Life. At the end you get As, it starts to fade out and you’re completely satisfied. But no, there’s more. Then you hear the bass piano and the intro of Another Star. It is the perfect encore.

  • @firstnamelastname6005
    @firstnamelastname6005 Před 2 lety +203

    Some may find this dark, but if Stevie had become a member of the 27 club, he still would have finished this classic run AND have lived a full YEAR longer. That is insane

    • @lowlowseesee
      @lowlowseesee Před rokem +24

      LOL morbid yet accurate

    • @johnscart
      @johnscart Před 7 měsíci +3

      stevie wonder is still alive?

    • @andriealinsangao613
      @andriealinsangao613 Před 7 měsíci +2

      ​@@johnscartYes.

    • @levanabrzeni
      @levanabrzeni Před 5 měsíci +1

      You are right. Actually, many people ask the question _ why is Stevie considered to be among all time greats? The thing is, just just know few biggest hits by him, which imho are the weakest links in his whole career. Stevie is indeed the greatest popular musician of the XX in many terms

  • @yeeyee8416
    @yeeyee8416 Před 5 lety +2593

    I feel like no one talks about how great stevie wonder is.

    • @kerryn6714
      @kerryn6714 Před 5 lety +237

      Let’s not wait until he dies to shower him with praise. Stevie is a true legend & phenomenal artist!

    • @yeeyee8416
      @yeeyee8416 Před 5 lety +27

      kerryn67 fr man.

    • @kerryn6714
      @kerryn6714 Před 5 lety +14

      Oblivi Production
      I’ll presume that’s a positive reply! Yeah Stevie!

    • @cardinalman7
      @cardinalman7 Před 5 lety +13

      The man was blind!!!

    • @isaacjgl2657
      @isaacjgl2657 Před 5 lety +50

      literally everyone talks about how they were inspired by him since the 90s

  • @RyanLBrown9396
    @RyanLBrown9396 Před 5 lety +736

    Basically, Stevie Wonder is the perfect musician

  • @lionheartroar3104
    @lionheartroar3104 Před 5 lety +116

    Stevie's run in the 70's was colossal.. Genius.

  • @dirtrockground4543
    @dirtrockground4543 Před 5 lety +222

    Stevie Wonder is the complete musician. Most musicians can only dream of what he was able to do. He is one of my greatest inspirations.

  • @canturgan
    @canturgan Před 5 lety +851

    Songs In The Key Of Life is a real masterpiece.

    • @Brotherhood-pp4tf
      @Brotherhood-pp4tf Před 5 lety +12

      No one can contest such a true statement

    • @sieteocho
      @sieteocho Před 5 lety +18

      Tho I gotta say... he was only 26 when he made that, and then he jumped the shark. You'd have to collect all the highlights of all his later works to get another collection as strong as a single album in his early run. It's scary to think that he could have joined the 27 club and it wouldn't tarnish his legacy by very much.

    • @oranjuly
      @oranjuly Před 5 lety

      There’s a lot of missteps and filler on that record. It’s mostly amazing though.

    • @Brotherhood-pp4tf
      @Brotherhood-pp4tf Před 5 lety +10

      @@oranjuly name 1

    • @Brotherhood-pp4tf
      @Brotherhood-pp4tf Před 5 lety +6

      @Tyler Hackner the songs are infinitely better for being longer. If songs like black man, as, isn't she lovely and many more were shorter they would be a lot worse.

  • @2bteachable2
    @2bteachable2 Před 5 lety +497

    Innervisions is a perfect album.

    • @zplapplap
      @zplapplap Před 5 lety +31

      Agreed. 💯 There are so many great songs that my two favorites on the album, “Too High” and “Golden Lady”, didn’t make it into the essay.

    • @wildsmiley
      @wildsmiley Před 5 lety +17

      Though my favorite Stevie Wonder song is on Songs In The Key of Life (‘Knocks Me Off My Feet’), I think Innervisions is simply his best.

    • @AbbeyRoadkill1
      @AbbeyRoadkill1 Před 5 lety +21

      I go back-and-forth between Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life.
      Innervisions is more coherent and succinct but 'Songs in the Key' has more to digest and features my favorite Wonder song of all time: "As"

    • @jamesk9287
      @jamesk9287 Před 5 lety +6

      It is the one.
      i was recently blown away by the live 1974 performance on German television, a cathartic refreshing 33 minutes every time i watch it.

    • @keithroberts4952
      @keithroberts4952 Před 5 lety +9

      Innervisions in my humble opinion, is his best! Absolutely no filler on this album. Perfect!

  • @heidiheidiho6412
    @heidiheidiho6412 Před 5 lety +53

    Fun trivia: when Paul Simon won the album of the year Grammy for "Still Crazy After All These Years", he thanked Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album that year in his acceptance speech.

  • @cadmiumandwilsin2993
    @cadmiumandwilsin2993 Před 5 lety +288

    Dang. I feel like I've been underappreciating Stevie Wonder my whole nearly 16 years of existence. I just kinda saw him as "that one old blind dude who made isn't she lovely." I didn't know he was an artistic visionary who played a part in producing his own songs and played most of the instruments.

    • @cryptidseafog
      @cryptidseafog Před 4 lety +20

      i feel the same way, but goin' on 17 myself. i grew up to some of his music, and im sad to day how quick i was to push his music aside as "dad's weird music" but this video has definitely helped me grow a larger respect for the music and artist behind it.

    • @wesleyantrim6648
      @wesleyantrim6648 Před 3 lety +9

      Lol yes. If Stevie had been around 400 years ago, he would’ve basically been Mozart. He’s an otherworldly talent.

    • @darklordthomaspie6293
      @darklordthomaspie6293 Před 3 lety +1

      I've always loved Stevie Wonder.
      I've also almost always had almost the same musical taste as my dad

    • @hongkongbeat2164
      @hongkongbeat2164 Před 2 lety +4

      Stevie Wonder's classic period is enlightenment, except for maybe "isn't she lovely", but even that can be forgiven as he was so happy at becoming a father :-)

    • @manasjain2034
      @manasjain2034 Před 2 lety

      I knew him from I just called to say I love you

  • @TalkingBook72
    @TalkingBook72 Před 5 lety +661

    One of my favorite artists of all time. His classic period is incomparable

    • @MattLeDonne27
      @MattLeDonne27 Před 5 lety +7

      Classic SW in unrivaled

    • @hollohullu9448
      @hollohullu9448 Před 5 lety +2

      you can't compare music or give it place over other music

    • @daccsacc
      @daccsacc Před 5 lety +7

      I'd include Steely Dan and Prince too

    • @MattLeDonne27
      @MattLeDonne27 Před 5 lety +7

      @@daccsacc Completly agree, Steely Dan are one of my favorite artists ever and their whole discography is really a perfect run

    • @cadmiumandwilsin2993
      @cadmiumandwilsin2993 Před 5 lety +4

      @@hollohullu9448 Yes you can, but you just have to keep in mind that it's all opinion and that you can't put other people down if they disagree with you. I can, however, put Stevie above Lil Pump in my own personal list of artists.

  • @slmcmorris7902
    @slmcmorris7902 Před 4 lety +61

    Journey Into The Secret Life Of Plants is an absolute compositional masterpiece. It shows the FULL scope of his genius. It's a little weird, but it is one of the most brilliant releases of the 20th century.

  • @briantwiss9078
    @briantwiss9078 Před 5 lety +193

    Thank you for highlighting “As”. A brilliant song that’s often overlooked.

    • @oRuTRa45
      @oRuTRa45 Před 4 lety +7

      Makes no sense whatsoever that it's overlooked.

    • @TheDutchCreeperTDC
      @TheDutchCreeperTDC Před 4 lety +2

      Your pfp reminded me that we really need a video on London Calling or The Clash in general. Extremely influential band.

    • @jourdansarpy4935
      @jourdansarpy4935 Před 3 lety +10

      @@oRuTRa45 the reason is that Stevie Wonder made so many songs that you can legit know 10 of his greatest songs ever and not even be talking about anything he did before he was 18. His career is actually insane. He's literally the greatest musical artist of all time but people don't mention him because it makes the rest of the conversation boring since nobody even comes close to him in terms of quality, impact, longevity with that level of productivity. People always wonder what would have happened if Mozart didn't die when he was 35. The answer is Stevie Wonder.

    • @thedeucemonkey2331
      @thedeucemonkey2331 Před rokem

      Absofrickinglutely my friend...I think it's his best song He's written...
      A boatload of close 2nds though, lol....

  • @mysterbear
    @mysterbear Před 2 lety +56

    Music of My Mind is a monster. Talking Book is sublime. Innervisions, is a poem. Fullfillingness is a prayer. Thank you Stevie. “Can I play?” You can.

    • @wertj3977
      @wertj3977 Před 6 měsíci

      Songs in the key of life is self explanitory, it is the human experience.

  • @TheRookie738
    @TheRookie738 Před 4 lety +73

    Stevie's a better singer, writer and musician, than most legends.

  • @josh0g
    @josh0g Před 5 lety +10

    I won't argue with the classic period, but... What's wild to me is that he went through a period like this, and still had enough in the tank to make Hotter Than July. It's a flawless album as well.

  • @shawnmcvey7789
    @shawnmcvey7789 Před 4 lety +18

    Stevie Wonder, Bowie, and Elvis Costello all have super underrated runs of amazing albums.

  • @MrBkj1965
    @MrBkj1965 Před 4 lety +16

    "In Square Circle" is an underrated album. It's a great work as well.

  • @cbdrums5995
    @cbdrums5995 Před 3 lety +21

    Stevie Wonder is Music, in it’s purest most wonderful form.

  • @LordDragon1965
    @LordDragon1965 Před 5 lety +46

    Songs in the Key of Life is one of my top 10 albums of all time.

  • @justinbligh
    @justinbligh Před 5 lety +34

    Journey through the secret life of plants is a album worth checking out. Very underrated.

  • @barebarekun161
    @barebarekun161 Před 5 lety +45

    Years ago Stevie was revealed that I Wish was actually influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star"
    Another big hit from one of the best if not the best band ever.
    Songs in The Key of Life came out Saturday to beat out EWF's Spirit album that came out Monday in 1976 and they're charted at number 1 and Number 2 on Soul's top 40 respectively.

    • @Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes
      @Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes Před 3 lety

      _Years ago Stevie was revealed that I Wish was actually influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star"_
      I didn't know this fascinating fact, and it gives me an idea for my next project.
      With nearly all of my other uploads - mostly EW&F, a few Paul Simon and a few Stevie, along with others on both of my channels, I knew at the start that I would be successful, but with this possible merger, I'm not sure.
      Also, I note the following connections:
      People in this here comment section have remarked that Simon thanked Stevie for not releasing an album in 1975.
      Simon (solo) and EW&F each had precisely one #1 billboard pop hit, both in 1975:
      50 Ways To Leave Your Lover & Shining Star, which brings us back to the beginning of this reply

    • @Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes
      @Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes Před 3 lety

      YES!
      I see the connection and have a good idea of how this will work

    • @ericrobinson3995
      @ericrobinson3995 Před 2 lety +2

      If Stevie and EWF had collaborated on an album......in their prime during the 70's......I'd still be on oxygen!!!

    • @Nclght
      @Nclght Před 11 měsíci

      ​@@ericrobinson3995That has been my dream collaboration

  • @robcinq5956
    @robcinq5956 Před 5 lety +304

    I never clicked on something faster in my life

  • @Shah-of-the-Shinebox
    @Shah-of-the-Shinebox Před 2 lety +9

    If I were trapped on a desert island and could only have 5 albums, Stevie's 5 classic period albums would be it. They never ever get old.

  • @paisleyprincess7996
    @paisleyprincess7996 Před 5 lety +37

    These five albums. The best ever. There’s not a bad song on Songs in the Key of Life. If you have to own a collection of sheer artistry and brilliant musicianship these albums are it.

  • @ernestrobinson8441
    @ernestrobinson8441 Před 4 lety +27

    His album "Where I'm Coming From" released in 1971 should also be in the classic period. All 9 songs where written by him and his first wife. It's a great album that is severely underrated.

  • @zplapplap
    @zplapplap Před 5 lety +59

    Innervisions is my favorite of this period. Glad to see this magnificent run recognized and remembered.

    • @HotStrange
      @HotStrange Před 5 lety +2

      Andrew W. Just commented the same thing. Too High is so incredible and funky.

    • @zplapplap
      @zplapplap Před 5 lety +2

      Haut Strange I replied to another comment that Innervisions is such a strong album that my two favorite songs, “Too High”, and “Golden Lady”, didn’t make it into Polyphonic’s essay. Amazing songs from beginning to end.

  • @DavidRichardson95
    @DavidRichardson95 Před 5 lety +57

    _Where I'm Coming From_ is a slept on album. That album was the precursor to what he do on those five albums. Stevie is a rare artist. ⚘⚘⚘⚘⚘

    • @StephenAkin
      @StephenAkin Před 5 lety +4

      I'm so glad someone said this! My fav track on that album "Sunshine In Their Eyes" is to me as exquisite and genius as anything that came after it.

    • @DavidRichardson95
      @DavidRichardson95 Před 5 lety +3

      @@StephenAkin Take Up, Look Around, If You Really Love Me and Something Out of the Blue are my go to gems.

    • @StephenAkin
      @StephenAkin Před 5 lety +1

      ​@@DavidRichardson95 All solid tracks and feel-good music!

    • @DavidRichardson95
      @DavidRichardson95 Před 5 lety +1

      @@StephenAkin A total bop. The creativity in that album only showcased what was to come in the next few years.

    • @StephenAkin
      @StephenAkin Před 5 lety +1

      @@DavidRichardson95 💯A bop with all 6 infinity stones!

  • @tommonk7651
    @tommonk7651 Před 5 lety +34

    There are few albums ever recorded that even approach "Songs in the Key of Life". Just an absolute masterpiece. When I first bought it in the 70s, I didn't really appreciate it. I pulled it out awhile after I bought it and just wondered what the hell I was thinking when I originally didn't get it. One of those desert island albums.... One of the best ever.

  • @lowenbad
    @lowenbad Před 5 lety +218

    I consider the conclusion of the classic era to be “Hotter Than July”

    • @mywelcomeinbox
      @mywelcomeinbox Před 5 lety +17

      A very overlooked, yet solid album. But for me also, the definitive end of the classic era I grew up with. :(

    • @napulex107
      @napulex107 Před 5 lety +21

      I agree, even though the 4 new songs off "Original Musiquarium" were the real end of the golden era in my opinion.

    • @Jsimm100
      @Jsimm100 Před 4 lety +1

      +Bradley Swanson I do too.

    • @jonathanbolger6173
      @jonathanbolger6173 Před 4 lety +5

      Everyone's feelin' pretty...

    • @malikmoore8062
      @malikmoore8062 Před 4 lety

      I believe 'Inner Visions' was the second album in this period, yes?

  • @TheMusicMan66
    @TheMusicMan66 Před 5 lety +35

    There is simply NO ONE BETTER musically IMO!

    • @Soufside_Slim
      @Soufside_Slim Před 4 lety

      Prince

    • @ahmirwatson9531
      @ahmirwatson9531 Před 4 lety +6

      mistablackfolks Love Prince but even he would tell you that Stevie wonder was above him

  • @jenhasken
    @jenhasken Před 5 lety +53

    Oh my God. My absolute favorite. This man has given me and others so much joy. He is such a loving, positive person who sees the beauty in life. Not to mention that he’s obviously one of the great musical geniuses of the 20th century.

  • @ansonjackson6254
    @ansonjackson6254 Před 3 lety +13

    It's almost criminal how underrated the Stevie Wonder 70's era is. Top 5 in rock history IMO.

  • @spencoir1
    @spencoir1 Před 4 lety +9

    “Keep on runnin’” one of the most underrated Stevie songs

  • @neugey
    @neugey Před 5 lety +48

    I didn't know half this stuff about Stevie Wonder. Mind blown.

  • @soaribb32
    @soaribb32 Před 4 lety +61

    The man was a one-man band and he was blind.
    I can wash dishes.

  • @billson_jasops
    @billson_jasops Před 5 lety +69

    Bro this video is a masterpiece. Stevie would be proud.

  • @DougMayer
    @DougMayer Před 5 lety +49

    If I could nominate one person to meet aliens on behalf of humanity, it would be Stevie

  • @garnettanner2218
    @garnettanner2218 Před 5 lety +37

    The TONTO synthesizer is now at the National Music Center in Calgary where I live. I knew TONTO was used on Wonder songs but not which ones. I immediately recognized the sound I'd heard demonstrated by one of the amazing techs who repaired the synth. He has since sadly passed on .
    The NMC is a really cool museum dedicated to music history and also important Canadian contributions to music. I encourage anyone visiting Calgary to check it out.

    • @minorsnow5306
      @minorsnow5306 Před 5 lety

      Garnet Tanner. Isley bros and gil Scot heron also used tonto.

    • @Mooseman327
      @Mooseman327 Před 4 lety +1

      And let's not forget Malcolm Cecil who created TONTO.

  • @shanewright2772
    @shanewright2772 Před 5 lety +11

    Innervisions might just be the best album ever made. Thing of it is, Wonder didn't have a particularly diverse bag of songwriting tools, but he did have an incredible ability to get an almost infinite variety of forms out of that narrow range of tricks. And his drumming - good lord! No one , but no one plays drums like Stevie Wonder. You could do a whole episode on just that.

    • @mactherealestateman
      @mactherealestateman Před 8 měsíci

      U can thank Benny Benjamin for his drumming.

    • @shanewright2772
      @shanewright2772 Před 8 měsíci

      @@mactherealestateman 'fo sho'. Nice to see a great an get his props from you, too!

  • @yogibear6363
    @yogibear6363 Před 5 lety +6

    Another musician with a perfect run was Barry Gibb.
    From the last week of December 1977 to the first week
    of January 1979 - a span of 54 weeks - Gibb's songs were
    at #1 for 27 of those weeks. For HALF of that stretch of
    time the #1 song was something he had written.

  • @davidt9238
    @davidt9238 Před 3 lety +9

    I went to a fair number of arena music concerts way back when. The Stones, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Eric Clapton, Queen, Thin Lizzy, Edgar Winter, Rory Gallagher, ELO, Stevie Winwood. None of them came close to the two Wonder concerts I saw in 1976 and 1980. Stevie Wonder is a very special person.

    • @oldschoolruler
      @oldschoolruler Před 2 lety

      Yes. I've seen him twice, 1980, 2018... absolutely incredible.

  • @justdave38
    @justdave38 Před 5 lety +93

    4:34 you are the “sushine” of my life
    Love these videos great editing and great narration and another worldy depth of exploration.

    • @msmoniz
      @msmoniz Před 5 lety +4

      Yeah caught that and I thought " was the original purposely titled like that for effect?" Nope, it's a typo!

    • @brandonboatner9952
      @brandonboatner9952 Před 4 lety

      An other wordly* lol speaking of typos

  • @selalewis9189
    @selalewis9189 Před 4 lety +11

    _Music Of My Mind_ is my favorite Stevie Wonder album. It's complete, complex, and manages to still sound contemporary. The lyrics are sexy, silly, heartfelt, longing, and bittersweet. Up there with Miles Davis' _Kind of Blue_ We should not take Stevie Wonder for granted. Treat him like we treat The Beatles. Thanks for this excellent video.

    • @arijitsengupta9766
      @arijitsengupta9766 Před rokem

      It is one of my favourite albums, the entire album, the album artwork, the liner notes - all are amazing and unmatched.

  •  Před 5 lety +26

    Stevie was one of the most beloved influential soundtracks to my life. I owe him such a debt of gratitude!

  • @darkhalo0868
    @darkhalo0868 Před 4 lety +9

    It's a shame that a lot of people have forgotten or never knew just how BRILLIANT Stevie Wonder was/is. Thank you for reminding them.

  • @DavidSaintloth
    @DavidSaintloth Před 4 lety +16

    People consider modern artists innovative.
    Wonder comes along and says "Hold my Beer."
    Wonder is the Einstein of Modern music. His music will be listened to and studied for decades to come.

    • @mcdonoghrahloh459
      @mcdonoghrahloh459 Před 4 lety

      David Saintloth Einstein was s fraud,propaganda for liars.Stevie isreal.

  • @jakspin
    @jakspin Před 4 lety +9

    Stevie is simply the greatest of all time. Nothing compares to his melodies, chords, lyrics etc. I feel very blessed to have learned about him at a very young age. And he's been the greatest inspiration to me as a musician ever since. Nothing but love for Steveland

  • @trollof229antthevariable9

    Stevie is the Goat. Just played "That Girl into Do I do". And at the end of the latter track the man featured Dizzy Gillespie. I mean his style just seamlessly encorporated the past and future, while breaking grounds..one of the most sampled in rap...

  • @Keepdapocket
    @Keepdapocket Před 8 měsíci +2

    I was a young kid on the 70’s starting my musical journey. Of course, funk and will disco were the rage for 8-10 year old kids like myself. Of course, i listened and knew all of Stevie‘a 70’s work.
    Like any black teenager in the early 80’s, I was a B-Boy, but still a musician. I started getting serious about my music though.
    My father said to me at that time, “if you truly want to be serious, take the three albums to your room and practice!”
    The albums he gave me were inner visions and songs on the key of life by Stevie, and Donnie Hathaway.

  • @derek2678
    @derek2678 Před 5 lety +113

    Some themes I'd like to recommend
    -The story of the wall
    -How U2 changed live shows
    -Creedence Clearwater revival and war
    -How grunge ended hair metal
    -Metallica's change of subject matter from each album, explained

  • @Brotherhood-pp4tf
    @Brotherhood-pp4tf Před 5 lety +26

    His music was experimental, cutting edge, fun, personal, meaningful and relatable to all who listened to it. Most artist aim to have even 1 album that even compares to these 5 and it usually doesn't happen, so the fact Stevie made 5 classic albums one after the other is astounding. All of which led to his Magnum Opus Songs in the Key of Life, made even more impressive that he produced the whole damn thing. What an amazing vision from an amazing man, well done Stevie Wonder.

  • @nirmalsuki
    @nirmalsuki Před 5 lety +5

    Stevie Wonder is an unparalleled genius of our time...

  • @ornleifs
    @ornleifs Před 4 lety +40

    "The Secret life of Plants" definitely belongs to the classic Period of Stevie Wonder, it has some of his best songs and the album is a Brilliant Masterpiece.

    • @mcdonoghrahloh459
      @mcdonoghrahloh459 Před 4 lety +2

      Send her your love?

    • @dunngyllite7883
      @dunngyllite7883 Před 4 lety +2

      Just wanted to comment something similar - so here is your well earned thumbs up ;)

    • @lyleugleman9799
      @lyleugleman9799 Před 3 lety +1

      strongly agree, that album is incredible. arguably hotter than july should be included as well...

    • @dupesleftrubesright7967
      @dupesleftrubesright7967 Před 3 lety

      @Om Leifsson Please.

    • @rommix0
      @rommix0 Před 3 lety

      @@mcdonoghrahloh459 with a dozen 🌹 🥀

  • @cameronthomas4946
    @cameronthomas4946 Před 5 lety +231

    Please do a video like this for David Bowie’s Berlin Trilogy

    • @connorschutz4660
      @connorschutz4660 Před 5 lety +7

      I second this, that'd be great

    • @edalder2000
      @edalder2000 Před 5 lety +6

      @@connorschutz4660 Yeah, "Low" is one of my favorite albums and influenced Joy Division and more.

    • @ahmedmubashir7231
      @ahmedmubashir7231 Před 5 lety +4

      YES. PLEASE.

    • @chuckaudio3191
      @chuckaudio3191 Před 5 lety +3

      Check out the Thin White Duke video.

    • @caseywalker1714
      @caseywalker1714 Před 5 lety +1

      There's more about Bowie the Stevie which is pretty crazu to me (no offense)

  • @MrNathan791
    @MrNathan791 Před 4 lety +33

    Wow, what an excellent mini documentary you put together of Stevie Wonder. This man truly is a musical genius, second to none. So glad that Stevie didn't the big wigs at Motown stop his creativity. Obvious he used the gift that God give him and touched the world like so few artist has done since creation; "and that's not an over statement". Some may disagree, but this man is in the same musical genius atmosphere as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, etc. I can only imagine the conversation that will be going on about this man's genius 200 yrs. from now. It'll be no different than the way folks carry on today about the classical music geniuses from 2-300 yrs. ago for us. Except in the future they'll be able to see Stevie on video and hear him playing his own music on cds or whatever devises they will have. It's mind boggling to think that. I have all of the 5 albums you have on here from that era. Again thanks for posting this , well appreciated. Peace out.

  • @phillicus
    @phillicus Před 5 lety +50

    Great video man.
    Do Prince next. ThAt would be fire

    • @uploadvidz4490
      @uploadvidz4490 Před 4 lety +2

      That would need at least two parts

    • @dupesleftrubesright7967
      @dupesleftrubesright7967 Před 3 lety

      "ThAt would be fire"
      Except for the part where Prince made approximately ZERO great albums.

    • @danielasbjrnsson7500
      @danielasbjrnsson7500 Před 3 lety +5

      @@dupesleftrubesright7967 Um, have you heard Dirty Mind, 1999, Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day, Parade, Sign o' the Times, Lovesexy, Diamonds and Pearls, Love Symbol, The Gold Experience and Hitnrun Phase Two?
      Yeah, Prince made plenty of great albums.

    • @djtrendsetta5766
      @djtrendsetta5766 Před 3 lety

      @@danielasbjrnsson7500 All of those were mediocre, just like the rest of the banal output from his Purple Pedestrianness. Keef said it best when he referred to Prince as an "overrated midget".

  • @hotvision
    @hotvision Před 3 lety +5

    He is the most decorated musician of all time and yet he is still massively underrated and under-appreciated. His golden period speaks for itself and is incredible, but don't count out literally every album he is ever done, starting with "My Cherie Amour" and ending with "A Time To Love". Secret Life of Plants is weird but it has magical moments, Hotter Than July has some great songs, In Square Circle...His early early motown albums, show some magic from a 12 year old Stevie. Its just.. It's incredible. This man is the modern day Mozart of R&B and he is the greatest artist of modern American music. You can enjoy every album he has made from the time he was 16, to the time he was 60. I love Stevie.

  • @jordanhedington2421
    @jordanhedington2421 Před 5 lety +34

    Pleaaase do Miles Davis electric period

  • @safwannizam2932
    @safwannizam2932 Před 5 lety +179

    Thanks so much for all these videos! Have you thought about doing a video on some (more) jazz greats, like John Coltrane/The John Coltrane Quartet or Charlie Parker?

    • @LPPL123
      @LPPL123 Před 5 lety +2

      With all due respect, please no jazz...

    • @chasependleton1161
      @chasependleton1161 Před 5 lety +40

      @@LPPL123 with all due respect, I hope he does more jazz...

    • @Theomite
      @Theomite Před 5 lety +11

      @@LPPL123 Hey, even if you don't like jazz, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane are worth their own videos here AT LEAST. Miles was worthy, so so are they.

    • @Danielwoesthoff1
      @Danielwoesthoff1 Před 5 lety +5

      @@LPPL123 Why not. His Miles Davis video is amazing.

    • @safwannizam2932
      @safwannizam2932 Před 5 lety

      No Entry do you watch rick beato too? lol

  • @lisaspears6380
    @lisaspears6380 Před 5 lety +16

    Stevie Wonder is the grace of life. Thank you for your songs of love of precious life. A rare genius who sees everything for not with his eyes..

  • @PaulMatthewMusic1
    @PaulMatthewMusic1 Před 4 lety +7

    Songs In The Key of Life is theeee most underated album ever! It should be easily in the top 5. Its hard pressed to find a more amazing feat in pop music.

    • @oldschoolruler
      @oldschoolruler Před 2 lety +1

      Prince's, 'Sign O' The Times' is the only one I can think of that even comes close...but, SITKOL is not underated. Those that don't acknowledge its greatness are either ignorant or stupid, or both.

  • @trollof229antthevariable9

    I always used to say Stevie is pure sunshine. A rare blend..

  • @jonmason1955
    @jonmason1955 Před 4 lety +9

    A magnificent homage to a brilliant (Black) American composer and musician. Stevie Wonders albums were the soundtracks of my college and "nightlife" years. I have all the albums mentioned---original first issue vinyl releases. They sounded good on my college stereo set back then, but great on the sophisticated set I enjoy now! May God continue to bless this remarkable man.

  • @jamisonwoodson8548
    @jamisonwoodson8548 Před 4 lety +2

    They Won’t Go When I Go is phenomenal.

  • @RoyalBlue43
    @RoyalBlue43 Před 5 lety +22

    12:30 Umm... It's not "Things".
    "I Wish those days could come back once more"

  • @highwind1991
    @highwind1991 Před 3 lety +6

    This excellent video about Stevie Wonder completely changed how I felt about this artist who I only just saw as The talented blind musician with singles my parents loved. I listened to Songs in the Key of Life 2 weeks ago and I'm still listening to it from start to finish obsessively. Stevie Wonder is and always will be a true musical genius. I have never heard such a lengthy album that pretty much does not waste a single minute here.

  • @Sam-wp7gw
    @Sam-wp7gw Před 5 lety +7

    Stevie has blown my mind so many times. I remember how shocked I was when I learned he played those amazing harmonica solos and I still never knew he played the drums until this video! He has written some of the best songs, funkiest songs, and most emotional songs of all time.

  • @k.pacificnw02134
    @k.pacificnw02134 Před 2 lety +2

    When I read "perfect run," I thought this was going to be a sample of one of his *singing* runs. Those vocal tricks and fast key changes. : )

  • @chelmrtz
    @chelmrtz Před 4 lety +5

    This video brought tears to my eyes. Stevie Wonder is such a special and rare talent and I’m forever grateful I got to know him as an artist in this life. He’s as important to music as any other composer: Mozart, Bach, anyone.

  • @ocasas91
    @ocasas91 Před 5 lety +244

    Hope to see a video on Creedence Clearwater Revival someday.

    • @LPPL123
      @LPPL123 Před 5 lety +20

      Me too! A band with most number two chart songs without ever reaching number one! But they were so worth it

    • @Toto.Reyes16
      @Toto.Reyes16 Před 5 lety +5

      Yeah CCR!!!!!

    • @griffinhealy5048
      @griffinhealy5048 Před 5 lety +12

      But you should know that someday never comes

    • @davymag3476
      @davymag3476 Před 5 lety +3

      Best we can do is revisited, take it or leave it.

    • @liam1558
      @liam1558 Před 5 lety +2

      I think he mentions them in his videos about how the Vietnam war shaped rock music.

  • @TheNicoDavis
    @TheNicoDavis Před 5 lety +8

    Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life are 2 of my favorite albums of all time

  • @johnshields6852
    @johnshields6852 Před rokem +1

    Isn't she lovely was a song I came to associate my daughter, born in 1983, the song kills me everytime I hear it, Stevie's music was all over the radio back in the 1970's, he's a once in a 100 years talent.

  • @totalbliss1
    @totalbliss1 Před 5 lety +8

    This retrospective is so much needed. Too many people don't know about this and the overall greatness of Stevie Wonder.
    The universe has a weird way of taking and giving.
    Too many great artists lives were cut short at the prime of their life during that era and yet the greatest artist that lived,
    next to Lennon at the time is still with us.

    • @brownin329
      @brownin329 Před 4 lety

      Stevie is better than Lennon. Even John would tell you that.

  • @rispaluca1256
    @rispaluca1256 Před 5 lety +208

    Do one on King Crimson. Red and their first album are pretty interesting topics.
    Edit: Starless and Bible Black and Larks’ Tongues in Aspic are too.

    • @CoolCoverBro
      @CoolCoverBro Před 5 lety +12

      As much as I love those albums I feel like Discipline still can be found in mainstream music today.

    • @IveGotToast
      @IveGotToast Před 5 lety +4

      Would be a good time too since they finally released all their material on streaming for the 1st time.

    • @EzioMonty117
      @EzioMonty117 Před 5 lety +5

      I would love to see him talk about the Wetton period and how it changed the prog and the alternative scene forever.

    • @shitpostsam727
      @shitpostsam727 Před 5 lety +1

      *Obligatory JoJo's reference.

    • @johnespree7695
      @johnespree7695 Před 5 lety +1

      Michael Freed Look sharp is a classic

  • @josevictordiogo4174
    @josevictordiogo4174 Před 4 lety +6

    Each of these albums individually deserves its own 20 min. polyphonic video.

  • @cardejah
    @cardejah Před 5 lety +1

    I made a decision to drop some narcotics for therapeutic purposes and face some pent up feelings of losing my father (he passed a few months back). As I sat there waiting for the drugs to kick in, i got a notification for this video and it sent me to another place in time when my father and I would listen to all his favourites in the car. I spent the rest of the night listening to Stevie Wonder. It was like i had spent the evening bonding with my dad and being reminded of all his love, joy, and views on life. Thank you for making this video. What a gift this was to me.

  • @StefveoX
    @StefveoX Před 4 lety +1

    You hear a lot of “Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest musicians of all time”. There is no “one of”. He is THE greatest, most multi-dimensional and endlessly creative artist of all time. His theoretical knowledge, pure musical skills, impossible imagination of subject matters and lyrical genius are... just, godly. Stevie Wonder is music itself personified. All respect to the likes of Beatles and Prince and so on, Stevie Wonder is unparalleled. Let’s not pretend that we don’t owe everything in contemporary popular music to him. Appreciate the greatness!!!!!

  • @EzioMonty117
    @EzioMonty117 Před 5 lety +6

    Your assessment on Songs in the Key of Life pretty much sums it up. Not only is it a double album that actually works but it's up there as one of the best albums of all time. Many artists have tried to replicate what Stevie has made here (every R&B artist from the 90s onwards) but ultimately in the end, the album is a one of a kind album that can't be replicated and will always remain timeless.

    • @bolder2009
      @bolder2009 Před 5 lety

      With the exception of Lauryn Hill's 'The Misducation Of....' I've not heard any R&B artist from the 90s try to replicate this album's scale and range. She's the only one. Not even D'Angelo. The only other R&B artists from the 90s that could even attempt something as ambitious as Songs In The Key Of Life are Omar and Lewis Taylor in my opinion. And what Stevie said about Omar, is quite fitting. But nobody has even attempted anything as ambitious as Songs In The Key Of Life in any genre. The closest album in terms of scale and ambition in recent years would be something like Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp A Butterfly'.

    • @EzioMonty117
      @EzioMonty117 Před 5 lety

      bolder2009 Ok maybe not on the same scale but there are many R&B artists who try to replicate the soul of Stevie Wonder on this album (smooth instrumentation, vocalizing, crystal clear production etc.)

    • @bolder2009
      @bolder2009 Před 5 lety +1

      @@EzioMonty117 Fair enough. I personally don't think R&B artists of the 90s to present have the ambition that the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway , Barry White, Isaac Hayes to name a few, had.

  • @francisdedumo3323
    @francisdedumo3323 Před 5 lety +8

    He's the BEST Pop Star of all time. His music was a masterpiece!

  • @maryeliason1504
    @maryeliason1504 Před 2 lety +2

    I will ALWAYS remember when Paul Simon made that comment. Showed so much respect for Stevie & Paul's humility. We all love you Stevie.🌹🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ UNFORGETTABLE GENIUS. I own all of those albums & remember every song. The poetry & the incredible melodies.

  • @michaelperez8744
    @michaelperez8744 Před 2 lety +7

    I know this is outside the classic run, but I also love "Hotter Than July" as much as the albums in the C-Run. "Key Of Life" has been my favorite album every since I bought it as a double album In Atlanta -- 44 years ago (this was at a long-defunct theme record store called "Oz Records & Tapes" near Lenox Mall, but that's another story). SITKOL still gives me chills when I listen to it, and I hear something different and awe-inspiring every time. To me it is a divinely inspired work of art with one beautiful message and in a sequence of hellacious grooves. Thank you for this fantastic channel!

  • @datsmay
    @datsmay Před 5 lety +34

    What a great testament to one of the pioneers of music. Well done man!

  • @glenjamieson2524
    @glenjamieson2524 Před 5 lety +120

    Polyphonic: 8:26
    Me: Shit, Stevie Wonder crashed his car?

    • @jamesbrasfield2944
      @jamesbrasfield2944 Před 5 lety +23

      Glen Jamieson I immediately thought about the Eddie Murphy joke 😭 I’m going to hell

    • @crnkmnky
      @crnkmnky Před 5 lety +2

      @@jordancooney9619 Stevie Wonder is a moosical genius!

    • @bernhardkrickl3567
      @bernhardkrickl3567 Před 5 lety +13

      It was a pretty bad accident and of course, Stevie wasn't driving. It's really a little miracle that Wonder survived.

    • @sketchtc
      @sketchtc Před 5 lety +2

      Stevie may have actually been driving. Check the Ray Parker interview on Questlove Supreme.

    • @rodrigodelprat
      @rodrigodelprat Před 5 lety +1

      The piano and the singing and all that, I told you how I feel about singing man, I ain't impressed.

  • @punkly8423
    @punkly8423 Před 3 lety +3

    Talking Book is probably my favorite album of all time. Something about it reminds me of warm beautiful days.

  • @dextec49
    @dextec49 Před 4 lety +6

    A legend and a great human being bringing music to the front of social reality. He’s still going today, his legacy as a person will always be present. Great video!

  • @billnalder1017
    @billnalder1017 Před 5 lety +7

    Great presentation as always- but after that incredible ten year 'classic' run, in 1982 he put my all time favorite song into his 'Greatest Hits' album featuring "RIBBON IN THE SKY" (which he performed a version of it at Whitney Houstons funeral)..

  • @ruthjohnson4380
    @ruthjohnson4380 Před 5 lety +4

    Ok, I had no idea that Stevie Wonder played the drums. I always learn something from Polyphonic.

  • @samsonmorrell
    @samsonmorrell Před 7 měsíci +2

    As a teen in the 90s in New Zealand I absolutely smashed Innervisions. So many smash hits. Too High, Living for the city, Jesus Children Of America, Dont you worry, Mr Know it all. While my mates were listening to 90s rap, i was discovering 70s Stevie in all his musical glory.

  • @coreyfellows9420
    @coreyfellows9420 Před 5 lety +8

    I'm a musician...
    A massive fan of the arts
    And a big fan of all things creative...
    Having said that.... This channel is without a doubt the single best music related channel on the web.

  • @LizzyKoala88
    @LizzyKoala88 Před 4 lety +5

    His music is timeless!!

  • @Graciasholmes
    @Graciasholmes Před rokem +3

    The vocal improvising and vamping Stevie Wonder blessed us with on these albums is unparalleled.

    • @TheNerdRapper
      @TheNerdRapper Před 7 měsíci

      I miss the era when people would just sing! Improvise, do runs, vamp, just let the soul loose!

  • @blachubear
    @blachubear Před 5 lety +1

    Back in the 70's when I was a kid, the music Stevie, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, The Philly Sound(Gamble & Huff), Parliament/Funkadelic, Donna Summer, Earth,Wind & Fire, Curtis Mayfield, Commodores, Diana Ross, James Brown, The Meters, Dr. John, KC And The Sunshine Band, The Spinners, Gladys Knight, Elton John, Minnie Ripperton, Quincy Jones, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Bee Gees, along with music before my time Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix & Motown. It was an awesome time to listen to great music while growing up.

  • @pikeman80
    @pikeman80 Před 4 lety +2

    I love "The Secret Life Of Plants", Great documentary too.