2008 Woodie Awards
Stevie Wonder: Innervisions
Michael Ceraso
Issue date: 10/26/05 Section: Reviews
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Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions" is an excellent musical montage of the inner journey into the realms of faith, understanding,and beauty.
Wonder strives for excellence in his 14th album by pursuing a thematic sound that listeners can relate to. The fact that he plays all the instruments in seven of the nine tracks is remarkable enough, but the album also pulls the listener in, subduing him or her into introspection.
The lyrics are crafted with such subtle intensity, each song begins and ends perfectly. The soul that Wonder projects through his lyrics and music causes the listener to travel through a spiritual odyssey.
Wonder uses many acoustic and electronic instruments thatareis emblematic of the 70s funk sound; he combines an experimental edge with a commercialize sound.
"Innervisions" contains diverse music ranging from the fluffy ballads that Wonder is noted for to the Latin-driven rhythm sounds demonstrated in 'Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing."
In "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," we are musically lifted by the lyrics which sensitively suggest that the closeness we have with someone we love can overcome the difficulties the world may heap on us.
The song "Visions" represents an idealism that is rare in today's music. The song is an ideal dream that our society can be better than it is, that uncertainty sometimes pushes us to retreat in our minds where the greatest vision of life can truly be illustrated. The guitar in "Visions" produces a unique sound that gives rise to a genuine sense of spirituality.
"Living in the City" is a gem lyrically, as the song describes a tale of the overt racism that is embedded in suburban life, leaving an indelible impression on the listener.
Other songs to listen to are "Too High" and "He's Misstra Know it All," which is an attack song on then US President Richard Nixon.
"Innervisions" is an album that all music lovers should embrace with an open mind and an open heart.
Wonder strives for excellence in his 14th album by pursuing a thematic sound that listeners can relate to. The fact that he plays all the instruments in seven of the nine tracks is remarkable enough, but the album also pulls the listener in, subduing him or her into introspection.
The lyrics are crafted with such subtle intensity, each song begins and ends perfectly. The soul that Wonder projects through his lyrics and music causes the listener to travel through a spiritual odyssey.
Wonder uses many acoustic and electronic instruments thatareis emblematic of the 70s funk sound; he combines an experimental edge with a commercialize sound.
"Innervisions" contains diverse music ranging from the fluffy ballads that Wonder is noted for to the Latin-driven rhythm sounds demonstrated in 'Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing."
In "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," we are musically lifted by the lyrics which sensitively suggest that the closeness we have with someone we love can overcome the difficulties the world may heap on us.
The song "Visions" represents an idealism that is rare in today's music. The song is an ideal dream that our society can be better than it is, that uncertainty sometimes pushes us to retreat in our minds where the greatest vision of life can truly be illustrated. The guitar in "Visions" produces a unique sound that gives rise to a genuine sense of spirituality.
"Living in the City" is a gem lyrically, as the song describes a tale of the overt racism that is embedded in suburban life, leaving an indelible impression on the listener.
Other songs to listen to are "Too High" and "He's Misstra Know it All," which is an attack song on then US President Richard Nixon.
"Innervisions" is an album that all music lovers should embrace with an open mind and an open heart.