Sensational. This would be an incredible collection of songs from anybody, much less a 21-year-old blind keyboard player. On top of that, as stated on the back cover, "this album is virtually the work of one man" - Wonder plays everything but one solo each on guitar and trombone. "Everything" in this case is pianos, drums, harmonica, organ, clavichord, clavinet, and synths. For Motown in 1972, this was groundbreaking stuff. Wonder would take it up another notch 8 months later with the release of Talking Book.
Update: In its 2020 list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, Rolling Stone ranked Music Of My Mind at #350.
Press of the time:
- High Fidelity: "It's the total musical statement of one of out age's most talented young men. It also brings a new excitement to pop music."
- Billboard: "This entire package is a showcase for the genius of Wonder."
- Record World: "Stevie's virtuosity reaches staggering heights."
- CashBox: "A vital and expressive album"
- Rolling Stone: "both satisfying and exciting."
- Robert Christgau (B+): "Just like the blind genius he's always compared to, Wonder transcends taste."
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #21
Peak on Billboard R&B albums chart: #6
Tracks: The standout track is Superwoman, but the one that grabs you first is Love Having You Around (just listen to how the chorus kicks in at about 1:05). Also noteworthy are the beautiful Happier Than the Morning Sun and the fun Keep On Running. The only clunker is the awkward Sweet Little Girl.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: I found this is a used CD bin which begs two questions: 1) why didn't I already have this album? and 2) who in their right mind trades in a Stevie Wonder CD??
Previously revisited for the blog:
Songs In The Key Of Life (1976)
Talking Book (1972)
Someday At Christmas (1967)
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