Stevie Wonder - Talking Book (1972)

Note: this release was originally purchased as an LP, later replaced by a CD.

No words can do justice to this perfect, timeless blend of songwriting and performance. All of Stevie's work in the '70s was top-notch, but this could be his finest album ever. The use of the Hohner Clavinet Model C is unmistakably Stevie and one of the most characteristic sounds of the era. In 2003, the album was ranked number 90 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. I think they underrated it at number 90. While Wonder handles most of the instruments himself, there are great solos by Ray Parker, Jr., Jeff Beck, David Sanborn, and Buzz Feiten.

In a 2009 interview with Newsweek magazine, here's what Elvis Costello had to say about Stevie: "He's the most influential musician alive. Every bad singer on American Idol tries to sound like him, and fails miserably. It would be an inspiring thing for him to be the musical laureate of America. Because he is anyway."

Listening to Stevie Wonder is like worshipping at the Church of Love.

Update: In its 2020 list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, Rolling Stone ranked Talking Book at #59.

Press of the time:

• Billboard: "another winner"
• CashBox: "When he talks, people listen. And are moved by what they hear."
• Rolling Stone: "Wonder has produced another of the very best albums this year"
• Record World: "A beautiful and funky album"
• Robert Christgau (A): "The artist breaks through and takes control"

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard Top 200: #3 (Feb 3, 1973)
• Billboard R&B albums chart: #1 (3 weeks)

Tracks: You know they're all good. Sure, the megahits are megagreat - You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (#1 pop, #3 R&B) and Superstition (#1 pop, #1 R&B) - and you might know I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) from the final scene of the movie High Fidelity, but the hidden gems here are Tuesday Heartbreak, You've Got It Bad Girl, and Big Brother. The aforementioned I Believe may be the best closing track of any album ever. After starting off as a ballad, Stevie kicks into party/funk mode more than 4 minutes into the song when he shouts, "C'mon, let's fall in love." Then you're sad when it fades out all too quickly.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: I remember the thrill of discovering the beauty of this album when I was 17 years old. I bought the album on a hunch, but was totally unprepared for what came at me. I still hear something new with each listen.