A post

Man, Stevie Wonder was almost on to something with his massive 104-minute Songs in the Key of Life album. The first disc is nearly flawlessly constructed; the only problem is that it makes you feel dirty to listen to it, because a lot of it is shameful pop product. There's this thin line between good catchiness and annoying catchiness, and although he comes close to teetering over, he stays on the good side throughout. However, as the disc progresses, one notices a bit of lyrical impotence, the sort of lyrical impotence you might expect from a blind man who grew up as a superstar; a nasty combination that probably prevents Wonder from actually knowing how real people act.

Smokin' cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall (you nasty boy) Teacher sends you to the principal's office down the wall You grow up and learn that kinda thing ain't right But while you were doin'it-it sure felt outta sight-"I Wish"-Stevie Wonder

Who wants to hear this kind of thing? Not I, said the cow. "I Wish" is devastating musically, even if tarnished by being sampled in Will Smith's "Wild Wild West," but man, did Stevie Wonder even go to school? He had a #1 single at age 6, so I doubt it.
As far as I can tell, though, all the flaws dominate disc 2. I admire Wonder for his consistency, but disc 2 seems like a bit of a shit fest, with the horribly misguided "Black Man" stretching for nearly 9 minutes, and being followed by "Ngiculela-Es Una Historia-I Am Singing," where Wonder proves that yes, he can sing in three languages. Admittedly though, I have a hard time getting past tracks 3-5, and it's supposed to get better after that.


(Teacher: Who was the first american to show the Pilgrims at Plymouth the secrets of survival in the new world?

Children: Squanto - a redman! )-"Black Man"- Stevie Wonder

You know, though, the first disc is damn good. The string pattern of "Village Ghetto Land" brings me to my knees, and "Contusion" is the rare instrumental that works on all levels of pleasure; with catchy riffs, an excellently-managed synthesis of rock and funk, and weird tempoes and time signatures. Also, "Knocks Me Off My Feet" is the rare straightforward love song that turns into a masterpiece.