BY: LILLY GOODMAN, STAFF WRITER
Album cover from albumoftheyear.org
“Songs In The Key Of Life” isn’t just a staple in Stevie Wonder’s career — it’s a towering musical accomplishment.
This September, Wonder’s 18th studio album, “Songs In The Key Of Life,” celebrated its 48th anniversary. When people hear Wonder’s name, they often think of songs from this album.
Nearly five decades later, it still holds historical significance in music. Wonder’s magnum opus conveys a mosaic of emotions tied to life experiences. It’s joyful yet reflective, filled with infectious grooves and relatable lyrics.
The album features 21 tracks and runs just under two hours. It paints a soulful picture of Wonder’s life using lively riffs and complex harmonies. The raw emotion is abundant, yet the album maintains composure through intricate percussion patterns.
“A big factor in the composition of music at the time in which this album was created was on the basis of music being artistic versus commercial,” said Brian Stevens, St. Bonaventure University’s director of choral and vocal music. “One of the coolest things about this album is that he did both. [In] 2005, it was put in the Library of Congress for being culturally significant… that’s pretty awesome.
The intro track, “Love’s In Need Of Love Today,” is a perfect example of one of the album’s greatest strengths—its pacing.
“Starting the album with ‘Love’s In Need of Love Today’…who has the courage to do that?” Stevens said. “In the scope of this massive thing, he finishes with “If It’s Magic,” where it’s his vocals and a harp.”
The topics discussed in the album are often viewed as specific to the era in which it was written, but the feelings — even for a modern listener — are ubiquitous.
“He’s always been this innovative,” said Stevens. “this could be a number one for political production, album production, conceptual production [and] lyrical production. How many albums can you say that about that check all the boxes?”
“Sir Duke”
The horn section and high hat create instant familiarity, with brass making the song memorable. Written in tribute to Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder nods to jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. By incorporating brass and swing, Wonder aims to evoke unity, as Ellington did for him.
“I Wish”
“I Wish,” the album’s standout single, opens with a subtle organ line and lively drums, evoking nostalgia for Wonder’s youthful adventures. Its upbeat vibe and relatable theme earned Wonder a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1977.
“Knocks Me Off My Feet”
The song opens with a piano riff that sets the mood as Wonder confesses his love with a mix of hopelessness and excitement. His storytelling and arrangement make the track relatable, and its smooth flow and effortless key change make it a standout for both new and longtime fans.
“As”
This seven-minute track blends soul and a minor key, starting with a piano melody and building into a bold declaration of love. Wonder explores the persistence of love through life’s changes, creating a powerful and emotional song. Stevens explained Wonder’s use of musical technology, including an instrument he bought while making the album: the Yamaha GX-1.
“He was one of the first guys to use these early synthesizers,” Stevens said. “The personal investment into this album by contracts and buying $60k worth of synths out of the 13 available outside of Japan, he had two.”
Conclusion
“If you asked me what I would rate this album, it’s a 10 out of 10,” said Stevens. “There’s a conceptual journey on purpose.”
From the infectious tones from “I Wish” to the spiritual sound of “As,” the album possesses a broad spectrum of sound while staying true to his signature musicianship. The blend of soul, jazz, funk and pop cements the album as a climactic work in his discography. “Songs in the Key of Life” is a masterpiece in Stevie Wonder’s career, showcasing his seemingly poetic ability to blend lovely reminiscence with reflection through a series of timeless melodies.
goodmaln24@bonaventure.edu
