Released by Tamla/Motown in 1973, Innervisions is the third of three tremendous albums from Stevie Wonder’s classic period; The others being Music of my mind and Talking Book. It was followed by Fulfillingness' First Finale and Songs in the Key of Life.
Rolling Stone’s review of the time said, “Wonder's appeal now crosses every boundary…one senses that he is not only exceptionally important today, but will continue to be for as long as he chooses”. Too true!
The album took three Grammy Awards including Album Of The Year. On Innervisions Stevie addresses social issues within what would turn out to be classic songs. It has a depth of content that is all too absent nowadays and what stands out is the content of lyric and execution of music; the majority of instruments played by the singer songwriter. It is quite extraordinary how versatile Stevie's voice is on this album. The Gritty delivery on Living for the City, the sweetness on He's Misstra know it all, the sheer joy on Don't you worry 'bout a thing and the beautiful delivery on All in love is fair. The albums stories are significant and interesting ranging from politics, drugs, the ghetto, love and religion. Cautionary tales and pleas for understanding.
To put things in simple terms this is a perfect album. An album that rewards repeated play. It's not just an exceptional album it is a piece of history; that's how good it is. Listen in awe.
Side One
"Too High" – 4:37
Stevie Wonder - Lead Vocal, Fender Rhodes, Harmonica, Drums, Moog Bass
"Visions" – 5:17
Stevie Wonder - Lead Vocal, Fender Rhodes
"Living For The City" – 7:26
Stevie Wonder - Lead Vocal, Background Vocals, Fender Rhodes, Drums, Moog Bass, T.O.N.T.O. Synthesizer, Handclaps
"Golden Lady" – 5:00
Stevie Wonder - Lead Vocal, Piano, Drums, Moog Bass, T.O.N.T.O. Synthesizer
Side Two
"Higher Ground" – 3:54
Stevie Wonder - Lead Vocal, Hohner Clavinet, Drums, Moog Bass
"Jesus Children of America" – 4:04
Stevie Wonder - Lead Vocal, Background Vocal, Fender Rhodes, Hohner Clavinet, Handclaps, Drums, Moog Bass
"All In Love Is Fair" – 3:45
Stevie Wonder - Lead Vocal, Piano, Fender Rhodes, Drums
"Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" – 4:55
Stevie Wonder - Lead Vocal, Background Vocal, Piano, Drums, Moog Bass
"He's Misstra Know-It-All" – 6:06
Stevie Wonder - Lead Vocal, Background Vocal, Piano, Drums, Handclaps, T.O.N.T.O. Synthesizer, Congas
