Stevie Wonder is the wonder child of soul. Born blind, but with a vision that reached further than most sighted people. He plays every instrument, writes everything himself, and has a voice that bursts with joy.
His music in the seventies is a unique mix of funk, R&B, jazz, and pop. He sings about social injustice, but also about the pure beauty of life and love.
Here are the ten best songs of Stevie Wonder.
Cast your vote - the ranking shifts live based on the votes.
Superstition
The funkiest track of all time. That opening on the drums, followed by that clavinet riff... that's magic. Jeff Beck came up with the beat, Stevie made it a worldwide hit.nnIt's about superstition and fear of the unknown. "When you believe in things that you don't understand." The groove is so fat and compelling that your body moves on its own. Stevie Wonder at the absolute peak of his powers.
Sir Duke
A tribute to Duke Ellington and the greats of jazz. The brass riff in this song is iconic and lightning fast; every musician tries to play it.nnIt's pure pleasure. "Music is a world within itself." Stevie celebrates the power of music to bring people together. It's happy, virtuosic, and irresistible.
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Isn't She Lovely
Written for the birth of his daughter Aisha. The joy and pride of a new father splash all over it. It's a simple, sincere, and radiant song. A celebration of new life that touches everyone. And the harmonica solo is one of the most famous in the world.
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As
One of the most beautiful love declarations ever. It starts gently and builds to an exultant gospel finale. It lasts seven minutes, but never bores.nnThe lyrics use impossible natural phenomena to describe eternal love ("Until the ocean covers every mountain high"). It's warm, complex, and deeply moving.
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Living for the City
An epic story song lasting seven minutes about racism and the hard life in the city. It follows a boy from Mississippi who comes to New York and is innocently jailed.nnThe synthesizers sound like sirens and city noise. Stevie's voice changes to a raw growl.
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Higher Ground
A funk-rock track driven by a dirty, scraping clavinet riff. Stevie played all the instruments on this song himself.nnIt's about reincarnation and getting a second chance in life (written shortly before his serious car accident). The energy is driving and spiritual.
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Pastime Paradise
A dark, serious song with a hypnotic strings section (from a synthesizer). Famous from the sample in "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio.nnThe lyrics criticize people living in the past and ignoring today's problems. The atmosphere is ominous and haunting. A masterpiece of atmosphere and social criticism.
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Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)
An early Motown classic. It's raw, energetic, and full of soul. The brass are sharp and the "shout" at the beginning sets the tone immediately.nnIt's about completely surrendering to love, even if you've made mistakes. "Here I am baby." It's an explosion of joy that fills every dance floor.
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Master Blaster (Jammin')
Stevie's ode to Bob Marley. It's a lovely summery reggae song with plenty of soul. The beat is tight and swinging.nnIt's about peace and unity ("Hotter than July"). The atmosphere is festive and positive. It shows how effortlessly Stevie takes on different genres.
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I Wish
The ultimate nostalgia track. The bass line is funky and playful. It's about longing for childhood, when everything was simple.nn"Looking back on when I was a little nappy headed boy." You hear the pleasure in the music. The brass section is phenomenal. A song that makes you smile and dance at the same time.
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