Album Reviews5/10
Stevie Wonder Made a Surf Album at 14, and It Mostly Missed
A look back at Stevie Wonder's 1964 surf-rock misfire, a brief curiosity in a legendary career that's less embarrassing than he claims.
CLAY TRIBUNE / THE ARCHIVE
Tag: album review
Album Reviews9/10
55 Years On, ‘Where I’m Coming From’ Still Sounds Like a Motown Prodigy Seizing Creative Control — 9/10
Stevie Wonder's 1971 album 'Where I'm Coming From' marks his break from pop formula, a transitional masterpiece bridging early Motown and his classic era.
Album Reviews6/10
Down to Earth at 60: Stevie Wonder’s Uneven Stepping Stone
Stevie Wonder's 1966 album Down to Earth is a transitional work of ambition and uneven material, with a few standout tracks hinting at his future greatness.
Album Reviews7/10
Motown’s Boy Prodigy Channels Ray Charles on ‘Tribute to Uncle Ray’ — Reviewed, 7/10
A look back at 12-year-old Stevie Wonder's 1963 tribute to Ray Charles — a flawed, fascinating album that captures a genius finding his way.
Album Reviews8/10
Stevie Wonder Speaks His Old Language Fluently on Conversation Peace: 8/10
Stevie Wonder's Conversation Peace is a 73-minute return to form, blending classic pop-soul with modern production. An 8/10 album with standout tracks.
Album Reviews9/10
Stevie Wonder Came Back From the Crash and Made His Most Intimate Record — Fulfillingness’ First Finale, 9/10
Stevie Wonder's 1974 album Fulfillingness' First Finale is an intimate, introspective masterpiece that balances social anger, romance, and spiritual dread. A 9/10 review.
Album Reviews9/10
How “Happy Birthday” Turned Hotter Than July Into a Campaign for the Martin Luther King Holiday
Stevie Wonder's Hotter Than July blends funk, ballads, and protest—including the MLK anthem Happy Birthday. A classic album at peak power, 9/10.
Album Reviews6/10
For Once in My Life: Stevie Wonder Delivers the Hits, and Little Else
Stevie Wonder's 1968 album For Once in My Life balances Motown hits with filler, offering a glimpse of his future genius. A 6/10 review.
Album Reviews3/10
Before He Was Allowed to Be Himself, the Label Dressed Its Boy Genius in Sinatra’s Songbook
Reviewing Stevie Wonder's 1963 album 'With a Song in My Heart' — a fascinating failure as Motown tried to turn a 13-year-old prodigy into a supper-club crooner.
Album Reviews9/10
One Man, Every Instrument: How Music of My Mind Turned Full Creative Control Into a New Sound for Motown
Stevie Wonder's 1972 album Music of My Mind broke the Motown mold with synth-driven, one-man-band ambition. A landmark record reviewed.