Talking Book
Motown - Motown
Stevie Wonder
Release date: 2000-03-21
Audio CD
Album Rock, Funk, Motown, Pop, Pop-Soul, Pop/Rock, R&B, Smooth Soul, Soul, Soul/R & B, Soul/R&B, Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues, United States of America
1. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
2. Maybe Your Baby
3. You And I
4. Tuesday Heartbreak
5. You've Got It Bad Girl
6. Superstition
7. Big Brother
8. Blame It On The Sun
9. Lookin' For Another Pure Love
10. I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)
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Talking Book
Date undefinedthis album was recorded in the early 1970's easily Stevie's most creative period. All of the albums from this point in time are just superb, starting with Music Of My Mind, this one and Inner Visions, every one gets five stars, no boudt a doubt it. Every song a winner.
Talking Book
Date undefinedStevie Wonder's TalkingBook is quite frankly one of the greatest love album ever made. I say that because there is a sincerity and humanness that is through the album. There's the sweet and lightheartedness of "You are the Sunshine of my Life", followed by the almost anger of "Maybe you're baby". The production on the latter is splendid--which makes you question the originality of a certain Hip-hop producer.
Beyond the the funkyness of "Maybe your baby" is tn subtle but stinging and almost sarcastic socio-political commentary of "Big Brother". Stevie's harsh critique of the 1984-like system is only pacified by the country-feel of the production. However, Stevie is at his best when it comes to love. Only Stevie could make heartbreak and the triumph of love sound so unbelievable.
When Stevie sang "Blame it on the Sun" which was co-written by his late wife, Syreeta, it was as if Stevie reached inside the depth of his soul and put his heart in all of its complexities. THe pain is real and it was fresh too. Stevie had just divorced Syretta by the time this record was made and so when that bridge kicks in--it really kicks. The most memorable moment on the album is the last number, the majestic "I Believe when I fall in love."
"I Believe when I fall in love" is love in all its glory from the uncertainty and its potential to transcend time. "I believe" is Shakesphere's Sonnet 116 in real terms. The arrangement especially his soaring harmonies and the overall production is breathtaking and magical. Stevie isn't talking about idealized love as if love were some unattainable dream but but as if this song is a leaving breathing testimony of love and its power.
It's very simple. Buy Talking Book, it it was on of those albums that will inspire and nourish the soul.
Talking Book
Date undefinedThere's not much I can add to all the glowing reviews. It's nearly unanimous that "Talking Book " gets 5 stars as a perfect blend of funk, rock, soft-rock, soul, gospel and smooth jazz. Stevie's musicianship is par excellence. Moreover, he delivers this product of fused genres and diverse readings as an organic whole.
Suffice to say, for me, "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" is one of my favorites. Like a lot of people, the song reflects how I feel about my wife and kids.
"Sunshine of My Life" has also been covered by Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Jim Nabors and Perry Como.
"Superstition" is another great track which hits a nerve into realms unknown.
