Stevie Wonder's Perfect Run

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00:00 Intro
00:55 Title Card
01:02 A New Direction
02:00 Music of my Mind
03:56 Talking Book
05:26 Drums (Superstition)
06:41 Innervisions
08:41 Fulfillingness’ First Finale
09:57 Funk
11:04 Songs in the Key of Life
13:48 Love
15:09 End of the Classic Period
15:24 Conclusion

[@walkamile...3920]

I remember when Paul Simon won the Grammy for the album "Still Crazy After All These Years". He thanked Stevie Wonder for not putting an album out in 1975...

[@RobertJRoman]

"Still Crazy" (and Wonder's break year) came in 1976. Simon made that joke at the 1977 Grammy show.

[@progrockdude2691]

@@RobertJRoman Oh no 1976 saw Songs in the Key of Life. Nothing from 1975 from him (but certainly "Still Crazy).

[@HypnoticHollywood]

@@RobertJRoman Thanks for the insight, because I didn't know what Paul Battaglia was talking about.

[@robertjacksonjr]

Yeah, I remember that too!! He said it during his Grammy acceptance speech.

[@ericwright2763]

That was a classic moment!

[@ERASEREPLACEPLACE]

Prince stated that "Songs in the Key of Life" was the greatest album ever written. 'Nuff said.

[@blain147]

Indeed, Prince did say that himself.

[@DrinkWater713]

For whatever that's worth...

[@blain147]

@@DrinkWater713 It's worth a lot; coming from a master genius musician like Prince its a sublime gesture. Prince wasn't intrigued by most, other than Stevie Wonder, James Brown, George Harrison, etc; the list was very small. Many were intrigued by him mostly.

[@ERASEREPLACEPLACE]

If you don't know what THAT'S worth, I'm not sure how anyone could take you seriously in regards to your opinion of music. if you have one, that is... @@DrinkWater713

[@DanielGoldMcduckRose]

It might be its just kinda overwhelming.

[@Gabrielm624]

Stevie wonder is a genius on par with Mozart, Bach & Miles Davis

[@chuckaudio3191]

Thank you!

[@mrlumpjuice]

Without question!!!

[@johnespree7695]

Gabriel Maric , and Prince

[@TheRomeerome]

Preach !

[@walimvoiceoverartist]

Greater

[@MarkQuick0411]

His classic period is unreal The fact he play majority of the instruments blows my mind

[@MarkQuick0411]

Exactly 😂

[@ertfgghhhh]

Why

[@apexone5502]

@PurelyAfrican nah, it's majority. Whenever a guitar or horn was played on his songs, those instruments were played by others. By the time "Songs in the Key of Life" came about, he featured a full band on a good number of the songs on that album.

[@DrinkWater713]

Do you even know Tubular Bells ?

[@skineyemin4276]

However, I don't think he played guitar on any of his 1970s period albums.

[@kevinheckeler]

It's scary to think he's not mentioned much anymore. This was an excellent reminder of his importance and the beauty of his music.

[@caseywalker1714]

Kevin the simple fact that at 21-22 he wrote and produced MUSIC OF MY MIND & TALKING BOOK is bananas. He was on 🔥🔥🔥

[@crysdee461]

Who isn’t mentioning him?

[@oldskoolchomp81]

I remember when everyone left him on stage after the end of Will Smith's stupid ass "wild wild west" song

[@lisah8438]

I guess that is good because it means he is not problematic.

[@danielasbjrnsson7500]

@@lisah8438 True! Stevie Wonder is probably the most unproblematic musician there is.

[@yeeyee8416]

I feel like no one talks about how great stevie wonder is.

[@kerryn6714]

Let’s not wait until he dies to shower him with praise. Stevie is a true legend & phenomenal artist!

[@yeeyee8416]

kerryn67 fr man.

[@kerryn6714]

Oblivi Production I’ll presume that’s a positive reply! Yeah Stevie!

[@cardinalman7]

The man was blind!!!

[@isaacjgl2657]

literally everyone talks about how they were inspired by him since the 90s

[@firstnamelastname6005]

Some may find this dark, but if Stevie had become a member of the 27 club, he still would have finished this classic run AND have lived a full YEAR longer. That is insane

[@lowlowseesee]

LOL morbid yet accurate

[@johnscart]

stevie wonder is still alive?

[@andriealinsangao613]

​@@johnscartYes.

[@levanabrzeni]

You are right. Actually, many people ask the question _ why is Stevie considered to be among all time greats? The thing is, just just know few biggest hits by him, which imho are the weakest links in his whole career. Stevie is indeed the greatest popular musician of the XX in many terms

[@SupaDaveBeatz]

"As" is one of the best songs ever. The lyrics are heartfelt

[@olharsemsonhos]

You should check Caetano Veloso and Chico Buarque. They are amazing songwritters too!

[@Nautilus1972]

Maybe the best.

[@SSKMusicBeats]

Oh and the runs and Ad Libs oooh lawdd

[@maartenverrips1966]

Did you know that true love asks for nothing? Her acceptance is the way we pay. The most wonderful lyric in the history of pop music

[@SergeantSkeleton]

You listen to the end of the second record on Songs In The Key Of Life. At the end you get As, it starts to fade out and you’re completely satisfied. But no, there’s more. Then you hear the bass piano and the intro of Another Star. It is the perfect encore.

[@Craines]

It wasn’t called “The Wonder Years”?

[@leavewe]

boo :p

[@DarkDennis1961]

Someone had to say it. Glad it wasn't me

[@DibIrken]

Get out

[@lordhuebi]

Now it is :D

[@ErikaMcQueen89]

Craig Nessel 🥁 psst

[@RyanLBrown9396]

Basically, Stevie Wonder is the perfect musician

[@docsavage8640]

Seldom right and wrong again.

[@aaronmedeiros848]

Not by Wonder's standard

[@markcollins1497]

Why even bother, Matt

[@guillermomclean8657]

The greatest musician of ALL times

[@riefkariefani7552]

Couldn't agree more!!!

[@lionheartroar3104]

Stevie's run in the 70's was colossal.. Genius.

[@TheNerdRapper]

facts!

[@heidiheidiho6412]

Fun trivia: when Paul Simon won the album of the year Grammy for "Still Crazy After All These Years", he thanked Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album that year in his acceptance speech.

[@canturgan]

Songs In The Key Of Life is a real masterpiece.

[@Brotherhood-pp4tf]

No one can contest such a true statement

[@sieteocho]

Tho I gotta say... he was only 26 when he made that, and then he jumped the shark. You'd have to collect all the highlights of all his later works to get another collection as strong as a single album in his early run. It's scary to think that he could have joined the 27 club and it wouldn't tarnish his legacy by very much.

[@oranjuly]

There’s a lot of missteps and filler on that record. It’s mostly amazing though.

[@Brotherhood-pp4tf]

@@oranjuly name 1

[@Brotherhood-pp4tf]

@Tyler Hackner the songs are infinitely better for being longer. If songs like black man, as, isn't she lovely and many more were shorter they would be a lot worse.

[@2bteachable2]

Innervisions is a perfect album.

[@zplapplap]

Agreed. 💯 There are so many great songs that my two favorites on the album, “Too High” and “Golden Lady”, didn’t make it into the essay.

[@wildsmiley]

Though my favorite Stevie Wonder song is on Songs In The Key of Life (‘Knocks Me Off My Feet’), I think Innervisions is simply his best.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

I go back-and-forth between Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life. Innervisions is more coherent and succinct but 'Songs in the Key' has more to digest and features my favorite Wonder song of all time: "As"

[@jamesk9287]

It is the one. i was recently blown away by the live 1974 performance on German television, a cathartic refreshing 33 minutes every time i watch it.

[@keithroberts4952]

Innervisions in my humble opinion, is his best! Absolutely no filler on this album. Perfect!

[@dirtrockground4543]

Stevie Wonder is the complete musician. Most musicians can only dream of what he was able to do. He is one of my greatest inspirations.

[@slmcmorris7902]

Journey Into The Secret Life Of Plants is an absolute compositional masterpiece. It shows the FULL scope of his genius. It's a little weird, but it is one of the most brilliant releases of the 20th century.

[@TalkingBook72]

One of my favorite artists of all time. His classic period is incomparable

[@MattLeDonne27]

Classic SW in unrivaled

[@hollohullu9448]

you can't compare music or give it place over other music

[@daccsacc]

I'd include Steely Dan and Prince too

[@MattLeDonne27]

@@daccsacc Completly agree, Steely Dan are one of my favorite artists ever and their whole discography is really a perfect run

[@cadmiumandwilsin2993]

@@hollohullu9448 Yes you can, but you just have to keep in mind that it's all opinion and that you can't put other people down if they disagree with you. I can, however, put Stevie above Lil Pump in my own personal list of artists.

[@briantwiss9078]

Thank you for highlighting “As”. A brilliant song that’s often overlooked.

[@oRuTRa45]

Makes no sense whatsoever that it's overlooked.

[@TheDutchCreeperTDC]

Your pfp reminded me that we really need a video on London Calling or The Clash in general. Extremely influential band.

[@jourdansarpy4935]

@@oRuTRa45 the reason is that Stevie Wonder made so many songs that you can legit know 10 of his greatest songs ever and not even be talking about anything he did before he was 18. His career is actually insane. He's literally the greatest musical artist of all time but people don't mention him because it makes the rest of the conversation boring since nobody even comes close to him in terms of quality, impact, longevity with that level of productivity. People always wonder what would have happened if Mozart didn't die when he was 35. The answer is Stevie Wonder.

[@thedeucemonkey2331]

Absofrickinglutely my friend...I think it's his best song He's written... A boatload of close 2nds though, lol....

[@cadmiumandwilsin2993]

Dang. I feel like I've been underappreciating Stevie Wonder my whole nearly 16 years of existence. I just kinda saw him as "that one old blind dude who made isn't she lovely." I didn't know he was an artistic visionary who played a part in producing his own songs and played most of the instruments.

[@cryptidseafog]

i feel the same way, but goin' on 17 myself. i grew up to some of his music, and im sad to day how quick i was to push his music aside as "dad's weird music" but this video has definitely helped me grow a larger respect for the music and artist behind it.

[@wesleyantrim6648]

Lol yes. If Stevie had been around 400 years ago, he would’ve basically been Mozart. He’s an otherworldly talent.

[@darklordthomaspie6293]

I've always loved Stevie Wonder. I've also almost always had almost the same musical taste as my dad

[@hongkongbeat2164]

Stevie Wonder's classic period is enlightenment, except for maybe "isn't she lovely", but even that can be forgiven as he was so happy at becoming a father :-)

[@manasjain2034]

I knew him from I just called to say I love you

[@mysterbear]

Music of My Mind is a monster. Talking Book is sublime. Innervisions, is a poem. Fullfillingness is a prayer. Thank you Stevie. “Can I play?” You can.

[@wertj3977]

Songs in the key of life is self explanitory, it is the human experience.

[@MrBkj1965]

"In Square Circle" is an underrated album. It's a great work as well.

[@josh0g]

I won't argue with the classic period, but... What's wild to me is that he went through a period like this, and still had enough in the tank to make Hotter Than July. It's a flawless album as well.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

Stevie Wonder, Bowie, and Elvis Costello all have super underrated runs of amazing albums.

[@TheRookie738]

Stevie's a better singer, writer and musician, than most legends.

[@cbdrums5995]

Stevie Wonder is Music, in it’s purest most wonderful form.

[@LordDragon1965]

Songs in the Key of Life is one of my top 10 albums of all time.

[@SergeantSkeleton]

It’s in my top 1

[@afonsovaz4186]

Same

[@Shah-of-the-Shinebox]

If I were trapped on a desert island and could only have 5 albums, Stevie's 5 classic period albums would be it. They never ever get old.

[@justinbligh]

Journey through the secret life of plants is a album worth checking out. Very underrated.

[@zplapplap]

Innervisions is my favorite of this period. Glad to see this magnificent run recognized and remembered.

[@HotStrange]

Andrew W. Just commented the same thing. Too High is so incredible and funky.

[@zplapplap]

Haut Strange I replied to another comment that Innervisions is such a strong album that my two favorite songs, “Too High”, and “Golden Lady”, didn’t make it into Polyphonic’s essay. Amazing songs from beginning to end.

[@tommonk7651]

There are few albums ever recorded that even approach "Songs in the Key of Life". Just an absolute masterpiece. When I first bought it in the 70s, I didn't really appreciate it. I pulled it out awhile after I bought it and just wondered what the hell I was thinking when I originally didn't get it. One of those desert island albums.... One of the best ever.

[@spencoir1]

“Keep on runnin’” one of the most underrated Stevie songs

[@ernestrobinson8441]

His album "Where I'm Coming From" released in 1971 should also be in the classic period. All 9 songs where written by him and his first wife. It's a great album that is severely underrated.

[@arijitsengupta9766]

Certainly

[@tunebean508]

Correct

[@mactherealestateman]

The reason it might not be is because the Funk Brothers played on it. It was the last album they played on.

[@DavidRichardson95]

_Where I'm Coming From_ is a slept on album. That album was the precursor to what he do on those five albums. Stevie is a rare artist. ⚘⚘⚘⚘⚘

[@StephenAkin]

I'm so glad someone said this! My fav track on that album "Sunshine In Their Eyes" is to me as exquisite and genius as anything that came after it.

[@DavidRichardson95]

@@StephenAkin Take Up, Look Around, If You Really Love Me and Something Out of the Blue are my go to gems.

[@StephenAkin]

​@@DavidRichardson95 All solid tracks and feel-good music!

[@DavidRichardson95]

@@StephenAkin A total bop. The creativity in that album only showcased what was to come in the next few years.

[@StephenAkin]

@@DavidRichardson95 💯A bop with all 6 infinity stones!

[@robcinq5956]

I never clicked on something faster in my life

[@HotStrange]

Rob Cin Q Same! So excited 😆

[@georgiosnmanesiotis9561]

me too man

[@mrlumpjuice]

YES!!!

[@taylortanner6778]

Yes!!! I discovered his music 2 years ago and have listened and read so much, and he's so incredible and i still find out new things. Absolutely love Stevie Wonder

[@TheKelvinMusic]

Me neither!

[@billson_jasops]

Bro this video is a masterpiece. Stevie would be proud.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

These five albums. The best ever. There’s not a bad song on Songs in the Key of Life. If you have to own a collection of sheer artistry and brilliant musicianship these albums are it.

[@barebarekun161]

Years ago Stevie was revealed that I Wish was actually influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star" Another big hit from one of the best if not the best band ever. Songs in The Key of Life came out Saturday to beat out EWF's Spirit album that came out Monday in 1976 and they're charted at number 1 and Number 2 on Soul's top 40 respectively.

[@Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes]

_Years ago Stevie was revealed that I Wish was actually influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star"_ I didn't know this fascinating fact, and it gives me an idea for my next project. With nearly all of my other uploads - mostly EW&F, a few Paul Simon and a few Stevie, along with others on both of my channels, I knew at the start that I would be successful, but with this possible merger, I'm not sure. Also, I note the following connections: People in this here comment section have remarked that Simon thanked Stevie for not releasing an album in 1975. Simon (solo) and EW&F each had precisely one #1 billboard pop hit, both in 1975: 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover & Shining Star, which brings us back to the beginning of this reply

[@Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes]

YES! I see the connection and have a good idea of how this will work

[@ericrobinson3995]

If Stevie and EWF had collaborated on an album......in their prime during the 70's......I'd still be on oxygen!!!

[@Nclght]

​@@ericrobinson3995That has been my dream collaboration

[@neugey]

I didn't know half this stuff about Stevie Wonder. Mind blown.

[@ansonjackson6254]

It's almost criminal how underrated the Stevie Wonder 70's era is. Top 5 in rock history IMO.

[@CrookBrown]

In R&B history

[@patreekotime4578]

​@@CrookBrown Rock is just white guys playing R&B!

[@DougMayer]

If I could nominate one person to meet aliens on behalf of humanity, it would be Stevie

[@revdr13]

Doug Mayer he would impregnate them.

[@petermchugh6014]

revdr13 what the fuck

[@jenhasken]

Oh my God. My absolute favorite. This man has given me and others so much joy. He is such a loving, positive person who sees the beauty in life. Not to mention that he’s obviously one of the great musical geniuses of the 20th century.

[@garnettanner2218]

The TONTO synthesizer is now at the National Music Center in Calgary where I live. I knew TONTO was used on Wonder songs but not which ones. I immediately recognized the sound I'd heard demonstrated by one of the amazing techs who repaired the synth. He has since sadly passed on . The NMC is a really cool museum dedicated to music history and also important Canadian contributions to music. I encourage anyone visiting Calgary to check it out.

[@minorsnow5306]

Garnet Tanner. Isley bros and gil Scot heron also used tonto.

[@Mooseman327]

And let's not forget Malcolm Cecil who created TONTO.

[@lowenbad]

I consider the conclusion of the classic era to be “Hotter Than July”

[@mywelcomeinbox]

A very overlooked, yet solid album. But for me also, the definitive end of the classic era I grew up with. :(

[@napulex107]

I agree, even though the 4 new songs off "Original Musiquarium" were the real end of the golden era in my opinion.

[@Jsimm100]

+Bradley Swanson I do too.

[@jonathanbolger6173]

Everyone's feelin' pretty...

[@malikmoore8062]

I believe 'Inner Visions' was the second album in this period, yes?

[@Keepdapocket]

I was a young kid on the 70’s starting my musical journey. Of course, funk and will disco were the rage for 8-10 year old kids like myself. Of course, i listened and knew all of Stevie‘a 70’s work. Like any black teenager in the early 80’s, I was a B-Boy, but still a musician. I started getting serious about my music though. My father said to me at that time, “if you truly want to be serious, take the three albums to your room and practice!” The albums he gave me were inner visions and songs on the key of life by Stevie, and Donnie Hathaway.

[@jakspin]

Stevie is simply the greatest of all time. Nothing compares to his melodies, chords, lyrics etc. I feel very blessed to have learned about him at a very young age. And he's been the greatest inspiration to me as a musician ever since. Nothing but love for Steveland

[@shanewright2772]

Innervisions might just be the best album ever made. Thing of it is, Wonder didn't have a particularly diverse bag of songwriting tools, but he did have an incredible ability to get an almost infinite variety of forms out of that narrow range of tricks. And his drumming - good lord! No one , but no one plays drums like Stevie Wonder. You could do a whole episode on just that.

[@mactherealestateman]

U can thank Benny Benjamin for his drumming.

[@shanewright2772]

@@mactherealestateman 'fo sho'. Nice to see a great an get his props from you, too!

[@soaribb32]

The man was a one-man band and he was blind. I can wash dishes.

[@oRuTRa45]

😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@geminikid609]

So can he lol

[@jamisonwoodson8548]

They Won’t Go When I Go is phenomenal.

Stevie was one of the most beloved influential soundtracks to my life. I owe him such a debt of gratitude!

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

We all do!

[@TheMusicMan66]

There is simply NO ONE BETTER musically IMO!

[@Soufside_Slim]

Prince

[@ahmirwatson9531]

mistablackfolks Love Prince but even he would tell you that Stevie wonder was above him

[@selalewis9189]

_Music Of My Mind_ is my favorite Stevie Wonder album. It's complete, complex, and manages to still sound contemporary. The lyrics are sexy, silly, heartfelt, longing, and bittersweet. Up there with Miles Davis' _Kind of Blue_ We should not take Stevie Wonder for granted. Treat him like we treat The Beatles. Thanks for this excellent video.

[@arijitsengupta9766]

It is one of my favourite albums, the entire album, the album artwork, the liner notes - all are amazing and unmatched.

[@davidt9238]

I went to a fair number of arena music concerts way back when. The Stones, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Eric Clapton, Queen, Thin Lizzy, Edgar Winter, Rory Gallagher, ELO, Stevie Winwood. None of them came close to the two Wonder concerts I saw in 1976 and 1980. Stevie Wonder is a very special person.

[@oldschoolruler]

Yes. I've seen him twice, 1980, 2018... absolutely incredible.

[@darkhalo0868]

It's a shame that a lot of people have forgotten or never knew just how BRILLIANT Stevie Wonder was/is. Thank you for reminding them.

[@rakeldanell]

Who forgot?!

[@yogibear6363]

Another musician with a perfect run was Barry Gibb. From the last week of December 1977 to the first week of January 1979 - a span of 54 weeks - Gibb's songs were at #1 for 27 of those weeks. For HALF of that stretch of time the #1 song was something he had written.

[@DavidSaintloth]

People consider modern artists innovative. Wonder comes along and says "Hold my Beer." Wonder is the Einstein of Modern music. His music will be listened to and studied for decades to come.

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

David Saintloth Einstein was s fraud,propaganda for liars.Stevie isreal.

[@trollof229antthevariable9]

Stevie is the Goat. Just played "That Girl into Do I do". And at the end of the latter track the man featured Dizzy Gillespie. I mean his style just seamlessly encorporated the past and future, while breaking grounds..one of the most sampled in rap...

[@derek2678]

Some themes I'd like to recommend -The story of the wall -How U2 changed live shows -Creedence Clearwater revival and war -How grunge ended hair metal -Metallica's change of subject matter from each album, explained

[@Nikk-Astyr]

Yes, yes to all of those

[@andriealinsangao613]

YESSS

[@augustgreig9420]

How Metallica died with Cliff would be more apt.

[@phillyblunt138]

How (not) to mix bass guitar, with Metallica

[@fadetoblackened4407]

August Greig *changed

[@Brotherhood-pp4tf]

His music was experimental, cutting edge, fun, personal, meaningful and relatable to all who listened to it. Most artist aim to have even 1 album that even compares to these 5 and it usually doesn't happen, so the fact Stevie made 5 classic albums one after the other is astounding. All of which led to his Magnum Opus Songs in the Key of Life, made even more impressive that he produced the whole damn thing. What an amazing vision from an amazing man, well done Stevie Wonder.

[@MrNathan791]

Wow, what an excellent mini documentary you put together of Stevie Wonder. This man truly is a musical genius, second to none. So glad that Stevie didn't the big wigs at Motown stop his creativity. Obvious he used the gift that God give him and touched the world like so few artist has done since creation; "and that's not an over statement". Some may disagree, but this man is in the same musical genius atmosphere as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, etc. I can only imagine the conversation that will be going on about this man's genius 200 yrs. from now. It'll be no different than the way folks carry on today about the classical music geniuses from 2-300 yrs. ago for us. Except in the future they'll be able to see Stevie on video and hear him playing his own music on cds or whatever devises they will have. It's mind boggling to think that. I have all of the 5 albums you have on here from that era. Again thanks for posting this , well appreciated. Peace out.

[@k.pacificnw02134]

When I read "perfect run," I thought this was going to be a sample of one of his *singing* runs. Those vocal tricks and fast key changes. : )

[@justdave38]

4:34 you are the “sushine” of my life Love these videos great editing and great narration and another worldy depth of exploration.

[@msmoniz]

Yeah caught that and I thought " was the original purposely titled like that for effect?" Nope, it's a typo!

[@brandonboatner9952]

An other wordly* lol speaking of typos

[@LizzyKoala88]

His music is timeless!!

[@johnshields6852]

Isn't she lovely was a song I came to associate my daughter, born in 1983, the song kills me everytime I hear it, Stevie's music was all over the radio back in the 1970's, he's a once in a 100 years talent.

[@nirmalsuki]

Stevie Wonder is an unparalleled genius of our time...

[@highwind1991]

This excellent video about Stevie Wonder completely changed how I felt about this artist who I only just saw as The talented blind musician with singles my parents loved. I listened to Songs in the Key of Life 2 weeks ago and I'm still listening to it from start to finish obsessively. Stevie Wonder is and always will be a true musical genius. I have never heard such a lengthy album that pretty much does not waste a single minute here.

[@PaulMatthewMusic1]

Songs In The Key of Life is theeee most underated album ever! It should be easily in the top 5. Its hard pressed to find a more amazing feat in pop music.

[@oldschoolruler]

Prince's, 'Sign O' The Times' is the only one I can think of that even comes close...but, SITKOL is not underated. Those that don't acknowledge its greatness are either ignorant or stupid, or both.

[@lisaspears6380]

Stevie Wonder is the grace of life. Thank you for your songs of love of precious life. A rare genius who sees everything for not with his eyes..

[@chelmrtz]

This video brought tears to my eyes. Stevie Wonder is such a special and rare talent and I’m forever grateful I got to know him as an artist in this life. He’s as important to music as any other composer: Mozart, Bach, anyone.

[@trollof229antthevariable9]

I always used to say Stevie is pure sunshine. A rare blend..

[@TheNicoDavis]

Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life are 2 of my favorite albums of all time

[@StefveoX]

You hear a lot of “Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest musicians of all time”. There is no “one of”. He is THE greatest, most multi-dimensional and endlessly creative artist of all time. His theoretical knowledge, pure musical skills, impossible imagination of subject matters and lyrical genius are... just, godly. Stevie Wonder is music itself personified. All respect to the likes of Beatles and Prince and so on, Stevie Wonder is unparalleled. Let’s not pretend that we don’t owe everything in contemporary popular music to him. Appreciate the greatness!!!!!

[@oldschoolruler]

I concur...

[@StefveoX]

@@oldschoolruler thanks for concurring!

[@jonmason1955]

A magnificent homage to a brilliant (Black) American composer and musician. Stevie Wonders albums were the soundtracks of my college and "nightlife" years. I have all the albums mentioned---original first issue vinyl releases. They sounded good on my college stereo set back then, but great on the sophisticated set I enjoy now! May God continue to bless this remarkable man.

[@hotvision]

He is the most decorated musician of all time and yet he is still massively underrated and under-appreciated. His golden period speaks for itself and is incredible, but don't count out literally every album he is ever done, starting with "My Cherie Amour" and ending with "A Time To Love". Secret Life of Plants is weird but it has magical moments, Hotter Than July has some great songs, In Square Circle...His early early motown albums, show some magic from a 12 year old Stevie. Its just.. It's incredible. This man is the modern day Mozart of R&B and he is the greatest artist of modern American music. You can enjoy every album he has made from the time he was 16, to the time he was 60. I love Stevie.

[@ornleifs]

"The Secret life of Plants" definitely belongs to the classic Period of Stevie Wonder, it has some of his best songs and the album is a Brilliant Masterpiece.

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

Send her your love?

[@dunngyllite7883]

Just wanted to comment something similar - so here is your well earned thumbs up ;)

[@lyleugleman9799]

strongly agree, that album is incredible. arguably hotter than july should be included as well...

[@dupesleftrubesright7967]

@Om Leifsson Please.

[@rommix0]

@@mcdonoghrahloh459 with a dozen 🌹 🥀

[@Sam-wp7gw]

Stevie has blown my mind so many times. I remember how shocked I was when I learned he played those amazing harmonica solos and I still never knew he played the drums until this video! He has written some of the best songs, funkiest songs, and most emotional songs of all time.

[@pikeman80]

I love "The Secret Life Of Plants", Great documentary too.

[@michaelperez8744]

I know this is outside the classic run, but I also love "Hotter Than July" as much as the albums in the C-Run. "Key Of Life" has been my favorite album every since I bought it as a double album In Atlanta -- 44 years ago (this was at a long-defunct theme record store called "Oz Records & Tapes" near Lenox Mall, but that's another story). SITKOL still gives me chills when I listen to it, and I hear something different and awe-inspiring every time. To me it is a divinely inspired work of art with one beautiful message and in a sequence of hellacious grooves. Thank you for this fantastic channel!

[@punkly8423]

Talking Book is probably my favorite album of all time. Something about it reminds me of warm beautiful days.

[@dextec49]

A legend and a great human being bringing music to the front of social reality. He’s still going today, his legacy as a person will always be present. Great video!

[@josevictordiogo4174]

Each of these albums individually deserves its own 20 min. polyphonic video.

[@datsmay]

What a great testament to one of the pioneers of music. Well done man!

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

_I'm gonna pretend I didn't see that._ *~ Stevie Wonders*

[@Zeldarw104]

what in the hell does that have to do with his illustrious career and this video? Yeah yeah, yeah, we know Stevie Wonder's blind is that the only information you received from this excellent video?! #ShortBusRider🤤

[@Dd-xv5du]

Zelda Williams it’s a meme dude

[@Koogai]

@@Zeldarw104 joke.

[@rando5521]

Bro in that meme its not even stevie it ls Ray Charles

[@bhakti235]

i did not see that coming

[@maryeliason1504]

I will ALWAYS remember when Paul Simon made that comment. Showed so much respect for Stevie & Paul's humility. We all love you Stevie.🌹🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ UNFORGETTABLE GENIUS. I own all of those albums & remember every song. The poetry & the incredible melodies.

[@cardejah]

I made a decision to drop some narcotics for therapeutic purposes and face some pent up feelings of losing my father (he passed a few months back). As I sat there waiting for the drugs to kick in, i got a notification for this video and it sent me to another place in time when my father and I would listen to all his favourites in the car. I spent the rest of the night listening to Stevie Wonder. It was like i had spent the evening bonding with my dad and being reminded of all his love, joy, and views on life. Thank you for making this video. What a gift this was to me.

[@phillicus]

Great video man. Do Prince next. ThAt would be fire

[@uploadvidz4490]

That would need at least two parts

[@dupesleftrubesright7967]

"ThAt would be fire" Except for the part where Prince made approximately ZERO great albums.

[@danielasbjrnsson7500]

@@dupesleftrubesright7967 Um, have you heard Dirty Mind, 1999, Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day, Parade, Sign o' the Times, Lovesexy, Diamonds and Pearls, Love Symbol, The Gold Experience and Hitnrun Phase Two? Yeah, Prince made plenty of great albums.

[@djtrendsetta5766]

@@danielasbjrnsson7500 All of those were mediocre, just like the rest of the banal output from his Purple Pedestrianness. Keef said it best when he referred to Prince as an "overrated midget".

[@safwannizam2932]

Thanks so much for all these videos! Have you thought about doing a video on some (more) jazz greats, like John Coltrane/The John Coltrane Quartet or Charlie Parker?

[@LPPL123]

With all due respect, please no jazz...

[@chasependleton1161]

@@LPPL123 with all due respect, I hope he does more jazz...

[@Theomite]

@@LPPL123 Hey, even if you don't like jazz, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane are worth their own videos here AT LEAST. Miles was worthy, so so are they.

[@Danielwoesthoff1]

@@LPPL123 Why not. His Miles Davis video is amazing.

[@safwannizam2932]

No Entry do you watch rick beato too? lol

[@ruthjohnson4380]

Ok, I had no idea that Stevie Wonder played the drums. I always learn something from Polyphonic.

[@francisdedumo3323]

He's the BEST Pop Star of all time. His music was a masterpiece!

[@EzioMonty117]

Your assessment on Songs in the Key of Life pretty much sums it up. Not only is it a double album that actually works but it's up there as one of the best albums of all time. Many artists have tried to replicate what Stevie has made here (every R&B artist from the 90s onwards) but ultimately in the end, the album is a one of a kind album that can't be replicated and will always remain timeless.

[@bolder2009]

With the exception of Lauryn Hill's 'The Misducation Of....' I've not heard any R&B artist from the 90s try to replicate this album's scale and range. She's the only one. Not even D'Angelo. The only other R&B artists from the 90s that could even attempt something as ambitious as Songs In The Key Of Life are Omar and Lewis Taylor in my opinion. And what Stevie said about Omar, is quite fitting. But nobody has even attempted anything as ambitious as Songs In The Key Of Life in any genre. The closest album in terms of scale and ambition in recent years would be something like Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp A Butterfly'.

[@EzioMonty117]

bolder2009 Ok maybe not on the same scale but there are many R&B artists who try to replicate the soul of Stevie Wonder on this album (smooth instrumentation, vocalizing, crystal clear production etc.)

[@bolder2009]

@@EzioMonty117 Fair enough. I personally don't think R&B artists of the 90s to present have the ambition that the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway , Barry White, Isaac Hayes to name a few, had.

[@cameronthomas4946]

Please do a video like this for David Bowie’s Berlin Trilogy

[@connorschutz4660]

I second this, that'd be great

[@edalder2000]

@@connorschutz4660 Yeah, "Low" is one of my favorite albums and influenced Joy Division and more.

[@ahmedmubashir7231]

YES. PLEASE.

[@chuckaudio3191]

Check out the Thin White Duke video.

[@caseywalker1714]

There's more about Bowie the Stevie which is pretty crazu to me (no offense)

[@TheAnthraxBiology]

Clicked on this SO fast. Pink Floyd and Bowie also had incredible runs in the 70s but I don't think anyone will ever compete with Stevie's run. Also fun fact, Marvin Gaye played drums on Stevie's first single when he was just 11! Less fun fact, both of them were being exploited for money as children and they were being shafted by the record companies well into their 20s. And Hotter Than July is underrated as fuck.

[@blachubear]

Back in the 70's when I was a kid, the music Stevie, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, The Philly Sound(Gamble & Huff), Parliament/Funkadelic, Donna Summer, Earth,Wind & Fire, Curtis Mayfield, Commodores, Diana Ross, James Brown, The Meters, Dr. John, KC And The Sunshine Band, The Spinners, Gladys Knight, Elton John, Minnie Ripperton, Quincy Jones, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Bee Gees, along with music before my time Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix & Motown. It was an awesome time to listen to great music while growing up.

[@jordanhedington2421]

Pleaaase do Miles Davis electric period

[@michaeldwatkins_]

This is one of your best videos yet. Hope this becomes a poster.

[@samsonmorrell]

As a teen in the 90s in New Zealand I absolutely smashed Innervisions. So many smash hits. Too High, Living for the city, Jesus Children Of America, Dont you worry, Mr Know it all. While my mates were listening to 90s rap, i was discovering 70s Stevie in all his musical glory.

[@ericrobinson3995]

Steve was just unstoppable, no other artist's music was safe...

[@artkincell]

Thank you for this. I was in high school when Sir Stevie started this run. I bought every record, amazed at his brilliance. Listening to Stevie's words taught me a lot about life. I have been, and always will be a huge Wonder fan. Thank you too, Stevie, for your music, vision, and making driving around, listening to your music in the 70s awesome.

[@augustosolari7721]

Love Stevie... Thank you Polyphonic!

[@ronaldlamar3513]

Stevie didn't compete with the "giants of pop music", he was the GIANT that every other artist of that time measured their work against.

[@Chris_P_Bacon]

Songs in the key of life is one of the best albums ever created