What Makes This Song Great? ""Superstition" Stevie Wonder

In this episode of "What Makes This Song Great" we explore the music of Stevie Wonder.
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[@keithbird8910]

"Hey Stevie, you need a drummer, bassist, keyboard player, singer, engineer, producer on this?" - "Nah, I'm good thanks"

[@inbutnotoftheworld2237]

Haaaahaha!!😂😂

[@holyhunkcutie84]

Facts 😂😂😂👍👍👍

[@dredrob]

Stevie is like “Hold My Beer 🍺”

[@blommsnruins01u9]

I saw what you did there. bet Stevie didn't😂

[@roberthouston2684]

@@blommsnruins01u9 have ya ever seen his wife? Neither has he...rimshot.

[@bwake]

When Paul Simon accepted his Grammy for “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover”, he thanked Stevie Wonder, who was presenting at the ceremony, “For not making an album this year.”

[@danbennett1005]

😀

[@tangogrrl]

That's Paul alright! Saw him a couple years ago. Still spry, choice band, great voice, & witty

[@debbiehanisch2099]

I love Paul Simon almost as much as Stevie Wonder. I think Simon is a great American storyteller and poet.

[@lisaa8795]

Ya know what Bob? I actually remember that.

[@titussardonicus338]

Stevie Wonder is a gift from heaven, and we're all blessed to share the earth with him.

[@CarlosAnglada]

Testify!

[@TheLisab56]

@@CarlosAnglada Yes!

[@jonathanrcoffin]

I saw Stevie Wonder open for the Rolling Stones at the Inglewood Forum 1972 when I was 17 years old. Stevie was truly amazing. Will never forget.

[@davidconrad7425]

No doubt

[@jackwezesa1081]

@@jonathanrcoffin On that tour the Stones were late for the Boston Garden and Stevie played for hours! He was 22 & kicking ass!

[@BassByTheBay]

You might as well entitle this "What Makes This _Artist_ Great?" because Stevie is one of the most gifted musicians/writers of all time regardless of genre.

[@roberthouston2684]

Truth.

[@user-gy9iw6id1n]

Amen

[@michaelshelata4966]

OF ALL TIME! Yes! and his voice.. Oh. how i wish i could hit those notes.

[@maralynfarber2068]

G-d bless Stevie Wonder!

[@fredkruse9444]

Mind-blowing trivia for the day: "Superstition" was Stevie's 24th top-40 hit. He was 22.

[@blastomaticdisel6189]

So at that time, he had more Top 40 hits than he had years on this planet. Amazing!

[@ryanduray1]

That's incredible.

[@fredkruse9444]

His first hit was a No. 1 when he was 12. (Called "Fingertips," a live harmonica instrumental.")

[@sarajamus]

Only Stevie could write so many hits in such a short time he’d been on this earth!

[@escaton74]

no Top 40 hits during the last 30 years though, he just switched priorities there.

[@briancherry8088]

What makes this song great? Stevie Wonder does.

[@espalier]

PREACH!

[@TheKelvinMusic]

Great comment. Just great.

[@meebrbey]

@@bigballz4u You take life waay to serious

[@youmothershouldknow4905]

Ian Chameleon Go away, fool!

[@george474747]

I only just learned that he is in fact one of my favourite drummers! I'd been wondering who played drums on this track...

[@chrisdrummond8893]

When I was a child, I saw Stevie Wonder play SUPERSTITION on Sesame Street. I thought he was the coolest musician I had ever seen and heard.

[@5000rgb]

plot twist: he was the coolest musician you would ever see.

[@zilksmooth]

That version is on KZbin and yea it’s fantastic

[@brianmessemer2973]

Child you was not wrong 💯

[@nilsnilsson1555]

Me too.

[@musamusashi]

And indeed he was.

[@barbarabordonaro2171]

You could do a whole series on Stevie. There’s so much great about him you would never run out of material. A true legend.

[@Cynsham]

He had already released like 19 albums and won album of the year 3 times by 1977, which he would have only been 27 at the time. He is truly a musical enigma

[@1PUTTZ]

This song is all about the groove. Back when I first learned Stevie not only played the drums, but played them like this, I wanted to quit. How could a blind keyboard player sound like this on MY instrument? Later in life I realized that Stevie is, first and foremost, a musician and a songwriter - and that's just what happens when your entire existence is based on music. And also that making music isn't a competition...it's an experience that is to be shared and to be inspired by others who do the same.

[@rsluggy6485]

We need a huge like button on this comment...

[@marcuswilliams6840]

Beautifully put, friend.

[@davidstojakovich2463]

Well said!

[@bobafruti]

1PUTTZ you don’t have to be the best at something to make something great. Imagine if all the artists who came after the Beatles said “well, I can’t possibly be as good as the Beatles so I won’t even try.”

[@gcarlton]

Amen brother.

[@TheHitsJustKeepComin]

No idea Stevie did everything but the horns - what a freakin genius...

[@markdrum2392]

He was also famous for his harmonic playing. I remember watching him on one of the late night talk shows when he was still being billed as "Little Stevie Wonder" and seeing the expression on my Dad's face. He couldn't get over how good this little kid was. Hey Rick, he was from Rochester too.

[@RedDeadFaction]

Stevie was a legit freak of a musician. One of those genius that's very rare like Brian Jones who could just grab an instrument and play it, and play it better then people who've been playing for years.

[@fedoragibson3059]

@@RedDeadFaction what do you mean 'was'

[@jkmsaturn]

Oh, and by the way . . . he just happens to be blind. Just amazing!

[@RedDeadFaction]

@@fedoragibson3059 my bad... you're right... apologies

[@billkeon880]

Stevie is just a monster genius. As well known as he is, he’s still vastly underrated. He should be on Rushmore

[@mrmoa]

Truth!

[@DrJohnnyJ]

Underrated? Not by any musician I have ever met.

[@billkeon880]

@@DrJohnnyJ for the small number of musicians you or I have met, no he’s not underrated. But to the other 7 billion people on the planet…..I would say yes he is. I did say “as well known as he is.” ….. which means however famous or celebrated he is, he should be infinitely more celebrated in the general public.

[@colinshaha9737]

Nah, put him on the 100 dollar bill.

[@DavidDartley]

A national treasure.

[@HeyEddie]

I would love to hear a fully quantized version of this. It would really show how modern “grid” record sucks the life out of s song. Stevie’s “sloppy” playing really give it so much grit, and swing.

[@shadowmax889]

I saw a video here on KZbin where some musician overproduced Nirvana and yeah, it sucked the life out of it

[@anthonyrodriguez7950]

Sadly, we'd have the majority of Stevie's 80-s & 90s output. :/

[@isaacdrewes6926]

It ain’t sloppy at all, Stevie is always super precise with everything. He just gives the illusion of “sloppy” for added effect sometimes

[@sirjer73]

@@anthonyrodriguez7950 Some of Stevie greatest songs came after his golden era run in the 70s. Master Blaster, Lately, Give one yo love, Overjoyed, Do I Do, Ribbon in the sky to name a few. I know I just called to say I love you is kind of sugary but Stevie makes it work.

[@nathanmantle377]

But you're comparing apples and oranges here. Some music works really well with this "grid" you speak of. Just because it would suck the life out of a Stevie Wonder song doesn't mean it would do the same to a song that was written with the intention of being very "tight", rhythmically.

[@buckturgidson1448]

You know the groove is tight and the funk is strong when Rick is wearing his “stank face” for half the video.

[@kimberlytaylor8550]

😖 would this qualify as the stank face?

[@buckturgidson1448]

Kimberly Taylor 😖...Looks stanky to me 😀

[@ridgerunner4943]

Greatness is based on how many times Ricks says "Wooo!"

[@jamespurcer3730]

It could be gas.

[@RedDeadFaction]

LMAO!

[@JohnBodoni]

When you think you can't like a song any more, and Beato points out some things you've missed for decades... Thanks man!

[@user-pk4sd9dd2w]

This is the most excited I've see Rick doing this series. Only Stevie does that.

[@NatesRandomVideo]

No kidding. Holy crap. Awesome.

[@lelemsays]

Beautiful!

[@sonholee5769]

Seriously

[@duaneblake7986]

No kidding!

[@HopHeadSeattle]

When Stevie played Seattle's Key Arena in Dec 2014, he started by apologizing that he had a cold. He still played almost *4* hours, incl the entire Songs In the Key of Life + another huge set that ended with a massive performance of "Superstition,' with a 32-piece band! One of the most incredible things I've ever experienced!

[@TheLisab56]

How is it possible that people DO NOT KNOW how great this man is? Of course, he played every instrument, produced, mixed, sang, etc, etc, ETC. This ONE MAN is a national treasure. He writes, plays every instrument, sings like a dream, and has the heart of an angel. Stevie is in a class by himself. I love this man. I'm old enough to remember "Little Stevie Wonder". When my daughter was old enough to really appreciate music, I played Stevie for her. She sat with a pencil and paper. A very serious child, she took her music to heart. She was almost eight...I played Innervisions for her. I was shocked when she listened to Living For The City. I told her that every voice she heard was Stevie's voice. Her notes were copious and she had underlined how Stevie had changed the chords from innocent to dark, sad, and dangerous. She hears him age, become angry and hopeless. "Mama! That last part is so SAD! The chorus sings "NO! NO! NO NO! NO NOOOO!!" "What did you learn from this song?" "He was a good young man. He was black and, they took his soul!" Out of the mouths of children...

[@joshuacervenkamusic327]

Honestly you could do a whole series on stevie wonder and his musicianship

[@williamheslop9244]

Agreed Stevie is awesome

[@seanswinton6242]

He should. I wonder (no pun intended) if there is a course studying the compositions of Stevie Wonder offered? If not, a documentary series on his sessions would be awesome. I have the Ultimate Album Series DVDs. I wish there were more.

[@jeaniechowdury576]

Obsidian he should!!!

[@MsAppassionata]

Obsidian YES, YES, YES!!!

[@jalderink]

I would love that! Stevie is the King!

[@MetalJesusRocks]

You know the song is badass when Rick is air drumming!

[@doritos-r6]

Oh fancy seeing you here :)

[@michaeldean9338]

@@doritos-r6 "... What's wrong with Jesus gettin' His Rock on? Lest you forget...I, too, know how to hang!" -- Jesus, ('Jesus Christ Superstar')

[@cje9553]

Just about THE Best part of every one of his videos

[@Colaeroimages]

And when he goes "whoooo". Unmistakable sign of great music

[@KiddForbez]

FACTS

[@Neonlike0]

Child prodigy, musical genius, incredible vocal ability - one of the greatest composers of all time

[@starshiptrooper7670]

Back in the 70s Stevie Wonder was just hitting home run after home run. The man was and still is a genius...

[@thehermit407]

Only 1:15 into it and we already have air drumming. Always a good sign :-)

[@codechasr1]

Rick’s air drumming is better than at least half of drummers’ actual skills today.

[@Kaderlid13]

Rick playing air drums is my all time fave!! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@rojachi7847]

Rick is a master of air drums, and the accompanying stank face.

[@bertgetner9397]

Makes me smile every time. Don't forget the "WOOO, Love it" !

[@maxgo1d]

Don't forget the air drum face.

[@craigkendall1754]

If you don't like this song, there is something wrong with you.

[@mperdue12]

Helen Keller likes this song.

[@seanswinton6242]

Craig Kendall No Doubt. I love Jeff Beck's and Stevie Ray Vaughan's versions as well. Just a great song!

[@MsAppassionata]

Max Well 😂😂😂🤣

[@RawandCookedVegan]

@@seanswinton6242 I didn't know SRV did a variation, will check it out, thanks.

[@bpabustan]

@@RawandCookedVegan the SRV version, I love Reese Wynans' working hard to cover the clavinet and horn parts. Reese Wynans is a very underrated keyboardist!

[@danielolson5378]

As a young kid at Motown Stevie used to like "hang out" with the session band called The Funk Brothers. When the band was done with a session Stevie told the piano player he really liked what he did on the tune they just had recorded. The piano player, Joe Hunter, helped Stevie learning how to play the piano and then 1 year later Joe's service's were no longer required!! In a documentary Joe said after that year Stevie knew more than he did and he guessed it was the same thing when he learned to play them drums!

[@architektmartin]

Steve is a genius. It has an antidepressant effect. One of my all time fav

[@Zeta9966]

“What makes this song great?” Answer: It’s “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder.

[@pawnhearts8785]

Rick Can you do A thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton? That song is a pop classic. Yeah it’s cheesy but who cares when the production is so good

[@launder0]

came here to say that. Feels like the whole video is a long way to say that. And I;m not even complaining.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Pawn Hearts who?

[@pawnhearts8785]

Spazzoid Studio “Making my way downtown”

[@diegoleerot]

Yeah thats what I was gonna say. It’s just Stevie Wonder

[@nervo6321]

Stevie was 22 years old when this song was recorded.....amazing....

[@timffoster]

ok . i just feel a whole lot dumber

[@dspreis]

Utter genius.

[@JellyOnpaws]

Thanks for pointing that out... if you think about it ... superhuman

[@MrPrice2U]

He started as a kid, so he easily had his "10.000" hours in....

[@dspreis]

Between the ages of 22 and 26, Stevie did: Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fullfillingness First Finale Songs In The Key of Life. I don't thing anyone has ever had a run like than.

[@Snikkelbek]

You could make a video like this for every song on ‘Songs in the key of life’. Stevie Wonder is so incredibly talented, it’s almost extraterrestrial.

[@bradleyhohner8775]

Rick's passion for music mixed with his mastery of the disparate elements that magically join together to create song is unparalleled. What an absolute treasure.

[@tedball8677]

Mr Beato - I have heard that song since it came out (I'm an old fart). Been listening to it for decades. Always loved the horns, bass, klav, etc. After your rundown, I realized I missed 75% of the _underneath_ stuff. Thought I knew what was going on with the horns, klavinet, and bass. Nope! Thank you, sir. You have made this song new again.

[@evankrhodes]

100% Me too!

[@miistika13]

Growing up in the Soviet Union in the 80s, Stevie’s music was the breath of fresh air that ultimately blew the iron curtain to pieces. Never underestimate the power of funk y’all!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Yeah right dude The Scorpions did that with Winds of Change. It was the whistle. LOL!

[@sadmachinesaudio6462]

@@SimpleManGuitars1973 And the Berlin Wall was dismantled by Looking for Freedom by David Hasselhoff. Or so he says.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@sadmachinesaudio6462 It was actually just his voice that pierced it. LOL! Rick should do a WMTSG on True Survivor. If you've never heard it go check it out and you'll thank me later. LOL!

[@godlee6099]

Dude I totally though you were saying that Stevie wonder grew up in the Soviet Union and I was so confused lmao

[@shoogerkane]

Funkify yo life! More funk please!

[@pmar27]

He's been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. His entire discography is flawless. True musical genius.

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

That is FUNKY Rick, but you are having way to much fun lol!

[@plinyelder8156]

*too much Not _to much_

[@flugplatz21]

"I ain't never had too much fun!"- George Frayne IV

[@iroxz251]

He's not allowed to have too much fun? im confused at this comment. Guess you're just robotically meant to nod your head in silence

[@sebYB67]

Seems like the appropriate amount of fun to me.

[@goctagonrecovery3270]

@@jayandgem I think having the “grammar police” correct someone is just as annoying as seeing incorrect grammar 😂

[@davidmartin1793]

I came home from school one afternoon, put the radio on and this was getting it's first airing on radio 1. I just knew I was listening to a musical masterpiece. You know I took it for granted that I'd always hear music of this quality for the rest of my life. Genius is an overused word in the music world, but in this case it's true. The world's been a better place having Stevie Wonders music in it.

[@LoueWhose]

well said

[@kevinc5771]

I got chills when he isolated Stevie's vocals

[@maralynfarber2068]

I am a vocalist. I never get tired of Stevie’s masterpiece, “Songs in the Key of Life.” ❤️🎶

[@surbana9803]

Not a hint of autotune on those vocals. Never needed it. PERFECT PITCH. Stevie's THE BEST!

[@felixsmittick9128]

I didn't know Stevie played the drums. Man is so talented. This song brings back happy memories of my childhood. Thank you Rick.

[@deadstar44]

He was already playing drums at 13. There are tons of footage of him rocking the drums on TV.

[@felixsmittick9128]

@@deadstar44 Yeah I guess it had just slipped my mind. He played soooo many instruments. A genius.

[@tmage23]

Stevie plays everything.

[@kassemir]

There's a video online of him playing it for a documentary I saw years back. Kind of amazing considering he had to sit down at the kit, feel around for the individual pieces and then play it. I believe he also joked that some times he'd hit the mics on the kit by accident. Stevie's the best, period. :)

[@wolfgangfricke8555]

this beat is unbeatable. it‘s just got everything the song needs. funk, drive, swing, time, emphasis...

[@eetechtom]

When you’re a teenager you took this music for granted, as the background music of the time. Then you get older and realize how lucky you were. Thanks CKLW AM 800!

[@markkregear6771]

cklw and keener 13 great detroit radio in the 60s and early 70s.

[@KenZonca]

Remember those and my favorite Bill Bailey on WDRQ

[@michaelleggieri7135]

Today's music is very bad

[@billiam6461]

So true, so true.

[@scottlake5280]

You know it! Detroit Born and Razed!

[@marzymarrz5172]

There is no award or recognition that adequately acknowledges Stevie Wonders musical, cultural importance. God bless him forever

[@Ynotchila]

Growing up in Detroit myself I like many Detroiters feel such a connection to Stevie but when I read all these wonderful comments I’ve realized how much he has connected to everyone in this world! God Bless him and thank you Lord for Blessing us with his music!! Stevie is a world treasure!! 🎼 ❤🎵❤ 🎶 🎹

[@BrianKupferschmid]

That Moog bass has some stank on it. Hell, the whole groove does. That’s why this song is genius.

[@zenobardot]

I never realized how the basic bass/drum groove on the verses relates to Chic's "Good Times" and all the other late-70s hits that were copying Chic. My ear was always drawn to the clavinet polyrhythms and missing that underlying simple bass melody. Was Stevie channeling Larry Graham? What's the pre-history of the "Good Times" bass line? The distinctive thing seems to be playing a series of repeating quarter notes of the same pitch over a relatively simple backbeat (which builds up some tension), then having a little funky "release" in the bass line to balance out the simple repetitive part.

[@chrisf6216]

The only problem with this song is: 1- [ ] Too Short 2 - [ ] It ends 3 - [ ] All of the above The groove, the SOUND, the voice... that wonder and magic in Mr. Wonder - cheers!

[@sharpvidtube]

Probably why I have to listen to it a few times in a row.

[@seorsamaclately4294]

One of the songs to put on endless loop.

[@JDrumUK]

Check out the Sesame Street live version here on KZbin. They extend the jam for about 6 min. I had always wondered why it was so short, too. Wish there was an "album cut" with a longer jam.

[@hbg99x]

Amen to all of that!

[@ericmorris5912]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 right

[@ckb.12thman]

One of the best songs from that entire era. Genius. The groove. The funk. Changed music forever.

[@johnsrabe]

There has never been a better recording/performance of any song. Ever. Beethoven, Jobim, some Greek lyre player, Ellington, a Tuvan throat singer, and Ogg with big rock in Year 1 would all groove to this. Thanks, Rick, for breaking it down!

[@johnwhester]

I bought this single within weeks of its release, and on the label I wrote "the greatest song ever made." I was only a 13 year-old, but this song was so obviously brilliant even to a kid.

[@stkaris]

Why Stevie Wonder's golden age DOMINATED the grammies. Epic analysis revealing genius at work.

[@brianmiller1077]

Paul Simon winning a Grammy for "Still Crazy after all these Years" - I'd like to thank Stevie Wonder ... for not releasing an album"

[@viktormuerte]

@@brianmiller1077 I remember watching that live! I was probably 7 or 8 years old. Didn't get it since I wasn't listening to either musician. But when I did, I really got it! Lol!

[@RedwoodGeorge]

"Superstition" is the only song that I've written to RIck about asking him to do a "What makes this song great" about so I'm over the moon (I'm sure a thousand other viewers asked as well)

[@Guitarista1992]

Me too!

[@CarlosAnglada]

Count me in

[@dsam6990]

Well I can listen to Motorhead or ACDC, Elton John, the Beatles, Funkadelic Curtis, Smokey, lots of Stevie Ray (my fav), BB King, Leroy Hutson the list goes on. BUT this has to be the The Most Funkiest Song ever written in the history of mankind, from the very start that so very simple yet so extremely captivating intro drum beat just stops you immediately in your tracks and you just cant help but groove to that amazing key riff that follows. Always loved this song from the moment I heard it...

[@stuffnuns]

D Sam , as soon as I read ... “BUT this...”, you didn’t need to write anymore. i hear you. THIS SONG.

[@jaymueller2418]

I’ll bet. The song is a universe unto itself.

[@MatrixRoland]

This song never gets old. It’s in my top all time favorites up there with Steely Dan’s “Do it Again”

[@domcagney2352]

One of my favorite male vocalists of all time. So much control, so butter smooth...Stevie Wonder is amazing. This song has one of the funkiest riffs ever made too, I loved this song as a toddler and it just stuck with me. You know it's a good song when it speaks to your soul like that

[@petergreen1869]

Thanks Rick. Stevie is pure genius on that we can all agree.

[@israco89]

Right Stevie is a freaking genius..!

[@piteusx8440]

Stevie was the best until he went all Casio on us.

[@LoueWhose]

true dat

[@Rextrent]

12 year old genius

[@pondreezy]

If wanting to go on a romantic dinner date with that clavinet riff is wrong I don't want to be right! 😘 😘 😘

[@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696]

That Luther Ingram song is awesome too

[@shawnerz98]

@@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696 It is. I bought "70's Hits That Didn't Blow You Mind" CD just for that song.

[@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696]

@@shawnerz98 We're old guys...we still buy CDs :)

[@AfferbeckBeats]

Check out the video "VULF /// How To Play Superstition Piano Tutorial" for some great insight on how to play it and how to process it to get it to sound right. Jack needs to do more videos like that

[@LoueWhose]

@@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696 werd

[@petergedd9330]

I've always thought Stevie sings like he's just on the top of the wave and he's letting the power push him forward like surfing

[@baumers]

My old cover band regularly played this song in the first set (i.e. before people started dancing), and I used to enjoy watching how the men in particular would be in conversation, drink in hand, barely listening, and yet their heads would start doing a subtle funk bop even without them realizing it: their bodies couldn't help but acknowledge the funk!

[@relwalretep]

When I was playing in a conference dinner stage band, we'd come back after main course and noodle around for a tune or two then break this one out just as dessert was being served. Would get them every time - folks would dance even at venues without a dance floor 😂

[@jeffdammitjeffdammit3144]

I'm a metal guy. I can't help but move my head just like Rick is, when this song comes on my play list. Freaking love it!

[@ThatOtherRaccoon]

"Let's talk about the chorus here. Let me play it." Proceeds to air drum. I love it.

[@WadicusMaximus]

I have been playing drums for 26 years, and this is the first time I've heard those drum fills at 5:23 and 8:37 isolated. I have played lots of different variations of it over the years, but it is nice to finally hear the actual part. Back to the practice room to learn it for the next gig 😎

[@raystaar]

It's been almost 50 hears since I first heard this record and it still gives me goosebumps.

[@CoachDave12]

Rick enjoyed this one a little more than the others, and it is warranted.

[@remoevans2793]

With the groove and pocket on the track you can’t help but enjoy 😊

[@Kawamanimes]

Stevie Wonder. Probably the greatest all around musician who ever walked on earth

[@skythemusic]

I would. Who’s more versatile at this quality level? It’s Stevie and Prince and really nobody else. The jazz and classical greats couldn’t write, sing and play this many instruments.

[@fredresz7773]

Scott Howard - It took me decades to admit that Prince was even worth listening to, much less one of the greatest of all times! After seeing his Super Bowl halftime show, playing Purple Rain while it was raining, and seeing him play “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” with Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Winwood, and Dhani Harrison, I was a true fan. The Super Bowl show honestly brings me to tears every time I watch it! So much emotion in the lyrics, the vocals, the playing, the weather, his moving, just an incredible performance! Then I started seeing that he was always like that! Un-real artist gifted beyond belief. As is Stevie. Absolutely a couple of GOATs!

[@Kawamanimes]

@@skythemusic That's why I said probably, because I think Prince is in the same league as Stevie, the elites of songwriters along with a select few others. Rip my dear Prince, and may God grant Stevie a very long and healthy life

[@Drbigchungusmdphd]

I think it’s prince, personally. The main difference for me is the proficiency across genres (stevie’s output, at least during his peak years) is arguably stronger, but I can’t imagine him doing a barn burner rock song like “let’s go crazy” on the same album as a ballad like “purple rain” and a dance/synth track like “when doves cry.” Either way, I’m so grateful that both of them exist because their music is just so incredible!

[@HenrikRClausen]

Well, I'd rate David Bowie for that position :)

[@JazzyHorn]

There is something particularly entertaining about watching someone of Rick's tremendous caliber gleefully playing air drums

[@charlesbird781]

The amazing thing is that every instrument is actually contributing to the groove instead of merely riding on top of it. Great analysis, Rick.

[@LTR302]

To quote Eddie Murphy; “Stevie Wonder is a musical genius!"

[@anthonyholmes7123]

I heard that sh#%

[@Starcrunch72]

"...I have ALL of his albums!"

[@Lengsel7]

To paraphrase Eddie Murphy; "Hello, I'm Captain Obvious."

[@blablah6763]

If aliens ever come to destroy us we show them this song to prove humans are worth saving

[@ralballer]

You must've seen The Thing, second version.

[@MsAppassionata]

bla blah Hahaha! Great comment.

[@peterpalermo2542]

well, at least save Stevie. Maybe that's enough.

[@meebrbey]

I can think of a lot of humans not worth saving

[@nycsongman9758]

Brilliantly stated.

[@DanielSellanes]

Most impressing besides the composition itself is that he recorded almost everything with such an energy... imagine recording first this drums... this energy seems like a live band playing... crazy

[@chasthompson7390]

Been a drummer for many years and only now did I pay attention to the intricacies of how he plays the drums a force of nature indeed.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Superstition is easily his most iconic song. A WMTSG on Stevie Wonder is quite a treat for today I believe. Still blows me away that he composed and played on the majority of this track

[@annuvynarawn392]

so is Master Blaster, Living for the City, My Cherie Amour and quite a few others, very few artists do 'Iconic' as well as SW.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@annuvynarawn392 My Cherie Amour is my favorite but Sir Duke is glorious as well. Just tons of classics really.

[@jennycraigadventures3314]

For me, “I Wish” is his most iconic song, followed closely by “Superstition” and “Higher Ground”.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@jennycraigadventures3314 I really can't honestly say what I'd call his most iconic. I could see Superstition being it though. My personal favorite is My Cherie Amour but if you asked 9 out of 10 people walking down the street to name one Stevie song off the top of their head I'd say Superstition might be the first one that came to mind. I wouldn't be surprised by that at least.

[@soundbreak7]

RC32 he has many of them

[@5891jonathan]

1972 Rolling Stones Tour, Seattle concert. Opening act - “Now introducing Stevie Wonder!” The Stones had a big problem following that.

[@stevenellis8365]

Jonathan Pollard I saw the tour in Chicago, Superstition was a big hit already and was Stevie’s last tune in his set. The man took a killer solo on every instrument in the the band. Probably the best performance I’ve ever witnessed. The Stones had some nerve coming on after that.

[@kimjohnson8471]

The older I get, the more I realize how mature my musical taste was even as a little kid. This has been one of my favorite songs since I was 8 years old (57 y 8 mo now). Great job, Rick

[@russelljackman1413]

Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions" and "Fulfillingness' First Finale" are two of the greatest albums ever recorded! Thank you, Rick! This was GREAT!

[@HBSuccess]

Genius. Stevie is the funkiest of the funky - and this is 100% him except for horns which he no doubt arranged. I never dreamed this was a Moog bass, and also had no idea Stevie played drums on it.

[@KindredBrujah]

​@Bad Monkey - thankfully that's why we don't listen to music with the parts isolated. In context with all the other parts, it sounds amazingly badass, I think because the guitar parts in there are played pretty low, so they compensate for the high-end of the bass and give it a 'real' sound which it doesn't actually have.

[@mghJD]

Stevie plays the drums on every song that he recorded.

[@errbt]

@@KindredBrujah Guitar parts? There are no guitar on this song.

[@KindredBrujah]

@@errbt - Were there not? Was it all synth? Well, in any case, the higher slightly jangly bits with the effects (such as the one with the big chorus effect that Rick isolated near the beginning of the video).

[@errbt]

@@KindredBrujah That's all clavinet.

[@jtollefson1973]

"Stevie Wonder's music is just awful" - said no one ever. In any decade. Ever.

[@sallybowles2781]

MrTMusicEd maybesomeone who is exclusively into yodel, or something?

[@rodrigozamo]

Not awful but I have a joke with a friend that every great artist has their "I just called to say I love you". That one song in their catalog that may have been a commercial hit but just doesn't live up to the rest of their catalog and capabilities of delivering greatness.

[@davidscott129]

You never met my father, I see.

[@dougthomson9052]

@@rodrigozamo great point - LOL

[@theothertonydutch]

What about racists?

[@crazierthan-u7571]

Stevie's awesomeness is many-splendored, though as a vocalist, he is in my personal top 10. But as good as his singing is, as the instruments build one by one in this fabulous intro, when Stevie's vocal begins, I get the feeling that he regards his voice as just another instrument, no greater or lesser than the others.

[@Phil_529]

Man I can't get enough of this song. The Moog bass is legendary!

[@MartinWeeksmw]

I've been saying it for years. That whole era from 1967 through about 1978 was a Renaissance Period for Music Period. Stevie Wonder. Jeff Beck. Zep at the height of their game. Stanley Clark, Joni, and Jaco, Weather Report. Little Feat, Steely Dan. Man you really just can't top that stuff.

[@kayelle8005]

Martin Weeks god I hope he does a Joni song

[@michaelvandiver2475]

I totally agree Martin! I've always been preaching that '67 to '77 is the greatest span for variety of output and peak creativity in music. It's all in there from ALL genres in that time frame. 90% of the music I consistently listen to is in that time span. Although, I will add that some music from '80-82 is really good too!

[@Larry821]

He has now. Amelia. One of her greatest. Don’t know if it was there when you posted.

[@philkouly4717]

I was fortunate enough to have experienced this period of music first hand. These were my teenage years and I was completely spoiled by all of the great music.

[@MartinWeeksmw]

@@philkouly4717 Yep Me too. One of the best periods of my life

[@ShaunaMarieSings]

**This IS the music that made growing up in the '70s so beyond amazing!!!** LOVE STEVIE...LOVE YOU!!!!!! 💗💗💗

[@Irishmule169]

Me too .. my parents played this music all the time back in the 70’s..

[@sharonwilliams271]

Saw Stevie perform this tune at a music festival at the LA Forum. He had everybody on their feet singing and dancing. Best concert I've ever been to! Such a high energy talented performer!

[@kenperk9854]

Stevie was a mainstay for the 60s and 70s. An INCREDIBLE run of SUPER music from 1970 to the end of 1979. That kind of musical explosion will NEVER happen again and you can take that to the bank!

[@jonnuanez2843]

The Sesame Street live version is fire. He tore that street up.

[@kimberlytaylor8550]

TRUE DAT!!

[@jeffrejackson1988]

Don’t even get me started. From the kid on the fire escape to Stevie telling the drummer to slow down to Ray Parker Jr.’s hat, that Sesame Street video keeps me alive.

[@1badsteed]

@@jeffrejackson1988 Where did he tell the drummer to slow down? I missed it. Just watched the SesStr version

[@benlorenzo1966]

A sesame street version??

[@donbezi]

real talk. epic moment in television. at a certain point, he SEES Sesame Street in his mind...

[@CJ-ck6kk]

To me, the horns were always the most impressive detail of this song and I totally agree with you, the "misaligned/non quantised" feel makes this exactly what it is: perfection.

[@thomtheriault]

and the moog bass playing... man some of those riffs yeeeouch!

[@michaelmoore7975]

Agree. Especially the way the guys are "rolling" the valves of the horns in that one small section, almost a fluttered vibrato. Very cool.

[@stevesorrell9835]

C J Quantising, is the devil! It's the destroyer of "soul".

[@datatwo7405]

That non quantized element is something I miss in music very much. When you listen to say nothing by 60s and 70s music for a few days or a week you can hear all these off bits in pieces in all these amazing songs. We probably never noticed them years ago, but as we grew so accustomed to over perfection in contemporary music our ears have become too used to the over quantization.

[@hallo403]

@@datatwo7405 Actually I never really thought about that before I started to watch Rick's Videos. I was listening to only 60s and 70s music for a very long time, even grew up listening to mostly Beatles only and always thought that it's much better than most of todays music, never really wondered why. Until I saw that John Bonham quantizing video that he did yesterday. That literally opened me up and I like the old stuff even more now :D

[@cconnon1912]

This song was just on another level. I heard it and “Higher Ground” almost 20 years after released and was just floored! Nothing was like this? How had I not heard this? I thought to myself at the time. F_ing badass GENIUS he was, and under rated for innovation in music.

[@JDrumUK]

One of my all-time favorites. There's a handful of songs that I refuse to get out of the car until it's over, and this one is near the top of the list. Just waves of escalating funk on top of each other.

[@dylandecker_music]

90 percent of the reason I watch these is to watch Rick groove out

[@NatesRandomVideo]

If you’re a musician working with him and see him start doing that... you’re doing it right.

[@NinerFourWhiskey]

Man, every time a WMTSG pops up, I have to carve out 20-30 minutes of my day for Rick. Have learned so much from these breakdowns and isolated tracks.

[@briantreadgold525]

Things like this and "classic albums" always make me want to get hold of the individual tracks to hear everything. This song is soo good I want to hear every bit in isolation as well as how it comes together as one so perfectly... Stevie Wonder is truly amazing and Rick is right, his feel is incredible. I mean the drums are somehow sloppy, but tight at the same time, and in the best way... Genius.

[@jackwezesa1081]

Songs in the key of life stayed on my turntable for weeks in 76 , simply brilliant!

[@ieatyourbrain8478]

I've been listening to a lot of Stevie Wonder over the past couple of weeks, there's something about his music that makes me instantly happy and wants to come back for more, truly great.

[@sayrerowan734]

Stevie Wonder had more talent in his pinky finger then anybody on the stage at the Grammys this year.

[@joeshmoe7967]

So do a lot of us! Lol!

[@holysmokes4493]

What about Jacob Collier? He was at the Grammy's, I think.

[@jaymueller2418]

holysmokes44 Collier is wildly talented and knowledgable. But he doesn’t write songs like this.

[@jim2lane]

@nmeunier - I would agree, as long as you put your fingers in your ears when any of his music from the 80's starts playing 😊

[@TarSpartan]

To be fair, Smokey was there this year, too.

[@gregleavitt1255]

Title of this one should be "What DOESN'T Make This Song Great?" The incomparable genius, Stevland Morris 🙏

[@12345fowler]

Agree the horns parts really bring it to another level.

[@bobmoore8230]

Damn that NASTY moog bass line in the second verse... geez - Stevie is the MAN

[@racpa5]

Boris Makaev Well said.

[@BobHubbardATL]

As famous as Stevie Wonder is, I still think he's one of the most underrated musicians of our time. Great analysis, thanks Rick!

[@ralballer]

@@lptomtom If anything he is rightly rated a genius. Can go much higher than that.

[@christophertaylor9100]

Yeah I don't think its possible to overrate Stevie. That voice, all the instruments he plays so well, that vision and the musical talent

[@coby4480]

I have never met anyone that doesn’t like at least one Stevie Wonder song so I’m not sure if he’s underrated.

[@matthijshebly]

I love how this song finds the perfect balance between being a shuffle, and being straight, non-shuffled. It's perfectly in between.

[@markkempton4579]

No idea how I missed this back then. This is one of my top five songs of all time. I'll be watching this on a regular basis for the foreseeable future.

[@josephpatrow]

Now THIS is music appreciation that should be taught in schools.

[@RDRussell2]

One of my favorite songs of all time. A monster groove that just can't quit. In fact, as a listener, you don't want it to EVER quit! That basic groove pretty much stays the same, but Rick is pointing out all these little minor twists and variations that maintain your interest. As a producer, you strive for that, to get that "feel" and keep it interesting. I've always thought the horns were the "secret sauce" to this song, but thank you Rick, now I get it: the real weapon is that Moog bass!

[@randyevins5196]

Got to see SW a couple of years ago at a "private" concert in Cabo. I was a bit worried it would be somewhat less than standard....how wrong I was, it was almost the best concert I've ever been to. Not quite David Gilmour but.....SW is unbelievable and this song was the pinnacle.....you can hear the admiration Rick has for him!!

[@stevehoogenakker9619]

I'm so thankful for Rick. He has re-ignited my previously dead interest in music!

[@tomhannay2889]

Rick: Lets talk about the chorus here Me: This should be fun, another juicey in depth harmonic analysis from Rick! Rick: here lemme play it... 5:05 “wahooooooooo”

[@dgauper]

Perfect analysis from Rick!!! 👍

[@tomhannay2889]

True, that was all he needed to do to show us how gnarly those drums are

[@tomwalding6358]

Poo

[@MirkoReckhard]

Rick: Let's talk about the chorus here... *plays air drums 😄👍

[@Nightmoore]

That was my fav part. Rick’s music geekiness is 100% legit.

[@gregkeith5320]

I literally got chills listening to you break this down where we could hear some of the components that are not easy to pick up. One of my favorite songs of all time just took on new layers of awesomeness. What a genius Stevie is.

[@_M0MSY_]

Best Synth Song in that Era ... NOTHING can Compare or hold up with this flawless Rhythm and Flow... it is an Amazin Artwork and only shows the Uniqueness of that musicians! PROUD