Album of The Week (Week 2, Sep)
Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Innervisions is one of Stevie Wonder’s most experimental albums, often regarded as an output of his “creative peak.”
Although I can’t say that I’ve listened to every one of his forty-one albums front to back (yet), I can confidently say that this project is one of the most incredible albums I’ve ever heard.
From the title, we can gather that Stevie is sharing his inner thoughts and perspectives–or visions. This specific word choice further emphasizes his message of self-expression as Wonder has been blind essentially his entire life; he lost his eyesight at only six weeks old.
Track number one, “Too High”, caught my attention first. Its jazzy dissonance and blend of both 3/4 and 2/4 time signatures guarantee for it to stand out. If the terms are unfamiliar to you, I suggest you try to count to the song, whether it be in twos or threes. Not only is it a talent to create a song with such a shift, but it is also genius. The song shifts from 3/4 to 2/4 between the verses and chorus purposely– to slow down the listener’s absorption of the song and likely simulate the feeling he is describing: “I’m too high, but I ain’t touched the sky.”
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Throughout the tracklist, he explores various themes such as his admiration for a beautiful “Golden Lady” and his “Visions” of the world as it is now, while keeping the entirety of it a cohesive body of work.
In “All In Love Is Fair”, he talks about the crazy game of win or lose– love. It’s a little more yearnful and driven than the other songs in the album, where heartbreak is evident in his delivery. The legendary “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” is also included in this project. “Higher Ground” brings the classic “Superstition” funk into this amazing album.
Stevie integrates jazz techniques with electronic music creating a soul-touching and stank-face-enducing sound.
I love this album and recommend everyone to listen to it. It has specifically inspired me to learn more about the genius of Stevie Wonder, how he changed the sound of mainstream music, and the exceptional songs he has created throughout his career.
I’ve always been extremely interested in the likes of jazz and electronic music respectively, so I was enamored when I heard how Stevie combined them together so well. For its time, I’m sure everyone was blown away by his innovation.
