I just listened to Stevie Wonder's "Talking Book" for the first time today, and it exceeded my expectations. I knew that "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" was on there, which I wasn't too crazy about. However, hearing it this time in the context of the album made sense.

"Maybe Your Baby" is a deliciously funky track- I love the extended groove! One of my favorites for sure.

"You and I" was the most touching, heart-felt ballad on the album, and that says a lot, since the album has quite a few. Stevie's passionate vocals and the meaning of the song are really moving. It reminds me of "Purple Rain" in more ways than one.

"Superstition" was what excited me about getting this album the most- its funk is just CUTTING. The meandering horns and sassy synth can't help but make me groove.

"Big Brother" was a very interesting listen. I couldn't make out all of the lyrics, but I can tell that it is VERY political. I'd like to do a little research on this one and read the lyrics so I can understand it fully.

"Blame It on the Sun" is another sweet, heartfelt ballad that I enjoyed very much. It made me realize how lame Milli Vanilli is too...

"I Believe When I Fall in Love" is a great closing track. The album has a lot of pain in it, but this song brings an uplifting end.

I was quite pleased with the album. I'm not sure if I should move on to "Innervisions" or indulge further in "Talking Book." Any advice would be appreciated!

Great album. Glad you like it. I need to buy this again tho' 'cos my other one went walkies!!

22 years of no Talking Book. A digrace I tell thee...

U should get all of his 70´s albums since they
all R masterpieces,but definitly U should get Innervision next.
U´ll love that 1 I´m possitive.
/peace Manki

What?! You didn't even mention MY favorite song from that album,"You've Got It Bad Girl"


But yes,that album is a masterpiece.Wait until you hear 'Innervisons','Fulfillingness' First Finale' and 'Songs In The Key Of Life'.You are gonna be amazed!!

Congratulations,Moonbeam! You've just discovered the genuis of Stevie Wonder.

Moonbeam said:

Your name is big brother
You say that you're watching me on the tele,
Seeing me go nowhere,
Your name is big brother,
You say that you're tired of me protesting,
Children dying everyday,
My name is nobody
But I can't wait to see your face inside my door.

Your name is big brother
You say that you got me all in your notebook,
Writing it down everyday,
Your name is I'll see ya,
I'll change if you vote me in as the pres,
The President of your soul
I live in the ghetto,
You just come to visit me 'round election time.

I live in the ghetto,
Someday I will move on my feet to the other side,
My name is secluded, we live in a house the size of a matchbox,
Roaches live with us wall to wall,

You've killed all our leaders,
I don't even have to do nothin' to you,
You'll cause your own country to fall.

---

It's the rawness and passion with which he sings the final verse that gets to me every time I hear it.

Get Innervisions. The songwriting and the delivery goes up yet another notch (imo).

If you bought the re-mastered CD,the lyrics are included in the liner notes.Most of his 70s albums have been re-mastered,with the original album artwork and lyrics.

i 'you & i'...

'innervisions' is still my favorite stevie cd tho...

maybe you can listen to both of them at the same time...it wouldn't end up being any longer than a normal length cd is now...

Essence said:

I'm making up for it now, though!

manki said:

I've already bought "Innervisions" and "Songs in the Key of Life," but I'm waiting to listen to them until I feel familiar with "Talking Book."

DavidEye said:

I liked that one too, but I couldn't make out all of the lyrics. My idea of the song (keep in mind I'm a complete Wonder novice) is that it's about a girl who is holding back on letting Stevie love her because of being afraid, or having been burnt.

I can't wait to delve in further, but I want to take it slowly to give each album the respect it deserves.

langebleu said:

Thank you for that! Wow- what a scathing and powerful piece it is!

"Innervisions" will be next, once I feel familiar with "Talking Book."

rio said:

You know, "You and I" was the song that reminded me of you when I was listening to it. It just has your style written all over it.

As for "Innervisions," I will get into that one next.

Not to underscore the lyrical content, BUT you've got to give it up to an album with a braille jacket!!! Is Steveland Judkins Morris the man, or what?

Moonbeam said:

tears of joy


OK, my advice would be; TOTALLY immerse yourself into the album, to the point that you know the lyrics to the song(s) you're interested in first. If you think you dig the album now, wait till you do that...then off to Innervisions.



tears of joy
[This message was edited Sun Mar 16 11:51:59 PST 2003 by Supernova]

Hey Moonie, don't your cd's have the lyrics included?

Supernova said:

Yeah- they do, but I was in the bath at the time, so I didn't want to get the book wet.

Moonbeam said:

songs in the key... has to be his best album. one of the best albums of all time! i just bought it as a vinyl replica CD from japan...

christobole said:

Agreed! And even though the CD was remastered a few years back,the original vinyl copy (first pressing) is a must-have.The lyric book is gigantic,and it comes with the bonus 45 single featuring the additional four songs ("Saturn","Ebony Eyes","All Day Sucker",and "Easy Goin Evening").Even if you don't have a turntable,you should still hunt this down.It's a priceless collector's item.



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[This message was edited Mon Mar 17 2:22:31 PST 2003 by DavidEye]