Songs in the Key of Life is the 18th studio album of singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder. It is a double album with 17 tracks and a runtime of approximately 90 minutes. The album features a blend of r&b, soul, and pop and uses techniques and production that was avant-garde at the time and are still influencing music to this day. Since its release, Songs in the Key of Life has inspired many of the greatest pop and r&b artists including Elton John and Kanye West. It is considered among one of the best albums of all time.
Songs in the Key of Life is spectacular from start to finish. The tracks are superb from both a production and a songwriting standpoint. The album can also be praised for its variety as each of the songs have their unique sound. Stevie Wonder’s voice might not stand out on first impressions, but it has a pleasant quality that makes it mix perfectly with the production on the tracks. Additionally, Wonder’s strength as a songwriter can be felt throughout the project as there are a bunch of memorable hooks and verses. While some of the songs are a bit indulgent in their length, the production quality is so high that they can be justified in most cases. The album runs long for modern standards but this is only a problem for projects if filler songs are included to get to the desired length. This is certainly not the case for Songs in the Key of Life where almost every song is a classic.
The album begins with “Love’s In Need Of Love Today”, a soulful feel-good song which oozes positive laid-back energy. The chorus is memorable and pleasant and even though the song is over seven minutes long, it feels much shorter and doesn’t drag on. Next is “Have A Talk With God”, an upbeat track with a positive message. The funky groove and beat alone are a treat on this song but once again, Wonder delivers a catchy hook and chorus. The project continues with “Village Ghetto Land”. This song differentiates itself with the use of regimented strings under Wonder’s poignant lyrics about the plight of minorities in the ghetto calling attention to potent problems which still exist today. Though slow, the melody is still infectious to listen to. An instrumental track titled “Contusion” follows “Village Ghetto Land” and showcases a colorful rhythm alongside a bouncy melody which is supported by backing vocals. While the electric guitar which plays the lead is impressive, it cannot compete with Stevie Wonder’s own smooth voice making this song one of the weaker entries. The next song on the album is “Sir Duke”, a catchy pop song with an impeccable groove. The jazzy chords of this song combined with the captivating melody and verse make this song hold up after infinite replays. Next comes “I Wish”, yet another extremely catchy tune featuring a funk vibe. The brass instruments add a punch to the song while the constant base makes it hard to stop from bumping along. At this point in the album, it must be repeated that the quality of the songs is astounding. They each feel fully realized and complete, being neither too simple nor too complex. “Knocks Me Off My Feet” is a romantic song in which Wonder’s silky smooth vocals standout. As if it needs repeating, the songwriting is top-tier. Wonder’s ability to make complex yet accessible melodies is worthy of commending. It enables the songs to as catchy as standard pop songs while containing enough substance to keep returning to. The album continues with “Pastime Paradise” which most people will instantly recognize as the sample for Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”. Wonder’s song is just as catchy and is the originator of the iconic string pattern. The song message, a caution against laziness and complacency, is just as relevant today as it was upon release. “Summer Soft” is a jazzier cut on the album but still possesses all of the charm of the previous entries. The songwriting continues to be excellent with the blending of catchy pop melodies and complex chord progressions. The next track “Ordinary Pain”, is a weaker song on the album. The melody is not as strong as the rest of the tunes on the album and it overstays its welcome clocking in at over six minutes. “Isn’t She Lovely” comes next and is a wholesome ode to Wonder’s joy in his daughter and the miracle of life. Aside from the touching lyrics the song has an instantly recognizable chorus and groove with a notable electronic harmonica feature. Even though the track is seven minutes long, it never gets old. Continuing on, “Joy Inside My Tears” is a slow and meandering piece. It lacks a very strong chorus and the ending drags on for a while but this is only because the rest of the album is so incredible. “Black Man” is one of the longest songs on the album with an optimistic theme of interracial harmony. Even though the chorus is repetitive and bland compared to his previous songs, the message and driving rhythm help compensate for this. “Ngiculela-Es Una Historia-I Am Singing” features Stevie Wonder singing in three languages (English, Spanish, and Zulu), a further testament to his seemingly infinite talent. The song has evoked a relaxing and peaceful ambiance with a message about unity in love. The album continues with “If It’s Magic”, a contemplative and slow piece that reflects on the nature of love. The harps and lack of drums change the pace of the album and the ethereal tune easily sticks in the listener’s head. “As” comes next and has an interesting chorus switch from major to minor. That being said, the song does not particularly stand out from amongst the hits on the album. The album concludes with “Another Star” a fast-paced song with a danceable beat. It closes out the project on a high note even if the chorus is not as strong as the tracks at the start of the album.
In conclusion, Songs in the Key of Life is a truly incredible album that radiates optimism and love. The grooves on the project are incredible and the combination of pop appeal and innovative production make it one of the most influential albums of all time. A quintessential listen for any fans of jazz, r&b, soul, funk, and pop Songs in the Key of Life is truly a 10/10.