It’s rare that we get to celebrate such an important anniversary of such a monumental release, but that’s exactly what we get to honor today with the fifty year anniversary of Stevie Wonder’s magnum opus, “Songs in the Key of Life.”
Throughout the music world there’s an upper echelon of albums that stand above the rest with their sheer critical acclaim. Records like “Abbey Road,” “Pet Sounds,” “Purple Rain,” “Thriller,” and of course, SITKOL. It’s a record whose reputation is so massive and far reaching that it has come to define Wonder’s career. It’s a sweeping and beautiful exploration of life and love with some of the greatest writing and instrumentation of all time.
The album consistently finds its way into top tens, coming in at spot number four on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums” list, and at spot number 6 on Apple Music’s “100 Greatest Albums” list. In addition, it won Album of the Year at the Grammys. If you really need anymore convincing, just give it a listen.
Take a song with the pure, exuberant joy of “Sir Duke.” The song is an ode to musical pioneers that came before Wonder, and it has such a tone of reverence and love throughout that is matched by incredibly virtuosic playing all throughout. The unison line that functions as the chorus to the song makes my soul feel so warm every single time I hear it. It’s a perfect song in every aspect.
“Another Star” is the closer to the album and another incredible track. The song features this blistering Latin beat with some Wonder’s best vocal performances and instrumental arranging throughout. It’s a massive sounding song that soars through your ears. It’s got a white hot beat and a production quality that is hard to replicate.
Wonder has announced that he will be touring the album in honor of its fifty year anniversary, so if you are able, you absolutely have to see him perform this masterpiece. It’s an unparalleled piece of musical excellence.
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