Happy 66th Birthday, Stevie Wonder!

Happy 66th Birthday wishes to Stevland Hardaway Judkins! Also known as the legendary songwriter, instrumentalist, and activist Stevie Wonder.

Providing joyous, soulful pop/R&B sensibilities juxtaposed with works of conscious social commentary, Wonder forged his own path coming out of the Motown scene. From the late 1960's to the mid-1970's, Stevie Wonder unleashed a lineup of records that are considered to be among the "golden age" of Motown records. One of them in particular, 1973's Innervisions, quickly became one of the most beloved pieces of my musical collection. Fun, witty, hard-hitting, and self-aware, Innervisions is an album like no other. Transitioning from bouncy R&B pleasures (Too High, Higher Ground) to exquisite balladry (Visions, All In Love Is Fair), while stoking the socially conscious flames (Living For The City, He's Misstra Know It All), Innervisions encapsulates the genius of Wonder's career. To call it an album of influence and importance is to undersell its impact, not just on mainstream music, but on African-American culture as a whole. For me personally, the album is an absolute treasure and one that always lures me in with its irresistible hooks. You cannot listen to it without pontificating, smiling, and singing along. Go ahead, try to not get Golden Lady stuck in your head for days. I would gladly bet money that it would tattoo itself on your brain.

This is not to disregard the other works during that time period either. Records such as Talking Book, Fulfillingness' First Finale, and Songs In The Key Of Life stand tall and resulted in propelling Wonder to iconic status. But for the sake of this blog and the celebration of Stevie's birthday, I wanted to share my feelings on my favourite album of his. Innervisions is the kind of album that does not come along every day. It should be cherished as a joyous, aware, and beautiful record. One which will continuously stand the test of time and serve as a benchmark for songwriting prowess.

Happy Birthday, Stevie! I don't have a gift for you, but hope that you share yours with us for many years to come.