Stevie Wonder – Innervisions

Alright, soul searchers and funk philosophers, strap yourselves in. We’re about to embark on a journey through Stevie Wonder’s “Innervisions,” an album so prophetic it’ll make you wonder if Stevie can see the future better than most of us can see the present.

Released in 1973, “Innervisions” didn’t just drop; it descended from the heavens like a funky revelation, leaving listeners wondering if their record players had somehow tapped into the cosmic consciousness. It’s as if Stevie took the entire spectrum of human experience, ran it through a Moog synthesizer, and served it up with a side of jaw-dropping vocal acrobatics.

Let’s kick things off with “Too High,” shall we? This cautionary tale about drug abuse comes wrapped in a groove so addictive it should come with its own 12-step program. The irony of making a song about being too high sound this elevating is not lost on us, Stevie. Well played.

“Living for the City” rolls in next, a seven-minute opus that’s part urban storytelling, part sociopolitical commentary, and all funk. This track doesn’t just bump; it punches you in the gut with the harsh realities of inner-city life, then soothes the bruise with one of the most infectious choruses ever laid to tape. By the time that faux police siren wails, you’ll be too busy grooving to notice you’ve just been schooled in social studies.

But let’s talk about “Golden Lady.” This love song is smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy. Stevie’s voice here is so buttery, it should come with a cholesterol warning. The way he glides from his lower register to that sublime falsetto is like watching a master painter work – effortless, beautiful, and leaving you wondering, “How the hell did he do that?”

“Higher Ground” kicks the door down with a clavinet riff so funky it’ll make your stank face permanent. This is Stevie at his most uplifting, both lyrically and musically. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to be a better person, all while wondering if it’s possible to sprain something vital by over-grooving.

And then there’s “Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing,” a Latin-tinged jam that showcases Stevie’s genre-bending genius. The faux-Spanish intro is both hilarious and endearing, reminding us that even musical demigods have a sense of humor. Once the song kicks in proper, you’ll be salsa dancing whether you know how to or not.

Production-wise, this album is tighter than a new pair of platform shoes. The fact that Stevie played nearly every instrument himself is mind-boggling. It’s like he’s a one-man Funk Olympics, and he’s taking home gold in every event.

“Innervisions” isn’t just an album; it’s a spiritual journey set to the most soulful soundtrack imaginable. It tackles heavy themes – racism, substance abuse, religion, love – with the deftness of a lyrical Muhammad Ali, floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee.

In conclusion, “Innervisions” is like that friend who’s always dropping profound truths, but is so cool about it that you never feel preached at. It’s an album that’ll make you dance, think, feel, and then dance some more. It’s not just music; it’s a full-body, all-senses-engaged experience.

So, should you listen to “Innervisions”? Does the Pope wear a funny hat? Is the sky blue? Is Stevie Wonder a musical genius? The answer is a resounding, funkadelic YES. Just be prepared: this album might just rewire your brain and realign your chakras. Don’t be surprised if you come out the other side with a sudden urge to learn the harmonica and change the world. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with my headphones and a sudden, inexplicable need to groove. Blame it on the sunshine, blame it on the moonlight, but mostly, blame it on the boogie.