Stevie Wonder

The Definitive Collection

By Paige DiFrancesco

             Stevie Wonder’s artistic output shines on every level, as a phenomenal and unique performer with equally phenomenal and unique songs. A gift to his fans, The Definitive Collection, has 21 of his best hits complied onto one disc.

In the early years of Wonder’s career, Berry Gordy said, “It’s such a hassle working with kid acts. You have to deal with their parents, teachers and lawyers, but in the end it’s worth it!”, and he was right. An ideal title for the album, The Definitive Collection serves up songs just as classic as Wonder himself. Both young and old will enjoy these first-class tunes.

With the songs he has recorded over the years, little wonder Wonder won over 20 Grammy’s, and has become an inducted member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Wonder proves to us that even without physical vision you can still see magic happening right in front of you. This CD reminds us how.

 The music grooves so smoothly, soulfully and gets so hot that if you’re not jamming along and having fun listening to it, you should have your head examined. He can amazingly bring a smile to your face with one song, and a tear with another.

 The uplifting, catchy “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” will have you involuntarily tapping your foot to the beat. “Hey Love” offers the more calming and gentler side of Wonder. “Signed, Sealed Delivered I’m Yours” grooves, jamming out with some serious funk. Can we say fantastic?

Another incredible song, “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life”, hits the ear in a different manner. Being more romantically passionate, we see the gentler side of Wonder’s world. Who wouldn’t want someone to tell them  “You are the sunshine of my life, that’s why I’ll always be around”?

Wonder’s ability to evoke emotions and get any feeling across through his songs might be his greatest achievement. His mix of emotions and feelings flow throughout “I Just Called To Say I Love You,” a memorable, romantic and poetic song, all at the same time. He captures a complete opposite vibe in the church-like sound juxtaposed with the bleakness and tiring imagery in the urban tragedy lyrics to “Living For The City”

            The Definitive Album has combined the years of Wonder’s growth from boy genius to mature talent, with the sounds of yesterday and the promise of tomorrow that bring a smile to your face. The Stevie Wonder fans of the world should get this album and relive some of his greatest musical moments.