Stevie Wonder’s Breakthrough Year 1972 and the Beginning of His Classic Period
This post is about Stevie Wonder’s breakthrough year 1972, which marks the beginning of his “classic period” with the release of Music of My Mind and Talking Book. These albums show his creative independence, innovative use of synthesizers, and ability to blend funk, soul, and social consciousness.
Not feeling like reading? That's alright! 😎 Here is the unforgettable hit ‘Superstition’ for you to listen. 🔊
While ‘Part-Time Lover’ (1985) and ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You’ (1984) are some of Stevie Wonder’s biggest hits, they don’t define him for me. My favorite Stevie Wonder song is ‘Pastime Paradise’, and it is not the Coolio version—though 'Gangsta's Paradise' is indeed cool—but the original one from 1976’s Songs in the Key of Life. In ‘Pastime Paradise’, Stevie Wonder slams those trapped in the negativity of the past while praising the ones who look to the future with hope. The original version features the Los Angeles Church Choir and Hare Krishna devotees chanting and therefore is a blend of spiritual and musical perfection. 🕊️
Since the emphasis at FUNKretrospect is on the "funkiest" albums (at least to my taste), this post is about the year 1972 and Stevie Wonder’s key albums to start his “classic period”:
Music critics refer to the years 1972–1976 as Stevie Wonder's "classic period." This era is said to be where he truly embraces his creative independence, making his albums as conceptual statements rather than just collections of singles. Equipped with synthesizers and other electronic instruments, he even pushes the boundaries of R&B.
The beginning of this phase is marked by his 1972 releases, Music of My Mind and Talking Book, two albums that set the stage for the most productive era of his career. And all of this creative output happens during a year that also sees the end of his short-lived marriage to another Motown artist, Syreeta Wright (divorced in 1971). Despite personal turmoil, he manages to release Syreeta, her solo album, which he produces and arranges. And he is also on tour with The Rolling Stones in 1972, introducing his innovative sound to rock audiences across the U.S., which is regarded as a turning point, both for him and for popular music.
Released in early 1972, Music of My Mind is a true breakthrough for Stevie Wonder. He writes, produces, and plays nearly every instrument on the record, including piano, drums, harmonica, clavinet, and synthesizers, a rarity at the time. (Synthesizers become a cornerstone of his sound after he is introduced to the electronic group Tonto’s Expanding Head Band in 1971. Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff (from Tonto) don’t just introduce him to synthesizers but are instrumental in shaping his sound for these early albums by collaborating closely on technical use, which becomes a hallmark of his “classic period.”) The album is filled with these new technologies, but it does not sound overly synthetic. The rich instrumentation of real drums, harmonica, and organs makes Music of My Mind feel warm and organic.
Then comes Talking Book, released later in 1972—his masterpiece! The album not only presents his love for funk and soul but also advances into rock, jazz, and even folk. It’s a standout concept album where each song tells a story. Stevie Wonder is always a one-man show! 🏆 He is a singer-songwriter, composer, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist (playing a variety of instruments, including piano, drums, harmonica, synthesizers, clavinet, guitar, congas, and bongos!). His ability as a vocalist, lyricist, and producer is fully realized on this album. He shows his ability to design grooves that will keep you dancing while also getting you to think about societal issues. Of course, we can’t talk about Talking Book without mentioning ‘Superstition’, the song that takes the world by storm. Interestingly, ‘Superstition’ is originally intended for guitarist Jeff Beck, who jams with S.W. during the Talking Book sessions; the song ends up in Stevie Wonder’s hands after Motown convinces him to record it himself. That iconic clavinet riff on ‘Superstition’ becomes a defining moment for funk with his use of the Hohner clavinet. The song quickly becomes a massive hit!
The album also features ‘You Are the Sunshine of My Life,’ another chart-topping hit. What could potentially be a mediocre ballad is transformed into a calming experience by a special blend of congas and Fender Rhodes. He begins the song joyfully and ends explosively, joined by guest singers Jim Gilstrap and Lani Groves.
The track ‘Big Brother’ is inspired by Orwell’s 1984 and shows S.W.’s growing social consciousness. It is one of the album's unnoticed tracks. It has harmonica, clavinet, and a distinctive African drum for the background. He creates a new funk by fusing music with socially conscious and politically charged words—making references to dishonest politicians, working-class anger, and government spying.
The album cover itself is also important—as it is one of the first to feature Braille, spelling out his name and the album title, with a sincere message inside:
It is all that I have to tell you how I feel.
Know that your love keeps my love strong
Without a doubt, aligned with almost everyone, ‘Superstition’ is my favorite song from this important year. It’s the perfect blend of funk, soul, and rock, all driven by that hypnotic clavinet riff. It is certainly one of the funkiest tracks ever recorded and Stevie Wonder's 1972, in retrospect, forms a strong layer for funk's future, 'Superstition' being only the beginning of his lasting contribution to the genre. 🌟 ✨
Gülben - 10/2024
📌 Fan Site
📖 Michaelangelo Matos writes The 50 Best Stevie Wonder Songs for RollingStone
📖 Carol Cooper reviews Talking Book for Pitchfork
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