Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST Song Of The Day-Stevie Wonder


Artist:Stevie Wonder

Song:Sir Duke

Album:Songs In The Key Of Life





In retrospect, the 1976 album Songs In The Key Of Life anticipated Stevie Wonder's descent into self indulgence and mediocrity. When he turned 21, Stevie took control of his music. And his early 70s records were very successful. After 1974's Fullfillingness First Finale, he secluded himself in his studio and after several delays emerged with Songs In The Key Of Life. It was released as a 2LP set with a bonus single. There's some fabulous music on it including this tribute to the recently deceased Duke Ellington. Take special note of Nathan Watts' bassline on Sir Duke. Sir Duke went to the top of the R & B and pop charts in 1977. The album was a huge success. But the album was probably too long and when Stevie lost his groove in the 80s, it became clear that Songs In The Key Of Life was the beginning of his decline. It's still a great album. Stevie Wonder recorded sporadically in the 90s and his 2005 CD A Time To Love was his first recording in a decade. Here's Stevie Wonder performing Sir Duke. It's not vintage but still pretty good.

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