Top Ten Songs by Stevie Wonder
1. “Creepin'” – As its title implies, this song creeps right under your skin and deeps deep into your soul. Seductive and slinky, Wonder sings as if he’s whispering right into your ear. One of those songs that was made for “Quiet Storm” radio stations across the country.
2. “Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)” – another one of Wonder’s songs that is effective for its quiet and gentle confidence. Jazzier than most of his oeuvre, “Superwoman” was one of the first songs Wonder that showed his maturity and forever banished the “Little” from his name.
3. “Love’s In Need of Love Today” – When I learned that Wonder was going to be on the line up for benefit for the victims of the 9/11 attacks, I hoped he would perform this song. I wasn’t disappointed. I can’t imagine any song (outside of John Lennon’s “Imagine”) that would have captured the sense of humanity that was sorely needed in that sad and dark period in American history than this one. This song really shows what a humanitarian Wonder is and a great songwriter and musician as well.
4. “As” – During a review of the movie “The Best Man,” the reviewer described this song, which was used in the film, as “sublime.” I can’t think of a better description than that. Released on his seminal double album, “Songs in the Key of Life,” this song elevates R&B music and the spirit, nothing can even come closer to the divine. Reveals what a great musician, poet, and artist Wonder truly is.
5. “I Ain’t Gonna Stand for This” – When I hear this song, I automatically think of the year 1980, the start of a new decade and great promises. Of course, those great promises didn’t turn out so great, but I get a little nostalgic anyway when I starting playing this tune. Stevie Wonder at his funkiest.
6. “You’ve Got it Bad” – Another great, seductive song that makes me think he’s whispering right in my ear. Love this one.
7. “I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” – A great wedding song. Shows Wonder at his best as a songwriter.
8. “Livin’ for the City” – Wonder’s ghetto epic is in league with a number of other social conscious songs that were being written during this period, mostly notable Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Breaking away from the usual Motown songs of love and romance, Wonder captures the harsh conditions of urban life in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Clocking in a 7:24, “Livin’ for the City” paints a cinematic portrait backed up by one of Wonder’s funkiest grooves.
9. “Golden Lady” – One of Wonder’s ballads on his “Innervision” album (along with “Visions” and “Livin’ for the City”), “Golden Lady” ranks right up there with “Creepin'” for its Quiet storm mood. No one could write a better ballad than Wonder and this one is proof of that. Great song!
10. Visions – Quiet, soft, and seductive. Wonder excelled at writing songs that didn’t hit you over the head. The melody is subtle and deceptively simple, which allows it to focus more on Wonder’s singing. Unlike most singers today, who mistake mellisima for good song styling, Wonder reveals himself to be as good an interpretative singer as he is a musician. A very beautiful and poetic song.
