Innervisions Review: Social Conscience With a Groove
9.5/10 — Stevie Wonder - Innervisions (1973)
Pros
- 'Living for the City' and 'Higher Ground'
- Pioneering synth work
- Great songwriting
Cons
- Short
- Some blunt lyrics
Innervisions was recorded largely by Wonder alone, playing most of the instruments himself using synthesisers and clavinets. It deals with racism, drug abuse and spirituality.
What works
‘Living for the City’ is a gripping story-song, ‘Higher Ground’ is propulsive funk, and ’Don’t You Worry ‘bout a Thing’ is a joyful Latin groove. The synth and clavinet work is inventive, and the songwriting is superb.
Where it falters
At just nine tracks, it’s relatively brief, and the more political songs are less subtle.
Verdict
A brilliant, socially aware classic.
