Songs in the Key of Life Review: A Joyous, Overflowing Double Album
10/10 — Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
Pros
- 'Sir Duke' and 'I Wish'
- Rich arrangements
- Joyful and wise
Cons
- Very long
- A few meandering tracks
Songs in the Key of Life was released as a double album with an extra EP, after Wonder had taken a long time to complete it. It topped the US charts and won multiple Grammys.
What works
‘Sir Duke’, ‘I Wish’ and ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ are irresistible, ‘Pastime Paradise’ and ‘Village Ghetto Land’ bring social conscience, and the playing and arrangements are rich. Wonder’s vocals are full of joy and ache.
Where it falters
At nearly two hours it’s long, and a few songs are slighter or meandering.
Verdict
A generous, brilliant and life-affirming record.
