An Ode To Wonder

Written by Amyah Bishop

The magic of music that Stevie Wonder has brought to the world has been instilled in my mind from the day I was born. 

My father often likes to attempt to ‘quiz’ me on facts about myself. For instance, he has asked on multiple occasions if I remembered what ‘birth’ songs were. 

There’s the obvious “Happy Birthday,” off of Stevie’s 1980 album Hotter than July written to push for the commemoration of a holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Yet, today that song is known as the more soulful part of the celebration for Black households. 

The second song is “Isn’t She Lovely,” off his 18th studio album Songs in the Key of Life. This Stevie masterpiece is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. “Isn’t She Lovely” was written and dedicated to his daughter Aisha, and then subsequently done so unto me by my own parents. 

I’ve been told on countless occasions the story of how my parents welcomed family members into the hospital room to show me off to the world with this song in the background. 

Aside from my own ties to his music, there is no doubt that Stevie Wonder has had an unimaginable impact on music from a young age. He was 11 when he first signed with Motown Records with nothing but a pair of bongo drums, a harmonica, raw talent, and a dream.

His early Motown era was defined by fast pace instrumentals with his first album The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie in 1962. However, it was clear Berry Gordy had yet to realize the other talents that young boy would bring to the world. 

From then to 1970, he would release a total of 12 studio albums including some of his biggest hits. One of my personal favorites from the era is “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” where he blessed us with that soulful growl that would become present in his later songs. 

As a child, I remember spending time with my grandparents where we would stay up late and dance to the music from those old infomercials trying to sell Motown CD’s. We never did call the number on screen to purchase any, but I danced extra hard whenever Stevie’s songs played. 

While so many more golden tracks would come about during the 1970’s (“Higher Ground”, Boogie On A Reggae Woman” “Golden Lady” the list goes on…) we circle back to the track that brought me here “Isn’t She Lovely,” or more importantly, the album Songs in the Key of Life. 

Released in 1976, its catalogue has some of his most popular songs, including what I believe to be the utmost beautiful love song on the planet: “As” A promise of an unconditional, unquantifiable love, it, along with so many other songs on this album, fill my heart with a syrupy sweet golden feeling that warms my day. 

When I heard he was going on tour in celebration of the album’s 50th Anniversary I nearly fell out of my seat. Unfortunately, myself and many other Wonder lovers across the country fought hard, and lost the battle to ticketmaster traffic on the morning of September 8th for tickets. 

Despite my deep agony in missing tickets for his show at Madison Square Garden on November 19th, I can partially forgive his lack of tour stops in the U.S. given his most recent drop: Songs in the Key of Life 50: The EP.

“It’s Easier” is an upbeat, groovy track with a prominent baseline that physically demands movement from the very beginning. (I was not joking when I said I danced on the way to class)

“My Life Story of Love” is a bit smoother, slower song yet still catchy. An easy going track with an effortless hook from the beginning to carry you throughout the song. 

“I Can See the Sun in Late December” is a beautiful slow ballad that reminds me similarly to the pacing of “Knocks Me Off My Feet” with beautiful piano chords. 

“I’m Into Livin’” This especially caught me off guard as the beginning funky in the opening reminded me heavily of the same bassline groove that “Boogie On Reggae Woman” (1974) has. 

While their release has only elevated my jealousy for those who got tickets for his anniversary tour, it’s also increased my own anticipation for his upcoming album, Through the Eyes of Wonder set to release in 2027. 

Throughout the years, I think it can be said that we have all seen a painful phenomenon of aging musicians dropping music well past their prime serving as a reminder of who they used to be. But Steve Wonder, to me, is the anomaly. At 76 years old he remains a talented vocalist, and I cannot wait to see what he gives to the world this time around with his new album next year. 

I just hope it is accompanied by more than six shows in the U.S., with a few of the stops being in Boston.