Alright. Just under 30 ballots total, but still enough to get some unique results. I'll admit that there are a few I didn't expect would make the top 10, so chew on that.
Not too much activity on the worst songs and albums side polls, so I'll start with those and then get on with the songs. Schedule:
Today: #40-26Monday: #25-11Tuesday: #10-1
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 16:09 (1 year ago) Permalink
YES!
― gospodin simmel, Friday, 7 October 2011 16:10 (1 year ago) Permalink
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, 7 October 2011 16:15 (1 year ago) Permalink
DOO-DOO WOP
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 7 October 2011 16:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
Start with the obvious.
WORST SONG
3. (1 vote each)I Wanna Talk to YouMaster Blaster (Jammin')Superwoman (Where Were You Whan I Needed You)Sweet Little GirlThat thing he did with Blue. Eurgh.Village Ghetto Land
2. Ebony & Ivory (2 votes)
1. I Just Called To Say I Love You (3 votes)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 16:25 (1 year ago) Permalink
(I did not factor in any of those as negative votes on the main feature songs poll, btw.)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 16:27 (1 year ago) Permalink
That thing he did with Blue. Eurgh.
Ha! I don't even need to find out what this is.
― Ismael Klata, Friday, 7 October 2011 16:27 (1 year ago) Permalink
FAVORITE ALBUM
3. (three-way tie; 1 vote each)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 16:37 (1 year ago) Permalink
2. (3 votes)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 16:39 (1 year ago) Permalink
1. (8 votes)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 16:40 (1 year ago) Permalink
Alright, onto
TOP STEVIE WONDER SONGS
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 16:51 (1 year ago) Permalink
40. ORDINARY PAIN (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 100 points, 8 votes
(Grr, meant to bold that.)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 16:52 (1 year ago) Permalink
I've heard SitKoL a couple times, but I'm not overly familiar with it. This song is great!
― Johnny Fever, Friday, 7 October 2011 16:56 (1 year ago) Permalink
39. ALL IN LOVE IS FAIR (Innervisions, 1973) -- 103 points, 7 votes
"All in Love is Fair" breaks my damn heart.― Kenan Hebert (kenan), Saturday, November 8, 2003 3:42 PM (7 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:04 (1 year ago) Permalink
Ordinary Pain starts out sorta lame and then becomes AWESOME
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:05 (1 year ago) Permalink
(I voted for it)
I should admit upfront that my ballot was basically just ranking the hits, almost no deep cuts. Oh well.
― Antonio Carlos Broheem (WmC), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:09 (1 year ago) Permalink
well, so many hits to choose from
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:10 (1 year ago) Permalink
I have one of those irrational attachments to "Superwoman" that goes back to adolescence--high on my own list, but not surprised to see it show up among the worst.
― clemenza, Friday, 7 October 2011 17:10 (1 year ago) Permalink
is Ordinary Pain a deep cut? kinda feel like everything on the peak trilogy albums is a hit tbh
I'd never heard of it before the poll started.
― Antonio Carlos Broheem (WmC), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:11 (1 year ago) Permalink
Dunno. I think anything not on At the Close of a Century could count as sort of a deep cut.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:12 (1 year ago) Permalink
"Superwoman" is marvelous! It's sung so warmly that it makes the sexism creepier.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:13 (1 year ago) Permalink
38. FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE (For Once in My Life, 1973) -- 111 points, 9 votes
i've never been to rickross.com once in my life― J0rdan S., Thursday, April 3, 2008 2:02 AM (3 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:17 (1 year ago) Permalink
the year is 1968.
the first one of mine to show up
― gospodin simmel, Friday, 7 October 2011 17:19 (1 year ago) Permalink
was gonna ask, that's from '73!?
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:20 (1 year ago) Permalink
I'm going to be a treasure trove of C+P errors, for the record.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:20 (1 year ago) Permalink
never heard that one - may have avoided it due to associations with the Righteous Bros song of the same name, which I def. don't dig
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:21 (1 year ago) Permalink
One more and then I have to grab some lunch.
37. SUMMER SOFT (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 128 points, 9 votes, 1 #1 vote
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BITCHES! MY #1 SONG JUST BARELY MAKES IT!― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, October 7, 2011 12:23 PM (0 seconds ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:23 (1 year ago) Permalink
not really feelin that one
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:31 (1 year ago) Permalink
Enjoy your SB.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:39 (1 year ago) Permalink
not really feelin that oneSounds a lot like album filler to me. But I must admit that I haven't paid much attention to side 2 of SitKoL - sides 1 and 4 are far more interesting to me.
― ArchCarrier, Friday, 7 October 2011 17:43 (1 year ago) Permalink
Seriously? I can think of no other Stevie Wonder composition (aside from "Golden Lady") that showcases his astonishingly complex changes and knack for embedding key changes into the songwriting in as non-gratuitous a way as imaginable.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:46 (1 year ago) Permalink
yeah summer soft is a bit too twee for me iirc
voted for ordinary pain. could have voted for for once in my life on a diff day. all in love is fair is maybe my least fav song on innervisions and by that i mean it is just an 8/10 jam.
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:47 (1 year ago) Permalink
G-D you if I ever start listening to "Summer Soft" in the future and the word "twee" pops into my head.
I will hunt you down.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:49 (1 year ago) Permalink
:)
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:50 (1 year ago) Permalink
35. (tie) BLAME IT ON THE SUN (Talking Book,, 1972) -- 131 points, 7 votes
TS: Stevie Wonder's "Blame It On The Sun" vs Milli Vanilli's "Blame It On The Rain"The winner is "Blame It On The Weatherman" by B*Witched.― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Wednesday, August 16, 2006 8:55 AM (5 years ago)
The winner is "Blame It On The Weatherman" by B*Witched.― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Wednesday, August 16, 2006 8:55 AM (5 years ago)
35. (tie) UNTIL YOU COME BACK TO ME (Aretha Franklin, Let Me in Your Life, 1973) -- 131 points, 7 votes
this record has a real nice intro― Amateur(ist) (Amateur(ist)), Sunday, May 29, 2005 11:41 PM (6 years ago)one of the best stevie wonder songs made by another artist, evah.― blahbariantheoriginal, Monday, May 30, 2005 3:29 AM (6 years ago)
one of the best stevie wonder songs made by another artist, evah.― blahbariantheoriginal, Monday, May 30, 2005 3:29 AM (6 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:51 (1 year ago) Permalink
xxp - I'm afraid key changes don't excite me very much, but a good hook does. And I don't hear one in 'Summer Soft'. Yet.
― ArchCarrier, Friday, 7 October 2011 17:54 (1 year ago) Permalink
two of mine back to back
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:54 (1 year ago) Permalink
i never knew he wrote that aretha song. but then i am a numpty. would have voted for it if id known.
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:54 (1 year ago) Permalink
Guess "Summer Soft" was one of those songs that got me to get beyond pop music just being "good hooks," but I hear tons of them in that song anyway so shut up.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:56 (1 year ago) Permalink
Yes master.
― ArchCarrier, Friday, 7 October 2011 17:56 (1 year ago) Permalink
34. PASTTIME PARADISE (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 135 points, 9 votes
Vergeet ook Ray's acht-en-een-halve-minuut durende wervelwind door Stevie Wonder's Pasttime Paradise niet. Que rico.― GzZz (Gzz), Sunday, February 19, 2006 7:20 PM (5 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:57 (1 year ago) Permalink
hmm never heard that Aretha before this poll (that "that's what I'm gonna do" refrain sounds familiar tho... hmm). not really into either too much, def prefer Stevie's version of Blame It on the Sun.
xp
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:58 (1 year ago) Permalink
I did vote for Pastime Paradise, but on reflection I don't find it a very pleasant listen.
― Ismael Klata, Friday, 7 October 2011 17:59 (1 year ago) Permalink
Pasttime Paradise is such a weird song - def something groundbreaking going on there with that odd synth-gospel-lurch feel
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 17:59 (1 year ago) Permalink
i feel like there was a great cover of UYCBTM in the late nineties/early 00s but I can't for the life of me remember who did it
oh wait i know it from this mazing version
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:01 (1 year ago) Permalink
I like 'Blame It on the Sun', but I wish the chorus was a little bit stronger; the verses are so lovely.
I hadn't heard that Aretha song, and I'm afraid Coolio ruined 'Pastime Paradise' for me.
― ArchCarrier, Friday, 7 October 2011 18:02 (1 year ago) Permalink
33. IT'S A SHAME (The Spinners, 2nd Time Around, 1970) -- 137 points, 6 votes
"Doh!" Best songs given away by the writer to another band?Oh! Stevie Wonder gave "It's a Shame" to the Spinners and "Tell Me Something Good" to Rufus & Chaka. Those two have to be near the top.― Joseph McCombs (Joseph McCombs), Sunday, March 26, 2006 10:24 AM (5 years ago)
Oh! Stevie Wonder gave "It's a Shame" to the Spinners and "Tell Me Something Good" to Rufus & Chaka. Those two have to be near the top.― Joseph McCombs (Joseph McCombs), Sunday, March 26, 2006 10:24 AM (5 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:03 (1 year ago) Permalink
amazing tune
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:04 (1 year ago) Permalink
oh shiiii another song i love and didn't know to vote for
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:05 (1 year ago) Permalink
OK, question time. When other polls want to split up ties, do they usually put the song with less votes/more passion higher up or the one with more votes/less passion?
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:06 (1 year ago) Permalink
My hunch is that more votes = higher position.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:07 (1 year ago) Permalink
That's usual, yeah, but go with your gut.
― Ismael Klata, Friday, 7 October 2011 18:08 (1 year ago) Permalink
Yeah, my first tiebreaker was # of votes.
― Antonio Carlos Broheem (WmC), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:09 (1 year ago) Permalink
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, October 7, 2011 1:05 PM (2 minutes ago)
My first tiebreaker would've been if there were any #1 votes attached, but as it shook out, none of the ties involved #1's.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:10 (1 year ago) Permalink
So, yeah, I'm gonna let more votes = higher position.
I just kept mine as ties fwiw.
― Ismael Klata, Friday, 7 October 2011 18:11 (1 year ago) Permalink
In the last one, I really had no choice.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:14 (1 year ago) Permalink
32. BIG BROTHER (Talking Book, 1972) -- 140 points, 6 votes
OK, I promise to stop posting weird videos of cute/awkward boys dancing to Stevie Wonder. Maybe.
31. LOVE HAVING YOU AROUND (Music of My Mind, 1972) -- 140 points, 7 votes
I could have chosen any of the first four songs, but opted for Love Having You Around on the strength of Stevie's growly "baby, baby, bayby", followed by him doing the same thing through a vocoder. I LOVE that bit.― Stew, Tuesday, August 19, 2008 8:02 AM (3 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
Last five will have to wait for about an hour now. Work beckons.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:17 (1 year ago) Permalink
I discovered 'Big Brother' just after I sent in my ballot - it would have been top 10 for me if the deadline had been extended just two more days...
― ArchCarrier, Friday, 7 October 2011 18:18 (1 year ago) Permalink
hmmm dont rly care for big brother. love lhya though and voted for it p high iirc
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:20 (1 year ago) Permalink
damn. BIOTS, UYCBTM and It's A Shame are all too low. all three are on a short list of his greatest contributions to mankind
― gospodin simmel, Friday, 7 October 2011 18:20 (1 year ago) Permalink
The most annoying thing about this poll has been the recognition of so many songs by their samples, instead of the original tunes. This one for example:
― ArchCarrier, Friday, 7 October 2011 18:21 (1 year ago) Permalink
can't think of too many Stevie samples tbh, besides the two already mentioned (and the brief vocal snippet in Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos). Kinda assumed Stevie was largely anti-sampling
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:24 (1 year ago) Permalink
Shakey, surely you've heard the "I Can't Help It" sample in De La's "Breakadawn."
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:26 (1 year ago) Permalink
actually, Stevie has supported hip-hop from the beginning.
Wild Wild West?
― gospodin simmel, Friday, 7 October 2011 18:26 (1 year ago) Permalink
thought this was a Michael Jackson song - is Stevie on it?
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:28 (1 year ago) Permalink
he wrote it, right?
― gospodin simmel, Friday, 7 October 2011 18:29 (1 year ago) Permalink
apparently - this is news to me. altho I guess I really shouldn't be surprised whenever an MJ song turns out to not be written by MJ lol
but let's not derail this thread with that discussion...
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:32 (1 year ago) Permalink
He cowrote it.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:32 (1 year ago) Permalink
he = Stevie
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:33 (1 year ago) Permalink
Here are some more (ex)samples.
― ArchCarrier, Friday, 7 October 2011 18:34 (1 year ago) Permalink
Rocket Love seems a p big one imo.
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:38 (1 year ago) Permalink
Oasis - "Step Out"
btw lol at calling this a "sample"
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:41 (1 year ago) Permalink
I'll try not to reveal much about the results here, but I will say that "WWW" got (at least) 1 vote.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:51 (1 year ago) Permalink
thankfully I have never heard this song
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:54 (1 year ago) Permalink
the Will Smith one that samples "I Wish"
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:56 (1 year ago) Permalink
30. JESUS CHILDREN OF AMERICA (Innervisions, 1973) -- 148 points, 9 votes
best songs that mention jesus"Jesus children of America" by Stevie Wonder and "They aint makin' Jews like Jesus anymore" by Kinky Freidman― Michael Bourke, Wednesday, March 7, 2001 7:00 PM (10 years ago)
"Jesus children of America" by Stevie Wonder and "They aint makin' Jews like Jesus anymore" by Kinky Freidman― Michael Bourke, Wednesday, March 7, 2001 7:00 PM (10 years ago)
yeah I know I looked it up. Will Smith is an abomination.
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:56 (1 year ago) Permalink
JCOA is p dope
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, 7 October 2011 18:57 (1 year ago) Permalink
"Jesus Children of America" is probably the quintessential Stevie deep cut.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:02 (1 year ago) Permalink
Love the tone in his voice in the verse after the key change so much.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:03 (1 year ago) Permalink
29. LOVE'S IN NEED OF LOVE TODAY (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 155 points, 7 votes, 1 #1 vote
POLL IN THE KEY OF LIFEMy vote went to "Another Star," though if you'd asked me in fall 2001 it would have been "Love's in Need of Love Today."― Joseph McCombs, Friday, December 14, 2007 11:09 PM (3 years ago)
My vote went to "Another Star," though if you'd asked me in fall 2001 it would have been "Love's in Need of Love Today."― Joseph McCombs, Friday, December 14, 2007 11:09 PM (3 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:12 (1 year ago) Permalink
I'll say it. I think "Love's In Need" is maybe one of the weakest opening salvos of any classic album ever.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:18 (1 year ago) Permalink
Love "Love's in need of Love", my #2. It's incredibly soothing. The vocals are beautiful (and endlessly varying). I can remember one day in particular, wrung out and overtired, when I had it on repeat and couldn't listen to anything else.
― misty sensorium (Plasmon), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:30 (1 year ago) Permalink
28. TOO HIGH (Innervisions, 1973) -- 167 points, 14 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:38 (1 year ago) Permalink
Love's in Need of Love Today is one of his stupidest titles unfortunately
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:38 (1 year ago) Permalink
Too High more like TOO LOW
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:39 (1 year ago) Permalink
Too LOL
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:39 (1 year ago) Permalink
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 20:39 (38 seconds ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:41 (1 year ago) Permalink
has stevie ever acknowledged/discussed any personal drug use...?
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
He said no after his stint opening for the Stones.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
27. YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE (Talking Book, 1972) -- 170 points, 11 lurker votes
You are the sunshine of my life. The first and only love. You are the apple of my eye. You suck my blood. And I hate you more than life itself.― marilyn manson
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:46 (1 year ago) Permalink
Ah c'mon, it's a good song. Didn't vote for it, though.
― Melle Mel and the Coconuts (thewufs), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:48 (1 year ago) Permalink
I'm cool with the original LP version. The Musiquarium version with the horns added, tho, is excruciating.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:51 (1 year ago) Permalink
If I had to choose between "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and "My Love"--think they were probably on the radio at the same time--it'd be close. I don't hate either one, but neither do they retain any special nostalgic value for me, as they didn't register very strongly at the time.
― clemenza, Friday, 7 October 2011 19:53 (1 year ago) Permalink
Deeply nostalgic song for me, no matter how saccharine. Early childhood in the mid-to-late 70s sounded so much like this, and like classic album era Stevie in general. I guess Sesame Street had more than one song in this style?
― misty sensorium (Plasmon), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:55 (1 year ago) Permalink
...or at least with Big Brother style clear harmonica?
― misty sensorium (Plasmon), Friday, 7 October 2011 19:59 (1 year ago) Permalink
26. HEAVEN IS 10 ZILLION LIGHT YEARS AWAY (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 174 points, 9 votes, 1 #1 vote
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 20:01 (1 year ago) Permalink
That's all for today, folks.
I prefer Aretha's version of Until You Come Back to Me so much to Stevie's that I left it off my ballot.
― Iago Galdston, Friday, 7 October 2011 20:15 (1 year ago) Permalink
Yes.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 7 October 2011 20:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
26. HEAVEN IS 10 ZILLION LIGHT YEARS AWAY (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 174 points, 9 votes, 1 #1 vote27. YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE (Talking Book, 1972) -- 170 points, 11 votes28. TOO HIGH (Innervisions, 1973) -- 167 points, 14 votes29. LOVE'S IN NEED OF LOVE TODAY (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 155 points, 7 votes, 1 #1 vote30. JESUS CHILDREN OF AMERICA (Innervisions, 1973) -- 148 points, 9 votes31. LOVE HAVING YOU AROUND (Music of My Mind, 1972) -- 140 points, 7 votes32. BIG BROTHER (Talking Book, 1972) -- 140 points, 6 votes33. IT'S A SHAME (The Spinners, 2nd Time Around, 1970) -- 137 points, 6 votes34. PASTTIME PARADISE (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 135 points, 9 votes35. (tie) UNTIL YOU COME BACK TO ME (Aretha Franklin, Let Me in Your Life, 1973) -- 131 points, 7 votes35. (tie) BLAME IT ON THE SUN (Talking Book,, 1972) -- 131 points, 7 votes37. SUMMER SOFT (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 128 points, 9 votes, 1 #1 vote38. FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE (For Once in My Life, 1968) -- 111 points, 9 votes39. ALL IN LOVE IS FAIR (Innervisions, 1973) -- 103 points, 7 votes40. ORDINARY PAIN (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 100 points, 8 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Friday, 7 October 2011 23:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
Only one 60's track so far.
― billstevejim, Friday, 7 October 2011 23:39 (1 year ago) Permalink
I'll say it again: The Original Musicquarium is the only comp I own on which three-quarters of the new songs are awesome.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Saturday, 8 October 2011 00:17 (1 year ago) Permalink
"AiLiF" is easily the worst song on Innervisions but I still like it."Jesus Children" being left off of the box set was its biggest mistake.
― anorange (abanana), Saturday, 8 October 2011 01:03 (1 year ago) Permalink
I love "Love's In Need", it touches me deep.
― blank, Saturday, 8 October 2011 01:04 (1 year ago) Permalink
> I'll say it again: The Original Musicquarium is the only comp I own on which three-quarters of the new songs are awesome.
Yes! "Ribbon In The Sky" a solid contender for my fave SW track...
― Lee626, Saturday, 8 October 2011 01:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
All in Love Is Fair is utterly gorgeous
― Iago Galdston, Saturday, 8 October 2011 01:35 (1 year ago) Permalink
I don't actually hate any of the songs that made the first batch of the countdown. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" is the closest I think the entire top 40 has to a dud track.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Saturday, 8 October 2011 01:59 (1 year ago) Permalink
There are definitely a few going forward whose high positions perplex me deeply, but they're still good songs.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Saturday, 8 October 2011 02:00 (1 year ago) Permalink
Thanks to overplay in the last week, I keep praying that "Queen in the Black" will make it. Of course it won't.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Saturday, 8 October 2011 02:08 (1 year ago) Permalink
happy that i helped "For Once In My Life" make it. i also voted for "Summer Soft" even though i'm not that wild about it out of respect for eric for doing the poll.
― alan2dyk (some dude), Saturday, 8 October 2011 11:57 (1 year ago) Permalink
summer soft is outstanding u fools
― ima.tumblr.com (@imsothin) (m bison), Saturday, 8 October 2011 13:18 (1 year ago) Permalink
also if i had more internet time in my life i would have voted the shit out of this poll :/
― ima.tumblr.com (@imsothin) (m bison), Saturday, 8 October 2011 13:19 (1 year ago) Permalink
hey guess what i voted for "summer soft" and u didn't so who's the fool huh :folds arms:
― shiroimarkershoes (some dude), Saturday, 8 October 2011 14:31 (1 year ago) Permalink
Unlike the goddamned documentary poll.
― clemenza, Saturday, 8 October 2011 14:33 (1 year ago) Permalink
There is a documentary poll?
― ArchCarrier, Saturday, 8 October 2011 17:11 (1 year ago) Permalink
I voted for "Sunshine.." I think it's far more complex that it gets credit for.
― billstevejim, Saturday, 8 October 2011 17:22 (1 year ago) Permalink
I voted for it too for basically that reason - it's constantly slightly surprising, where it goes.
― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 8 October 2011 17:26 (1 year ago) Permalink
Arch, the documentary poll was a couple of months ago -- An Impossible Job: ILX's 40 Favorite Documentaries
― Antonio Carlos Broheem (WmC), Saturday, 8 October 2011 18:52 (1 year ago) Permalink
Forgot to say it yesterday, but "Heaven is 10 Zillion" is probably one of the only songs whose presence in the top 40 really outright puzzles me, even though I like it a lot. I say that knowing which of his enduringly popular ballads missed the list entirely, and knowing I browbeat voters to include "Summer Soft" in honor of me.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Saturday, 8 October 2011 19:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
Aw no, it's great - not sure I'd ever paid it any heed before researching for this poll, and I certainly wasn't expecting much with that title, but it wowed me a bit.
― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 8 October 2011 19:45 (1 year ago) Permalink
FFF gets the least press of the major albums, so, yeah, I'm surprised too despite voting for it.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Saturday, 8 October 2011 19:53 (1 year ago) Permalink
It is one a pretty oddity, tho. Somehow R&B spacey and lopingly Grand Ole Opry at the same time. One of the most jarring changes in his repertoire, too, when it diminishes as he reaches "but if there is a god."
Fantastic song, really.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Saturday, 8 October 2011 20:03 (1 year ago) Permalink
it is one a pretty oddity.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Saturday, 8 October 2011 20:04 (1 year ago) Permalink
PS I voted for Summer Soft too, and I never even noticed you shilling for it
― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 8 October 2011 20:06 (1 year ago) Permalink
XP - Thanks William for the link to the docu poll; some interesting titles there!
― ArchCarrier, Saturday, 8 October 2011 20:28 (1 year ago) Permalink
I didn't vote, have no idea what's expected to win, but hope Sir Duke places highly
― Mister Potato shares Manchester United’s commitment to (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Saturday, 8 October 2011 21:50 (1 year ago) Permalink
Great list so far. Love's In Need Of Love Today was my number one. Really happy to see Blame It On The Sun and Zillion Light Years make it.
I'm really hoping some Syreeta pops up soon, not really sure which her most popular songs are though.
― Kitchen Person, Saturday, 8 October 2011 22:11 (1 year ago) Permalink
This process taught me that Sir Duke, amazing though it is, has a very clunky lyric. I'm grateful though - I've had the tune stuck in my head forever, but never actually found out what it was until this poll (I'd been 99% sure it was Stevie, I'd just never pinned it down before).
― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 8 October 2011 22:26 (1 year ago) Permalink
OK, let's go!
― Iago Galdston, Monday, 10 October 2011 13:53 (1 year ago) Permalink
25. MASTER BLASTER (JAMMIN') (Hotter Than July, 1980) -- 181 points, 8 votes
I am the Blaster Master― Mickey (modestmickey), Sunday, February 6, 2005 9:10 PM (6 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:06 (1 year ago) Permalink
24. ANOTHER STAR (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 185 points, 7 votes
Wanted to dig up the clip of this song's appearance in an episode of Quantum Leap. Sam played a Chippendale's dancer who became infatuated with a deaf girl dancer after he observed her running through some moves to this song. Hit a lot of my buttons, you know?
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:24 (1 year ago) Permalink
I bet.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:28 (1 year ago) Permalink
(Also, was a top 5 placer on my ballot.)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:33 (1 year ago) Permalink
23. DO I DO (Original Musiquarium, 1982) -- 190 points, 10 votes, 1 #1 vote
I question the sanity of any voter who didn't include "Do I Do" in the top thirty.― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), via email ballot
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
"Do I Do" was really the only song that ever replaced "Summer Soft" atop my list of all-time favorite Stevie joints for any extended period of time.
It seems his "September," his most purest expression of volatile joy.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:43 (1 year ago) Permalink
The best scene in Michael Chabon's Mysteries of Pittsburgh unfolds in the novel's first third: our hero dances with a girl "to that summer's Stevie Wonder hit...something about chocolate kisses."
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:44 (1 year ago) Permalink
that "September" analogy is spot-on.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:45 (1 year ago) Permalink
I don't think I paid attention to OM - I thought it was just a comp?
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:52 (1 year ago) Permalink
With two fantastic and two okay new songs.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:55 (1 year ago) Permalink
oh, i guess i should check that out then :D still having new stevie to listen to after listening to like 40 hours of music = good times
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 14:58 (1 year ago) Permalink
Eh, what - Master Blaster only #25?!
― Ismael Klata, Monday, 10 October 2011 14:59 (1 year ago) Permalink
im kinda glad mb(j) didn't come higher, even if i <3 it
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 15:02 (1 year ago) Permalink
22. VISIONS (Innervisions, 1973) -- 204 points, 9 votes
I love love love the interplay of guitars in "Visions", it is a total trip. The bass is stellar, too.― m bison, Thursday, July 12, 2007 8:44 PM (4 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 15:04 (1 year ago) Permalink
wonder if all of innervisions will make it
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 15:05 (1 year ago) Permalink
Those acoustic guitars are soooo gorgeous!
― ArchCarrier, Monday, 10 October 2011 15:08 (1 year ago) Permalink
So, 'As' is regarded better than 'Another Star'? Hm.
― ArchCarrier, Monday, 10 October 2011 15:23 (1 year ago) Permalink
21. BOOGIE ON REGGAE WOMAN (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 204 points, 13 votes
"Boogie On Reggae Woman" may be the most This Song Is About Fucking song ever recorded by someone other than Prince.― Digable James Cobo, Tuesday, October 29, 2002 3:09 AM (8 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 15:29 (1 year ago) Permalink
o_O at that vid
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 15:34 (1 year ago) Permalink
Boogie on Striped Pants
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 15:37 (1 year ago) Permalink
the song is about as fun as stevie got
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 15:37 (1 year ago) Permalink
Boogie on Maggie Thatcher
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 15:38 (1 year ago) Permalink
Boogie on Random Butts
20. THE TEARS OF A CLOWN (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Make It Happen, 1967) -- 216 points, 10 votes
the consolations of oldies radioAll I'm saying is if I hear "Tears of a Clown" one more time it's gonna get nasty.― Gear! (Gear!), Thursday, March 11, 2004 1:28 PM (7 years ago)
All I'm saying is if I hear "Tears of a Clown" one more time it's gonna get nasty.― Gear! (Gear!), Thursday, March 11, 2004 1:28 PM (7 years ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 15:51 (1 year ago) Permalink
Doh! Totally forgot that one!
― ArchCarrier, Monday, 10 October 2011 15:57 (1 year ago) Permalink
Gotta say, for awhile, this was trending into the top 10.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:04 (1 year ago) Permalink
jam. forgot to vote for it tho. only voted for one song where stevie wasn't the lead voice on it, and i bet i'm the only person to do so (busta's been through the storm).
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:10 (1 year ago) Permalink
Can neither confirm nor deny.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:15 (1 year ago) Permalink
19. MY CHERIE AMOUR (My Cherie Amour, 1968) -- 221 points, 11 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:27 (1 year ago) Permalink
Why does Eddie get top billing and capitalisation?
― Mark G, Monday, 10 October 2011 16:29 (1 year ago) Permalink
That's a surprise.
― ArchCarrier, Monday, 10 October 2011 16:39 (1 year ago) Permalink
That it placed so low or so high or at all?
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:40 (1 year ago) Permalink
So high; I figured most of you would find it too... cheesy?(I really like it BTW, although I didn't think I voted for it.)
― ArchCarrier, Monday, 10 October 2011 16:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
there's clearly no lack of appreciation for Wonder Cheese in these results, I'd say I hate at least a third of the things that have placed so far
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:46 (1 year ago) Permalink
eh maybe more like a quarter
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:47 (1 year ago) Permalink
18. CREEPIN' (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 225 points, 14 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:49 (1 year ago) Permalink
No cheese there imo.
dope song
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:50 (1 year ago) Permalink
Very, very pleased to see such broad support for that one.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:51 (1 year ago) Permalink
"My Cherie Amour" is not Wonder cheese. It's Wonderful.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 16:51 (1 year ago) Permalink
Great song! Also the first one of my list to place.
― ArchCarrier, Monday, 10 October 2011 16:55 (1 year ago) Permalink
You had "Sunshine" on your ballot, too.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:05 (1 year ago) Permalink
Ah yes, you are right.
― ArchCarrier, Monday, 10 October 2011 17:08 (1 year ago) Permalink
17. WE CAN WORK IT OUT (Signed, Sealed & Delivered, 1970) -- 231 points, 12 votes, 1 #1 vote
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:08 (1 year ago) Permalink
CREEPIN in a BEAST of a song.
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:14 (1 year ago) Permalink
If you don't like "Creepin'" you don't like things that are silky and sexy.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
If someone doesn't like Creepin, well, I just don't think I'd like that person.
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:17 (1 year ago) Permalink
Pleased that WCWIO made it. One of the great Beatles Band covers.
― Jeff W, Monday, 10 October 2011 17:19 (1 year ago) Permalink
always lol when stevie sings lyrics about seeing things. such a great cover; that funky distorted guitar!
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:21 (1 year ago) Permalink
16. SUPERWOMAN (WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I NEEDED YOU) (Music Of My Mind, 1972) -- 247 points, 13 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:22 (1 year ago) Permalink
I think I already mentioned this on some thread or another, but I regard the change from "Superwoman" into "Where Were You, et al" to be one of the greatest modulations in his entire songbook.
oof, we're up to #16 already => a whole bunch of tracks I thought would easily make the Top 40 apparently won't.
― Jeff W, Monday, 10 October 2011 17:25 (1 year ago) Permalink
Superwoman at first seems not that great but with like every second it hypnotises you a little bit more. It becomes such a perfect moment that you kind of zone out.
Kinda worrying my #1 won't make it. It is a p prominant album cut but there are so many big name singles still to come that i dunno...
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:26 (1 year ago) Permalink
Need to take a lunch break. Remaining 5 in a little bit.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:26 (1 year ago) Permalink
Also, I'll say it again. Some of the songs that fell outside of the top 40, much less top 20, really surprised me.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:27 (1 year ago) Permalink
one song i am intrigued to see its overall ranking is happy birthday. i dont suppose it is anywhere near the top 15 but i kinda thought it would make the top 40
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:29 (1 year ago) Permalink
The last four songs were all on my ballot so I'm not too worried about the rest of the top 20. I only have big doubts for my number 2.
― ArchCarrier, Monday, 10 October 2011 17:31 (1 year ago) Permalink
And I think we still have a lot of 60s singles to look forward to.
― ArchCarrier, Monday, 10 October 2011 17:34 (1 year ago) Permalink
Uptight and....?
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 17:38 (1 year ago) Permalink
You serious? 'Shoo-be-doo-be-doo-da-day', 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered', 'If You Really Love Me', 'I Was Made to Love Her'... The list goes on and on.
― ArchCarrier, Monday, 10 October 2011 18:00 (1 year ago) Permalink
... and on, indeed.
15. I WAS MADE TO LOVE HER (I Was Made To Love Her, 1967) -- 254 points, 15 votes
Nutso bassline.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 18:24 (1 year ago) Permalink
ok yeah
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 18:28 (1 year ago) Permalink
you mean "Yeah ... yeah ... yeah!"
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 18:28 (1 year ago) Permalink
The bass on that is my first (or maybe second, after "Bernadette") pick for what to play for people who don't know who James Jamerson was, or what he did, or why he was a genius.
― Tarfumes The Escape Goat, Monday, 10 October 2011 18:33 (1 year ago) Permalink
14. IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME (Where I'm Coming From, 1971) -- 268 points, 13 votes, 2 #1 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 18:45 (1 year ago) Permalink
Which is, despite '71 release, IMO the last great hurrah for '60s Stevie.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 18:46 (1 year ago) Permalink
13. I BELIEVE (WHEN I FALL IN LOVE IT WILL BE FOREVER) (Talking Book, 1972) -- 274 points, 15 votes, 1 #1 vote
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 18:58 (1 year ago) Permalink
guess it's not fair to say anything is too low on this list, but Tears of a Clown and Do I Do really are
― gospodin simmel, Monday, 10 October 2011 19:01 (1 year ago) Permalink
yay I Believe is my #1. I love that bit before the end chorus when it seems like the band is going to another verse and Stevie is like, naw I believe still! More chorus! And then in the end when Stevie goes all Super Saiyan....!
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 19:07 (1 year ago) Permalink
High Fidelity did good by including it in the soundtrack.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 19:09 (1 year ago) Permalink
Sometimes I wonder how much that movie is responsible for my generation's veneration of that particular ballad. It's never been my favorite, I regret to say, but maybe it'll click for me.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 19:11 (1 year ago) Permalink
12. YOU HAVEN'T DONE NOTHIN' (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 278 points, 17 votes
Oh man I love watching Andy Williams bopping to the intro of this one.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 19:12 (1 year ago) Permalink
Frears chose wisely though. I remember how shocked I was in the theatre (I had one of those "Yeah!") moments. It'd be churlish of me to wish he'd picked "Maybe Your Baby" instead.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 19:18 (1 year ago) Permalink
And wrapping up for today:
11. HE'S MISSTRA KNOW IT ALL (Innervisions, 1973) -- 317 points, 13 votes, 2 #1 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 19:21 (1 year ago) Permalink
Hats off to the other Stevie Wonder fan with the impeccable taste to rank this first.
― kornrulez6969, Monday, 10 October 2011 20:02 (1 year ago) Permalink
i have a feeling it was my #2 maybe
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Monday, 10 October 2011 20:08 (1 year ago) Permalink
Is "You Haven't Done Nothin'" Stevie's most openly political song?
― justfanoe (Greg Fanoe), Monday, 10 October 2011 20:15 (1 year ago) Permalink
Maybe the most directly aimed at an individual. "Big Brother" seems a lot more overall political.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 20:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
Hey, kornrulez, that was yours truly--I see I am in fine company myself!
― Iago Galdston, Monday, 10 October 2011 20:37 (1 year ago) Permalink
Yes! It should have been everybody's favorite.
But when you say they're voting wrong, they tell you they know they're voting right.
― kornrulez6969, Monday, 10 October 2011 20:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
Still hoping "You Will Know" will place
― Everything else is secondary (Lee626), Monday, 10 October 2011 21:19 (1 year ago) Permalink
If you haven't heard the bootleg of SW at the Rainbow Room, NYC in 1973, it's unsurprisingly incrediblehttp://bootlegsfrombucklberry.blogspot.com/2009/03/stevie-wonder-new-york-1973.html
― Iago Galdston, Monday, 10 October 2011 21:27 (1 year ago) Permalink
...Sir Duke... I've had the tune stuck in my head forever, but never actually found out what it was until this poll (I'd been 99% sure it was Stevie, I'd just never pinned it down before).
Ditto, but for Master Blaster
― Mister Potato shares Manchester United’s commitment to (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Monday, 10 October 2011 22:05 (1 year ago) Permalink
11. HE'S MISSTRA KNOW IT ALL (Innervisions, 1973) -- 317 points, 13 votes, 2 #1 votes12. YOU HAVEN'T DONE NOTHIN' (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 278 points, 17 votes13. I BELIEVE (WHEN I FALL IN LOVE IT WILL BE FOREVER) (Talking Book, 1972) -- 274 points, 15 votes, 1 #1 vote14. IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME (Where I'm Coming From, 1971) -- 268 points, 13 votes, 2 #1 votes15. I WAS MADE TO LOVE HER (I Was Made To Love Her, 1967) -- 254 points, 15 votes16. SUPERWOMAN (WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I NEEDED YOU) (Music Of My Mind, 1972) -- 247 points, 13 votes17. WE CAN WORK IT OUT (Signed, Sealed & Delivered, 1970) -- 231 points, 12 votes, 1 #1 vote18. CREEPIN' (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 225 points, 14 votes19. MY CHERIE AMOUR (My Cherie Amour, 1968) -- 221 points, 11 votes20. THE TEARS OF A CLOWN (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Make It Happen, 1967) -- 216 points, 10 votes21. BOOGIE ON REGGAE WOMAN (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 204 points, 13 votes22. VISIONS (Innervisions, 1973) -- 204 points, 9 votes23. DO I DO (Original Musiquarium, 1982) -- 190 points, 10 votes, 1 #1 vote24. ANOTHER STAR (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 185 points, 7 votes25. MASTER BLASTER (JAMMIN') (Hotter Than July, 1980) -- 181 points, 8 votes26. HEAVEN IS 10 ZILLION LIGHT YEARS AWAY (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 174 points, 9 votes, 1 #1 vote27. YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE (Talking Book, 1972) -- 170 points, 11 votes28. TOO HIGH (Innervisions, 1973) -- 167 points, 14 votes29. LOVE'S IN NEED OF LOVE TODAY (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 155 points, 7 votes, 1 #1 vote30. JESUS CHILDREN OF AMERICA (Innervisions, 1973) -- 148 points, 9 votes31. LOVE HAVING YOU AROUND (Music of My Mind, 1972) -- 140 points, 7 votes32. BIG BROTHER (Talking Book, 1972) -- 140 points, 6 votes33. IT'S A SHAME (The Spinners, 2nd Time Around, 1970) -- 137 points, 6 votes34. PASTTIME PARADISE (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 135 points, 9 votes35. (tie) UNTIL YOU COME BACK TO ME (Aretha Franklin, Let Me in Your Life, 1973) -- 131 points, 7 votes35. (tie) BLAME IT ON THE SUN (Talking Book,, 1972) -- 131 points, 7 votes37. SUMMER SOFT (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 128 points, 9 votes, 1 #1 vote38. FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE (For Once in My Life, 1968) -- 111 points, 9 votes39. ALL IN LOVE IS FAIR (Innervisions, 1973) -- 103 points, 7 votes40. ORDINARY PAIN (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 100 points, 8 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 22:20 (1 year ago) Permalink
― justfanoe (Greg Fanoe), Monday, October 10, 2011 4:15 PM (2 hours ago) Book
"Skeletons" too.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 22:23 (1 year ago) Permalink
"It's Wrong (Apartheid)""Livin' for the City""Higher Ground"
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 22:24 (1 year ago) Permalink
Also, "Happy Birthday" and "Cash in Your Face."
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 22:33 (1 year ago) Permalink
Also: I'm gay, so every love song is political.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 10 October 2011 22:46 (1 year ago) Permalink
More like sci-fi to me. A solid match with the Clavinet lines.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Monday, 10 October 2011 22:55 (1 year ago) Permalink
Was out golfing, so missed today's countdown...I think four of my top five showed up today.
― clemenza, Monday, 10 October 2011 23:12 (1 year ago) Permalink
Alright. Last 10 coming your way momentarily.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 14:35 (1 year ago) Permalink
I was having a think about this last night and could only name six nailed-ons for the top ten.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 14:44 (1 year ago) Permalink
Oops, just noticed an error. "Misstra Know It All" got 316 points. Which only matters in that ...
10. I WISH (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 317 points, 18 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 14:55 (1 year ago) Permalink
Don't all jump in with comment at once.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:08 (1 year ago) Permalink
One of the problems with discovering a whole body of work at once is having to remind yourself what half of these things are. I didn't vote for this. Turns out I didn't vote for a lot of things I'd thought I'd cast for.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:10 (1 year ago) Permalink
I always remembered the middle verse as:
"..writing something nasty on the wall (you nasty boy..)You grow up and learn that it's not the thing to dobut while you were doing it, boy did it feel good?I wish those days...."
Then I heard it again and realised I'd remembered an English version, and not the original American version!
― Mark G, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:11 (1 year ago) Permalink
^ OTM
Nice autobiographical lyrics - his childhood was pretty hard (just reading about his mother's first husband gives you the chills). I like this observation:
"Tryin' your best to bring the water to your eyesThinkin' it might stop her from woopin' your behind"
I also have to take a look at that Classic Albums episode - looks cool!
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:12 (1 year ago) Permalink
(The 'OTM' was for Ismael.)
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:13 (1 year ago) Permalink
Oh, and speaking of the lyrics, that line break in
Why did those days ev-er have to go
is UGLY.
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
The biggest problem with that VH1 special is that the story behind the making of the album ... isn't really all that interesting.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:17 (1 year ago) Permalink
09. SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED I'M YOURS (Signed, Sealed & Delivered, 1970) -- 318 points, 17 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:27 (1 year ago) Permalink
XP I guess they don't interview Margouleff and Cecil, who don't have a lot of good words for the album, or its production, in the biography I read.
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:27 (1 year ago) Permalink
Man, that would've been a great get.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:30 (1 year ago) Permalink
There are times when I really love the sound of SITKOL, tho. I kind of like the claustrophobic, cramped mix on "Another Star."
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:31 (1 year ago) Permalink
Cecil has a great quote in that book, something about how Stevie didn't know how to program a synthesizer and only used factory presets on SitKoL.
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:37 (1 year ago) Permalink
Sadly, the remainder of his career would tend to confirm that claim.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:39 (1 year ago) Permalink
Haha, right.
For those few lost souls who don't recognize the greatness of the early singles, here's the original version for archival purposes. And because it ROCKS of course!
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:48 (1 year ago) Permalink
You don't know how close I came to posting Michael McDonald's "Signed, Sealed."
08. DON'T YOU WORRY 'BOUT A THING (Innervisions, 1973) -- 337 points, 15 votes, 1 #1 vote
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:51 (1 year ago) Permalink
I speak VERY FLUENT SPANISH
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:52 (1 year ago) Permalink
I can actually lip sync to that whole bit now.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:58 (1 year ago) Permalink
Craigery Morgan : Kristen Wiig characters on SNL :: Me : Stevie Wonder
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:59 (1 year ago) Permalink
07. HIGHER GROUND (Innervisions, 1973) -- 366 points, 16 votes, 1 #1 vote
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 16:05 (1 year ago) Permalink
So I guess we can safely say all of Innervisions will place?
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 16:08 (1 year ago) Permalink
i voted for 7/9 of them. i approve.
― anorange (abanana), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 16:08 (1 year ago) Permalink
Now, that one would have been my Number One. Except maybe for.... (soon come, I guess)
― Mark G, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 16:10 (1 year ago) Permalink
06. GOLDEN LADY (Innervisions, 1973) -- 368 points, 16 votes, 2 #1 votes
Good job, ILX voters. This one bobbed in and out of the top 10 for awhile. Then it began bobbing in and out of the top 5 before settling just outside. <3 all those who voted for it.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 16:22 (1 year ago) Permalink
Bleh, more album filler :)
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 16:27 (1 year ago) Permalink
I think you're kidding. But then again, you didn't vote for it.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 16:38 (1 year ago) Permalink
And I hold anyone who doesn't vote for this in suspicion.
I think it was pretty clear from the start that our tastes are not very alike ('Summer Soft'??). And I didn't vote for it because I think it's the worst song on Innervision.
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 16:41 (1 year ago) Permalink
I love the bass and piano at the beginning. Like a lot of Stevie's songs from this period, it could go anywhere.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 16:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
I'm learning that other people rate Stevie's non-funk stuff way higher than I do
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 16:48 (1 year ago) Permalink
Cecil has a great quote in that book, something about how Stevie didn't know how to program a synthesizer and only used factory presets on SitKoL.― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, October 11, 2011 11:37 AM (1 hour ago) Sadly, the remainder of his career would tend to confirm that claim.― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, October 11, 2011 11:39 AM (1 hour ago) Bookmark
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, October 11, 2011 11:37 AM (1 hour ago)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, October 11, 2011 11:39 AM (1 hour ago) Bookmark
But were there such things as factory presets on analog synths in 1976?
Eric H OTM. My first thought (which I think I've posted elsewhere) when I heard "I Just Called..." was, "Oh, he wrote a song around the 'demo' button on a Casio." My second was that he must've thought, "Hey, I don't have to play the drums anymore! This keyboard plays them for me!"
― Tarfumes The Escape Goat, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:12 (1 year ago) Permalink
XP - If by "non-funk stuff" you mean his ballads, that's about 2/3 of his output - even on his greatest albums - right there. And if you don't love at least a few of Stevie's ballads...well I don't mean to judge, but gosh. I feel sorry for your ears.
― Melle Mel and the Coconuts (thewufs), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:14 (1 year ago) Permalink
"Higher Ground" = my #1. Surprised "Golden Lady" did slightly better, but I voted for that too.
Great top 10 so far.
― Jeff W, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:14 (1 year ago) Permalink
I think it was pretty clear from the start that our tastes are not very alike
Um, you voted in a Stevie Wonder poll. They can't be THAT far off.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:15 (1 year ago) Permalink
My favorite poll so far.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
05. AS (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 372 points, 17 votes, 3 #1 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:17 (1 year ago) Permalink
If by "non-funk stuff" you mean his ballads, that's about 2/3 of his output - even on his greatest albums - right there.
there's plenty of Stevie ballads that I like, and some of the pre-70s stuff is okay, but they're all kind of secondary in my mind behind stuff like Superstition, Higher Ground, You Haven't Done Nothin, I Wish, etc.
"As"? more like "ass".
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:18 (1 year ago) Permalink
I'm an equal-opportunity Stevie fan-maniac. I love his funk stuff as much as his ballads as much as his twee album filler.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:19 (1 year ago) Permalink
I just don't like "Ebony & Ivory."
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:20 (1 year ago) Permalink
"As" is great. There've been some appalling cover versions of it though.
― Jeff W, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:26 (1 year ago) Permalink
04. SIR DUKE (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 381 points, 18 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:28 (1 year ago) Permalink
wow neither Sir Duke nor As at number 1? surprising!
― piscesx, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:31 (1 year ago) Permalink
o rly?
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:32 (1 year ago) Permalink
superstition v. uptight v. living for the city, right? genuinely can't tell what will win but all are good enough to.
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:33 (1 year ago) Permalink
Guess "I Don't Know Why" won't make it. Bummer. Was in my top 5.
― Tarfumes The Escape Goat, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:34 (1 year ago) Permalink
I hope Living for the City is not number one
― gospodin simmel, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:38 (1 year ago) Permalink
yyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
― Ravaging Rick Rude (a hoy hoy), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:40 (1 year ago) Permalink
xp I love it of course, but Superstition and Uptight feel like better choices for the top
― gospodin simmel, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:40 (1 year ago) Permalink
Yeah, I'm kind of surprised at the direction this top 5 is taking. I would never have guessed 'As' would place this high. But I'm pretty sure 'Uptight' will win.
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
As - TOO LOW
― Melle Mel and the Coconuts (thewufs), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
I was kinda resigned earlier to 7 minutes of bathtime gurgles being #1. So yay ILM.
― Jeff W, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
I hate when people jump in and start listing the top three or whatever, even if we don't know the order--let us enjoy the g.d. results in real time!
― Iago Galdston, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:46 (1 year ago) Permalink
Heywhatabout "Tell Me Something Good"? Fuck y'all if you forgot about that one.
― Melle Mel and the Coconuts (thewufs), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:46 (1 year ago) Permalink
'Race Babbling' anyone?
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:48 (1 year ago) Permalink
03. LIVING FOR THE CITY (Innervisions, 1973) -- 483 points, 22 votes, 3 #1 votes
Yep, Innervisions went 9/9. I call it "the Innervisions effect.'
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:50 (1 year ago) Permalink
I've no problem with that (the 9/9). I think I voted for more songs from Hotter Than July though, which is evidently the most underrated Stevie LP around these parts.
― Jeff W, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 17:59 (1 year ago) Permalink
TS: Album or single version?
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:04 (1 year ago) Permalink
Would love too see a post-Seventies (or even post-Musiquarium) Stevie poll, which is all too predictably slept-on here as elsewhere.
― Melle Mel and the Coconuts (thewufs), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:06 (1 year ago) Permalink
If you follow the official ILX list, your next chance will be somewhere around May of 2013...
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:07 (1 year ago) Permalink
I think I voted as many Hotter Than July tracks as any other album. Hella underrated.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
Alright, top two time.
02. UPTIGHT (EVERYTHING'S ALRIGHT) (Up-Tight, 1966) -- 527 points, 21 votes, 2 #1 votes
01. SUPERSTITION (Talking Book, 1972) -- 637 points, 25 votes, 2 #1 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:19 (1 year ago) Permalink
I've never once seen a Stevie Wonder poll in which "Superstition" didn't more or less run the table.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:20 (1 year ago) Permalink
For awhile, tho, I seriously thought "Uptight" would stage a big upset. You all sure do love that chugging old school '60s Motown, huh.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:21 (1 year ago) Permalink
'Uptight' is literally my favorite song I discovered all year, and I probably hadn't if it weren't for this poll. So thank you Eric! It was great fun.
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:22 (1 year ago) Permalink
Yes, cheers Eric for running this.
― Jeff W, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:25 (1 year ago) Permalink
01. SUPERSTITION (Talking Book, 1972) -- 637 points, 25 votes, 2 #1 votes02. UPTIGHT (EVERYTHING'S ALRIGHT) (Up-Tight, 1966) -- 527 points, 21 votes, 2 #1 votes03. LIVING FOR THE CITY (Innervisions, 1973) -- 483 points, 22 votes, 3 #1 votes04. SIR DUKE (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 381 points, 18 votes05. AS (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 372 points, 17 votes, 3 #1 votes06. GOLDEN LADY (Innervisions, 1973) -- 368 points, 16 votes, 2 #1 votes07. HIGHER GROUND (Innervisions, 1973) -- 366 points, 16 votes, 1 #1 vote08. DON'T YOU WORRY 'BOUT A THING (Innervisions, 1973) -- 337 points, 15 votes, 1 #1 vote09. SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED I'M YOURS (Signed, Sealed & Delivered, 1970) -- 318 points, 17 votes10. I WISH (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 317 points, 18 votes11. HE'S MISSTRA KNOW IT ALL (Innervisions, 1973) -- 317 points, 13 votes, 2 #1 votes12. YOU HAVEN'T DONE NOTHIN' (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 278 points, 17 votes13. I BELIEVE (WHEN I FALL IN LOVE IT WILL BE FOREVER) (Talking Book, 1972) -- 274 points, 15 votes, 1 #1 vote14. IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME (Where I'm Coming From, 1971) -- 268 points, 13 votes, 2 #1 votes15. I WAS MADE TO LOVE HER (I Was Made To Love Her, 1967) -- 254 points, 15 votes16. SUPERWOMAN (WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I NEEDED YOU) (Music Of My Mind, 1972) -- 247 points, 13 votes17. WE CAN WORK IT OUT (Signed, Sealed & Delivered, 1970) -- 231 points, 12 votes, 1 #1 vote18. CREEPIN' (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 225 points, 14 votes19. MY CHERIE AMOUR (My Cherie Amour, 1968) -- 221 points, 11 votes20. THE TEARS OF A CLOWN (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Make It Happen, 1967) -- 216 points, 10 votes21. BOOGIE ON REGGAE WOMAN (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 204 points, 13 votes22. VISIONS (Innervisions, 1973) -- 204 points, 9 votes23. DO I DO (Original Musiquarium, 1982) -- 190 points, 10 votes, 1 #1 vote24. ANOTHER STAR (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 185 points, 7 votes25. MASTER BLASTER (JAMMIN') (Hotter Than July, 1980) -- 181 points, 8 votes26. HEAVEN IS 10 ZILLION LIGHT YEARS AWAY (Fulfillingness' First Finale, 1974) -- 174 points, 9 votes, 1 #1 vote27. YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE (Talking Book, 1972) -- 170 points, 11 votes28. TOO HIGH (Innervisions, 1973) -- 167 points, 14 votes29. LOVE'S IN NEED OF LOVE TODAY (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 155 points, 7 votes, 1 #1 vote30. JESUS CHILDREN OF AMERICA (Innervisions, 1973) -- 148 points, 9 votes31. LOVE HAVING YOU AROUND (Music of My Mind, 1972) -- 140 points, 7 votes32. BIG BROTHER (Talking Book, 1972) -- 140 points, 6 votes33. IT'S A SHAME (The Spinners, 2nd Time Around, 1970) -- 137 points, 6 votes34. PASTTIME PARADISE (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 135 points, 9 votes35. (tie) UNTIL YOU COME BACK TO ME (Aretha Franklin, Let Me in Your Life, 1973) -- 131 points, 7 votes35. (tie) BLAME IT ON THE SUN (Talking Book,, 1972) -- 131 points, 7 votes37. SUMMER SOFT (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 128 points, 9 votes, 1 #1 vote38. FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE (For Once in My Life, 1968) -- 111 points, 9 votes39. ALL IN LOVE IS FAIR (Innervisions, 1973) -- 103 points, 7 votes40. ORDINARY PAIN (Songs in the Key of Life, 1976) -- 100 points, 8 votes
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:26 (1 year ago) Permalink
Superstition's a monster, was gonna be real surprised if it didn't win
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:29 (1 year ago) Permalink
Next 10 for the round 50:
41. I DON'T KNOW WHY (98/6)42. RIBBON IN THE SKY (89/5)43. (tie) KNOCKS ME OFF MY FEET (87/5)43. (tie) LATELY (87/5) <-- um, seriously?! How did this miss the top 40?45. OVERJOYED (87/4/1#1)46. NEVER DREAMED YOU'D LEAVE IN SUMMER (86/6)47. I AIN'T GONNA STAND FOR IT (78/6)48. THEY WON'T GO WHEN I GO (78/4)49. ISN'T SHE LOVELY (77/7)50. PLEASE DON'T GO (77/6)
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:31 (1 year ago) Permalink
Kind of shocked "Isn't She Lovely" didn't make the top 20, at least.
― Tarfumes The Escape Goat, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:32 (1 year ago) Permalink
THEY WON'T GO WHEN I GO
thought this would be higher, one of my favorite Stevie ballads
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:32 (1 year ago) Permalink
Beyond "Overjoyed," the only songs that received #1 votes that missed the top 40 entirely were also, coincidentally, those respective song's sole vote. With 40 points each:
CONTUSIONANGIE GIRL
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:32 (1 year ago) Permalink
I'M GOIN' LEFT was the highest ranking Syreeta track, in case anyone was curious -- 72 points on 4 votes.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:34 (1 year ago) Permalink
Are you going to upload the whole list somewhere? I'm curious if I was the only one who voted for 'Look Around', my nr. 2.
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:36 (1 year ago) Permalink
Superstition > everything else (except maybe I Heard it Through the Grapevine)
― gospodin simmel, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:36 (1 year ago) Permalink
My ballot:
01. Summer Soft02. Golden Lady03. You And I04. Creepin'05. Another Star06. Jesus Children Of America07. Do I Do08. Did I Hear You Say You Love Me09. Too High10. Lately11. Isn't She Lovely12. Living For The City13. Seems So Long14. Visions15. Do Like You16. Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer17. Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)18. I Ain't Gonna Stand For It19. Rocket Love20. Please Don't Go21. Too Shy To Say22. I Can't Help It23. If You Really Love Me24. I Wanna Be By Your Side (feat. G.C. Cameron)25. Look Around26. Feeding Off The Love Of The Land27. I'm Goin' Left28. Superstition29. Perfect Angel30. I Was Made To Love Her
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:37 (1 year ago) Permalink
I think I did this right. Full spreadsheet here.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:38 (1 year ago) Permalink
LOOK AROUND is actually in slot #51, ArchCarrier -- 77 points on 4 ballots.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:39 (1 year ago) Permalink
Nice to see that "Overjoyed" got massive support from those who voted for it (other than me), although I can understand why it might be a sappy nonentity if overlush ballads aren't your thing.
― Melle Mel and the Coconuts (thewufs), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:43 (1 year ago) Permalink
XP: TOO LOW! :D
Here's my ballot. Songs in bold didn't place in the top 40.
1. Uptight (Everything's Alright)2. Look Around3. Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)4. I Was Made to Love Her5. Higher Ground6. We Can Work It Out7. Superstition8. I Don't Know Why9. Shoo-be-doo-be-doo-da-day10. Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours11. Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer12. Living for the City13. If You Really Love Me14. You Are the Sunshine of My Life15. Nothing's Too Good for My Baby16. Joy Inside My Tears17. I Love Every Little Thing About You18. Creepin'19. Race Babbling20. I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:44 (1 year ago) Permalink
If I had to vote again, I would have voted for 'Big Brother', 'Love Having You Around' and 'Blame It on the Sun'.
― ArchCarrier, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:46 (1 year ago) Permalink
Most underappreciated pre-classic period Stevie song: "Never Had A Dream Come True"
― Melle Mel and the Coconuts (thewufs), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:56 (1 year ago) Permalink
^ that should have read "classic period," BTW
― Melle Mel and the Coconuts (thewufs), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 18:57 (1 year ago) Permalink
my ballot, with placements in the poll
OverjoyedGolden Lady #6As #5Another Star #24Uptight #2He's Misstra Know-it-all #11Sir Duke #4I Wish #10Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours #9I Was Made to Love Her #15That GirlHigher Ground #7Superstition #1Living For the City #3You Are the Sunshine of My Life #27The Spinners - It's a Shame #33Do I Do (single edit) #23My Cherie Amour #19Visions #22Bird of BeautyFor Once in my Life #38If You Really Love Me #14Too High #28Jesus Children of America #30Pastime Paradise #34I Believe (When I fall in love it will be forever) #13I Love Every Little Thing About YouMaybe Your BabyYou Haven't Done Nothin #12Fun Day
― anorange (abanana), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:01 (1 year ago) Permalink
^A good one
― Melle Mel and the Coconuts (thewufs), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:05 (1 year ago) Permalink
Thanks for running this one, Eric!
If You Really Love MeBoogie On Reggae WomanSuperstitionLiving for the CityYou Are the Sunshine of My LifeYou Haven't Done Nothin'Uptight (Everything's Alright)Higher GroundMaster Blaster (Jammin')My Cherie AmourLight My FireAsAlfieDon't You Worry 'Bout a ThingI Was Made to Love HerSigned, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)I WishFor Once in My LifeYester-Me, Yester-You, YesterdaySir DukeTears of a ClownYou've Got It Bad GirlI Just Called To Say I Love YouOverjoyedSend One Your LoveShoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-DayA Place in the SunLookin' for Another Pure LoveIsn't She LovelyFingertips Pt. 2
In retrospect I wish I'd dropped "I Just Called" for an album cut.
― Antonio Carlos Broheem (WmC), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:05 (1 year ago) Permalink
Think "You and I" is the only one in my top 5 to miss entirely. Not sure what people hear in "I Believe" and "Blame it on the Sun" that they don't also hear in "You and I." :shrugs:
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:09 (1 year ago) Permalink
Thanks Eric. I didn't really have time to post during the rollout but I enjoyed following it. Nice being reminded how many of Stevie's songs resonate with points in my life. Love Having You Around reminds me of meeting my wife, Joy Inside My Tears was an important tune for her when she went through some family drama, Visions got some heavy play after my dad died, Love's in Need of Love Today was a friend's wedding song, and so on. The man knows how to hit the emotional spot.
Non-placers on my ballot:
Joy Inside My TearsAll I DoHeaven Help Us AllDo Yourself a FavorFingertipsMaybe Your BabyI Ain't Gonna Stand For ItHave a Talk With God
― Science, you guys. Science. (DL), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:24 (1 year ago) Permalink
Thanks, Eric--that was a great poll.
― Iago Galdston, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:25 (1 year ago) Permalink
Argh! I was taking a seminar tonight when I should've been digging this. No complaints from me, that's a really solid top ten.
Thanks for your efforts, Eric!
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:28 (1 year ago) Permalink
Mine:
1. Golden Lady2. Superstition3. Visions4. Boogie On Reggae Woman5. Until You Come Back To Me6. That Girl7. Big Brother8. We Can Work It Out9. Higher Ground10. All In Love is Fair11. Blame It on the Sun12. Let's Get Serious13. The Tears of a Clown14. Do I Do15. Go Home16. Uptight17. Did I Hear You Say You Love Me18. I Can't Help It19. Lately20. Part-Time Lover21. Tell Me Something Good22. Skeletons23. These Three Words24. You Haven't Done Nuthin'25. You & I26. Make Sure You're Sure27. Creepin'28. For Once In My Life29. Heaven is a Zillion Light Years Away30. Master Blaster
LEAST FAVORITE: "I Just Called to Say I Love You"
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:28 (1 year ago) Permalink
Alfred, I think your ballot may be spiritually closest to mine on the whole.
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:39 (1 year ago) Permalink
i.e. "Did You Hear Me Say I Love You"
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:40 (1 year ago) Permalink
1. “If You Really Love Me” – 402. “My Cherie Amour” – 363. “Tears of a Clown” (Smokey Robinson & the Miracles) – 304. “Uptight (Everything Is Alright)” – 275. “Until You Come Back to Me” (Aretha Franklin) – 256. “Superwoman” – 237. “It’s a Shame” (Spinners) – 228. “Feeding Off the Love of the Land” – 219. “I Wish” – 2010. “Jungle Fever” – 1711. “Superstition” – 1412. “Living for the City” – 1013. “Tell Me Something Good” (Rufus & Chaka Khan) – 6
Thirteen's a weird number, I know--I originally sent in a Top 10, then later added three things I'd missed. As I mentioned to Eric, the core hits from all the Grammy-winning '70s albums are a little overplayed for me at this point in my life. "Superstion" is an amazing song, but I really included it to fill out my ballot. Going back to the experience of first hearing it on the radio in 1972, it definitely was a startling song.
― clemenza, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
Despite my I-love-the-eighties reputation, I'm seriously baffled by the the lack of curiosity in the post-HTJ albums. Wonder suffered no serious decline.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:42 (1 year ago) Permalink
6. “Superwoman” – 237. “It’s a Shame” (Spinners) – 228. “Feeding Off the Love of the Land” – 21
cool sequence, clemenza
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:43 (1 year ago) Permalink
1. Living For The City2. I Don't Know Why3. Sir Duke4. Uptight5. I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)6. Superstition7. Signed, Sealed, Delivered8. You Haven't Done Nothin'9. I Was Made To Love Her10. Boogie On Reggae Woman11. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing12. Love's In Need Of Love Today13. Higher Ground14. Too High15. Big Brother16. Love Having You Around17. I Wish18. You And I19. As20. the drum solo on YouTube
― Tarfumes The Escape Goat, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:43 (1 year ago) Permalink
I won't argue that the seventies work is more exciting than, say, "Skeletons" or "Queen of the Dark," but they're great songs by any standards.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:46 (1 year ago) Permalink
I really need to start voting in these things. And also noticing when the results threads go up.
― turfin' bird (The Reverend), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:50 (1 year ago) Permalink
Many thanks to Eric for running this poll. There will always be a place for it in the Talking Book of my heart.
My Ballot:
He’s Misstra Know It AllDon’t You Worry ‘Bout A ThingJesus Children Of AmericaLiving For The CityBig BrotherPastime ParadiseGolden LadySuperstitionYou Haven’t Done Nothin’Higher GroundHeaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years AwayI Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)AsPlease Don't GoSir DukeIt Ain’t No UseOrdinary PainRibbon In The SkyTuesday HeartbreakI Was Made To Love HerVillage Ghetto Land
― kornrulez6969, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:53 (1 year ago) Permalink
There won't be a poll for an artist I love as much as Stevie or Prince unless three years down the road there's an Erykah Badu poll or something tho. :/
― turfin' bird (The Reverend), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:54 (1 year ago) Permalink
Hold on, where's 'They Won't Go When I Go'?!
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:59 (1 year ago) Permalink
^^^didn't make it!
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 20:01 (1 year ago) Permalink
48th! For shame.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 20:03 (1 year ago) Permalink
#1. Angie Girl02. Golden Lady03. He's Misstra Know-It-All04. Ribbon In The Sky05. Too High06. Visions07. All In Love Is Fair08. Creepin'09. Don't You Worry Bout A Thing10. Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)11. If You Really Love Me12. Superwoman13. Hey Love14. Living For The City15. Jesus Children Of America16. Boogie On Reggae Woman17. I Go Sailing18. You've Got It Bad Girl19. Signed, Sealed, Delivered20. Uptight (Everything's Alright)21. I Was Made To Love Her22. More Than A Dream23. As24. I Wish25. Nothings Too Good For My Baby26. Ain't That Asking For Trouble27. RUFUS - Tell Me Something Good28. SYREETA - I Wanna Be By Your Side29. SYREETA - Come And Get This Stuff30. SYREETA - Spinnin' And Spinnin'
fave Stevie ALBUM (by a mile): INNERVISIONS
ranking beyond the top 10 or so was difficult, especially comparing the Rufus and Syreeta songs vs Stevie. "They Won't Go When I Go" the main cut I thought of after I hit send. kinda burned out on Superstition by now!
― Paul, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 20:13 (1 year ago) Permalink
surprised Hey Love was a no show in Top 50
wait Tell Me Something Good didn't place either?! BAH
― unorthodox economic revenge (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 20:16 (1 year ago) Permalink
It would have been top-3 for me if I'd been paying better attention to what he wrote for other artists.
― Antonio Carlos Broheem (WmC), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 20:19 (1 year ago) Permalink
mine
SuperstitionUptight (Everything's Alright)Higher GroundTears Of A Clown, Smokey Robinson & The MiraclesWe Can Work It OutYou Haven't Done Nothin'Part-Time LoverLiving For The CityI Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)I Ain't Gonna Stand For ItSir DukeI Was Made to Love HerDo Yourself A FavorIsn't She LovelyLook AroundLoving You Is Sweeter Than Ever, Four TopsBoogie On Reggae WomanHe's Misstra Know It AllSummer SoftHave A Talk With GodLatelyEbony & IvoryYou Are the Sunshine of My LifeHeaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years AwayMaybe Your BabySigned, Sealed, Delivered I'm YoursPastime ParadiseGolden LadyI Just Called to Say I Love YouLove Light In Flight
― Euler, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 20:44 (1 year ago) Permalink
Rufus' "Tell Me Something Good" has got to be one of the most amazing "given away" songs ever. One of these great songs that sounds like nothing else.
― Everything else is secondary (Lee626), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 21:34 (1 year ago) Permalink
my ballot:
Do I DoSuperstitionUptight (Everything's Alright)If You Really Love MeSir DukeMy Cherie AmourSigned, Sealed, Delivered I'm YoursLiving For The CityFor Once In My LifePlease Don't GoFingertips, Part 2LatelyYou Haven't Done Nothin'Never Had A Dream Come TrueNever Dreamed You'd Leave In SummerTears of a Clown (Smokey Robinson)I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)Somebody Knows, Somebody CaresI'm WonderingTuesday HeartbreakGolden LadyWe Can Work It OutI Call It Pretty Music But The Old People Call It The Blues Pt. 1Funny How Time Slips AwayHey LoveI Don't Know WhyEbony And IvoryNever Gonna Give You Up (with Raphael Saadiq)Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)Shoo Be Doo Be Do Da Day
my favorite album:Talking Book
my least favorite track:Master Blaster (Jammin')
― some dude, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 22:02 (1 year ago) Permalink
"Do I Do" was your #1, al???
Consider this love.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 22:04 (1 year ago) Permalink
Don't Worry 'Bout A ThingMaster Blaster (Jammin')They Won't Go When I GoI Was Made To Love HerUptightSuperstitionLight My FireAnother StarHigher GroundAll In Love Is FairSir DukeA Fool For YouI Ain't Gonna Stand For ItAsGolden LadyLiving For The CityGive You LoveBlack ManHeaven Is 10 Zillion Light YearsKeep On RunningSomething Out Of The BlueNever Dreamed You'd Leave In SummerYou Are The Sunshine Of My LifeBoogie On Reggae WomanCreepin'Nothing's Too Good For My BabySunsetHe's Misstra Know-It-AllSummer SoftWe Can Work It Out
Album: Innervisionsrotter: Superwoman
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 22:07 (1 year ago) Permalink
i'm not sure if i want some candy, Alfred, but i'll take the compliment
i assure you all that anything in bold on my ballot that you haven't heard is way more fun to listen to than boring old "As"
― some dude, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 22:12 (1 year ago) Permalink
01. He's Misstra Know It All02. Sir Duke03. Superwoman04. Uptight05. Signed Sealed Delivered06. Golden Lady07. Don't You Worry Bout a Thing08. I Wish09. Superstition10. My Cherie Amour11. Creepin'12. Living for the City13. Boogie On Reggae Woman14. Blame It On The Sun15. Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer16. I'm Goin Left (Syreeta)17. You Haven't Done Nothin'18. I Was Made to Love Her19. Isn't She Lovely20. Ordinary Pain21. Don't Know Why I Love You22. I Believe (When I Fall in Love)23. Spinnin' and Spinnin' (Syreeta)24. Joy Inside My Tears25. Send One Your Love26. Ribbon in the Sky27. Please Don't Go28. All in Love Is Fair29. Hey Love30. Jesus Children of America
― Iago Galdston, Tuesday, 11 October 2011 23:53 (1 year ago) Permalink
I am -- honestly -- shocked that "Part Time Lover" didn't place at all.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 11 October 2011 23:58 (1 year ago) Permalink
it's not as widely disliked as "i just called" but it is as widely dismissed
― some dude, Wednesday, 12 October 2011 00:00 (1 year ago) Permalink
So much the better arrangement though -- the Vandross scatting, the long melody lines.
― lumber up, limbaugh down (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 12 October 2011 00:03 (1 year ago) Permalink
It's also the randy stepbrother/antithesis of "I Just Called..."
Gary Byrd and the GB Experience - "The Crown" (Produced by Stevie Wonder)
I've always though that the overtly Stevie parts of this (roughly 4:22-6:40) belong in his canon.
But, the Gary Byrd "raps" are pretty awful.
― san lazaro, Wednesday, 12 October 2011 00:20 (1 year ago) Permalink
anybody make a spotify for this? i mean i've heard most of these anyway but still
― k3vin k., Wednesday, 12 October 2011 04:08 (1 year ago) Permalink
http://open.spotify.com/user/ephender/playlist/3s10R5EfPD2hpKojGccxQd
― michael assbender (Eric H.), Wednesday, 12 October 2011 04:30 (1 year ago) Permalink
― k3vin k., Wednesday, 12 October 2011 04:33 (1 year ago) Permalink
No "Fingertips"? Fuck this bullshit poll that I didn't vote in.
― turfin' bird (The Reverend), Wednesday, 12 October 2011 04:39 (1 year ago) Permalink
WTF I was the only voter for "You Met Your Match." Happy to see 2 other people voted for "All Day Sucker."
― billstevejim, Wednesday, 12 October 2011 09:06 (1 year ago) Permalink
ha rev otm, i thought "fingertips" was a lock
― some dude, Wednesday, 12 October 2011 11:20 (1 year ago) Permalink
xp Aw, Gary Byrd's Are You Ready for Black Power? is great.
I thought Fingertips would be Top 10, easy. So much joy in that record.
― Science, you guys. Science. (DL), Wednesday, 12 October 2011 11:27 (1 year ago) Permalink
My ballot, non Top 50 bolded:
01. Higher Ground02. Master Blaster (Jammin')03. Sir Duke04. I Wish05. I Love Every Little Thing About You [Stevie / Syreeta]06. For Once in My Life 07. Superstition08. Do Like You09. He's Misstra Know It All10. Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing11. Golden Lady12. Living for the City13. We Can Work It Out14. Rocket Love15. Uptight (Everything's Alright) 16. Happy Birthday 17. You Haven't Done Nothin'18. I Ain't Gonna Stand For It19. Pastime Paradise 20. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours21. As22. Black Orchid23. As If You Read My Mind24. Summer Soft25. Too High26. Isn't She Lovely?27. Lately28. Do I Do29. Happier than the Morning Sun30. I Can Tell When Christmas Is Near [Smokey Robinson & The Miracles]
― Jeff W, Wednesday, 12 October 2011 12:22 (1 year ago) Permalink
So..."If It's Magic" didn't even place.
― Cunga, Tuesday, 31 July 2012 23:03 (9 months ago) Permalink