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
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
My ballot:
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