[For Beginners] Songs in the Key of Love: A Collection of Stevie Wonder’s Masterpieces

UptightStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – Uptight (Everything’s Alright)

Stevie Wonder’s signature work, released in November 1965, is brimming with irresistibly bright energy that sweeps away any adversity.

Centered on the happiness of a poor boy realizing his love, its pure joy comes through directly on buoyant, funky rhythms and sparkling horns.

Though American-born Stevie was only 15, his mature vocals make it feel as if he’s confidently assuring us, “Everything’s gonna be all right!”—just listening lifts your spirits.

The song is also the title track of the classic album Up‑Tight.

Put it on when you want to kick-start your day or need a boost, and you’ll feel a power that naturally gets your body moving.

For Once In My LifeStevie Wonder

For Once In My Life

This is a signature work by the American genius Stevie Wonder, who captured the joy of being needed by someone for the first time in life with an effervescent sound.

Originally a gentle ballad, it was boldly rearranged into a vibrant Motown sound at the suggestion of a young Stevie, who wanted to “embody joy.” The lyrics celebrate the rising self-esteem and happiness that come with finding a loved one, and the melody alone lifts your spirits—both are striking features of this piece.

Released as a single in October 1968, it reached No.

2 on the U.S.

charts, and the album of the same name, For Once in My Life, remains an enduring classic.

As its symbolic use in the TV drama Glee shows, this song gives you a warm push forward when you’re taking a new step.

Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a ThingStevie Wonder

Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing

A medium-tempo number with a salsa-inspired arrangement.

It has a somewhat wistful feel and comes across like a love ballad, but the song—released in Japan under the title “Don’t Worry”—appears on the album Innervisions.

When that album came out, America was in a time of turmoil with the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement, and the track carries a positive, peace-loving message that is very characteristic of Stevie.

You haven’t done nothin’Stevie Wonder

You Haven’t Done Nothin’

This is a track where the clavinet really stands out.

The horn section is exquisite too.

The finesse of the horn arrangement is another reason Stevie is a genius.

Partway through, the Jackson 5 join in on backing vocals, and the song reaches a fever-pitch climax as it heads into the ending.

If You really love meStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – If You Really Love Me (The Definitive Collection, 2002)

This is a track from the 1971 album “Where I’m Coming From.” The energy of youth bursts forth—it’s great, almost dazzling.

It’s a number that conveys tremendous momentum.

Although it’s from a period when Stevie was still searching for his own path, you can catch glimpses of the breakthrough to come.

Syreeta Wright’s chorus is overflowing with vitality and is really wonderful.

That GirlStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – That Girl

It’s a bittersweet breakup song about a man who can’t let go of his feelings even as the woman he loved drifts away.

This song was also used in a TDK commercial.

I figured it was guaranteed to sell the moment they brought in Stevie for a music-related product, and the ad’s tagline was wonderful too.

LatelyStevie Wonder

Lately

Woven together with a gentle piano tone, the song is about a sorrowful parting.

You could call it a wistful piano ballad, but the real highlight is the final chorus.

On the second repeat of the hook, he boldly modulates up by a whole two and a half steps—a daring shift.

It’s a feat that would be impossible with half-baked taste or half-baked vocal ability, yet he pulls it off with ease.

Doesn’t this track showcase his genius to the fullest?